Dear Family and
Friends,
Here’s what we’ve
been up to these last two busy and CRAZY years (2011 & 2012).
Emeryl has become an
expensive teenager. She was a Student
Ambassador to Australia for 17 days, got contacts, braces and an iPhone. She pays for her iPhone by babysitting and
doing office work. She is currently
homeschooling for 9th grade, and doing kickboxing with Debbie. She still is an avid reader/writer; and loves
swimming.
Lucy ended up having
brain surgery in 2011 to remove one tumor, and had to undergo therapy to walk
again after that. She continues to see
doctors in Utah, as well as regular MRI's to monitor the remaining tumors. She had a growth spurt, lost several teeth,
and continues to make new friends wherever she goes. She is enjoying her first year of middle
school in the 6th grade. She is still a
foodie, and loves animals, ladybugs, cooking and anything sweet.
Abigail continues to
do amazingly in school, and had an exciting year turning 8, and being baptized. She also started soccer, playing both
outdoor, then indoor; and loving both! Ryan
has to tell her there is NO skipping in soccer.
She has a lean, athletic body, huge hazel eyes, and, like Lucy, has lost
several teeth. She is in 3rd grade now,
and is always sharing her hugs with everyone around her. She still skips around with a smile, humming
as she goes. She loves everything
soccer, Barbie, princess and arts & crafts.
Nathan started
“real” school with all day kindergarten this year. He has an amazing ability in math and
attention to detail. He is currently
OBSESSED with electronics (iPad, iPhone, DSi, etc.). He loves to play with his friends and
sisters, building and anything to do with transportation (cars, planes, trains,
etc.).
Esther was supposed
to start preschool this year, but that didn’t work out – so instead she is
attached to Debbie all the time (which makes getting anything done next to
impossible). She has no volume control,
and talks all day. She charms everyone
around her, and loves to ask strangers “What’s your name”, then follows with
“Nice to meet you (whatever their name is)”.
She loves her Boo Bear, Bubble Guppies, dancing, drawing, “helping” and
getting into things, and everything must be PINK.
Debbie is very busy
with working from home, taking care of her Mom and 5 kids, serving as 1st
Counselor in the Relief Society Presidency at church (our women’s group),
kickboxing, housework, laundry, errands, bills, temple work, etc. She had a few skin cancer surgeries this
year, and is now on their “frequent flier” program for biopsies. She looks forward to the day she has a few
free moments to possibly pick back up scrapbooking, do beading, organizing,
baking, and having lunch occasionally with friends.
Ryan is constantly
busy with work – doing video and assisting Gary with appraisals. He plays pickle ball every Thursday, and
might join a soccer team next year. He
still loves soda, anything MAC, soda, sleep, did we mention soda?
Debbie’s Mom broke
her hip, and had surgery; then we found out she had liver disease and liver
cancer. We got her on the transplant
list, then the cancer spread, and she was no longer eligible for transplant. It has been two years of roller coaster
emotions, fundraising, tons of trips to San Francisco, tests, etc. She is terminal, and on limited time. She moved in permanently with us, and also
has a room at Tanya’s house which she visits often. For details see our blog at: (www.rynosherd.blogspot.com)
Our travels have
included (but aren’t limited to), Disneyland, a Stokes Family Reunion in Utah
(where Debbie also saw her friends Scobey and Carrianne – and Lucy saw her
doctors), Oregon (to visit family and friends, and spend this Thanksgiving with
Grandma and Grandpa Cline – where Ryan cooked the traditional “Grandma”
Thanksgiving meal), Australia (for Emmie), Hawaii, Palos Verdes and San Diego
(for Ryan and Debbie), and more.
Our hearts and
prayers go out to family and friends who have experienced loss these past few
years (the passing of loved ones, jobs, storm damages etc.). We know the value of time with loved ones and
the difficulty of trails. We are so
grateful, beyond what mere words can convey, for loving family and friends, and
the many blessings we enjoy daily. We
are grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and this wonderful time of year to
celebrate His birth. For our friends of
all faiths and walks of life, we love you and wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy
Hanukkah, and a blessed New Year. You
are forever in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
With love,
Ryan, Debbie, Emmie,
Lucy, Abigail, Nathan and Esther
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