In an effort to save a tree (hence the green font), I’m resorting to an e-Christmas Card this year.
We must really be getting old when the year starts to pass us by as quickly as 2008 did. Even the kids agree that the year has flown by. In a nutshell:
Terry completed three triathlons this year, including a Half Ironman. He also referees all over the state now, calling NCAA and Big West women’s [basketball] games this time of year. The day job with the State of California pays the bills so he can “play” the rest of the time. He lost his last grandparent this year, Ralph Conrad, so we made an unexpected trip to Oklahoma in February for his funeral. Grandpa Ralph had a long, full life and was ready for his heavenly home.
Marlyssa, 20, has moved out and is experiencing life on her own. She continues to work at Starbucks, living and working not far from Yosemite National Park. The house isn’t the same without all four girls living here, but it is exciting to watch our first spread her wings.
Layne, 17, is enjoying her senior year of high school. She’s involved in cheer, track/pole vaulting, working out, dance, yearbook, and photography. She will attend California State University/Fresno next fall. She and Terry tinker on the ’65 Mustang and it’s still her favorite thing to drive.
Kaylie, 14, started high school by joining the cross country team and running 5~ miles daily. She now transitions into the track season. She plays the flute the school’s symphonic band and loves reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends in her spare time.
Taylor, 14, is involved in marching, symphonic and percussion bands. She loves all things “music” and plays the clarinet, trombone and various percussion instruments. Whatever free time she has is spent listening to music, reading, or being with friends.
I am fortunate to continue to work from home with an old friend of ours, coordinating online continuing education courses for pesticide applicators. It’s a field that is new to me...but allows me to be home with the girls and adjust my days and hours as I want. Free time? I have taken up quilting and love it. There are worse addictions than fabric, I’m certain!
Terry and I were blessed to spend a week in Maui in the spring and we will take the girls there this June. My sisters and I took our mom on a Mexican cruise in November – a great trip that we are determined to do again! I’m ready for a season in life of less work and more travel!
If you’re headed to Central California, we’d love to see you!
May God bless you and yours with a Merry CHRISTmas,
and a 2009 full of grace and peace.
Love,
Terry & Cheryl
Marlyssa, Layne, Kaylie, Taylor
