Merry Christmas from the Nicholes

This year we are trying out something new….posting our Christmas letter on our blog instead of printing it out. Let us know what you think!

As we look back on the past year, we can only see how truly blessed we are to have such great family and friends who support us through everything. We can’t express our thank you’s enough to all of you. I know some of you don’t think you have done much, but your prayers and words of encouragement have sustained us, and we appreciate it so much.

Just a few updates;

Abbey is in second grade. She has had a great year. She was diagnosed with significant hearing loss in her right ear. We were able to get her a PINK hearing aid, and much to our surprise she loves wearing it. She has lots of friends, and is overall such a funny kid. She has been sleeping in one of our Santa hats, so she “can have only Christmas dreams.” She brings so much humor and joy to our family!

Maggey is in third grade. She is getting so tall and mature. She has skipped one whole clothing size going from an eight to a 12 since school started! She enjoys arts and crafts, everything from construction paper and scissors to string and beads. She played soccer this year and accomplished her goal of scoring a goal in a game. She has started reading “chapter books” and is really enjoying Little House on the Prairie Series. Her teachers say that she knows everything about their class, and if they have to leave for a few minutes, they leave her in charge!

Nathan is in sixth grade. He too has had a growth spurt and is almost as tall as his mom. He continues to love baseball, but lately has been playing football with his friends. He has really been interested in reading, staying up way too late cause he just can’t put the book down. He attending a “Priesthood Preview” recently and is excited to be a deacon in June. He is quite the lip syncer(sp?) and cracks us up with his dance moves.

Ashley is in 8th grade. She continues to amaze us with her talents. She is very smart and has pulled excellent grades. She is in the choir at school and we enjoy watching her practice and practice and be so prepared for her performances. Her choir did a benefit concert that raised over $3,000 for a family in need. Ashley also cut over 10 inches of her hair off to donate to Locks of Love this summer. She has been increasing her sewing skills, and sewed a really cute bag for all of her friends this year for Christmas. Ashley has reached her ultimate goal finally, she is about 1 inch taller than Lindsey!

Lindsey is in 10th grade. She turned sixteen on her birthday in September. She has her driving permit and is anxious to have her license. She went on her first date, and had a great time. She continues to be part of the Band and loves every minute of it. She was able to travel to Indianapolis to participate with the band in a national completion. They placed 14th out of 94 bands. She is already working hard to earn money for next years band season.

Bartley continues to teach 5th grade at Greenwood Elementary. He really enjoys 5th grade. He is the 1st councilor in the Bishopric, and he really likes being in the "know", for the most part. He finished a bedroom in the basement for Lindsey and Ashley this summer. He was able to take Nathan to an All-star baseball tournament in Rexburg, ID. They has a great time, just the two guys.

As for myself I keep very busy with my kids, job, and calling. I continue to manage Maple Village, and love my calling as Young Women President. These things combined keep me so busy that I don’t really have time for anything else.


We wish you love and joy at this special time of year.