Christmas Letter

I am starting a new tradition this year for Christmas. In 1974 I wrote my first Christmas letter to family and friends. In 2007 I wrote my last one! I am now going to use my blog to record our family moments from the past year. It will make for a long blog- I will do my best to be succinct!

It seems strange to Lee and I to be empty nesters. We don't think of ourselves in this way- but here we are, the proof is in our empty rooms. As we reflect on the past year, we find we have much to be thankful for! The Lord has truly blessed our family. Our circle of love grew exponentially when Noah was born. Having a new baby in the family brings us closer to God, and to each other. There are plenty of pictures of Noah in the slide show.

Our family had a memorable vacation this year. We

took a family vacation to Cancun, Mexico this past summer. We spent a week relaxing in the sun and beach. We visited the Inca ruins of Chichten Itsa. They were fascinating. A turtle farm, and dinner at sunset were also memorable experiences.

Russell has been on his mission to Germany for 10 months now. He has been serving in 3 cities; Darmstadt, Wesel, and now Koln (Cologne). You can keep track of his mission through his blog at www.elder-ram.blogspot.com .

Nicola and Danny are enjoying being parents. They live and work in the Bay area. They are glad to have family near by- aunts and grandparents to babysit! We wish we were closer to babysit more too!

Rachel has moved back to California from Cincinnati, Ohio. She is working for a textbook publisher in the Bay area. She lives about 45 minutes from Nicola and Lyndy.

Lyndy is in her second year of graduate school for her masters in social work. She will graduate in June. She is looking forward to this very much! She has been blessed with many experiences as she has worked and gone to school this past two years.

Lee and I are still working hard in developing our new internet business. It seems to be going well. It is growing, and we are adding services. It is a challenge in this economy to have a new business, but we feel we will be able to weather the storm. Lee still works full time for the college, which he enjoys. I still work as a consultant for AVID sometimes, and do private college counseling. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing and wonderful students this past year.

As we watch the Christmas lights sparkling in the night, we are moved by the gift we were given years before time. The gift of a tiny babe born in a manger, known only to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. The angels declared to the shepherds the message of "Peace on Earth, and Good Will to Men". We may not have physical peace on earth- but if we follow our hearts, and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can have spiritual peace in our hearts.

May you be blessed this Christmas season. May you know you are loved by family, friends, and your Father in Heaven. May His blessings be with you this season and throughout the upcoming new year.

Mother's Day for TWO

May 11, 2008
What a special day for our family! It was the first time there were two mothers in our family! It was the first mother's day for Nicola. Noah was 2 weeks and one day old when he helped celebrate his mom's first Mother's Day! Over fifty years ago (I won't tell HOW many fifty plus years it was) another member of our family helped make Mother's Day special for his mom- by being born on Mother's Day! There was a possibly that Noah could have been born on Mother's Day, (May 11), or even his grandfather's birthday (May 10). With a due date of May 1 we did not think he would be 10 days late. As it was, he came 4 days early, on April 26.
Being a mother is the hardest, but most rewarding job there is. Our society seems to be schizoprenic about motherhood. One the one hand celebrating it as one of the most commercial holidays of the year; and on the other hand demeaning the role and influence mother's have in their children's lives. How many times has someone said, "I'm just a mom." It should be "I'm a MOM!". As our society places more value on a mother's role, it will seek an improvement in many of society's ills.
I am glad have the title of "just a mom"- and to now the title of "just a grandmom". But, be warned, don't give me the title of "granny". That does not suit me at all!

What a difference a week can make!

Today is different. It is quiet. There are just two of us. This is a sharp contrast to last weekend, when there were 15 people at our house. Our son entered the missionary training center this past week. He was so excited to go. Ever since he was 16 he has been wanting to serve his mission.The time has finally come. He is ready to serve the Lord- wherever he is called.