Covid 2020 (By Jen)

Here is another fun, informative post by my sister, Jen, that I am "borrowing" for my blog!  

Oh, the memes!

I titled this post "Covid 2020" ... although of course it's actually Covid-19, as the first cases were documented there at the end of 2019. But it was 2020 when most people realized that this coronavirus was going to impact everyone and everything. Shall we start off with some poetry?

COVID Limericks: (by Scott Westra 2020)

Because of the virus Corona

I’ve adopted a different persona

It’s not all that great

To self-isolate

And spend way too much time alona.

It is critical that we all get checked

To insure were not poised to infect

Be up to the task

And wear the darn mask

Or the economy’s sure to get wrecked.

Forgive my cough and my wheeze

Heaven forbid I will sneeze

Just don’t duck for cover

And you will discover

It’s just seasonal allergies!

It was just a little ironic ...

As the year started, "Coronavirus" and "Covid-19" was something many people had heard of, but it was something that was a world away. It got closer. It was January when the news announced that the first case was here in the states. In March, there was a case in Utah. Still, it didn't seem real. 

It was March 11 when Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive, and the NBA shut down. (All other sports would follow suit. There was no "March Madness" and the NFL draft was done virtually, no school or community competitions allowed. The 2020 Olympics were postponed). In the following days, everything changed. Schools attempted to move to online learning, churches and temples shut their doors, missionaries came home and countries closed their borders. Employers transitioned to "work at home" for all who could. For a time, playgrounds were taped off. Funerals and weddings could only allow limited attendance. No big graduation ceremony for college/high school seniors. Drive-by parades became the only sort of celebration.

Restaurants were open only for take-out (this was encouraged, to help keep the economy going). Movie theaters, gyms, libraries, salons ... all closed. Disneyland closed and the Las Vegas strip shut down. Only "essential" businesses are allowed to remain open, and most would offer "contactless" shopping (order online and pickup). "Essential Worker" was a new buzzword, as was "social distancing".  Other phrases: out of an abundance of caution, super-spreader, uncertain times, flatten the curve, contact tracing, bubble, quaranteam, remote learning, new normal, "blursday" (as time lost its meaning), Zoom and P.P.E (personal protective equipment).

Stores and supplies were hit hard. There were shortages of sanitizer, disinfectant ... toilet paper. Many food items would be very hit and miss, and there were limits placed on most items. Pasta, yeast, flour, sugar, milk, bread. You never knew if you'd be able to get what you wanted/needed. Stores that had previously been open 24-hours now closed for cleaning, rest and restocking. For a time, the number of customers was capped. There were lines outside Costo. There were arrows indicating one-way aisles. Soon masks were mandatory, and there were plexi-glass dividers between workers and customers. Home delivery became very popular! There were other shortages ... bikes, trampolines, game systems, home gym equipment. Almost everything was affected, timelines for manufacturing and shipping were much slower. There was an aluminum shortage that affected cans of soda. Even money ... a coin shortage!

Masks, gloves, face shields, respirators ... there wasn't enough to go around. There was a lot of back and forth about masks. First saying that PPE should be preserved for the medical community, that they weren't really effective for the general public. Many doctors/dentists shut down ("telemed" appointments were encouraged) for all but emergency services, as much to control materials as contact.  People started sewing handmade cloth masks, but there were then shortages of elastic and fabric and it was still questioned if they provided protection. The thought was that wearing a mask may not protect the wearer as much as those around them. "I wear my mask for you, you wear your mask for me."  A few months in, and masks were mandatory and were being sold everywhere. Reusable (washable) fabric masks and disposable - the more protective N95 masks continued to be in short supply. SO much contention and politicizing of masks and procedures.

As things escalated in March, the Governor of Utah issued a "Stay safe, stay at home" directive for two weeks. Only essential movement outside of the home. This was an attempt to "flatten the curve", knowing that there still would be spread, but trying to control/slow it so that the hospitals would not become overwhelmed. Some obeyed, some pushed back. 

Restaurants, gyms and salons opened up again, with restrictions and safety protocols in place. Many people went back to work, but "work at home" will likely never be as limited, often still an option. Some businesses did not survive the shutdown, and unemployment/layoffs were issues for many. A stimulus package put money into most American's bank accounts ($1200). The NBA finally finished the season, with the players staying in a "bubble" with no contact with the world outside. School started up again in August. The Salt Lake School District was only online, but all the other school districts offered options for online or in-person learning. The kids had to wear masks. There were many quarantines and school shut-downs as positive cases were tracked. 

