Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family.

I have had an incredibly difficult time sleeping this week, mostly because I have been so excited for Christmas. There is nothing particular that will happen like some cool present or surprise I have planned. I just have been so excited for this entire Christmas season. This morning when I awoke ( 4am, yikes) I had some time to reflect on how thankful I am for all I have been blessed. The first and foremost is my abiding and solid knowledge that Jesus is the Christ. He is my personal Savior and the Savior of the entire world. Perhaps this ever growing knowledge is contributing to my insomnia, as we are just one day from when we celebrate his birth into mortality. The much anticipated event to insure our ability to return to the father of our spirits.

Next I thought about the wonderful family I have, both that I have come from and the one I am working on. My father was a hard working man who came from a very difficult and trying childhood, something I neither can relate or understand. I thank him for the legacy of work he instilled into me. He passed away 14 years ago and not a day goes by I do not miss him. My mother is my role model. I have always felt great support from her, even when I know I disappointed her and did not live up to the potential she saw within me. I appreciate my near weekly time I have to talk with her. It makes me joyous to see how happy she is and am glad because she deserves to be. My sister is an incredibly bright person who I have always known was smarter and more talented. She provided great support to us when we adopted Matthew and I can never thank her enough for the kindness and hospitality she showed. Then there is my extended family which has been always a part of the fond memories I have of the holidays.

I cannot write about Gail without becoming emotional. I found the perfect partner for eternity. I love to hear her sing and she has helped me make my dreams come true with every "new" idea I have. My sons are my pride and joy. Matthew is a compassionate person who provides balance and grounding for what is most important. Nikolas brings me great joy when I hear him sing, play his flute or he shares his art with me. I am truly an blessed man with much to be thankful for.

Now on to our weekly report. Gail survived the week home with the boys, she is glad school starts up again in a week. Andy was home a bit more due to the semester being over freeing up his evenings. He did make one trip into Wendover to meet with clients. Overall is was a great week, although we were saddened by the passing Wednesday of Andy's uncle, Laimonis, whose art work graces the walls of our living room.

We hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable Christmas.

Our tree is up and we will finish our decorating of the house today, just in time for Christmas. The boys are quite excited for they are out of school until January 3rd. Gail and Andy do not share in the enthusiasm, but are looking forward to Christmas.

This past week was fairly typical, we all went about our routines. Matthew was not feeling well so he missed a few days of school. Twice he went in and twice he was sent home by the school nurse. The nurse did not share with Gail and Andy the same level of sickness one must experience before becoming ineligible to be at school. The bar is much lower then what existed when we were in school. Andy was in Wendover one day this week. He was also notified he will argue a case at the Nevada Supreme Court in January. Gail is recovering from all of her signing.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and hope during this next week you have opportunity to pause and reflect on the blessing the birth of Jesus Christ is for each of us. Have a great week.

Wow what a busy week we have had. This was the week of "The Forgotten Carols." Gail and Matthew did a fantastic job. Each gave every spare minute this week. The show was a great success. We are now ready to get ourselves prepared for Christmas and we are looking forward to the time together with each other.

There is not much else to report. Hopefully this week our tree will go up, our house decorated and the annual letter composed. We are looking forward to entertaining and celebrating one of the best times of the year.

We hope you all have a great week.

Yesterday evening was the debut of "An Uncommon Bond" the trio Gail started with two other excellent singers in Elko. They sang last night at the Creche Festival and did a spectacular job. In the five years our family has attended the festival, last night was the first time we have ever seen a group get a standing ovation. The world will never be the same.

We were also glad to see some friends from Idaho and Utah come to hear Gail sing. It was a great evening.

Otherwise, all is the same at the Mierins' home. We hope you are enjoying this Christmas season. Have a wonderful week.

We all hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly did. Andy was in his prime being able to cook. He spent Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday morning in the kitchen and managed to be able to put together quite a meal. We had 10 people. Gail's parents and sister, brother-in-law and nephew joined us, as well as a member of our ward. We were regaled with a thanksgiving poem which was quite entertaining. We had a wonderful day and considering all the wonderful things which have happened to us we have quite a bit to be thankful for.

We are also glad for a few days with nothing on our schedule the remainder of the week. It gave us time to catch up on a few things. Andy was quite excited because his birthday present arrived Friday, his Kindle Fire. He is enjoying it immensely.

We hope you all have a great week.

We have all overcome the sickness as a family and are grateful to be healthy once again. This has been an incredibly busy week as we prepare for Thanksgiving next week. Matthew and Nikolas are doing well in school and keeping themselves busy; Matthew with his animals and science club, Nikolas with band.

Gail continues to build quite a reputation as a voice teacher and has more students than she has time. "The Forgotten Carols" is getting closer and Gail will be happy when the production is over. Additionally, her singing group is getting ready for some performances coming up in December. Gail has found her niche.

Andy was gone to Reno Tuesday and Wednesday attending a training for a Family Drug Court program. He was back home Thursday working in the office. Friday he was involved in the selection process for the two District Court judge positions in Elko. He found it to be a fascinating process and was honored to serve on the commission.

Saturday was a special day. Andy and Gail joined some friends from the ward in attending the Temple. It was wonderful.

We hope you have a wonderful week and wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

We all spoke to soon last week. No sooner had last week's post gone up, then Gail began to feel the sickness Matthew and Andy dealt with. By Monday Nikolas was home from school, so we all ended up being sick. Thankfully, we are all healthy and better.

Once we all recovered things are going well. Nikolas is continuing with his band participation and enjoying the private flute lessons he is taking. Matthew continues to do well. He and Andy went on a youth temple trip to Salt Lake City on Friday and had a great time. Gail is busy as always with the "Forgotten Carols" and her musical group.

We are grateful for our many blessings and thankful for those who have served this nation in our military. We hope you all have a great week.