Luckiest

Whenever I run into friends these days they ask, invariably, how we're doing. Months ago when I was asked the same question I replied that we were simply, "Okay." But that was last summer when life was anything but normal. A lot has happened since then, as you well know, and I have to say that life is nothing short of miraculous!

Also, without exception, invariably, no holds barred - every person I ever met who knows Amy said to me, "You're the luckiest man alive!"

I've always known I'm a lucky guy. I've used that term often throughout my life. Luck? According to Ben Kenobi, there's no such thing as luck. He may be on to something there. In fact, let me just say outright - I'm a blessed guy and I'm grateful that I can recognize the Lord's hand in my life. Now, I'm not insinuating that I'm "special" or that I'm better than anyone or . . . ? What I AM saying is that I often think to myself, "Is this really my life? Is this happening to me?" when I've had the high and low points over the last several months.

To Amy's friends - I owe you much credit. For not only were you right about her, this new life together with her is better than I could have imagined! We're gelling together as a new family, the kids are warm and welcoming to her, Amy is amazingly patient and jumping into the role of mom like a pro. And she treats me like a king and I only hope I can treat her with all the gentileness and kindness shown to my queen. How inexplicable is this? That she could be so perfect as a spouse to me AND as a mother to three children in so short a time? Is this really my life? Is this happening to me?

On a VERY personal note - we are doing great! There are times when I feel like I'm living a new life. Like I'm a new Mike. So much is new and different, and yet there is so much that is retained from before and I'm thankful for all of it. I'm doing a lousy job of expressing these thoughts - sorry about that.

Amy and I are enjoying every day together. Funny, but I left my job in December (my whole division was cut actually from the top-tier executive management down to the rank and file.) The job gave me the opportunity to be home to take care of Deb and the kids then. And now . . . I have the opportunity to be with Amy and look for new work. How fortuitous is this? I could not ask for a better support than Amy at this time. And frankly, after all I've been through, the loss of work is a nit in comparison.

When we've been together as a family on vacation or in public somewhere it just feels right. Feels natural. When we're in church together there is a bond that is quite comfortable. We're watching a movie as I write this and James and Gabby are sitting close with Amy and lounging with her.

Amy's friends were right. I am THE luckiest guy in the world. Thanks be to God and all his tender mercies to me.

Sincerely,

Mike

Pictures from our trip!

"Beach Hut" dinner at Sunset (Saturday









































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Christmas Morning With the Whitmore's

Breakfast in bed.....only on vacation! So yummy and so much fun!

Waimea Canyon------"The Grand Canyon of Hawaii"

Meli Kalikimaka!

Making Mommy's Famous Orange Cookies for Christmas!

One of the many special family traditions that the Whitmore family has enjoyed for years is making Christmas cookies. Especially Mommy's (Deborah's) yummy Orange Cookies. James and Gabby taught me the ropes this year and the cookies were delicious! I had SO MUCH FUN cooking with the kids this December!

SNOW-ed IN!

Today was the THIRD day of NO SCHOOL for the kids! We've had lots and lots of fun! The first "Snow Day" (Wednesday)no snow actually even fell! ....Thursday we woke up to about six inches and about another three or four had piled up before the day was over. Today (Friday)......we've had clear skies and lots of fun snow to play in!

After two and a half days in the house......Alexis, Gabby and I (by the way....this is me, Amy writing) decided to go on an adventure. Since we couldn't get our cars our of the drive way (ice is pretty tough to drive on) we decided to walk down to the local shopping areas and get a little last minute shopping done. We had so much fun! The girls did awesome in the 15 degree weather! Thank goodness for warm scarves, hats, gloves and other cool stuff that keeps us cozy! Hey......how come nobody ever told me it snowed in Seattle?

Merry Christmas! From our family to yours!

WOW! Thank you Aunt Vanessa and Uncle Scott!!!!

Thank you Aunt Vanessa and Uncle Scott for making our Pre-Christmas, Christmas so special! We all loved our fun gifts! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! We miss you and wish you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Love ALL OF US!

Thank You Grandpa and Grandpa Motto!

What a special gift we received from Grandma and Grandpa Motto! We had so much fun reading it and looking at all of the pictures! THANK YOU so much for all of the time and effort you put in to making that for us! We absolutely LOVED it! xoxoxoxo Mike, Amy, James, Alexis and Gabby Girl!!!!

We're Married!

Presenting.......Mr. and Mrs. Michael Whitmore!

















Just outside the doors of the Salt Lake temple.