In the Spring, everyone watched as the numbers of cases increased ... in Utah, cases topped 100, then 200. Then there were 500 cases in a day. At first, testing was limited. Specific criteria had to be met; certain symptoms, travel from certain locations or contact with a positive person. Still there were long lines for an uncomfortable test (nasal swab). Soon there were options for a saliva test. Tests were required for travel and before medical procedures. As school started, there was required testing (every two weeks) for college students and student-athletes. Now, the norm for daily positive cases was in the thousands (2000-5000), with a number of covid-related deaths reported daily as well. Controversy and conspiracy theories were everywhere (the "plandemic", it's all a ruse, EVERY death is counted as Covid, people are testing positive who didn't take the test, it's all so the government can take away all our freedoms, the virus was made in a lab and released, everything should open/herd immunity, masks are dangerous or just don't work, this medication or that could be a cure, it's just the flu, etc, etc.) There was some good too though, as people attempted to work together, and there were many stories of environmental recovery. 

As time went on, most hospitals were at capacity and doctors and nurses were exhausted. Some states had crises earlier on (New York was hit hard in April/May) and every state was attempting control in their own way (as were countries around the world). The Governor of Utah set a second two-week shutdown mid-November. People were encouraged not to gather with family for Thanksgiving or Christmas.  As the year ended, a few companies had come out with vaccines, which were starting to be distributed (more controversy), but no one really knows how effective they will be, or if people will even remain immune after recovering from the virus. But there is a feeling of hope ...

Some days, life still felt normal (especially for introverts) ... 

Other days you'd open your eyes and see how odd it all was!

Check out this TIMELINE.

... did I mention the memes?

See my Meme Album here.

Almost 400+ hplayful peeks at the pandemic.

The cousins put together a little production at the start of the pandemic...

Cousins Covid

2020 Recap of the Jensen Family

Here is our Christmas Newsletter for 2020...

 2020 impacted us all with a worldwide pandemic, political and civil unrest, and the presidential election. But it was also a year that contained numerous blessings. Along with the shutdowns came a life with a slower pace, more family time, and more opportunities for reflection. In March we received a new daughter as Jase and Ellen were married in the Draper temple for time and all eternity. They were married on Saturday, March 14th. On Monday, March 16th temples across the world were shut down because of the pandemic. How blessed we were to be able to be in the temple with our family and friends to witness that sacred event! They had a beautiful reception. The St. George reception had to be cancelled, but we were so grateful that they were able to still have their reception in South Jordan and were still able to go on their planned honeymoon! 

A few days after their reception, those of us who stayed in Salt Lake experienced the earthquake that happened on March 18th. First a pandemic, and then an earthquake! Like the rest of you, we never came back to school in person after spring break. Although there were some stresses concerning the shutdown, it was also a time we enjoyed (at least I did). I was out of work for a few months and although I missed that income, I enjoyed being home. Church at home was a sacred experience. Our children really stepped up to the plate in planning and teaching their assigned lessons and we felt the guidance of the spirit. 

April brought Easter and our Masquerade Ball! Since Senior Ball was cancelled for Janelle we decided to throw our own family prom at home. In honor of Covid we made it a Masquerade Ball with home-made masks and a model run-way as everyone modeled their masks. We got some hilarious video footage from this event! 

May was Mother's Day -- which for the Jensen family means "Mother's Day Tea!" Janika and Brandon surprised me by driving clear from Logan for the weekend to celebrate Mother's day with us. 

At the end of May Jared returned home from his mission! He loved his mission and we loved his letters and phone calls each week. His return home brought additional insights as the family studied the scriptures. He also brought more energy and laughter, a much higher volume of noise, and the need to increase our grocery budget! 

In June, our family enjoyed Father’s Day Flee at a cabin in Pine Valley with our good friends, the Healeys. Then we had the opportunity to perform a special musical number with handbells for my dad for Father’s Day at our annual Father’s Day party in Draper! Click HERE to listen! 

July included a fun camping trip to Navajo Lake with our good friends the Williams! 

In August Grandma Jensen rented a big cabin in Bear Lake. We had fun spending time with the entire family and enjoyed great company, delicious food, a fun day at Bridgerland Adventure, and time on the lake! We also got to go visit Brandon's family at their cabin and go boating with them!  

