Ted and Melinda 2015

We Love Disneyland (2015)

Wow, what happened to this year?  As we look back, we see that it has been a year of changes and growth.
Our family is healthy and happy, which is a great blessing.

Monica’s daughter Brooke Jensen was baptized in March in Kennewick, Washington.  Our whole family gathered to attend the baptism and have a great time together.

In April Ted and Melinda spent spring break with friends in Rocky Point, Mexico.  We ate good food, enjoyed the warm ocean water, and took long walks along the beach.  It was a nice break from the cold weather and our busy schedules.

Melinda retired from teaching at the end of May.  She had taught a total of 27 years: in Arizona, Salt Lake, Fillmore, and 24 of the years as a first grade teacher in Alpine School District. It took months to clean out and organize files, books, and materials for the new teacher.  The school held an open house where many former students and their families came to wish Melinda well.  It was a wonderful and rewarding opportunity to help hundreds of students become literate. The memories and relationships will be treasured for the rest of her life.

Ted and Melinda were released from church service in a Young Single Adult Stake in June.  We have loved every minute of our association with those young people.  We were amazed at their intellect, depth of knowledge and testimony, and commitment to the Savior. We now have callings in our home ward.  Also, it is fun to attend church with some of our children and grandchildren.

Every summer we take our grandchildren on adventures to local venues.  We create a video every year of the exciting things we did together.  Our hope is that the grandchildren will know that we love them dearly and that spending time with them is a priority.

Tyler has a global company which means he travels a bit. He and Mandy have had some wonderful travel opportunities this year. Jordan is now a deacon and Brooklyn is singing, dancing, and creating art. 

Monica and Tom have moved from Washington state back to Utah.  They have been living with us while finding a home.  We have enjoyed having them and their cute daughters: McKenna, Brooke, and Jill in our home.

Christa and Ryan have an active little family.  We love attending their many basketball games, soccer games, and recitals. Katelyn is a great babysitter for her little brothers, Taylor, Andrew, and Blake. 

Lisa and Jon are very busy with their three little girls. They have a work schedule which allows Jon to be home with the girls on the two days Lisa works at the clinic. Jane is a great big sister to twin sisters Charlotte and Emma.

Ted is rarely idle in his retirement.  He still helps our neighbor with her limo service and is loving the work he does with SendOutCards, creating fun cards and gifts to celebrate the lives of others. He is very good at maintaining our home and yard.

Melinda is still trying to figure out “what now?”  She is working at increasing her music skills, trying to figure out where to put all the books she kept at school, and spending time with grandchildren. We are both focused on improving our health. We see some progress, but will still need to be diligent in the coming year.

We have strong testimonies of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the center of our lives. His birth and life gives us joy and hope.  May you feel of His love this Christmas season and through 2016.