Merry Christmas!!!

The Platt Letter
UPDATE ON THE PAST YEAR
Christmas 2008

Family Forecast
↑ Family Size -25% growth in ‘08
← Location -Over 400 miles away from where we were
↑ Vehicles -Up one motorcycle
☺ Adult:Kid Ratio -Kids up by 1!
↑ Male:Female Ratio -Female #’s take a dive
↑ Scars on Gabe’s face -200% growth in ‘08

Our newest addition arrived on January 19th, and we can’t imagine life without Jacob Ephraim. You might think that he’d be crawling by now, but no – he’s a scooter. He’s perfectly content to shimmy his way around to get his hands on any desired object. With two big brothers, he can really make some noise if something he wants is taken away, but most of the time, he’s full of smiles and giggles that delight the whole family.

Since moving, Gabe’s gained two new scars and a chipped tooth. Both revolve around rowdy playing with Jonathan and one resulted in 7 stitches, a trip to the ER, and a full paycheck’s bill! But it doesn’t stop him! He keeps chasing Jonathan. Gabe is the funnest little snuggler, content to fall asleep with your arms around him, holding at least one hand. He loves watching “shows” of any kind, eating “treats”, and pretending to be Scooby with his older brother Shaggy, to whom he calls out, “Shaggy!!!!!! …Are you????”.

And Shaggy, that is Jonathan, has just completed half a year of preschool, where he informed me that he’s reminded to turn his voice box off. He loves going to school, unless Daddy’s home and he fears he’ll miss out on some fun “tool-containing” project. He is convinced that Daddy should quit his job and just work with his tools and his favorite helpers. Jonathan really enjoys scripture study and primary. He begs for the chance to do more chores and help mom around the house (that is, if Dad’s gone, and nothing “fun” is going on!). He’s always saying things that surprise his mom to tears.

In May, we sold our house in Wyoming, and bought a new home in Idaho around the middle of July. In the interim, we lived with Cynthia’s parents. With the money from the sale of our old home, we were able to make some cost-efficient changes like new windows and roof insulation, and a much needed shed for Garrett, who was used to having a whole garage to himself. We were also able to pay off most of our debt and we feel incredibly blessed.

Garrett works just down the street at the local hospital on the med-surg floor. Things are a lot busier here, but he, as always, remains dedicated to supporting our growing family. When he returns home from a long day at work, the boys scream in delight and Cynthia’s internal delight is almost as loud. His days off are filled with projects, family, and fun! Garrett bought a motorcycle this fall and is looking forward to the upcoming summer of bike rides and fishing! He blesses our family with his thought-filled and careful decision-making skills.

Cynthia keeps herself busy as a Sunbeam teacher, part-time employee in pscho-social rehabilitation, and full-time mother. As she watches the kids grow and learn and change, there are mixed emotions. It’s such a joy to see them learn new things; yet, it’s with the realization that these days won’t go on forever, but are literally once in a lifetime. Being a mother is so rewarding and fulfilling!

At this Christmas season, we express our gratitude for the Savior, His example, and the Atonement. These gifts are what makes life so meaningful. On top of this grand blessing, we are so grateful for family and friends. Our lives are so rich and full and we owe all this to a loving Heavenly Father.

Merry Christmas! May your holidays be wonderful.

Yours Very Truly,
Garrett, Cynthia, Jonathan, Gabe, & Jacob
The Platt Family

P.S. This letter is formatted after the Kiplinger Letter. When Garrett’s brother Joseph left on his mission, he explained that he didn’t want huge long letters, but just the highlights. So, this letter is dedicated to Elder Joseph in the Knoxville Tennessee mission! We are so proud of him, as well as Cynthia’s youngest sister, Stephanie, in the Adelaide Australia mission! They are such good examples for our boys!