Merry Christmas 2020

 

Merry Christmas! I’m definitely not going to start by saying life this year was just like life last year. My family started 2020 with a wonderful gathering of siblings and friends brought together by the tragic event of my brother, Pete’s, passing. Our hearts were broken, but having these sweet loved ones together remembering the life of my brother was a cherished memory.

And then there we were, minding our business, living life, making plans, when out of the blue you-know-what. No church. No temple. No travel. No sports. No concerts. No visits. No fun. We all felt it. Just fear and uncertainty and the question, “How long is this going to last?”

So we adjusted. We wore masks. We stood 6 feet apart. We learned to zoom. We baked. We gardened. We called our family. We worshipped at home. We discovered what was important and found some silver lining along the way.

I had the opportunity to work some hours at my favorite local nursery. For someone who loves flowers as much as I do, it was a dream come true. I’ve learned the names of shrubs, what flowers grow best in the south, how to keep geraniums looking nice, and the answer to the most common question in Georgia. What grows in the shade, is evergreen, deer resistant, and flowering? My answer? Camellias.

I’ve also gotten to spend more time with my youngest local grandson. Luke comes to “Grandma school” on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The curriculum is student led so although we read books sometimes, we are more likely to race cars, play “Marble works” jump on the trampoline or make cookies.

Paul was home during the planting season and was great help. He probably dug 100 holes for the new plants I brought home. He worked a consulting gig in San Diego which was challenging as CA is very much on lockdown. Now he’s working in Lincoln, NE. It’s a much better time zone for communicating, although not a better zone for winter weather.

Gabe is living at home working at Chick-fil-a trying to build his money pile. In January he’ll start classes at Southern Crescent. He helps in the yard, fixes things, and put the lights on the Christmas tree so beautifully. It is just glorious.

We almost made it to the end of the year Covid free. Almost. Somehow Mom contracted it. Her first test was negative which was dangerous because we didn’t quarantine. 6 days, a Dr’s visit, and 5 hour emergency room wait later she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and covid. A few days later I began to have symptoms. She’s home from the hospital and we are getting better, but not fast enough as far as I’m concerned. I’m a little on the cranky side with Covid messing with my Christmas cheer. I’m sure I’ll be writing about how it was the best Christmas ever someday. But not today.

I have to hand it to 2020. It forced us to reflect on what is important in life. We cleaned out the clutter in our closets. Hopefully we cleaned out the clutter in our mind and heart also. It was a great opportunity to make the changes we’ve been meaning to make for a while. We’re getting very good at problem solving and being flexible. We can take all these great new skills into 2021 because I’m sure there’s a lot more excitement to come.

Stay safe.

 

Love, The Stokers

Christmas letter 2019

Dear friends and family: You know those years that everything is pretty much the same as last year and you’re tempted to just change the date on your Christmas letter and send it out again? 2019 was not that year. So many new things happened you wouldn’t even recognize us. Well, that’s a stretch, but we have a lot of stories to tell. You’ll just get the highlights here, but give me a call sometime and I’ll fill you in.

In January my father passed away. He had been sick for a couple of years with many close calls. When it actually came time for him to go, I was strangely surprised. It had never happened before. How was it happening now? The Miller family gathered to Utah where we enjoyed a bittersweet reunion remembering Dad and the things he loved and our love for him. Then we moved Mom in to live with us in the sunny south. Summer was a little rough for her. She called the temps sweltering and didn’t appreciate the humidity’s influence on her hair. She misses Dad a lot, but she loves the people in GA and is enjoying the mild winter.

In April, Brandon and his family moved to GA, 12 minutes down the road. I know. I’m spoiled. Sunday family dinners brighten our Sabbath. The Star Wars and Legos are seeing the light of day, and I’m learning what aspects of my house are definitely not toddler proof. Just when I thought my k-12 school life was over, I’m back in music concerts and sports events. Woo Hoo!  And if ever I need a buddy to cook, craft or play, I just get in my car and pick one up.

In the summer, my Augusta family moved to California. It was a pretty big loss for the south. Even though they lived 3 hours from me and we didn't see each other as much as I would have liked, there was a perceivable disturbance in the force knowing that they now live The United States away.

We had some very fun Miller family news this year. My brother, Charlie, and his wife, Meg, had their 4th child, Brigham. All children are blessings, but Briggs is notable because he is my father's only grandson with the last name Miller. Considering the fact that there are 10 kids in our family, who knew that it would come down to the wire like this? Thanks for being born, Briggs.

