Family news in the traditional letter kind of way...

Here’s the low-down on the family for 2010!

Mayflower (12)~ Entered the Young Women program in April. Backpacked over 10 miles each way into the Grand Canyon to Havasupai in June with her mom, dad, grandparents, and various aunts, uncles, cousins and friends! Enjoys voice lessons, but has discontinued piano and tumbling. Loves roller coasters and skinny jeans. Hates to be alone in public places (won’t even walk to the next aisle in the store without someone with her). Likes to crochet and make friendship bracelets, but hates pudding, applesauce and pizza with sauce. Passed the Canyoneering 101 course designed by Rock by hiking, downclimbing, swimming and rappelling through Keyhole Canyon in Zion National Park. Performed in The Crucible this past fall at the Union Station under the direction of Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Caleb. Got braces on her teeth and helped her 7th grade girls flag football team win the 7th period championship! Likes banana bread, but hates bananas.

Michex (18)~ Graduated in May from Weber High School. Enjoyed all kinds of singing, dancing, performing and playing that came with being in Chamber Quire and Play Productions. Hated saying good-bye to lots of school friends, but loved being able to still go to girls camp as a youth leader and perform in the Arise Youth Spectacular. Has chosen to study Theater with an emphasis in technical design at Weber State University. That means lights, sound and cool stuff like that! Works part time at the local Arby’s, but will soon be joining our team at Dr. Major’s office as one of our front desk receptionists. Loves cheesecake, but hates confrontation. Continues to share her vocal talents with local sacrament meeting congregations. Loves soft pretzels, lemonade and banana bread, but hates bananas.

Scout (20) ~ Completed her 3rd semester at Dixie State College in St George (and just started her 4th). Enjoyed studying Art, Visual Technology, RA responsibilities and ninja skills. Promptly left the borders of the United States after spring semester to perform with her Dixie State Raging Red show choir in CHINA! Came back. Flew to Maine and worked/taught at Kamp Kohut for the summer as a camp counselor specializing in arts and crafts, outdoor skills and rock climbing. Loved the kids, hated the humidity! Loves taking friends hiking in Zion and hanging out with Aunt Bethany, Uncle Brandon, Kass, Mitch and the Coombs family in St. George, but hates pizza, gravy of any kind, girl drama (you know what I mean) and excuses. Currently is serving as the Relief Society 2nd counselor in her student ward. Likes bananas, hates banana bread.

Shematite (22) ~ Smashed the Terrace Plaza Playhouse’s previous attendance records by bringing the house down each night she performed as Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers last winter/spring (a proud mother has the right to exaggerate to make a point). Discovered her green thumb and brought the flower gardens in the yard to life and new heights this summer with her meticulous, daily attentions. Enjoyed a couple of classes at Weber State University during the summer, but struggles with major depressive disorder and anxiety. Loves FOOTBALL and that means Peyton Manning, but hates it when the Colts lose and when her pants don’t fit right. Loves movies, but hates both banana muffins (especially if they have chocolate chips in them, because that is just taunting) and...bananas!

Rock ~ Finally got a new calling! Was released from the Elder’s Quorum and called to be the Teacher’s Quorum advisor. The fun is just beginning:) Instructs Fremont High students not only in Math, but driver education and tennis as well (which frequently adds up to 14 hour days). Continues his quest for his Master’s degree in Teaching with Technology. Says that there are too many things he loves to list here and too few things he hates to bother remembering what they are. Apparently has a beef with Associated Food Stores for their decision to discontinue the distribution of his favorite Brazilian beverage, Guarana. I must add my displeasure as well. Ran two 5k’s with his honey (Yep! That’s me!)...simply because he loves her- not running:) Loves both bananas and banana bread....and Hallmark Christmas movies!

Desertbound ~ Hmmm....what a year! I have thoroughly enjoyed my calling in the church as the Relief Society 2nd counselor. LOVED hiking into Havasupai and can’t wait to go back again. Loved trying a little bit of trail running and found what feels like a new lease on life with the increase in energy I feel. It also keeps me sane:) I have been working long hours and overtime at Dr. Major’s office trying to implement new electronic billing software as well as electronic medical records. A work still in progress. I hate the fact that I need sleep. I loved floating in the Great Salt Lake this summer, but hated the bugs. Loved making memories with my family and friends on various adventures, including hiking the Subway in Zion, hiking Ben Lomond peak and mountain biking in St. George. Hated making the change back to standard time and losing my daylight in the evening in which to run. But never fear! Daylight Savings Time will soon appear:) Oh! And I hate bananas, but LOVE banana bread!

Looking back at the previous year always helps me feel extremely grateful for all of our blessings. Even events or conditions that appear to be trials have helped us draw closer as a family and closer to the Lord. We see His hand in our lives. We know He lives. We hope this new year brings an uncommon sense of gratitude to you all. We are certainly grateful for all of you.