Merry Christmas

Dear Family and Friends,

Kevin and I have been very blessed this year and thank Heavenly Father each day for one another, our children, extended family and friends.

Looking back, the year 2006 was one of the most challenging we have ever faced together. As most of you know, my father passed in January, Kevin was released after six years as bishop of the Salina Third Ward and he retired from Sevier School District. We sold our Salina home after 28 years and purchased a new home in Springville, Utah, Karli, our youngest, graduated from North Sevier High School and we became empty nesters. Chari married Mike Hazlett on July 1 and a few weeks later Clark was in a rollover accident outside of Salina. In August Kevin began teaching at Provo High School and happily we welcomed two new grandchildren into our family.

For the most part, the year 2007 has seemed boring compared with 2006. Kevin has enjoyed teaching at Provo High. He is on the Springville West Stake high council, and one of his assignments is with the emergency preparedness committee. Because of this, he has gotten his HAM radio license and runs a net for the stake each Sunday evening where operators from each ward check in and talk about whatever HAM operators talk about. He has continued teaching technology classes for the State Office of Education to teachers during the summer months and this keeps him busy while school is out.

I have enjoyed being closer to my children and grandchildren and attending classes at BYU and completing independent study classes at home. If I keep up the pace, I could receive my degree in family history about this time next year. On Thursdays, I pick up an express bus just a mile from our home and go up to Salt Lake City to attend a CES class with my mother. I usually spend the afternoon with her at the family history library. We enjoy the day together. I am in the Relief Society presidency in our ward, and I have worked hard to get to know the people in the ward. It was a brand new ward when we moved here, and most of us were strangers.

Marci and Dan have three children, Kaylee (4), Parker (3) and Brenna (8 months). Dan expects to complete his PhD from BYU in chemical engineering during 2008. We will be anxious to see where they become employed and begin their new home.

Cassy and Brayden have three children, Coy (4), Ian (2) and Emma (1). Brayden has been flying around the country interviewing for his residency in family practice medicine. He will graduate from the U of U in May. We are all hoping he will be hired by Utah Valley or McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden.

Clark lives in St. George and works for UPS. He has a son Tristan (2) and enjoys the wonderful weather there. We haven’t talked him into moving further north yet.

Chari and Mike live in Provo. Chari will be graduating from UVSC in April. Mike works full-time and attends night classes at UVSC.

Karli is in her second year at BYU and will be finishing her degree at UVSC in elementary education. She is in the Relief Society presidency in her student ward. We don’t see her as often as we would like.

Kevin and I want to affirm our testimonies of our Savior Jesus Christ, and at this season of the year, we are grateful for his birth on this earth. We are so blessed to live during this time in the history of the Church. We pray we will continue to enjoy His spirit and wish the same for each of you.

Love, Cindy and Kevin