Happy Old Year

2010 will always be remembered as
The year that…

• Nate’s first book (The Missionary Journals of Joseph F. Smith) was accepted for publication by the Smith-Pettit foundation.
• Eli earned his masters’ degree in psychology and moved his family to Cañon City to take a job at the prison.
• Jesse moved back home and began his graduate studies at Denver University, studying to become a school psychologist.
• Aaron graduated from BYU with a degree in Communication Disorders and moved back home until graduate school.
• Hannah got her wisdom teeth out, and made her debut on you-tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4LZtgkO6QU
• Isaac got his braces off, got his drivers’ license, and had nose surgery (to correct a life-long breathing problem).
• Dallin went from kindergarten to third grade.

As well as the year that…
• I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and type II diabetes (which isn’t all bad, I’ve lost 12 pounds already on the diabetic diet).
• Nate and Eli didn’t get accepted into doctorate programs; they’ve both reapplied for 2011.
• Jesse got two traffic tickets, one for a missing front license plate and one for not completely stopping before turning right on a red light…
• Hannah was dumped by her first boyfriend.
• Hannah perfected the skill of putting tire chains on her car (due to a rather treacherous trip home for thanksgiving).
• Aaron had knee trouble from jogging and Hannah sprained her ankle.
• Missy the cat perfected the art of catching mice unharmed and freeing them in the house…
• Jesse perfected the art of re-catching mice unharmed and freeing them in a field down the street.
• The kids met their dad’s new wife.

This year has been marked with an abundance of God’s tender mercies, much love, joy and laughter. I am happier than I ever have been; blessed to have fulfilling work, my amazing children around me, the support of extended family and faithful friends, and a bright hope for the coming year.