Family Newsletter for 2010 about 2009
2009 seemed like a long year. It started with us still worrying about Michelle and family being in China. Skype helped keep us connected though. We could see them and talk to them on our computer. Technology is wonderful! Michelle kept up a descriptive blog on the Internet complete with pictures. They always had some culture-shock story or interesting thing they saw or ate to tell us about. It felt like when Michelle was on her mission. We almost experienced it, too, but were just glad when they were home safe and sound in February. Then we had fun catching up on “24” episodes, figuring out our taxes together (eeek!!), watching movies with them and trying out some of Ben's yummy veggie and fruit drinks. Brayden spoke a little Chinese so we heard a lot of “zo bah” when he wanted to go outside. He kept us entertained by playing ball with him. He is a pro for his age group already.
Ray still likes teaching P. E. in Lehi for the Alpine School District. He has gone skiing with the school kids and ice fishing with his school buddies. He has brought me home big rainbow trout from Deer Creek Reservoir. Yes, he didn't think his age was catching up with him until he got progressively severe pain down his left arm one Sunday. It wasn't heart problems, just bulging discs in his neck like I had. After blessings, physical therapy, a shot and chiropractic care he was ok. He was trying to avoid the surgery I had.
In March the Stake President asked Ray to be a councilor in the Alta Ridge Care Center's Branch Presidency. It was a calling we hadn't even thought of, but we have enjoyed going to church with the residents, even the ones in the Alzheimer's unit. They love seeing you even if it was just five minutes ago. (When WE have a “senior moment” of forgetfulness, we worry we are going their route sooner than later!) I was called to the music person's job so I have tried to improve my piano playing skills. In a small but growing branch you often do it all on some Sundays: play the music, give the prayer, give a talk, give the lesson in Relief Society... I'm sure we will continue to grow from our jobs. If anything, we feel much younger! And I'm more determined to keep up my flexibility, balance and muscle strength so I won't have to be in a wheel chair any sooner than necessary! Ray also still works one day a week in the temple. I'm still finding many new families to add to our family tree and take to the temple.
Michelle and family left for North Carolina the first part of April so Ben could sell home alarm systems. Michelle and Melanie became pregnant close to the same time and were both pretty sick. Melanie and family stayed with us for two weeks before they got into their new condo. I'm glad I could cook for Melanie when she couldn't do it for herself without getting greener around the gills! It was fun having Josie to play with, too. All the grand kids love to swing with Bopa Ray. Josie calls me Nanny. Riley calls me Beeecky very clearly for a 2 year old.
By June Michelle was having a hard time with her morning sickness and hypoglycemia, adjusting to being home alone in a new place and trying to take care of a two year old. When Ray was out of school we flew out to North Carolina for 10 days. I came down with a good case of claustrophobia in the planes but some how got through it. We had fun with the Burnett's and tried to help where we could.
When we got back we found out it had turned unseasonably cool and had rained a lot. Elliot was nice enough to plant tomatoes and peppers in the garden while we were gone. I later planted Italian green beans, beets, multi-colored carrots and a zucchini plant from seed. They all came up and did well but not until the end of the season, late August and September. The apricot tree mass-produced in July so I got a lot of nectar and apricot halves canned. Good thing Ray still is agile enough to climb trees. The branches kept breaking so he cut a lot down. Peaches, nectarines and pears came from my boss's neighbor. They are so pretty canned on the shelf and help to fill up our food storage. The plum jam turned out yummy, too. When the tomatoes finally turned red I was able to make more salsa to can. Our neighbor had great apples to eat. It is always sad when the season is over.
Stephanie and family moved back from Cheyenne the first of August. Yippee!! They found a nice rental house in Provo. We are so glad we have all the kids and their families in Utah. We don't get to see Ryan or Lisa's families as much as we wish but we get together at birthdays and when we can. They will fill you in on their lives.
Michelle and family surprised us by coming home the last of August instead of Sept. We had a casual summer family picture taken in Steph's backyard on Labor Day. The grandkids are growing up so fast. They are each unique and very possessive so we have to keep teaching them about sharing. The little fights get pretty loud!
In October Lisa surprised us with the news they are expecting a boy in June. Yeah! Us girls were all dressed up for the Witch's Night Out party at Gardner Village when she gave us the news. That will make 7 granddaughters and 2 grandsons! Our posterity continues to grow.
I have been a part-time nurse at the same family practice clinic for 14 years. How time flies. Out of the blue, though, my boss came to my desk with a card signed by everyone and a bouquet of flowers. They liked my work and were sad to see me leave but it was “adios to me”. I wasn't exactly fired, just moved to a pool of nursing personnel that can be called to work at all the clinics owned by the University of Utah, which owns my clinic, if I want to work that day. What a weird way to change jobs. The only plus is I got a good raise, but don't work much, so I have more time for my other projects, swimming and helping with the kids. There is another clinic being built closer to home near the Oquirrh Mtn. Temple so maybe I can work at that clinic. Right now I fill in for the nurse who took my one work day and do health fairs.
By December, Michelle and Melanie were getting more uncomfortable by the minute from their enlarging tummies. Being grandparents-in-waiting is what made 2009 so long!!! Melanie had Carly ten days early on December 11th, so we had Christmas with one down and one to go. It was a wonderful, long, loud, exhausting day. Brayden loved dragging around his tangled Christmas tree beads he called bubbles and the girls squabbled over their new toys. Michelle and Melanie were at the dinner table that night watching the kids play “jump over the beads” as they snaked back and forth on the ground with Allison and Brooklyn holding each end. (Un-be-known to me, these beads were the good ones that Paige, one of the two climbers in the family, had gotten off the Christmas tree. Ha!) When the beads broke, the girls decided to cooperate again and entertain us with Christmas songs. Josie turned back into her cute self, (she was sick and cranky with a cold) and sang her version of “Jeengie Bells” then bowed with a swooping arm. Melanie and Michelle were so tired (and hormonal) that they “lost it” and started crying and saying it was so cute. Where is the video camera when you want it?
Michelle had Jasmine December 30, grandpa Dean's birthday. With Brayden being born on Ray's birthday it makes me think Dean may have asked the “powers that be” to arrange it that special way!
We feel we were very blessed in 2009 and hope you have a great 2010. We look forward to seeing you all at the family reunion.
Love, Ray and Becky
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