Fall brought the start of school and that meant that the long awaited day of my last born going to college had arrived. We packed, flew, shopped, moved in, oriented, had some last minute instruction time, and then I left him. He worked hard and hopefully learned a lot. He came home a couple of weeks ago to tell the tales. He’s still alive, so we’ll call that a win. I'm very curious about his grade in a challenging class he wanted to, but didn't, give up on.  He said he'll check it sometime when he's in a bad mood. He doesn't want to ruin a good day.

Last month we received the unexpected news that my brother, Pete, had passed away. We hadn’t been in contact with him for many years, and my heart broke when I realized there was to be no reunion in this life. All my love and gratitude go to my Savior, Jesus Christ, for his Atoning Sacrifice. There is hope in Christ and because of him, all shall live again.

Which brings us to the topic of Christmas, what a blessed time this is as we celebrate the birth of God’s perfect son.  I’m grateful for the many blessings that are mine- home, nature’s beauty, trials, but most of all love of friends and family, you.

Love, Laurie, Paul and Janet

PS. If you’re wondering what’s going on with my kids:

Daniel and I (2 years ago, but we look about the same. Trust me.)

Daniel is in Boston flying the F-15 for the National guard.

Landon and Caleb

Brandon and Mallory live here. Brandon works for Chick Fil a (See pictures above.)

Rowan, Nathan, Jemma, Ariane, Caden, Theo, Jacob and Clementine, Hyrum, Eliza, Isla, Joseph, Emmaline and Alice.

Nathan and Ariane are in Sacramento. He works for Kaiser in Stockton. Rowan Thomas was born in September.

Aaron and Clarissa are still in NC. Aaron is in the Oral Surgery program at Fort Bragg. Miles Aaron was born last week.

Aaron, Redmond, Clarissa, Lucy

Lucy and Miles

Jacob and Alexa are in Sacramento. Jacob is in his last year of Medical school and is hoping to start a residency program next year.

Eliza and Joseph are in Walla Walla, Washington. Joseph is practicing Orthodontics. 

Andrew is in Orem. He only has an internship between him and his bachelor’s degree. Contact him if you have any leads. He’s open.

Nathan and Andrew

Rebecca has 2 semesters left before she graduates from BYU. She's doing her practicum this very minute.

Gabe just finished his first semester at BYU Idaho. He's off track right now, skipping the Idaho winter and trying to make some mulah. He'll go back to school in April.

Remember when I used to blog? Christmas 2016

Everyone knows the best blogging/journal keeping/history recording takes place as soon after the event as possible. This encourages accuracy and proper perspective. Unfortunately, blogging about Christmas at the end of February is not soon after the event. But worse than delayed blogging is not blogging. So this report may or may not be completely true, but the pictures are proof that something happened in December probably much like the story I tell... only a lot better.

Christmas is a big deal around the Stoker house, not because we have amazing presents, or a sparkling house, or a beautiful tree (okay, we had a beautiful tree) but because we love the Savior, and family comes to visit! 2016 looked a little bleak because of the sparse attendance by family members. Thankfully, my college kids brought themselves and all the fun they had to offer. We filled in the spaces with friends and took a little road trip so Christmas was still very merry and bright.

Caroling. We put the cute ones in the front so people would be happy to see us.

That moment when one plays the guitar in their onesie.

games and jokes

Back at the Sultan's kitchen, just like old times.

Man down. A little break from the merry and bright.

Treat making day.

Our Christmas Eve eve party

We started with the "Whobilation" in 2013. 2014 brought the "Elf" party. Last year we had a "Snow Ball" and 2016 was the "Jingle Bell Rock." thanks to the Waldorf's for making it fun.

On Christmas Eve we headed to Augusta to be with our son, Nathan, and his wife and her family since Nathan had to work. 

After a marvelous time in Augusta we headed back to Fayetteville to play our little hearts out until the college kids had to go back to work. I wasn't done playing yet so I decided to tag along to SLC. That proved to be profitable since Aaron and Jacob were both there with their families for different reasons. So, more party :)

We were picked up from the airport by these darling people. (and their parents) Theo welcomed us with this smile. When Isla woke up she helped us learn the "Honeybee"  song. It's her favorite so we listened to it ...a lot.

Nothing says "holiday" like Indian food. It was delicious and I was in heaven surrounded by children and grandchildren.

 Darling Cousins

Next stop was "Nickel City." I hadn't actually been there before but apparently it's a "must do" in Provo.

