2016 Christmas letter

Greetings, people that we love:

2016 has been a lot like 2015 and I’ve figured out why. Mature people in the autumn of their life pretty much just do what they want. And, being set in our ways, we usually want to do the same thing we did last year. I’m happy to tell you about our year, just don’t be surprised if it sounds really familiar.

We live in Fayetteville, GA. We’re going on year 6 of living in the same house, and I admit, I’ve liked not moving. We have some new neighbors, and the pack of deer that run the neighborhood has grown and changed some of its members. So there’s that if you’re looking for change. Speaking of deer, I actually had tomatoes grow on the plant that I put in a pot on my deck. I don’t think deer climb stairs very well. Otherwise, it’s business as usual. We still watch for poison ivy in the spring while we glory in the azaleas and dogwood blossoms. We look forward to the crepe myrtle in summer that we admire through the windows of our air conditioned house. We come alive in the fall and catch up on hiking and wonder why we don’t do more activities outside (see above.) And then we brave the winter as we shiver while walking from the building to our car. Some might suggest wearing a coat, but that’s not really the Georgia way.

Paul still works at Acella Laboratories in Alpharetta. His commute is a bit brutal, but he works from home on Friday so he can recoup from the danger he faces with the other Atlanta drivers Mon. through Thurs. He teaches the 5 yr. olds in church. It’s a pretty impressive sight to see. He goes in wielding coloring activities, worksheets, scissors, games, stories, enthusiasm and of course knowledge and love of the gospel. His class is definitely a fun zone. I was subbing in the elementary school of a little boy from Paul’s class and he told his mom, “I saw my Primary teacher’s wife at school today.” I thought we were friends, but I guess I’m just the relative of the friend. Paul is trying to keep his tennis game up, but keeps getting held back by mortality. Once again, it’s that maturity thing. The spirit is willing, but the knees are weak.

I do the same fun things I did last year. I teach seminary. We’re studying New Testament and I love it and my new 9^th graders. I walk with my friends for fitness and health--not slimness. It’s a mindset I’ve been working on since discovering that, well you know, I’m mature. I go to the temple on Wednesdays. Sometimes I substitute in the schools, but not too often, that would be hard. I shop and clean and cook and do laundry. And if all that gets very boring, I get on an airplane and visit someone I love.

Gabe is the only one around here who is doing anything different. He is in the percussion pit of the marching band. That has made a ripple in Paul and my calm waters. We’re band parents again. Not just any band parents--hard core band-in-the-south parents and all that that entails; summer band camp in the blacktop melting sun, late Friday night football games followed by all day Saturday competitions, after school practice, chair auditions, parades, and lots and lots of dues. Gabe’s doing great and we’re proud of him. In other news he’s one signature and a Board of Review short of earning his Eagle scout award. This has been a journey, but he can see the end. Gabe has also been driving on the way to seminary trying to earn the 40 hours of driving time he needs to get a driver’s license. Thank you, Gabe, for providing us opportunities and excitement. Otherwise, we might just be sitting on the couch being mature.

The highlights of 2016 were seeing our children and grandchildren who live all over America. Aaron, Clarissa and Lucy visited during their spring break. We had a fun reunion in July with the other posterity. The only one we missed seeing this summer was Andrew, who was on the bad end of a buddy pass. Paul and I are reaping the rewards of raising 9 children. They have given us 12 grandchildren with more to come in 2017. I’d say that’s a pretty good return on our investment. Here’s what they’re all up to:

Daniel and Erica live in St. Louis. Daniel flies for Delta and started the year based in Atlanta. We loved seeing him every couple of weeks. Erica runs her award winning photography business and takes great care of Caleb and Landon.

Brandon and Mallory are in Portland. Brandon still enjoys working for Nike. Mallory is a wonderful mother and inspires much imagination in Annabelle, Josh, Isaac, and Eli.

Nathan and Ariane have moved to Augusta, SC. That, my friends, is only 2 ½ hrs. from me. We have loved seeing more of them. Nathan is doing a pediatric residency there. Ariane is busy being awesome as she works on home improvements and teaches Caden everything he knows. Well, Nathan might have taught him a couple things.

Aaron, Clarissa, Lucy and a little guy who’s coming in January are finishing their last year of Dental School in Las Vegas. Clarissa astounds us with her sewing super powers and mothering prowess.

Jacob and Alexa are in Medical School in Sacramento. Alexa is beautifully managing the addition of baby Theo to their family. Isla is a great big sister.

Joseph and Eliza are also finishing their last year of Dental School. Joseph has been accepted into an orthodontics residency program in Detroit, MI starting in May. Eliza lights the world as a terrific mom to Hyrum, and Emmaline.

Andrew is in school at Utah Valley University. He is sharpening his customer service skills and stashing the cash he makes working as a waiter at Chili’s.

Rebecca is in her second year at BYU-Provo. She improves life for students and professors with her work at the BYU bookstore in textbooks.

We hope this update finds you all merry and bright. Remember the love of the Savior is always there for you.

Merry Christmas!

The Stokers