The Kingsford Family: December 2007

We took ten photos and YES - this really was the best one!

Kingsford Family 2007
If we had to sum up this past year with one word it would be a draw between "Change" and "Challenge". We have also learned a lot.

After getting our home all fixed up before Christmas last year, we decided to start looking for a new home in February. Since the only room left to renovate was the bathroom, which we were NOT excited to do, we decided to leave that for someone else. Besides, we had long out grown our 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom house and couldn't fit a crib in any room but the dining room. We finally found an older home that needed a little work (of course) with 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (yea!), and a garage. The move was not without its challenges (I decided if we ever did it again it would be too soon) but we feel so blessed to be in a wonderful ward where our children have good friends and could attend (and walk to) the same school.

Five weeks later, though not unpacked or ready, we welcomed the newest member of our family. Yes, another GIRL. Taryn was born on May 5th and we all fell in love with her right away. When she was 12 days old we took her to the Cardiology Clinic and Primary Children's Hospital because her Pediatrician was concerned about a heart murmur. Taryn was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect, three to be specific, and was immediately admitted to the Neonatal ICU to keep her stable until they could do surgery to repair one defect and do a temporary fix on the other two.

Taryn's recovery went amazingly well and we were blessed to only have her in the hospital for two weeks. Her surgeon called her a "rock star" and figured that her next surgery would be sometime between September and February. Until then, Taryn is

doing very well and growing like crazy. With four siblings, keeping her free from illness is hard, if not impossible. We make frequent visits to PCMC for tests and evaluations. Taryn's CHD is not only rare but complex and the doctors have yet to figure out how they are going to repair it. It's emotionally challenging to love and care for a child that you're not certain will make it to their first birthday. Taryn has an amazing spirit though. She is tolerant, patient and loving.

She make us laugh (especially since she found her tongue, which she thinks is the coolest thing ever)! She has taught our family to appreciate life and each other more. Michaela recently wrote in class that the one thing she wants most is "for her sister to get better". Our testimonies of faith, fasting & prayer continue to be strengthened as we share this CHD roller coaster with many heart friends who are going through similar experiences. Their faith and strength through trials has been a great example to our family. We feel so blessed to have Taryn in our family and our home and pray that she will get to be here with us next Christmas too.

As for the rest of the family...
Ainsley tries her best to run the house but she's up against Parker who also thinks he's in
charge. She has learned to be the "big sister" and that its not all about HER (at least 10% of the time).

Girls are so much fun. If I had a dime for every time someone burst into tears around here I would be able to buy, not lease, a new SUV!

Which brings us to Bridget, who has learned how to be a good friend, and good help, and how to read this year .

Michalea started piano lessons this year and is also learning to make dinner and play basketball this winter. Parker is trying to teach her how to be more aggressive and rack up fouls.

This summer Parker learned how to survive at Scout camp. He is learning better time management / study skills, how to get good grades, and is how to be an effective leader in his Deacon's Quorm.

We are blessed to have such great kids.

What have Kenny and I learned? I have learned (but not accepted) that no matter how little sleep I get, I'll never get it all done! We learned that no matter where we live we WILL have plumbing problems. We have learned to accept service, even though it is often ease ier to give it than be the recepient. And to be thankful for continued doctor visits, medical bills, and each day that we have (crazy as they may be) with our children.

We are especially thankful for the blessing of families this holiday season. We will all miss spending time with my parents, Roy and Anne, this Christmas but are grateful for their wonderful example of missionary service.

Blessings to you from our family this holiday season!
Merry Christmas!