Christmas Letter 2016

Merry Christmas!  I can’t believe how fast the year has flown once again.  No major illnesses, births or deaths to report in either of our immediate families.  Yet, there was plenty to keep us busy. 

            In February, Pat and I made a long weekend trip to Utah to spend it with Erin.  It was well timed as she needed her mom and dad.  We did get to tour the Provo City Temple open house which was fantastic!  We spent a lot of time with the Dean Bohl family which is always a treat.  Thanks!  I also began a new job as a poll worker for any elections in our township.

            In April there were school board elections and Pat was the 2^nd highest vote getter which puts him on the Gresham school board for three years.  He’s enjoying it and learning much.

            In May, I taught my final early morning religion class.  Eight wonderful years doing that but it was time for someone else to receive those blessings of teaching the scriptures daily! I do miss the youth but not the early mornings out in the cold.

            June brought Tom to the state Special Olympics track meet where he earned a 5^th and two 7^th place finishes in his events.  He also began Bocce ball practice weekly.  We were also able to go to St. Paul for nephew Evan’s wedding.  Tom’s Bocce competition was in July and his team didn’t do very well.  He was on a different team than usual and it showed.  He still had fun.

            I think this was the first summer I didn’t go to girl’s camp in about eight years.  Sammi went in my place and did an awesome job.  I played “mom” to Evelyn as Jeff was at Boy Scout camp during the same time.  August brought our son Andrew home from his two year mission! I know what heaven feels like.  It’s being able to hug your child who has been away for such a long time and only able to communicate through letters except on Mother’s Day and Christmas.  Then a phone call or FaceTime is acceptable.  He loved the time he was able to serve and we are so grateful for the man he has become.  Now it’s time to think about schooling for him.

            August brought about the biggest change for Pat.  After serving for 91/2 years as president of the Wausau Wisconsin Stake (geographical area) for our church, he was released and someone new now has the responsibility. I still think it is strange when he’s home on Thursday nights instead of at a meeting and that he is able to sit with me in church.  A few days later, he and I set off on a trip around Lake Superior.  We camped all but one night.  The weather was perfect; the scenery beautiful and the company was excellent!  On a side note, Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay on the U.S. side has the most to see.  The Canadian side isn’t so great.  I can see most of that scenery right here in Wisconsin.

            The end of September had us boarding a plane to Utah once again.  Andrew came along to see many of his new friends.  We attended our church’s General Conference and then headed south to Cedar City. We spent a full day touring Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.  Personal tour guides are the best!  Then off to St. George for the night.  Clint’s mom lives there and we were able to visit with her.  What a grand adventure we had.

            I had chief inspector training for six hours in October to prepare for the November election.  I learned a lot but those people have to learn how to speed things up.  Another nephew got married and this time in Nauvoo.  What a treat to be in Nauvoo with most of the family!  We missed Erin. Pat and I also began serving two shifts per month in the St. Paul temple.  We love it!

            Thanksgiving brought our family over with much food.  The “boys” all went out hunting.  Only Clint was successful during the hunt.  Although during the T-zone antlerless hunt last weekend, both Pat and Jeff got a deer. 

            Pat and I have a new opportunity before us.  We have been called to serve as Area Family History Advisors.  Our role is to work with the six stake presidents in Wisconsin.  There is a bit to learn but we are both excited to get started. I wish I could better explain what we are to do, but we just had training this morning and have a lot to learn. Perhaps next year we’ll have something to report.

Our children are all doing quite well.  Clare and Clint with their children Cami, Adam, Brock and Butch are a joy to have in our lives.  Clint is still a police officer for the local tribe. He’s so good at that job. Clare is an amazing mom to her little flock and each of them bring a joy to us that only grandparents can understand.

            Tom is still working with me one day a week. He’s enjoying Special Olympics and singing in the church choir. He still doesn’t like little children but as they get older he has a bit more tolerance for them. Of course, they all love him.

            Sammi and Jeff live just up the street from us and spend a lot of time at our home. We burn wood and so our home is a lot warmer than the one they’re renting. Sammi graduated from BYU-Idaho in July and is now working as much or as little as she wants as a substitute teacher.  I believe she could probably work most every day if she wanted to.  I get to have Evelyn here when both she and Jeff are working.  She’s such a good girl.

            Erin is still working in medical records at a clinic in Provo, UT. Her Mr. Right hasn’t come into her life yet.  Whoever he is, he needs to know what he’s missing out on.  Erin is such an outstanding woman!  I’m so proud to call her my daughter.

            Andrew is living at home and working for the family business.  He’s learned how to run some heavy equipment.  Some jobs he likes better than others but he really is anxious to attend school.  He will be applying at BYU-Idaho and also Salt Lake Business College.  He is officiating basketball as is his father. Not a difficult job, most of the time.

Here we are less than two weeks from the celebration of our Savior’s birth. Weren’t we just in Utah with Erin?  We have been so blessed over the last year with health and happiness as well as wonderful friends and family! I guess it doesn’t matter what you do with your life as long as your recognize your dependence on God.  When we put Him first, we can get through whatever is put before us.

May you have a wonderful Christmas with those you love.  We think of you often and wish we could cross paths more often.  We love you and we’re always grateful for your friendship!