Christmas Newsletter 2016

Merry Christmas 2016 

It's that time of year I start feeling delusional,

Christmas is looming and I'm not ready as usual.

The shopping, the baking, the wrapping galore,

Would skipping it this year be too much to ask for?

No denying 'tis the season for getting a workout,

Too bad it's the credit cards I'm talking about.

But a new year's approaching...ready or not,

So a recap of this past one, I'll now try to jot.

Dave's practice keeps growing - two of his partners retired,

When you work for yourself it's hard to get fired.

A hailstorm for the ages left his garden all tattered,

With hard work and TLC, none of that mattered.

Took me on a cruise to the Caribbean - toured a beacon of light,

Stopped by a jail in the D.R.* where he once spent the night.

Led the Stake youth on a Pioneer trek in the heat,

Try him at Pickleball and darts - I hear he's hard to defeat.

                                                                         *Dominican Republic

For me, this year has been one of dreams coming true,

 I began taking harp lessons, which I've always wanted to do.

I figure it may be my only chance of getting into heaven,

If there's a shortage of harpists, for me they'll be beggin'.

Just received my confirmation of acceptance into the Boston Marathon,

I'll be running it in April, so please come cheer me on!

Life keeps me quite busy with church callings (four),

I thought 'empty nest' meant free time, seems to be less not more!

After five years in paradise, Skyler moved back to the mainland,

Now living in California missing that Big Island black sand.

He’s still selling solar and lives life on a nickel,

But relocated to Bakersfield when the market turned fickle.

He's coming home for Christmas - for this I'm excited,

Thankfully his bullet bike's in cold storage - must say I'm delighted.

He solves all our problems with computers and iPhones,

Now that solar's booming in Utah - could that get him home?

  

Bryce is living in Idaho Falls running a business he bought,

Though it's a Christmas light park, a seasonal venture it's not.

He spends all year designing and building the scenes,

He's gifted and skilled and very creative with themes.

He took up the dangerous sport of rock climbing this year,

Why can't he just collect them instead... and calm all my fears?

Loves being in the outdoors going camping or catching some fish,

He can beat anyone at golf - the kind with a disc.

Taylor's studying pre-med/PA at Utah State,

Took online classes this summer - can't wait to  graduate.

This year he's traveled to Florida, Oregon, Mexico and Long Beach,

Texas, Lake Powell, Las Vegas - not sure when he sleeps.

Had fun playing flag football on USU's championship team,

Got elbowed (in the eye) playing basketball - needing stitches - 15.

He never slows down - no grass grows under his feet,

Just saw Carrie Underwood in concert - says his life's now complete.

McKay's still in the Russian Vladivostok mission,

His status changed to "volunteer" -  but he's still in commission.

Those few times I threatened to send him to Siberia came true,

How he survived 40 below all winter, I haven't a clue.

Couldn't believe his Panthers went to the Super Bowl his first year away,

His dream finally transpired - but couldn't watch a single play!

Flies into South Korea every three months to get his Visa renewed,

Only six months more (but who's counting?) 'til he's at this latitude!

Amidst the hustle and bustle and all the running around,

Just hearing from you is where our real joy is found.

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness and stress,

And forget the real reason we're so abundantly blessed.

Let's hold onto the gift of our Savior's glorious birth,

And remember it was for us He came to this earth.

As the new year approaches - we hope it's supreme,

Our family wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy 2017!

With Love, 

 With Love,

 Dave, Jodi, Skyler, Bryce, Taylor, McKay and Mr. Cat

McKay's blog address: eldermckaywilding.blogspot.com