Happy (Hectic) Holidays!

This has got to be one of the most hectic Christmas seasons ever. Okay, it probably isn’t, actually. But it still feels like it. Between work, homework, church callings, chores, cooking, shopping, wrapping, parties, snow shoveling, and relationships (which should be the most important thing)… it’s a bear. BUT every once in a while I stop for a moment and think of the Savior and feel immense appreciation for His compassion, for His patience with me, and for the opportunity for growth (no matter how much I kick and scream along the way). I’ll be the first to admit I need to focus on Him way more often because when I do – it is a moment filled with peace. Just one moment. But – oh – what a glorious moment!

Here are some of our memories from this year…

Back in November of 2008 the company I have worked for since 1990 (DataChem Laboratories) was sold to ALS Laboratory Group. To say that the buyout caused a ripple in my life would be a massive understatement. I felt like the bottom had just fallen out of my world. Several of my very closest friends were … ahem … let go, one of whom was my boss Ken Olson. Thankfully, Ken and I still keep in touch regularly and will be friends regardless of our “job situations.” I am grateful to him for his belief in me and his support (in many different capacities) of my family and me over these many years. Things at the office have settled down somewhat and I have found myself in a different position doing different tasks, but for now I am grateful to have a job (and the modest income that comes with it).

Rylan is now 13 years old and attending his first year of middle school (7th grade). He is loving it. Well – loving everything about it except for Science and ‘running the mile’ in gym. The coolest things about middle school – according to Rylan – are having a locker and not having to sit in one class all day long. He has made some new friends, and is getting very good grades.

He started taking piano lessons this year. He has had fun with some of his recent Christmas pieces and loves to memorize them. Once he has them down we get to hear them over and over (and over) again. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am proud of him. He is a great kid, and I am so blessed to have him in my life.

He is also serving as the 2nd Counselor in his Deacon’s Quorum. He is a kind young man who is always concerned about the feelings of others. I am constantly amazed by his goodness and his willingness to do the right thing. I’m not saying he doesn’t have moments of “13.” He does. But for the most part, he is awesome.

We tried to have a dog this year. Did that work out? Not s’much. Moving right along…

We did have a hamster named Champ. He was an awesome little (BIG) hamster. Unfortunately we sold him because we got the aforementioned dog. (I had to use a big word there to give my friend – an attorney – something entertaining to read.) Champ loved to walk around in his little exercise ball and cruise in his hamster wheel in the middle of the night.

In September Rylan and I took a quick trip to San Diego just to sneak away from it all (see blog and photos below). It wasn’t a long vacation, but we had an awesome time together. Rylan pretty much lived in the ocean 24/7 (other than eating and sleeping). He had so much fun with a boogie board I picked up for him at one of the little beach shops on the boardwalk. I relaxed on the beach, collected sea shells, and shopped at one of my favorite stores on Coronado Island. We ate clam chowder every chance we got and loved every minute. Before we knew it, we were back home again, but those are memories we’ll have forever. I’m glad we did it.

In November I hit the big 4-1. What a depressing number. Just kidding. It’s all right. I don’t FEEL like I’m 41. At least not most of the time. There are days. But age is just a number, right? At least that’s what “they” keep telling me.

We wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your friendship.

Love,
Kathy and Rylan