Christmas Card

Porter has caught on to baby sign language pretty well…we think. Even though ‘more’ I think translates to “I want” since he signs “more” for just about anything. It’s been fun hearing his voice start to develop and as he’s now attempting actual words (“uh oh” being a personal favorite). Porter has mastered walking in about a week, and has been running into head level items for a while now, which works out since he’s so easy tempered and smiley. We have Porter enrolled at the children’s center at Cal Poly where he’s interacting with lots of toddlers his age, so that Mommy’s able to work a little each day (a break Porter and I both really appreciate sometimes). A highlight was Porter’s first birthday at the beach, with a BBQ, friends and family. Although the time already feels like it’s slipping away from us and that Porter’s growing more independent, it’s also exhilarating to watch his mind lighten up with understanding at something significant each day. We love love him, and are so grateful to our Heavenly Father that he’s in our lives, brightening and challenging them.
Lora is still the breadwinner and mommy of the family. This is the third year of having her massage therapy business and it is growing… ever so slowly. Lora is now also working as an aid to a wonderful woman named Shel, and her beautiful family here in SLO. With Mark’s help, Lora taught a lindy hop swing class at the Adult School and is about to start a second semester. Lora is working with the Primary at church and was in charge of this year’s primary sacrament program where all the kids did fantastic. This summer Lora’s niece and nephews (Hunter, Bella, Bryant, and Thatcher) visited us and tore it up as we skateboarded, skimboarded, danced and cooked all week. Rayne, our favorite preteen, is always a sassy delight, and an incredible help with Porter, who can’t stop laughing every time she comes to visit.
Mark is still the overworked student daddy. He has started on his senior project where he entered into a national design competition designing the riverfront in Minneapolis. It’s been great to watch his portfolio develop into a beautiful and professional compilation from these last several years. We both pray it will pay off as Mark applies to jobs and MBA programs this fall. Mark and Lora both had fun this year joining an adult soccer league, trying to work off both of our baby fat. Mark is on the activities committee at church and directed one of Mom & Dad Scribner’s Reader’s Theater about the life of Joseph Smith. It was a lot of work, but very rewarding. Marks Family all came to SLO for the family reunion this summer and we had a blast filling up our days with fun activities.
The Spencer’s this year have been busy. We’ve been able to take a few trips with some great friends and family. Life with a one year old is great! We love and miss having you all around us but are glad to have this season to remember our Savior and to connect with those we love. Merry Christmas everyone!