August was back to school -- with masks and social distancing. We were grateful that both our girls were able to attend the Homecoming dance since many of the other dances were cancelled or postponed. Two or three months later our entire family tested positive for Covid (except for Janika and Brandon who were up north). The amount of illness ranged from no symptoms (Jenna) to almost all of the symptoms, albeit fairly mild (Wendy), to completely down in bed for two weeks (Rick). Josh was fortunate that he was able to finish his entire fall soccer season before getting Covid. Janelle had to miss 24 days of school due to quarantines! It was truly a miracle that Jaiden and Janelle (and the rest of the cast) were  able to still participate in their Musical Revue at the high school. You can listen to the girls' touching duet "Some Things are Meant to Be" from Little Women HERE or on Facebook HERE. 

Everyone was healthy for Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas Rick and I were able to go to Mexico! This was our first time trying out an all-inclusive resort (Ocean Maya Royale in Playa del Carmen) and it was so much fun! We were able to see the sights and swim in the rivers at Xcaret and go visit Chichen Itza. We also enjoyed just relaxing at the resort and eating all of the delicious food!   

So that brings us up to date for the year! Rick is currently teaching Seminary at Dixie High School and was recently offered a new part-time position in addition to the classes he is already teaching. He is now the ASL coordinator and adviser for the United States and Canada. He is excited and overwhelmed with this new opportunity! Rick also continues to work as an interpreter for the Deaf part time. He  serves on the High Council and Wendy serves in the Young Women Presidency. Wendy stays busy keeping track of the children's schedules and carpools and also continues to work as in interpreter for the Deaf.  

This is what the kids had to say about 2020...

Janika and Brandon: 

2020 has been a whirlwind, but we have been so incredibly blessed along the way!! Every night as I kneel down to pray my heart is just overcome with gratitude. We began the year with a trip to Kauai with Brandon's family that was a dream! A few weeks later life shut down and we were able to work from home together for about a month. Brandon graduated with a double bachelor's in marketing and business administration and kept working at Cache Valley Bank up until a few weeks ago. He recently accepted a job offer as the marketing operations analyst for JobNimbus in Lehi, so we packed up and moved just before another cold Logan winter! With this job came another surprise Hawaii trip, this time to Maui! I'm still working through my master's program in school counseling and will begin a practicum in the spring at a local elementary school. My classes have been online for most of the year, but I think I honestly like that format better. Now we're just adjusting to life in a new area and on the hunt for a new home. Stay tuned for when we become homeowners in 2021!

Jase and Ellen: 

The first few months of this year were a blur of wedding planning, apartment searching, work/school, and spending all of our spare time together. March brought Covid - but also our wedding! We were sealed in the Draper Utah Temple and were blessed to be able to share our sealing with many of our friends and family members. Following our sealing, we were able to have the most perfect reception in South Jordan, then leave for our honeymoon in Cozumel, Mexico. In Mexico, we were able to visit ruins at Tulum and Coba, go snorkeling, go swimming in a cenote, and enjoy lots of time on the beach. Due to Covid, we were able to celebrate home Prom with Jase’s family. In May, we adopted our cat, Sweet Pea, from the local animal shelter. Sweet Pea was scared of the other cats, and since adopting her, she’s gained plenty of weight and become excessively energetic (especially at 4 in the morning). Jase was also nominated to be the Chemistry and Biochemistry Student of the Year in May. During the summer we spent lots of time with each of our families. We celebrated Father’s Day with Jase’s Family; then, we spent time with Ellen’s family when they visited Saint George. During Father’s Day Flee, Ellen was able to enjoy shooting paintballs at an unarmed Jase wearing shorts, and when Ellen’s family visited, we were able to drive side-by-sides at the sand dunes. In July, we went camping near Duck Creek with our friends, Shantell, Brekkon, Liz, and Kendrik.

Once school started again, we got swamped; but in September Ellen’s sisters, Lexie and Sophie were able to visit for a sister’s weekend in Saint George. We spent the end of September and the beginning of October in quarantine after we got Covid-19, but after we were healthy again, we were able to visit Ellen’s mission in Jacksonville, Florida. We were able to stay with two families from Ellen’s mission as well as see some others. We were also able to visit some local historical landmarks, do some shopping (much to Jase’s dismay), and spend time running around on the beach. Jase also got to participate in a laser tag tournament in October. He was so excited and did really well - it looks like we won’t be done with laser tag anytime soon! In November, we got to spend Thanksgiving with Jase’s family and enjoyed a much-needed break from school. We are excited to be done with the semester soon, and we can’t wait for Christmas and more time with each of our families!

