Friday, February 21, 2014

Christmas card 2013

SNOWS • 9554 DAVONA DRIVE • SAN RAMON, CA • 94583 
 
For those who are unaware, Cami was recently diagnosed with a rare medical condition called biocellmiosis.  It is characterized by a tendency for the cells to sporadically try to duplicate to allow a person to be in two places at once.  It is most commonly found in two groups of people: superheroes and mothers.  Some of the most common symptoms are an oversized heart, enlarged shoulders, lead foot, super human strength, excessive kindness and occasional fatigue.  Currently there is no known cure.  Oddly, cases of this rare condition can be directly connected to age, quantity of children, and daily consumption of celery. 
Although Taylor has shown early symptoms of a malady we are labeling as pre-teen-psychosis, (also known as melo-drama-itis, characterized by bearlike symptoms - grumpiness, need to hibernate with a good book and a warm blanket, severe allergic reaction to house work, etc.), Taylor is a very healthy and normal 9 year old.  He loves to build Legos, read books, and play sports outside.  He can run a mile in under 7 minutes and just finished his second year of baseball.  This year he finished cover to cover, the Book of Mormon, New Testament, and Pearl of Great Price; as well as all the Harry Potter books, the Rangers Apprentice series, Candy Shop Wars, etc.  He averages 3 days a book, no matter the size; although we think the Old Testament may give him a run for his money. 
Justin has been demonstrating the warning signs of a severe case of starry-eyed-narcosis.  He looks for the positive in all things; including junk – which he regularly collects and stores.  He is on the verge of becoming a Level  7 hoarder.  His suburban squirrel hunting days have been on hiatus as he has focused on other important survival skills.  He recently built a lean-to in the backyard with a tarp, felt cloaks, twine, a dead Christmas tree named Leroy, friends, and a lot of time.  It looks a lot like something you would find in the jungles of South America, but he is so proud of it.  He is close to breaking the 6 minute mark for running the mile and competed in his first year of competitive cross-country running.   
We call Conner’s condition smileyosis; and it is extremely contagious.  It’s hard to be around him and not smile.  He has a very quiet and unassuming manner that is disarming to the would-be cynic.  When I observe him I understand why the scriptures instruct us to be like little children.  He has become quite the runner and regularly laps kids in higher grades during their run club.  He loves crafts and is very good at them.  His favorite color is blue and he is very particular about the clothes he wears.   
Kate, there is nothing wrong with her; she is just a girl:  Loving, happy, sad, energetic, devastated, brooding, crying, shouts of joy…all at one time.  It’s kind of like watching a malfunctioning traffic light or what I imagine the core of a super-nova looks like.  She brings so much joy into our home.  We love her unflinching energy for life.  She has a big heart and loves to be the center of attention. 
Cooper is 21 months old.  Watching him is like spinning around 100 times and then jumping out of an airplane and trying to count the number of times a dragon fly moves its wings.  His favorite past-time is exploring the many uses of toothpaste.  Cami should publish a book on how to remove toothpaste from common objects and you might be surprised to know that large quantities can lead to pre-mature male baldness in Ken Barbie dolls.  Also, we think he may have recently become infected with smileyosis. 
 
Hope 2014 fills your home with joyful moments and genuine smiles. 
Love, 
The Snows 

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