 Bowling was the next activity. It was an exciting night. First we had to find a bowling alley that had room for us. Bowling at Christmas is big in Lehi, UT. Then we had to remember how to bowl, Well, I had to remember how to bowl. This, while keeping the brave and busy toddlers alive. And we had to talk. I loved it all.

Lucy came bowling in her apron :)

Is there anything cuter than bowling shoes for 2-yr. olds?

And then, after all this fabulousness I looked at the flights to Atlanta and they were booked. My best option was to fly home via Portland. Happy New Year to me!

For our dinner we had gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, Koi fusion, and something with falafel.
Why is everything I've eaten in Portland delicious?

My lucky day. Lunch with spiderman.

Isaac

Annabelle and Josh

Our New Year's Eve party was off the chains. These two were in
charge of prizes for the game winners. Why yes, there is a dirty sock
prize option.

Sunday clothes and board games with Dad. A great day.

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

Christmas letter and picture 2015

Merry Christmas from the Stokers! It’s 2015, and all is well. Jesus Christ is our Savior. Our family has grown to 28 beautiful souls. We’re happily living in a free country practicing religion according to the dictates of our own conscience, solving problems one day at a time, and counting our blessings.

Paul works for Acella Labs. This means he has a considerable commute to Alpharetta, Monday through Thursday, but he has listened to an amazing number of books on tape. He has also been working on his drawing skills (mostly during church) and of course his tennis serve (not during church). Paul has added something new to his portfolio this year. He’s been singing in the church choir (just for me). He doesn’t have experience singing harmony but has excellent pitch. As long as there’s someone sitting close to him in his section (tenor), he’s definitely an asset. He still makes delicious rolls. This is actually the best food our family has to offer, so the Stokers are usually asked to provide rolls when it’s food assignment time. Yay for me.

Since September, I have only had 1 child living at home. I remember when I first started this motherhood journey, I would dream about the things I would do when I got my life back. Now, I wonder what life I was talking about. There isn’t really anything I enjoy more than being with my children. Of course they don’t cry as much as they used to, but to tell the truth, it can be excruciatingly quiet around here. Thankfully, I still teach seminary. I substitute in the schools about once a month. That’s all I need to help me maintain an enormous respect for the intense responsibility teachers have. Substituting doesn’t pay much, but sometimes a sweet student will draw me a picture or give me a hug and that makes it worth it. Other times… it’s my service to the community.

Miss Rebecca went to college this year. I’ve almost recovered from the loss. She’s happy that she’s now 18. Being only 17 for the first few months of the school year gave her friends a lot to tease her about. “What are you doing at this meeting, Rebecca? It’s for adults.” But now she can vote and take herself to the doctor. She loves everything about BYU, except Calculus which she doesn’t have to worry about anymore (she dropped it), and American Heritage which she won’t have to worry about when the semester ends. She takes good care of her mother and sends me pictures and posts on Facebook and calls me a couple of times a week to tell me stories. She cooks food, does laundry and cleans and grocery shops. She’s a great little adult.

Gabe is in 9^th grade. He says he has senioritis. It could be a long 4 years for this guy, but I’m proud of him. He comes home from school every day and does his homework and practices his instrument. He doesn’t like it, but he does it. I’ll call that a win. Gabe’s in my seminary class this year. Someone asked him how he likes it. He said, “It’s okay.” In Gabe-speak that’s very high praise indeed. He has some victories to report. He beat his Perplexus puzzle. He won the Strikers Wii game, and he can play “Joy to the World” on the piano.

The other children are scattered all around the country doing good things:

Daniel, Erica, Caleb and Landon live in St. Louis, not far from Erica’s family. Daniel flies for Delta and the USAF Reserves.

Brandon, Mallory, Annabelle, Josh, Isaac, and Eli live in Portland. Brandon still works for and loves Nike.

Nathan, Ariane and brand-new Caden live in Houston. Ariane works as a Physical Therapist part-time and Nathan graduates in May when he’s hoping to get into a pediatrics residency program.

Aaron, Clarissa and Lucy still live in Las Vegas with one more year down in Dental school.

Jacob, Alexa and Isla live in Sacramento, very near Alexa’s parents, as in upstairs. Jacob started Medical school in August.

Eliza, Joseph, Hyrum and 2 month-old Emmaline are in their 3^rd year of Dental school in Omaha.

Andrew studies at UVU in Orem, UT.