Jared:

2020 was quite a wild ride! The year started while I was still living the dream on the southside of Chicago. It was awesome to see miracle after miracle from my time there! Soon I was transferred to the North side of Chicago where I spent 6 weeks, then my time was cut short there as I was transferred to the middle of the mission to serve in the office working with the president. That's when Covid hit and my companion and I suddenly learned that we would be sent home three months early, so I was again transferred to serve way out in the cornfields for my last area. I loved each of the last few areas I served in! Even with Covid I was able to have great companions and enjoy the work I did with them. Coming home was an adventure and I was able to start working and attending Dixie State University and studying my generals. That's pretty much where my life remains, I've been working, studying, and enjoying my life! I'm excited to be done with my generals this semester and begin my major of Exercise Science next year!

Janelle:

I'm a senior at Snow Canyon High School this year! I am a section leader in Madrigals, Vice President of Seminary Council, participate in NHS and the school plays, and there are probably some other things that I can't remember right now! Even with COVID being a major wrench in everything a lot happened this year! I am an official adult now, for one, and have a betta fish named Desmond. I continue to work at Papa Murphy's and also currently do an internship for speech therapy at Vista School (when I'm not quarantined, which happened WAY more than it should've). COVID didn't stop us from having fun, however, and I took trips with my family for Father's Day Flee, Bear Lake, and I also went to Bryce Canyon with some of my friends. This year really made me appreciate school! All of the craziness added a little spice that made this year an adventure.

Jaiden:

I'm a junior at Snow Canyon High School! This year I am in Madrigals, Student Council, NHS, dance company, as well as studio dance, and the school shows! It has been a CRAZY year, what with the coronavirus and everything, but I've kept myself busy, and it hasn't been all that bad! When school was cancelled it was a tad bit boring, and having Covid wasn't the most fun experience, but overall it was a pretty good year! I went to my first school dance, became a Madrigals section leader, got my license, learned how to record songs in the studio, and got two new jobs! 2020 will definitely be a year to remember!

Josh:

In March all of the schools got shut down because of Covid and all of the students had to do online school. I liked it, but only because it was just one quarter. It was my birthday in April but because of Corona I didn't have my party until the summer. In the summer I also went to California with my friend and his family and it was really fun! I also started training for Cross Country at 6:00 a.m. every morning. My fastest time in a Cross Country meet was 18.56 -- much faster than last year! I still play soccer for both the 06 and 05 United FC teams, and I scored 16 goals this season. I have 8 games for each team, so that's really only one goal a game. But I scored 10 goals for my 06 team and 6 for my 05 team. I also got a job as a soccer referee, and I make $16 a game. I also got Covid at the beginning of November and still don't have my taste and smell back.

Jenna:

I am in sixth grade at Lava Ridge Intermediate School. In March we started online school because of Covid. I liked it because I finished school so fast everyday, but I missed my friends. This year I really got into reading. I read all of the Rick Riordan books -- starting with the Percy Jackson series. I am getting a camp half-blood sweatshirt for Christmas. I also like drawing and making things out of clay. Me and my friend started a little restaurant and made a special dinner for my mom and dad for a date. They loved it! I also got a snow cone machine and sold lots of snow cones. In October I turned 12 and got my ears pierced. I cleaned out our whole shed with my friends and turned it into a hide-out! It has been a fun year!

As I look back on this year I feel so incredibly blessed! I am grateful for my family and I am grateful for the extra time we were able to spend together this year! I am grateful for the chance to slow down and appreciate what is important. There were a few months this year where I felt like our family scripture study was the best it had ever been! We would read the upcoming chapter alone and then discuss it together and those scripture studies were filled with the spirit and revelation! I am grateful for friends, the gospel, and most of all I am grateful for the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ! As we look forward to 2021 and beyond, I hope we remember the many lessons that we learned during this crazy year of 2020. Love you all!!

Love, the Jensen Family

2020 Westra Family Recap! (By Jen)

My sister, Jen, did an awesome 2020 recap for our family blog and so I copied the whole post to include on my blog as well! 

2020 ... Do We Really Want a Recap?

Family - this IS supposed to be a complete recap! If you have additional memories/thoughts for your family, or for Utah/US/World that you'd like to add, just email me and I'll update!

2020 ... a year that will be remembered, but one that many might like to forget. There was the Westra Christmas Newsletter and the Annual Slideshow for 2020 which gives a pretty good look at what everyone was up to. The annual Father's Day party still happened ... but Covid canceled a family reunion and the Christmas Eve party. 

