Hello dear family and friends wherever you may be. This December has been crazy busy and I want to make sure we at least send a Christmas greeting of some kind! We recently had family pictures done and these are the product of said photo shoot.
Russell is still the bishop of our ward (church congregation). He also finished his last class for his master's degree and will be working on his practicum for the next couple months. He will officially be done in February! Not that he's counting or anything. I am always amazed that despite his busy schedule - Russell always has time to hang with the boys, attend their concerts and be an awesome husband as well!
Candace is working with the Young Women at church. Specifically the girls ages 14-18. I've also changed directions in my employment opportunities. For the past year I was working for Northwest Seniors with Disabilities and doing home health care. I had to stop doing that due to arthritis in my left thumb joint. After 4 rounds of cortisone shots - it has been discovered that I really shouldn't have any more because of possible allergic reactions to the preservatives. Oh darn. For now - I do the hot lunch program at the local Adventist School with a friend of mine. We do Mondays and Tuesdays. We also do catering on the side. That is my favorite by far. I love food. I love cooking for others. And what could be better than food, cooking AND getting paid! I am truly blessed with a wonderful family, memories, friends, a happy home and having the guidance of Heavenly Father in my life.
We have 4 very busy boys. This past year each has grown a year older, taller, smarter hopefully, and learned new things.
Donovan will be 15 in January and will be able to start driving. When did that happen? I'm not old enough for a driving teenager! He is a freshman this year and is enjoying early morning seminary. He has also decided to be involved in Pep Band. He enjoyed the football games and will be playing at the Basketball games as well. The next few months will be busy for him in that regard.
Christopher recently turned 13. He is a teenager in every sense of the word. Chris is in the 7th grade this year and is finding out that teachers actually hold HIM responsible for missing assignments. He's not liking that so much. Chris is also starting to enjoy Boy Scouts and is actually looking forward to the Scout Snow camp out in a couple weeks. They will be going to Mt. Hood and should be loads of fun. He also started a digital photography class this trimester and has taken a liking to it. Maybe we have a future photographer in our midst!
Michael is 9 1/2. He's in the 4th grade. His teacher is discovering Michael doesn't like to read much but boy can that kid draw! Michael has earned his Bear Award in Cub Scouts and is looking forward to becoming a Webelo in April. Michael is the boy who is all about fairness and making sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to. He is a busy bee when it's time to do chores. He's the only one I don't have to remind to get chores done.
Nephi just turned 8 in September. He was so excited for his baptism in October and so happy so many family and friends could support him in this really big step in his life. He is in the 2nd grade and loves math. He is starting his multiplication facts while the rest of the class is still working on adding/subtracting. His teacher says he has the ability to tune out his classmates while he is working on his class stuff. That is really cool!
The boys and me.
Russell and the boys.
Thank you for taking a quick trip down the 2010 memory lane with us. We hope each of you has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May you learn from past mistakes and face the future with determination to live each day better than the day before! We love each of you and are so thankful for your friendships!
