Christmas Newsletter 2017

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2017

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CHRISTMAS 2017

One of these years I'm going to start off this rhyme,

"Christmas is done - enjoying lots of down time!"

It's sad to admit, this isn't that year,

Still not sure I'll be finished before it gets here!

Someday it may happen, but probably not,

I have a hard time not squeezing in more than I ought.

But that doesn't stop us from keeping in touch,

With those that we love who mean so much.

The task now at hand is to try and remember,

The comings and goings this whole year through December.

Dave's busy now more than ever at the clinic these days,

From six docs down to three, makes things a bit crazed.

His Church calling’s a blessing, but when stake conference is near,

Getting called to speak without warning is my new greatest fear.

(*there's a reason for that)

Took us to Alaska this summer for the salmon run,

Then to Idaho in August for the total eclipse of the sun.

Winter mornings come early, pickleball is the reason,

But he can hardly await the next gardening season.

2017 was a year full of adventures galore,

Running the Boston Marathon was my highlight for sure.

Grateful to family and friends who came to watch and "Hooray!",

Boston's sure love their runners -  even got an ovation while on the subway.

I'm looking forward to April  -  I get to run it again,

It's all fun and games 'til my wintery training begins.

I'm still "harp"ing about - almost two years have now passed,

Just celebrated 35 years of marriage...Wow! That sure went fast! 

Sky's adventures abroad have seemed to slow down,

In Utah spearfishing and freediving are nowhere to be found.

His passion and love for the ocean he'll not soon forget,

Among the reefs and the sharks, he lives life without regret.

Now focused on Law School, he'll take the LSAT this year,

His sights are set on a top school, but I hope he stays near!

He has a darling girlfriend named Sarah who has a cute little boy,

Carson's his name and he's brought us much joy!

Idaho Falls is where Bryce currently resides, 

Running his Christmas Light Park working all winter outside.

Off season he designs and creates new additions,

It's a good thing he's gifted and has so much ambition.

He helps Dave with the garden and takes care of the chores,

Took a trip with his bros to the Puerto Rican shores.

When he takes a rare break, in the outdoors he is found,

Camping, snowboarding, or most likely rock climbing around.

Taylor graduates this spring from USU,

The MCAT is next, then medicine he'll pursue.

He volunteers at grade schools, the hospital, and MDA Camp,

Between studying and sports, there's no time to nap.

Spent spring break in a hammock next to the ocean's roar,

Worked a zip line all summer on Oahu's North Shore.

Did his first Spartan Challenge and took 2nd place,

                               Swam with sharks, caught some waves, now the powder he'll chase.                                                                                                

From his mission in Russia, McKay arrived safely home,

Six weeks sooner than planned due to his mission being closed.

He loved serving the people even with all the unrest,

Still inhales all his food - his hunger's rarely suppressed.

He took off for Hawaii this summer to stay with his bro,

Jumped out of an airplane, then to MDA Camp did he go.

He's now living in Logan attending Utah State U,

Following in his Dad's footsteps - plans to study medicine too.

This time of year causes us to pause for reflection,

Our blessings are great, there can be no objection.

We feel thankful each day for the greatest gift ever given,

A tiny babe in a manger sent straight down from heaven.

May this gift of the Savior bring you joy, hope, and light,

And may your Christmas this year be merry and bright!

We hope 2018 will be good to you,

Here's to a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!

With Love,

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