Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Thompson Family Christmas Letter 2013



 
Merry Christmas from the Thompson family!  Here is some of what we’ve been up to in 2013…

Eli Gabriel moved into a “big boy bed” this year and is growing like a weed! He is successfully potty training (even at night!), loves to write his name (“E” “L” “i” with a dot!), point out alphabet letters, and color “in the lines”. He was a rocket ship for Halloween, participates in a playgroup with his friends, and he talks about everything in detail (on and on and on…). Recently he loves to “play” Minecraft with Max and Alex as he sits on their laps, and tries to do whatever they are doing. In January he will be graduating from nursery at church and will soon be a Sunbeam in Primary. He loves singing songs, swimming, riding his tricycle and scooter (and in the back seat on Mom’s bicycle), and reminds us every day that he is a “big boy” and that he will soon be as “big and strong” as his Daddy. He makes us laugh all the time; his smile melts our hearts. He is very independent, but still loves to be cuddled in the right circumstances. He has been such a joy!


Alexander Phillip has been busy this year. He grew over 3 inches and is now officially taller than his mom! He swam on the city swim team (improving his butterfly and back stroke times), played soccer on his school team (halfback and defense), sings in the school choir, and spends a lot of time at friend’s houses. He loves riding his bicycle, long board, and Ripstick, and enjoys the social aspect of middle school (no longer online :)). He has been reading up a storm - book after book, and has made the million word club list at school multiple times. He is the rank of Star in Boy Scouts and recently designed a complex board game with friends and made a demo of it (just for fun). He is quite the baker (especially if it involves cookies or when his mom asks him to help make the pies and dinner rolls for Thanksgiving), and he currently serves as a counselor in the presidency of his priesthood Deacon’s quorum at church. He is still our Energizer bunny (always keeping us on our toes), has a kind heart, a fun-loving personality, and loves to play with his little brother and teach him new things.


Enoch Maxamillion established Amicus Yard Services this year and already has some steady clients. He even bought his own phone and pays for the monthly service. He has lost over 20 lbs. and has grown over 2 inches (also taller than his mom!).  He went on a High Adventure trip with his Boy Scout troop to Mt. Graham and the Gila Valley Temple, and had fun rock climbing, canoeing, and touring the Mount Graham International Observatory. He is taking another year of ceramics (finishing up a huge 5-ft. sculpture project), is taking a desktop publishing class (and using his graphic design skills to help with Rook Publishing), and is currently preparing to get his driver’s license (yikes!). He is the President of his priesthood Teacher’s quorum, and is starting to plan his Boy Scout Eagle Project. He loves riding his bicycle (which he took apart and refurbished) and long board (which he painted by hand), and is quite the chef at home. He is also currently growing his own garden in the back yard. He is turning into a very wise and responsible young man and loves to play with his baby brother.
 
Michelle Elizabeth is currently the managing editor at Rook Publishing. She loves being able to work from home with her sweetheart (and Eli!).  She finished her third novel, Calming the Storm (a sequel to Taming the Wind – release date Wednesday, December 18th!) and recruited help from a talented musician at church (thank you Mandy!) to arrange a song that she wrote to put in the back of the book.  In her rare spare time, she enjoys designing and making invitations and other crafty things, photography, writing her 4th novel, and trying to keep up with the 4 most handsome men in her life. She currently serves as the secretary in the Young Women organization at church.

 Enoch Sean has had a busy year!  He received his Bachelor of Science from ASU in Technical Communication, lost 40 lbs, and is the Editor in Chief at Rook Publishing. He still does IT and computer consulting, editing, and graphic design on the side, and in his rare spare time he enjoys wood work, welding, remodeling parts of our home, making YouTube videos, and writing his second novel. He currently serves as a counselor in the Elder’s quorum presidency at church and is an essential member of our ward choir!


Rook Publishing has been growing like crazy! We are a small traditional print and digital publisher. Our revolutionary publishing model combines the security of traditional publishing, the innovation of modern technology, and the resources and services to support, involve, and encourage our authors. We’ve published 4 books this year, and are looking forward to the next 5+ titles we have on the calendar. Our little company is pioneering the future of the publishing industry. We enjoy the work that we do and our combined skills and education complement our business. Check us out at www.RookPublishing.com.


We have truly been blessed this year as we have witnessed miracles and tender mercies of the Lord throughout our daily lives and especially through the kindness and generosity of those around us. We hope that you will also recognize the miracles in your life as we celebrate this Christmas season and want to wish you and your family a very blessed new year!

Love,
The Thompson Family
     

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