The Puhlman Christmas Letter

I loved how this picture of our tree turned out. The walls look so cool with all the colors from the lights.

I can't believe how fast 2010 went. But here we are about ready to start a new year.

DON: He is still enjoying his job. The commute is what is making him grumpy. Makes Lisa grumpy too. Lyme's disease hit him hard a couple of months ago. But thankfully things seem to be ok in that department. He is still teaching the fourth Sunday in Elders Quorum and just received a new calling. He will be teaching the Marriage and Family Life course with Lisa. Both are very excited but are wondering if they made a mistake in calling us as the teachers. :) Don has really been getting into hunting these past 2 years. But for some reason he can't seem to get anything. Seems like he see's deer all over the place EXCEPT when he is out hunting. It has turned into quite the joke now.

LISA: Lisa keeps quite busy with the kids. There is never a dull moment in this house. She loves to blog and has made that her journal. She enjoys reading but can't quite find enough time to get much of that done. Singing is at the top of her list....she just wishes she sounded better. That doesn't seem to stop her though. Losing her father in November has been difficult. She is thankful for her family and the joy they bring her. The gospel is such a blessing in her life and there is nothing more important as her family and her belief. Both bring her such happiness.

CALEB: He turned 12 recently and is now in Young Mens and passing the Sacrament. He just went to the temple last weekend and LOVED it. He went on a campout and five mile hike. He froze and ate nasty food. We will be better prepared for his next campout happening next week. This time he will campout for 2 nights and he will stay warm and have tasty food. Caleb is getting A's and B's and we are so grateful for his desire to choose the right.

ZACHARY: He is the tallest 4th grader in the school. He passes up most of the 5th graders too. He was so excited to receive a bow for his birthday. He spends quite a bit of time outside target shooting. He loves to hunt with his dad and has high hopes of getting a deer. He did a fabulous job with Caleb babysitting for the first time while mom and dad had a meeting at church. They read the scriptures without being asked and the younger three kids were asleep by 7:00 that night. We are grateful that Zachary is part of our family.

RACHEL: Rachel is enjoying the 2nd grade. She is doing very well and getting all A's. She is in the top reading group and has an amazing ability to write. She has beautiful penmanship. She loves anything girly and you can often find her getting into mom's makeup and dressing in her fanciest clothes. This girl gets up early. She reminds me of Grandpa McHargue. She wonders why she has to go to bed so early. NO MATTER what time she goes to bed she is up at 5 or 6 most mornings. She is a joy to have in our home.

ETHAN: His first year of school has been fun for him. His teachers compliment him on his work. He has started to read a little and has learned cursive. He is pretty easy to get along with as long as things are going his way. He cracks us up with the funny things he says. He is full of love and you can find him giving hugs and kisses. He loves to be read to. He brings a lot of laughter to our home.

MAYAH: This is one witty girl. She is 4 going on 13. You can find her getting into the makeup too. I have no idea where she comes up with such mature words. She gets so many compliments on her red curly hair. She is stubborn and she can hold her own quite often. She loves to watch t.v. I think she gets bored being the only one at home. I know she will love next year when she can ride the bus like everyone else. She fits perfectly into our strong willed family. Her raspy voice sets her apart from all the other kids. She is a joy.

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope you will all remember the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about the gifts....it is about the love and the charity and the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Without HIM there would be NO Christmas. Let us never forget that.