There were three weddings ...

One pre-pandemic, one RIGHT before things shut down, and one right in the middle of it all.

Several of the younger generation became homeowners... and this year there has been planning for a new home for Shane&Alicia with a G-suite (section for Margie/Lamar). There was also new baby news!

There were the annual ouchies!

Cal broke his foot ... the FOURTH time. Scott had to have surgery on his spine. Derek decided to try a trip to the ER. Kim had surgery on her ear and Conner ended the year as Cal had begun, except he managed a bigger break that required surgery.  Covid was an issue for a few of the families (Camden was the first, then some of Scott's and all the Jensens) but happily no extreme cases.

Ah Covid ... that will likely get its own blog post, with thoughts and memories (and memes!) from the year. There was also the EARTHQUAKE in March, with aftershocks afterward. There were worrisome wildfires here in Utah, and worse ones in nearby states, causing smoky skies ... and spooky red skies. There was a night of wild winds that left some Utah residents without power for weeks. The airport was redone, Derek's old boss bought the Utah Jazz, a mysterious "monolith" appeared in the Utah desert and Jupiter and Saturn aligned to create the "Christmas Star"...

The year started with fires across Australia. Kolby Bryant and others died in a helicopter crash. The  Black Lives Matter movement made a mark, and there were protests and riots, in Utah and across the US. There was a plethora of politics and a presidential election. Whew!

Back to the Westra Clan...

Trying to add a little extra to what was in the Christmas Newsletter blurb.

Most snapshots are also in the slideshow.

Scott and Amy ... fun to have Mckenna and Spencer back in Utah. Some boating and razor riding, and S&A cheering on the cheerleaders. Amy and Taylee took a trip to Disney World. Kemery and Mitch got a house, a dog and now a new baby on the way!

Yea, a new and complete family photo for the Chris and Kim crew! A marriage, and a missionary home (temporarily). Lots of hiking, doting on a granddaughter and photo fun. Chris is good at keeping in touch with weekly email updates. 

Wendy sends email updates fairly often and keeps a family blog with all their activities as well as an annual Christmas post to recap their year (see it here). A wedding, a missionary home, college graduation and so much more!

The Blackham's also had a wedding, and once they moved Callahan out, there was a bunch of renovation (new carpet and paint). Gray got a new truck, and some new gadgets for his kitchen/cooking. Jen sent out monthly email updates (and adds them to the family blog as well). 

Shane and Alicia have celebrated being back in Utah/snow with several ski trips. There was a new family car (Kia Telluride), a driver's license for Adria, as well as teaching her to drive a stick in Grandpa's little blue truck. Dancing and biking and home improvement projects ... as well as exciting home plans for the future!

Derek and Danielle always have oodles of adventures going on! So many fun photos to feature. Many home improvement projects, music and art enterprises and their summer went to the birds (with them documenting both a robin's nest and a hummingbird's nest). If you follow Derek on Facebook/Instagram you'll be pretty connected with all that's going on. 

Christmas Newsletter 2014

We would like to wish our friends and family a very Merry Christmas this season and thank you all for your love and support through the years!   

Here are a few of our highlights from this past year:

In the Spring our family went on a cruise to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico and had a great time!

This summer Janika, Jase, and Jared all had an enjoyable EFY session at SUU in Cedar City and Rick and Wendy had fun being EFY session directors for a week in San Antonio, Texas!

We also celebrated our 20 year anniversary this year!  We enjoyed a fun little get-away, which included seeing the Broadway show, Wicked!   Rick did a remix of the song he wrote for our wedding.  It turned out great, and you can listen to it here:  I Believe in Dreams 20th Anniversary Rendition.

Rick has been busy teaching Seminary at Pine View High School and Institute at Dixie State University.  He decided not to do the Hands and Harmony Carolers this year so that he could participate in an outreach interpreter training program called ICAN.  They have tried desperately to change his sign language from RSL (Rick's Sign Language -- that he learned during his Hands Up years) to ASL (American Sign Language).  He has loved the program and is doing well and has enjoyed interpreting in the community and at DSU for the past several months.

