Merry Christmas From The Layton's

Our Christmas Letter 2010

Some things you keep, like a favorite blanket, those old pair of sweats & balding husbands. They’re good for you, reliable and practical and so sublime that to throw them away would make the garbage man a thief. So you hang on, because something old is sometimes better than something new, and what you know is often better than a stranger….I grew up with practical parents—parents that would mend old pillowcases and fix old toasters rather than buy new ones. They weren’t poor, my parents, they were just satisfied. Their marriage was good; their dreams focused and were always there when we needed them most.

This year we were given a perspective that comes with the loss of a child. Sometimes what you care about most in life gets all used up and goes away, never to return. So while you have it, it’s best to love it and care for it when it is broken and heal it when it is sick. That’s true for marriage, old cars, stubborn children that don’t always listen and aging parents. You keep them because they’re worth it, because you’re worth it.

Samuel is 4 and is a little ball of energy. He is just like his daddy, can never sit still…Sam started his 2nd year of pre-school and is really getting good at writing his letters and coloring inside the lines. He is super creative and has quite the imagination. I enjoy just watching him play. He loves watching movies as a family and has mastered the art of sweet talkin his momma.

Kassidy is 7 months old (adjusted she is 4 months old) She had quite the start to life that is for sure. She has come so far, when her chances were so slim. She shocked all of us, Dr’s and nurses included, when she got to come home a week before her due date. For 24 week babies, that is not commonly heard of. She was born on May 1st and got to come home on August 14th. She loves her big brother and gets excited when he goofs around in front of her. She enjoys playing with her musical gym and being read to.

Kameron was born on May 1st and passed away on May 3rd. We buried him on May 7th, (his daddy and grandpa’s birthday.)He was such a sweet little boy, letting him go was the hardest thing we have ever had to do. We are grateful we got to hold him and say our goodbyes. He has forever touched all of our lives. We think of him often and can not wait to be reunited with him again. He helped bring Kassidy to us and for that he is forever our brave little boy and Kassidy’s guardian angel! We are forever grateful for all the love and support given to us during this difficult time.

Clint is still doing HVAC and is a SSGT in the Air Force Reserves. After we had the twins, he was able to be put on active duty, so his work would be more consistent and flexible with traveling back and forth to the hospital. Clint being able to do that has been a great blessing for us. He started back to his civilian job the beginning of Nov. He was stiff for the first week, because he forgot what manual labor was.

I am currently working as a medical assistant for a comprehensive health clinic; specifically for a pain management Dr. I have been there now for a year and absolutely love it. I did enjoy 12 weeks off when Kassidy came home. Going back was a little bitter sweet, but has actually worked out great! I have also been working on turning a hobby into a small business. I have started doing creative theme parties and custom cakes. It is really in a beginning stage, but I have really high hopes for it!

Some things you keep, like a best friend that moved away or a close friend that you haven’t seen in awhile, family and friends are some things that make life important. These are things that you keep close to you. So in wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year is our way of staying close.

The Layton Family,

Clint, Danielle, Sam & Kassidy

Christmas 2010