As usual, there seems to be too much of a lapse in between entries. Time sure isn't my friend when I'm in school but I love the learning, testing and rewards at the end. To bring our blog up-to-date, I'm attaching our family Christmas letter.
Merry Christmas dear family and friends,
Well, how’s that hope and change working out for you! Seriously, even with life’s trials and worries, we live in a marvelous time--the winding up scenes, so to speak. It’s a glorious time to be alive, isn't it? We're actually here to see history in the making, although it may not all be positive, we are still a part of it. Keep the eternal perspective!!!
My first quarter of the new school year is behind me, thankfully. Chemistry and business math—were challenging but successful. I’m looking forward to the next four classes--of biology. Starting the sciences will help me prepare for the nursing program. I’m excited, yet a little apprehensive. I’m still working on that confidence thing…ha!
It’s been another active year with John’s business. Jayden’s a much stronger person because of the time spent outdoors working along side his dad than inside on the video games. He’s a hard worker, dependable and has a great work ethic, and has paid for all of his expenses himself this year. It seems like the greatest gift we’ve given our son is that lesson. He’s pretty self-sufficient.
Jayden’s had an incredible year musically. In March, he was chosen out of hundreds of students around the state to attend the Washington Music Educators Association (Junior All State Band) and was able to perform under the leadership of a renowned director. Basically, this director borrowed our children for the day preparing them to perform that evening in a stunning concert in Spokane. It was an amazing accomplishment.He also went to Disneyland in May with his school band (he was their star trumpet player) and actually got to perform at the park. When he wasn’t performing, he and his classmates were able to tour the park and take in all the sights and rides. We were thrilled for him. He worked so hard to be able to earn that trip. He also spent a week in the mountains at Camp Grizzly for scouts. At fifteen, he’s ahead of his goal and working toward his Eagle Scout Award. And my final bragging moment is at the end of the school year; Jayden was chosen to be one of the top eight students out of his entire school as an Elite Student in academics and being an overall great kid. The teachers took him (& the other 7) to dinner at the Olive Garden and gave out their awards. He was caught totally unaware…actually stunned--a little humility remains. Ha…
Even though Jayden is a wonderful young man, he’s not above making mistakes. He had a serious knife injury this year that about put me over the edge. He has a pretty awesome knife collection that he had sprawled out on his bedroom floor. I asked him to go put them away but, as any normal teenage boy would do, he decided to play a little first--with a brand new knife. He ended up tripping over something on his floor and fell on his right knee—putting the knife in the back of his calf. He opened it up pretty good. Anyway, about 19 or so stitches later; he was on crutches and the recipient of all the ooh and aah’s of the local girls…ha! I seriously had to question my desire to be a nurse. Although I initially panicked (he’s my baby), Jayden was the one who maintained a calm demeanor. Go figure…guess scouting pays off.
The other kids are doing wonderful. We have new additions: Karen just gave birth to our newest grandson, Tracen (this makes 4 for her). Javis and Chaylia with their new baby girl, Liliana, Jonbrock and Sherry has a new boy, Brody, and Shasta’s due in April with her 4th. We have 13 beautiful grandchildren. Jovi returned home safely in September from his mission. Life has been so good to us; our children and grandchildren are healthy and safe. John’s health is doing well. We have a warm bed at night, food on the table and good friends. We have a love and desire to serve our Savior and fellowman. What more could we ask for?
My greatest lesson this year has been that each one of us is now in the process of becoming the kind of person we must live with throughout eternity. The things you desire from life, you must first give to life. I pray we can all give life our best and be a little kinder, a little more tender in our dealings with one another.
Mom blowing the dirt off
Father and son
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