The Holiday season is in full swing and will soon be another memory many of us look fondly back on. My hope for this season is that we may be found with the abilities to overcome the challenges in the future. I have great faith as each of us take individual responsibility for the decisions we make and work to improve the situations we find ourselves in then the blessings of prosperity will return or continue to be realized in our individual lives.

As this year draws to an end I am grateful for my family and the strength and support each of them are in my life. I'm grateful for 2 sweet granddaughters that love unconditionally. I'm grateful for a job that I love and the chance to interact with the youth of the future. I'm grateful for and humbled by the responsibility to serve in the Utah Legislature. I'm grateful for good health for myself and members of my family.

Our country today has many areas that we as citizens need to evaluate and consider changing, however the rights and freedoms that we enjoy are not areas we should compromise. My hope going into 2009 is that we might be a little more caring, a little more accepting and a little more conscious of those around us. Lets all take on the opportunity to pledge greater commitment to those important in our lives and continue to bless our great state and the country we live in with the service we are able to provide.

May God Bless our efforts to this end, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.