Happy Holidays!

As another holiday season approaches, we joyfully reflect back on the year that has passed, remembering how truly blessed we are to have such wonderful family and friends. We thank God for all of the gifts He has given us. This year has been filled with happiness, as well as sorrow and many opportunities for growth.

Shea turned 2 on March 29th. He is our little blonde haired, blue-eyed spitfire always in search of adventure. One of his favorite activities is chasing his brothers around trying to do everything they do. He can be very sneaky, often disappearing only to be found with a smirk on his face and trouble at his feet. He loves dressing up and pretending to be the gardener or a “working guy” (construction). He’s even been caught trying to sleep with his plastic hammer at his side. Shea also likes to ride his bike, play with trains and watch movies. He is always smiling and is a very happy soul bringing constant joy to all of us.

Ryan who turned 4 on August 23rd is a very charming and witty boy. He loves sports, riding his bike, drawing and playing trains as well as using his imagination. Ryan has developed a thirst for knowledge and constantly pushes himself. He is very giving, often letting his brothers have their own way instead of insisting on his own. He loves showering Shea with hugs and kisses and he idolizes his big brother Jake. Once again, Ryan’s special heart has kept us on our toes, medically speaking. In June, he went back to CHOC for a couple of days where he had a cardiac catheterization, angioplasty and a stent placed in his left pulmonary artery. The procedure was successful and Ryan is doing well now.

Jake turned 6 on August 14th and started Kindergarten in September. He loves going to school and especially learning to read. Jake is very smart and excels in anything he tries to do. He has a great imagination, loves computer games, gameboy, riding his bike and running around with his brothers. Jake has always been shy. When he started school we realized that there was much more to his being shy than we originally thought. He’s got a great attitude and is working hard at overcoming his fears.

On June 27th my brother Tom passed away. Although he was very sick with cancer for the past few years and we knew his health was failing, we were all very saddened that Tom wasn't able to turn his life around before he left us. Tom's ashes were scattered privately in various places that he loved. We know he is with my Mom now and finally free from his pain and suffering.

We are enjoying life and are thankful for the blessings we have been given. In May, Jim and I went on another cruise to Mexico, this time with 8 other adult members of our family… it was a blast! We are planning on “cruising” as an annual vacation and have already booked the second annual cruise for April 2005. In late summer we took the boys to the River with my sister Mary and her family. Our hotel had an indoor water park and the boys were in heaven. They had a great time in the pool, playing with their cousins, going for boat rides and most of all “sleeping” together in the hotel. We hope to do it again next summer. Please visit our webpage to view photos of the boys and updates on Ryan… http://www.RyansHeart.com

As the year ends, we realize how blessed we are to have so many wonderful people and opportunities in our lives. May the New Year bring abundance of peace, love, health and happiness. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season.

Jim, Cathy, Jake, Ryan & Shea Smith