Time has moved so quickly and we can't believe that it is already December and Christmas is a week away. We have missed all of our Alabama friends. AnnaLee has days of Alabama homesickness (especially when she looks up blogs from friends there) and it takes a few days to get over. Thank you to those who have kept in touch, called us, and let us know that you too have missed us.
We have had a 'little' slow time before the big bubble of chaos and callings hit us. Roger was assigned to be the 11 year old camp leader along with a friend-Rich Bassett who is Elder's Quorum Pres., also was assigned to be the married couple volleyball coach, and we were both asked if we would serve on the Activities committee. Roger was called as Ward Membership clerk in September. It is the shortest calling he has ever held--1 month almost to the day. He was called to serve at the end of October as the 1st Counselor to Bishop Hansen in the Syracuse 8th ward. Roger commutes to Rockwell Collins in Salt Lake City. A short distance from the Hogle Zoo which we will be taking advantage of next year.
AnnaLee keeps busy with the children and Derek is still her buddy at home. A new school is being built 1/2 mile from our home soooo next year Derek will attend Buffalo Pointe Elementary his first year of school along with Amanda and Tyler. She has been called to serve at the 11 year old Scout leader. (Thus the reason Roger has been assigned to be the 11 year old camp leader). Anna told her that since we mostly have boys she was destined to be called to this position. It has been interesting and she does actually enjoy serving the five boys in the 173 patrol. Her biggest highlight was when we were invited to go with Rich Bassett along with his family to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle sing in the Conference Center in July. She was overwhelmed just being there and they sang beautifully. Her sister also invited their Mother and her to sing in a choir which sang the RS competition songs. She and Melanie sang in a silhouetted group of sisters who sang duets or solos. The choir sang at the Assembly Hall--loved it!
Christopher is following us out here as letter is being typed. He is driving out and moving to Utah and will attend school next year. He is still deciding which school, however there are many options and we support him in his decision. He did go to Calhoun Community at the beginning of the year and in hopes that those will transfer. He should be here December 21st.
Anna and Joshua are doing great! Joshua graduated from UAH in Business and is working for a plastics company in Florence area. They sold their home in Hunstville and moved to Muscle Shoals--Joshua's stomp'in grounds. Anna Richelle is working in their home online for Dr. Dane Bagley. They will be flying out to spend Christmas with us December 21st. We are all excited to see them as well!
Anthony is attending Auburn University pursuing a Computer Engineering degree. He is also with us for the holidays which we are so glad he could fly out and spend some time. When he completes this degree he intends on applying for Law school. He has had the opportunity to go to Auburn's football games, both home and away. Go Tigers!
Benjamin is attending West Point Junior High as a 9th grader. His first semester was a little rough, however he is doing great now. He has had some challenges with having his first seizures since the accident 10 years ago. He has been fortunate that he has not had them before now. He had a Cat scan, EEG, and we met with a specialist at Primary Children's. Apparently Ben has been growing fast in the last year along with the accident--Head trauma. That is what they attributed his seizure too. He is a little bummed as he cannot drive until he has been seizure free for 2 years. Oh, so I mentioned how fast he has grown. He was 5'6 last year and he is now 5'11. Yeah--the boy I thought was going to be doomed to shortness is taller than his mother and still growing! He has also achieved his Life rank and working hard on completing 5 more badges and his Eagle project. Ben has made some great friends and has found a new talent--he has an awesome base voice; kind of sounds like Christopher!
Tyler is attending West Point Elementary as a 5th grader. He is doing very well and has made some wonderful friends both in and out of the church. He earned his first merit badge --Radio. And loves going on the campouts with his friends and his Dad. Tyler is also growing tall, standing at 5'5" (I think).
Amanda is also attending West Point Elementary - 2nd grade. She has lots of little girls her age in our area and has made some cute little friends. She is still the mother of her friends and class. (Don't think she will outgrow this and I think it is great!) She loves everyone and with that love comes her hugs which everyone looks forward to when they see her including her friends. She was Student of the month last month and top of her class. She has been also been my helper. (We girls have to stick together ya know!) She especially loves my brothers little boy who is 2. What a great mom she will be!
Derek is five and doing great! He very ready for school; he is learning how to read, loves to write, and add. He is a little bit shorter than Miss Amanda. He has memorized the first 4 Articles of Faith and 5 was coming along until we moved. AnnaLee has been a little busy so we need to get plugg'in on learning the others. He loves baseball and wants to be a baseball player.
We have had so many wonderful blessings, our home sold quickly, and we were able to close on our Syracuse home the same day, we had no incident or accident on our move out here, we have all been pretty healthy. (Both of us would like to be less healthy if you know what we mean :) We are close to family--thank goodness for Family reunions because we are all so busy that is the only time we see each other. As a family we are grateful for family and friends. The time we have had to spend in Alabama and here has been and will be memories we will never forget. We have missed "Cantataing" for Christmas and sharing these times with our friends in and out of the gospel. May the true spirit of Christmas dwell with you and your family.
Keep in touch. We would love to see you if you are in the area or if you need a place to stay we would love to have you over.
Roger, AnnaLee and family
Merry Christmas to you!
