Christmas Greetings

 An online version of our Christmas Cards. Although, I must say, I wasn't as proud of the card as I was the envelopes this year. I had one bunch that were awesome. Then a bunch of plain envelopes that were less awesome. Then I ran out of cards. So - here is the least awesome delivery method.

Merry Christmas! As is customary this time of year, I thought I’d summarize our life in this generic little blurb for your reading enjoyment. It’s been another banner year for the Morrell Bunch; with enough ups to keep us positive and enough downs to keep us working hard. Although our year looks a little like a mountain; flat and plain in the start and finish, with an all time high in the middle; we’re pretty pleased with how it’s all turning out.

  The start of our year was pretty monotone, with Mark still working pool routes, and Kaylinn still substitute teaching at the local High School. Day in and day out, there wasn’t really anything too noteworthy.  Just your usual chores, bills, health goals gone sour, and a few birthday celebrations to spice it up. Mark did complete his first flight hours for his birthday in May. No, he is not training to be a pilot, but he did get to fly a small plane over the San Francisco bay with a friend. That was pretty grand. And Kaylinn enjoyed a little trip to Portland to catch up with a good friend there. Good memories shared.

  Once the school year ended, Kaylinn took a little downtime waiting for the arrival of our first baby. We then hit an all time high in the middle of the year with the birth of Cameron David on July 6^th. A smooth pregnancy and delivery, Cameron was born at 9 lbs, 12 oz; just as calm as a summer’s day. Parenting took us by surprise as we adjusted our schedules and lives to fit another little person. We find that Cameron is a really mellow baby and just goes with the flow until his parents catch on. Thanks kid.

  August continued to bring new adventures with Mark getting his Real Estate License and selling off half the pool routes as we make a switch from “Pool Guy” to Realtor. This new career fits a little more with Mark’s people personality and go-get-‘em spirit. Something that backyards and pool chemistry lacked. Kaylinn also started working again. This time from home for the Environmental firm she has been associated with the last two years. She works part time hours so it has turned out to be a great blessing. This month also included a visit from some very dear Vegas friends, who happened to be our first house guests. So we felt double lucky to share the gems of Antioch with visitors. And they’ll tell you how fun it was, so you’ll all want to experience it.

  As the year has rounded out with these last few months, things on the home front died down a bit. We enjoyed an annual trip to Utah where we visit with friends and family, and Kaylinn walks memory lane, BYU style…again. We were able to take a whole week there, mostly so we could fit in all the eateries that Utah offers. Sadly, we’re still wearing that on our hips, but the trip was delightful. Thanksgiving was a little different this year, with the whole family getting a flu bug. The entire company of 7 (less Mark) were out for 48 hours over the holiday meal. Mark celebrated his thanks over chicken soup and 7up. Happy holidays to us. Don’t fret, we plan to make up the missed out calorie intake during the entire month of December.

  We welcome this season with traditions we hold dear. Music in the background and a fire in the fireplace, coupled with Mother Nature’s fabulous wintery storm these last several days, have made us feel a little more like Christmas. We are so grateful for all our many blessings; especially that of having Cameron join our family this year. We are humbly aware of our Savior Jesus Christ and his eternal example and sacrifice for all mankind. We testify of His divinity and love as we celebrate this Christmas season. May His Spirit be in your home as your year comes to an end is our Christmas wish to you.