Wendy has also been very busy with the activities and events of all of our children.  She is working part time -- interpreting at Dixie State University as well as in the community.  She was recently called to be the Primary President in our ward and enjoys working with all of the children in the ward and with her awesome presidency! She has also been trying to reteach her husband sign language for 20 years.  She's beginning to see some results. :)

Our kids have been really busy too!  Before graduating from Tuacahn High School, Janika represented her school as the Seminary President as well as the Sterling Scholar in Family and Consumer Science. In April, Janika finished her duties as the Santa Clara City Princess. She spent the summer working at Krave and spending time with her friends.  She is currently attending Snow College on a full-ride scholarship. She has been paying all of her bills herself and has proven that she really can do adult things!  She plans to finish up a year of school and then serve a mission. We are very pleased with her ambition, decisions, and drive.  She's not only beautiful, but smart too!  She has the potential of becoming the "whole package" as soon as she learns how to keep her room clean.

 Janika and her roommates at Snow!

Jase just turned 17.  This past year he got his driver's license, starting dating, and got a job at Arctic Circle.  He does a remarkable job juggling school, work, friends, cross country, and track -- all while continuing to earn straight A's.  He was adventurous on our cruise and decided to try some new cuisine such as frog legs and escargot (below).  The same adventurous attitude has also allowed him to meet LOTS of new female friends.  When they seem interested in his looks / personality / drive / ambition, he quickly hands them a card with his credentials and information on it.  Oh how lucky we are to have a young man who learned from scouting days the true meaning of "be prepared!"

 

 

 

Jared is 14 and in the 9th grade at Snow Canyon Middle School.  His talents include doing flips, juggling balls while riding a unicycle, and running.  He joined Jase on the Cross Country team this year at the High School and recently won first place in his grade in his school's "Turkey Trot."  Jared enjoys playing frisbee and night games with his friends.  Jared has a fun sense of humor and also does very well in school. He enjoys making narcissistic videos with his friends which enlighten all of us about "the daily life and choices of Jared."  As of now, these videos have not been released for public viewing.

 

 

 

Janelle won third place in the fifth grade Geography Challenge and achieved the "Give Me Liberty Award" this year in school.  She just turned 12 and is now attending Lava Ridge Intermediate school where she is getting straight A's.  She recently graduated from Primary and started Young Women's!  The highlight for Janelle this year was playing the part of Brigitta in St. George Musical Theater's "Sound of Music!"  She is quite the "mother hen" and wakes the entire family up at 6:15 a.m. every morning for scripture study.  She also reminds everyone to "wash their hands" and finds other ways to boss everyone around, including her dear old dad.  It's been tough to deal with, but I just keep reminding myself she needs to practice somewhere.  I encourage her to practice on her siblings.

 

 

Jaiden is 10 years old and in the fifth grade. She participated in Jazz/Hip Hop at Trio this year, and is now taking a tumbling class.  She is always having dance parties in the basement and constantly doing cartwheels and splits in the kitchen.  This year she got braces on and then six months later got them off.  Jaiden is in the Arrowhead Elementary School Choir and on Student Council.  She loves hanging out with her friends!  Due to her sister's beckoning, she is able to keep her room clean and wake up for scripture study (sometimes).

  

Braces On... 

 

 Braces Off!

This was an important year for Josh since he turned eight years old and was baptized!  Josh was also excited to start Cub Scouts this year!  Josh is in the third grade and is in the Chinese Dual Immersion Program at school. He says he's learning Chinese at school, but when his dad tries to speak it to him, he can't understand what his dad is saying.  Josh says it is because his Dad is just making up words and doesn't really know Chinese.  I guess Josh doesn't understand RCL (Rick's Chinese Language).  Josh ran his first 5K this year at Swiss Days! He enjoys reading, piano lesson, and playing lots of fun games with his family!

 

 

Jenna is six years old and is as lively and spunky as ever!  She started kindergarten this year and loves it!  She is also in the Mandarin Chinese Dual Immersion Program.  Rick tries to talk to her in Chinese too, but she says the same thing as Josh.  We're wondering what they are teaching them over at that school.  Jenna is VERY social and wants to play with friends every minute of the day!  She loves to dance around the house and do art projects. We're hoping that her art projects will turn into "decorating our yard" in the future, so she can take care of the weeds, grass, trees, etc.

 

 

 At this Christmas Season we wish to express our gratitude for our friends and family and especially for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We are so grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow with all of you.  It reminds me of a scripture:  "For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then to vanisheth away"  (James 4:14).  We're grateful to know all of you in this life, and especially to know and learn of HIM.  He is the reason why we have this life.  We hope you are able to have a year of growth and learn of HIM as well during this Christmas season. 

We wish you all the best in 2015!!