The Annual Christmas Newsletter

I think it's funny how people rip on the Christmas newsletter. It's not a big deal. If you get one in the mail and you don't want to read it, then throw it out. But for a lot of people, it's the only chance they have to reconnect with people. Now, I say this, because my dad is the KING of the Christmas newsletter. He has been sending it out to 300+ people for decades. And let me tell you, these babies are novels. For the last 10 years, I've been in charge of putting his together. Can I tell you what a pain in the A it is? Trying to get my 6 siblings -- and two exes -- their entries and photos is a huge task. Then, I have to actually put the thing together, take it to the printer and update/print all of my dad's labels. Fortunately, he takes on the task of stuffing the envelopes, putting the stamps and labels on, and mailing them (with the help of whoever is living with them at the time). Yes, I'm complaining, but it's not because of my dad. I'd do anything for him. There's very little I can give back to him and if putting together his newsletter is what he wants from me, I'll bend myself in a pretzel to do it. All I want in return, I guess, is complaining rights.

I say all this, because the newsletters are FINALLY in the mail! Hooray! And John & I got our cards (sans a newsletter) at the same time. Relief!!! Since I'm trying REALLY hard to cut back this year (and not end up with a Christmas card list of 300+), I limited who I sent our cards out to. Not that I don't love you all! Instead, I'm going to do the very cheap, very easy way and post it on my blog. And even though not much has changed for 2008, here's my lame attempt at an interesting newsletter. (P.S., after this card, I'm retiring these pictures Opie took of us in November. They are getting REALLY old and I'm sick of seeing my big nose, not only on everything I've got but also my Editor's Letter picture. 2009 resolution -- skinnier me, much hotter picture in a couple, I mean...several months).



"Merry Christmas to all our friends and family! We hope this holiday season finds you happy and healthy. We are grateful each Christmas for your Christmas cards and letters, giving us a chance to catch up with dear friends.

"Here's an update on the year that was:

"2008 started with some challenges. I was pregnant and preparing to for a preventative cerclage at 12 weeks with months of bed rest afterwards. But at a 10 week ultrasound, we discovered there was no longer a heartbeat. Days later, I had a D&C at Intermountain Healthcare. Truthfully, it was an awful time. Although I wasn't far along, we were all bitterly disappointed. It had taken us years to get to the point of feeling we could handle another pregnancy. Even though we knew it would be another high risk pregnancy, requiring a lot of sacrifice, we were very optimistic. There was a lot of emotional, physical and spiritual preparation involved. When I miscarried so early, it just felt like we had been training for a marathon, but it was cancelled when we got to the starting line.

"We were all in a MAJOR funk, so we took an impromptu trip to our favorite place in the world: Disneyland. The first weekend of February, we packed up the car and drove to So. Cal. The cloud over all of us literally melted away as we drove out of the cold weather into sunny St. George. It was just a great time to heal, relax and have some fun. We really felt our trip was charmed. The first day we were there, we were walking out of the Tarzan Treehouse when a "castmember" handed the three of us Dream Fast Passes. It was awesome! We got to just hop on most of the really cool rides without waiting in line. On top of that, Katie was a character magnet. They all seemed to seek her out. We were having ice cream on Main Street when Bert and Mary Poppins came up, grabbed her by the hands, and danced with her in front of everyone. At the parade, she was crying because she didn't want to come home and Alice came OFF her float to talk to her and cheer her up. There's actually another half dozen examples of why our trip went so well. They were all simple things, even a bit silly, but just having things go our way, really boosted our spirits.

"It took a few months for me to get back on my feet, physically and emotionally. Spring was a bit of a blur. In May, I was promoted to be Editor at Utah Family magazine. It is something I've wanted for years and felt so good to FINALLY be doing what I had dreamed of. Now, the reality is a different thing. It's been a real challenge. The publication has a LONG way to go and right now, I'm still doing a lot of things I'd rather not. I'm still selling and managing some ads. That, and juggling Editor responsibilities, can be really daunting. But, I can't beat working form home and doing something I love. I hope with time I can work out the kinks and it will be really rewarding.

"Our biggest news was after 11 years at National Laser Company, John FINALLY got a new job! Many of you know, John finding a new job has been quite the ordeal. It's been either the wrong fit, the wrong salary, the wrong location or he's just the wrong guy. The stars really needed to align and we feel really blessed it finally happened. He's now the Marketing Manager at Aquaveo. It's another job that I don't understand what he does (Chandler, anyone?). He works for an environmental modeling software company. They map out water ways to find where it's okay to build bridges, streets, roads, etc. I think I got it. The company is in South Jordan. It's been a good change so far. With any new job, there's things you miss about your old one. For us, it's the time off and the travel opportunities. But, the environment is much less stressful and he truly works 9 - 5 p.m. It's been a great change for us.

"Katie finished 1st grade and our summer was busy, and fun. In June, we went to Moab with Jennie, Steve, Mitchell, Jimmy and Libby. Stennie took their dog, Oaklie, and we took Bailey. We took the dog's hiking which was a lot of fun. We river rafted, visited Arches and Dead Horse Point. We always have such a fun time when we travel with my younger siblings and their spouses. It was a great time. We also spent weekends in Idaho Falls, Park City and Heber. If you want to see pictures or read details about those fun trips, check out my archives!

"August through October was spent on our evil yard project (and again, see my archives for those gory details). Katie started 2nd grade in Mrs. Lemon's class and loves it. We celebrated our 10th anniversary with a fabulous trip to New York City. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Time really goes by fast. In November, John was released as Ward Clerk and made a high priest, serving as High Priest Group 1st Assistant in our ward. I'm still 1st counselor in the Young Women's presidency and Katie is VERY excited to get baptized in April. And of course, if you follow our blog, you know all about our Bailey drama. Fortunately, he seems to have completely recovered. He's back to his cute, but naughty, self.

"We end our year extremely grateful. We are "seriously so blessed." Not because our lives are perfect, they are far from. But, we are so thankful for loving relationships, shelter, food, health, jobs and most importantly, our savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings and remember the sacrifices made by Him. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous New Year."

Love,
The Huts
John, Judy, Katie (and yes, Bailey too)