Christmas 2008

Well,

Here's a super happy Christmas Message from the Monteith's (of Okinawa). We are living in a tropical wonderland of sun, water, and more biological diversity than you can shake a candy cane at. The weather here is actually quite good. I have only needed a jacket twice so far, and one of those times was at 2 in the morning in a steady wind.

Our year has been good so far, and looks to be continning(sp?) into the future just as well. The only off note is, of course, the fact that I have to write this note to you all. I would rather be discussing it with you over dinner. 'They' say its a small world, but it seems larger when I think of family and friends around the world. We miss you and love you very much.

Oh, let's just get to the details, so I can focus on the positives. Zachary Boy is 2 1/2 and smart as a whip. When we sing at bedtime he loves to sing his ABC song. We read the scriptures out loud and he repeats the words so he can be part. He rides a 'big boy' bike with training wheels and will be getting a newer one for Christmas. Don't tell him!

Michael, Jr. is learning letter and number games and how to recognize key words. He can add numbers just like his Dad. On his fingers! His only issue right now is the habit of scaring his brother for a laugh. He then wonders why Zachary won't immediately sit back down and play! Mostly though, they share what will make each other happy, and one thing I love to see is them teaming up to open our heavy front door. They are a great pair, and we love them very much.

Desiree is making friends as usual. She teaches a beginner's sewing class, hand and machine, for Relief Society, and is on the Enrichment Committtee(I got on a roll with those tee's). The two of us are on the Activities Committee(that's better) and we team teach the Sunbeams class in Primary(Michael, Jr. is in the class, also). She can often be found in the yard with friends watching the kids play, or trying some new recipe in the kitchen. All of us love her, and couldn't function without her.

I am in the U.S. Navy. I am proud to be serving my country, and my Heavenly Father by doing the best I can in work and my callings. I have recently become qualified as a Watch Commander and am in charge(on randomly scheduled days) of the training, care and distribution of a twenty man security team. It sounds cooler than it is, but it's still pretty cool.

Okinawa actually has a lot to recommend it and we have only begun to tap the well of tourist activities available. We have camped at the beach twice, wandered in foreign cities, and gone to Tokyo Disneyland (which was quite fun!). If anyone wants to come visist we will be gracious and enthusiastic hosts. We love you all and can't wait to see you again. Thanks for all your calls, letters, emails and care packages. We will be together again.

Merry Christmas,
Love,
The Montieth's
Mike, Desiree, Mike, Jr., and Zachary Boy