Family Christmas Letter

Here's a copy of our annual year-end family letter. (It's a bit late to be an actual "Christmas" letter, but it's better late than never!)

Dear Friends and Family,

Now that the Christmas preparations are over and family activities have hit a lull, we can finally get around to writing and sending out post-Christmas cards and a letter. (You should be used to this by now; we just can’t seem to find the time to do all this before the holiday!)

As I sit in front of the computer monitor, hands on the keyboard, my thoughts about what should be said about last year and about our family aren’t congealing. It’s a pleasant experience, however, as I reflect on the things that were done, the growth experienced, and the joys felt. But to put it all in words? That’s the hard part for me. It’s at times like this that I wish that I were a poet – someone who could put feelings into words that can span the space and time between us and all those that are dear to us. I’d like to try something a little different; here are some short vignettes recalling feelings about some things that happened this year:

January 9, basement of the Tabernacle: We’re attending Barbara’s last meeting with the Bells on Temple Square (BOTS). Instead of the usual practice session, it’s a party where the members of BOTS are watching the video of their 2007 Christmas Concert. It’s a difficult time for Barbara, as she’s reached the mandatory retirement age of 50. She goes from person to person, giving hugs and expressing gratitude for being able to be part of an organization where she could feel the outpourings of the Spirit as she shared her testimony through music.

January 31, on top of an ancient Mayan pyramid in Altun Ha, Belize: We’re with Barbara’s parents and siblings. A group from a different tour is standing on top of another pyramid across the plaza, singing “We have been raised, as Nephi, of Old”, and “Book of Mormon Stories”. We close our eyes and feel the whispers of ancient American prophets bearing witness to the truths we’ve been taught all our lives. We are also grateful that Barbara’s parents are with on this cruise; Barbara’s mother’s cancer is still under control and the medication she’s taking has slowed its growth. This cruise is fulfilling a dream talked about for many years by all the family. What a special time.

June 9, a rented house in Durango, Colorado: The whole family, including Josh’s fiancée Barbie Sego, is gathered in the living room of a house we rented for a week. We’re playing a game of “How to Host a ” (Barbara ended up being guilty). My heart is full as I glance around the room, seeing my entire family together, getting along and having fun. I realize, again, that nothing in life equals the joy that can come from family relationships. What fun memories from the events of the week: hiking, biking, jeep and train riding, and river rafting. We all agree that this would be a great place to buy a summer home.

Summer, at home: Barbara and I are thrilled as we learn that Jessica and Sam are not going to move to California after Sam graduates, but will be staying local for another few years. Sam is excited about an opportunity to work with one of his graduate advisors in a start-up company, and we’re excited to be able to still play with (and spoil) grandchildren.

August 21, Salt Lake Temple: My heart is full and tears are in my eyes as I hear the words that seal Joshua and Barbie together for Time and all Eternity in a solemn and sacred ceremony. Barbara and I are thrilled that Josh found such a wonderful person to be his companion, and we already feel a special connection to both of them that will span the distance between us and their new home in Chicago where Josh will attend the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. The feelings continue as I have the chance to dance with Barbie, and Barbara with Josh, during their reception.

August 25, at home: I feel more bittersweet emotions as I see Erik walk out the door in the morning to start his senior year in high school. This is the beginning of the end of our last child’s last year in public school. I wonder where he’ll be in another year? What college will he attend? Will he join the Army (which he has been thinking about)? I hope that he’ll continue to find joy in sharing music through his oboe in a college band and church, and that his architecture class will help him know if that’s the direction he should continue to take when he attends college.

October 13, the chairlift at Sundance Resort at 11:00pm: It’s a very cold night near full moon and Barbara and I are snuggled underneath several layers of blankets while taking a night-ride on the chair lift at Sundance resort. The moon has whitewashed the entire landscape and the new snow on Mt. Timpanogos shines ghostly pale. It’s magical. As I feel her warmth nearby, I’m grateful for my wife of 28 years and the way she tries to keep my life balanced and in perspective. I’m grateful for her interest in family history and for her efforts of linking our past with our present.

October 18, Zion National Park: We’re grateful for the chance to be out in our pop-up trailer for the 3rd time this year (a record!). We enjoy any opportunity we can make to go camping and see more of the natural wonders that are so close to home (that we too often take for granted). Erik and Chelsea are with us, and going camping with family increases our enjoyment of the activity.

October 29, Southern Utah University in Cedar City: Barbara and I are sitting in the ballroom on campus, listening to the band and orchestra perform during their Fall Concert. We watch Chelsea play her flute, and we’re grateful that she has the opportunity to attend college here and learn how to share her love of music through Music Education. Chelsea is also excited to tell us that she’s going to be the magic flute during the Music Department’s performance of Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” in January, 2009.

December 21, at Church during Sunday School: Most of my family is in the Gospel Doctrine class that I’m teaching today. I’ve now been co-teaching the class for over 4 years and have completed the cycle of all 4 Standard Works. I love the opportunity to share my testimony of the gospel, and, this year especially, of teaching from the Book of Mormon.

December 25, at home: It’s Christmas, and there’s one final present under the tree. It’s for me. Barbara grabs the camera as I start to open it, finding only a letter from the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America inside. I start to choke-up as I start to read it and hand the letter to Sam (who was sitting closest). He reads it out loud, announcing that I have been awarded the Silver Beaver Award. I’m thunderstruck. One of the best presents I’ve ever received turns out to be nothing material at all, but a cherished recognition from people that are dear to me. There were no dry eyes in the room.

Those are just samples of the thoughts that came to mind as I reviewed the year and looked through the pictures we have of events that occurred throughout the year. Obviously, much more has happened. There were also trials and struggles, but we hope that these will be beneficial to us in the long-term. We’re grateful for good – but extremely busy - employment, family, and special friends. We wish all of you the best during the rest of the Christmas season and throughout the coming year.