As with many of you, 2019 has been a year filled with many
ups, downs, and all arounds. It’s been a blessing to look back on all the
things we’ve done and the ways we have grown.
Brandon – continues to work at Salt Lake Community
College as the Director of Purchasing/Accounts Payable/Travel. He enjoys the people he works with, and
continues to work hard to ensure the campus follows state and federal laws in
all their purchasing acquisitions. This
year, he also decided to run, and was then elected, as the Utah Chapter
treasurer for NIGP (National Institute for Government Procurement). He has enjoyed the challenges and
opportunities this new position has given him. He and Peter spent six weekends
this summer camping in the mountains near our home.
Their favorite place ended up
being a campground called Soapstone. The drive getting there wasn’t fun for Peter, but
they enjoyed this new spot they’ve never been to. They also enjoy hiking together on these camping trips. Brandon also took Peter on a trip to Disneyland
in January and he had a two-week work trip to San Diego in October.
Laurie Ann – at the beginning of the year I made the
decision to enroll the boys in public school for the 2019/2020 school year. It has been a significant change for me, yet
I’ve found ways to manage the huge adjustment. In July, I was hired as an ESL
teacher for the online company Qkids. I wake up in the early morning (and
during the busy season I work nights) and teach English to children in
China. This job still fulfills my need to be a teacher.
The children are so
loving and excited to learn. They often say: “Teacher, you are
beautiful”, “Teacher, I love you”. Waking up to this love and acceptance has been life changing. A few months later I also
accepted a similar position with a another company - VIPkids. I juggle both
companies in an attempt to keep myself busy when one company has a slow booking
month. I also attend the temple weekly and volunteer as a parent helper in
Luke’s school class twice a week. In October, I also found and joined my local group of DUP (Daughters of the Utah Pioneer). They are the highlight of my month because of the love that fills me up anytime I'm around them. Oh yes, lastly, , in May I cut my hair. I love it so much and I’ll never go back.
Peter – is now 11 years old. He loves, Loves, LOVES
school. He has the most amazing teacher who cares about his feelings and
supports him in the things he loves. He works hard at school and academically is right on target.
His friend Talmadge also made the transition from
homeschool to public school this year and they are in the same class. It’s a
delight to see them go off to school together every morning. Having Talmadge
has made the adjustment so easy for Peter. Peter also finished up the Scouting
program by receiving his Arrow of Light, Webelos, and Faith in God awards.
Whew, that was a lot of work for both of us. His Webelos leaders have been amazing
this year. Jenny Colvin and Laurie Ann Thomas have been fabulous. Wahoo!
Luke – is now 8 years old. He kinda likes school. It’s
hard to get him there (most mornings), but once he is there, he loves it. He
and I have a routine of walking to and from school. He thinks I’m torturing
him.. Luke is lucky enough to have a teacher from England.
Woot, woot! It’s his
first-year teaching at Luke’s school and Luke really likes him. Luke also
enjoys having Mom come in and help in the classroom twice a week. He also
thinks it’s awesome when I bring my own lunch and we eat together. I try to eat
school lunch with him every week. He doesn’t have any close friends at school
yet. Hopefully that will happen soon. This year Luke decided he didn’t want to
go camping with Dad and Peter. So, he and I have spent a lot of summer weekends
together. Video games are Luke’s favorite
thing right now. I wish I could say I was improving with all the practice, but
I’m not.
Rex - is now three years old. We love having him in
our home. He gave me a panic attack earlier this year when he wouldn’t eat for
a solid month. We also figured out that he does not enjoy eating crickets. He
just watches them hop around his cage and then eventually goes back to
snoozing. His favorite food is chicken breast and pumpkin puree. I also grew
beets for him this year. He loves to munch the baby beet greens. Rex is still
growing and sheds every other month. He is currently 24 inches long and weighs
39 ounces. He is an imposing specimen. All the neighbor kids love to see him
when they come over.
We wish all our family and friends the happiest of holiday seasons and an amazing 2020.
