A Christmas List - 2011

Dear Santa:

I'm directing my Christmas list to you this year - last year and the year before the kids had a hard time getting out to shop so I hoped you could take care of it for us this time.

2011 was quite a year, and not in the greatest way. So let's start with my most important wish for 2012: HEALTH. Please let us all be healthy in body and mind. H-E-A-L-T-H, that's all.

Secondly to health, please let us just be HAPPY. We've done pretty well at overcoming our obstacles and not letting them crush us, but let us start enjoying life without too many more roadblocks. Life is complicated, I know, but let them be every day complications, not life altering ones. Our family is ready, and needing, time to just be together, enjoy each other, and celebrate all the joy that is in our lives. No more sadness and resentment, just happiness and appreciation for all of our many blessings.

As for Asher, I am done asking for him to do specific things like sit or stand - I know he will do everything he can when he is ready, to the best of his ability, with hard work and patience that seems to have no end. A miracle would be nice but what I really wish is that his amazing and inspiring spirit continue to soar despite the challenges he faces.

Please let Nolan walk soon. I am losing my mind with worry because he doesn't! He is so close, he just needs to know he can let go do it on his own. But more importantly, let his menacing love of adventure and mischief continue to drive him and make him the crazy character who keeps us on our toes.

Continue to help Rio's confidence grow. Over the past months we have watched her come out of her shell and flourish. She is bright, funny, and lovely - let her continue to discover in herself all the wonderful things we see in her every day.

For me and Jordan, please let us continue to juggle our life's responsibilities with some grace. Winning the lottery would help, but status quo is good too. We're getting by, keeping our family safe and loved, and that's all I can ask for.

Santa, we're counting on you, and will be waiting on the 24th with a plate of cookies, a newly cleaned chimney, and some empty stockings. Our best to the Mrs. and your elves.

Love, The Trousdell Five
xo

PS - If there's any way you could help the Canucks win the Stanley Cup this year - wow, that would be awesome. If you felt like putting tickets under the tree that would be cool, but I'll take the win from the comfort of my couch if that's all you can do.