For those that did not receive our Newsletter this year:
Stephen (husband/father): Stephen continues to work as a product engineer for Eaton Corp, surviving lay-offs and several weeks of furlough. Despite this, he enjoys his work and is grateful to be able to provide for his family. Stephen continues to spend roughly one night per month in a tent as the scout master in our ward. He has had the opportunity to sing for "United We Sing" (July 4th ensemble) and joined the Minnesota Mormon Chorale this fall. His “free time” at home is generally enjoyed under the supervision of his wife on some house project. This year’s projects included re-roofing the garage and crafting a new brick front path.
Charisse (wife/mother): Charisse has had a full year of new things. She became the 1st counselor in the primary presidency this summer and was in charge of the Primary Program, and is also now over Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts (I always wished I could be a scout, I guess this is my chance). Charisse also learned how to ride a bike with clipless pedals (which actually means they have clips) and got a crash course in said skill on a 100 mile bike ride in the streets/paths of the Twin Cities over 2 days. She survived but has a few scars and recommends people not do such a thing when they're newly pregnant (baby girl due in March), or on a mountain bike with mountain biking tires. During a recent trip to Nauvoo, Illinois, Charisse picked up crocheting as a way to keep her hands occupied during the 7 hour drive. Charisse continues to enjoy yoga even though it is getting harder to touch her toes.
Samantha (2, soon-to-be big sister): Sammi is a happy light in our life. She continues to need to place things where they go (less so with her toys at home, however) and if something spills or gets on her hands she might have a melt-down. She can now tell you that her name is "Sampa" (Although ownership is always "Sammi") and that she's 2. She is very observant and will often point out if you've finished your food/drink ("All done mommy?") She's figuring out colors and a few letters as well. As we read books every page has an action to it. In "Hop on Pop" there is a page that says "Mr. Brown is upside-down" and she always gets down to look at the book from the top (saying "this way") so that Mr. Brown is right-ways-up to her. She enjoys pointing out the letters she knows (S, C, M and O) whenever she sees them and can spend several minutes asking what every other shape or letter is on the page. We overwhelm the Lord with prayers because we have to say almost all prayers twice. Sammi insists "my say it" (and how can you resist a child wanting to say a prayer?). She loves having a turn to read scriptures at night time and we love hearing her try and say words like "Jerusalem" and “nevertheless.”
We feel very fortunate during these trying times for the protection and blessings that come with living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the love of all of our family and friends and pray that you are all equally blessed during the coming year.
With love,
Stephen, Charisse, and Samantha
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