2012 Mason Family Newsletter

Our lives have been turned upside down now that we have four kids. There is so much to do in a day and sadly, blogging has been put at the bottom of the list. I'll admit, life with four has been hard. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. I'm in survival mode and just take one day at a time. I can't get anything done around here. Taking care of the kids, especially the baby, is all I get done. Everything else has just had to wait. My house is a disaster, I keep forgetting things (I hate being forgetful and flaky), laundry piles up faster than I can get it washed and put away, Bryan is busy with work, and my church calling is overwhelming right now. Trying to run primary with a baby is a whole new experience! My friend sent me a funny video of Jim Gaffigan (hope that's his name, I can't remember for sure!) and he puts it perfectly- "Just imagine you're drowning and then someone hands you a baby." That about sums it up for me.

At the end of the day, I know taking care of the kids is the most important and other things will just have to wait. Most of the time I feel frustrated and overwhelmed with life, but there have been many moments when I have felt so grateful and blessed to be a mother and wife. Those moments are the ones I hang on to and they get me through.

I thought that since it's Christmas time and I didn't get a newsletter out with our Christmas cards, I would write an update here so that friends and family can know what we are up to.

Bryan is halfway done with his third year of residency. He has been busy, to put it nicely. It seems that the hospital always gets slammed when he's working. The nurses and other residents have even teased him about it. He started moonlighting at a nearby ER in August. This past summer he was called to be a temple worker in Chicago so he goes on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays. It's almost a three hour drive so it makes for a long day. He enjoys it though and we have been blessed because of his sacrifice. He is also serving as 1st counselor in the Young Mens. He's a busy guy. He accepted a job in Twin Falls, ID. We will be moving there in July.

Niah will be turning eight in January and she is so excited to get baptized. She is in 2nd grade and is a wonderful student. She enjoys reading, breakdancing, being with friends, and helping with the baby. I can't believe how grown up she is.

Chloe will be six in February. She is our spunky kid. She has lots of personality and keeps us laughing. She is in Kindergarten and is a bit of a teacher's pet. She is very good at following rules and she gets very worried about getting in trouble- which has never happened nor do I think it ever will! She enjoys getting fancy, practicing her reading, doing crafts and helping around the house. She loves to work!

Bennett is three now. He is all boy and is such a funny kid. He is always dressed up as something- astronaut, knight, prince, superhero, power ranger, cowboy, spy- you name it. He is always wearing some kind of accessory. He loves playing with Mabel, watching movies, playing dress up and being with mom. He is a happy kid who just goes with the flow.

Bridger is the newest addition. He is seven weeks old now. He is finally sleeping better at night ( by that I mean waking up once or twice a night to eat), which I love. He loves to eat and during the day he loves to be held while sleeping, which I don't love so much. His smile makes me so happy. His eyes twinkle and it takes his whole body to get a big smile out! He is a good baby and is adored by his big siblings. We love our little boy.

As for me, I think I said it all above. I am busy, busy, busy. I love it though. I am excited for Christmas at home with my cute family. There is nothing better than spending Christmas with my kids and hubby. I am also looking forward to celebrating our big ten year anniversary on Thursday. I can't believe it's been that long. We have accomplished so much and grown a lot in those ten years. I can honestly say that I love Bryan even more than the day I married him. He has made me a better person.

We have had a wonderful year full of memories and good times. It will be exciting to see what 2013 brings and what adventures await us! We are grateful for this Christmas season and for the joy and peace it brings with it.