MyHApPiNeSsProJecT 2017 - A ChRisTmaS LeTteR!

This years' Christmas letter has been 19 days in the works!  I just can't seem to find a place to start, I went back and read other letters, looking for inspiration, I instead just made a card a picture book, but it just ain't right is it to not write a Christmas letter; at least for me! So... here goes nothin kids 2017 Christmas summation, history, tales, in review, account for trials and count your many blessings.

This was the year of -- My yearly theme and MyHappinessProject merged into a Mash Up...

Yearly theme -it always has a quote, music,scripture and a WORD!

Word = WORK

Quote = "Without ambition one starts nothing. Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will NOT be sent to you. You have to win it."   Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hymn 229

Today, while the sun shines

Today while the sunshine's work with the will today all your duties with patience fulfill today while the birds sing harbor no care call life a good gift call the world fair!

Today seek the treasure better than gold, the peace and the joy that are found in the fold. today seek the gems that shine in the heart; while here, we labor, choose the better part.

Today seek for goodness, virtue, and truth, as crown of your life and the grace of your youth. Today, while the heart beats, live to be true, constant and faithful all the way through.

Today, today, work with the will; today, today, your duties fulfill. Today, today, work while you may; prepare for tomorrow by working today.

Scripture

Alma 13:27-29

And now, ...I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea, with great anxiety even onto pain, that you would hearken unto my words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the date of your repentance;

But that you would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that you may not be tempted above that which he can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long suffering;

Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that you shall receive Eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that you may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.

 #HappinessProject and with this theme in mind I've added to my Things to do each month;

January = Hearken to His words / Civility / Be True. Honest. Fun. Positive. Moral. and Work on my Marriage Attitude.

February = Repent / Joy /Work. Eliminate. Restore. Books. Clothes. Dishes. (I think I'll be throwing out stuff!)

March = Don't Procrastinate / Mindfulness / Be Smart. Still. Aware. Educated. Humble.

April = More Being Humble / Finances / money. Budgets. Taxes.

May = Prayer / Spirituality / Eternity. Scripture. Conference. Fasting.  find what else it means to be spiritual.

June =  Listen / Leisure / parenting. grand parenting. Forgiveness. Mercy.  

July =JOY Family appreciation

August = Meek /  Resilience / Don't look back longingly. Hows the Marriage and family history book coming along?!Avoid Temptation / Friendship. Visiting Teaching. Restoring (again?). Relish. Make new friendships.

September = Submissive (I hate this word, wish me luck) / Grateful.

October = Patience / Fear not.

November = Full of love / Family is Forever 

December = Long suffering /  Goodwill / peace

Remember, these are resolutions vs goals, learning from the original Happiness Project that a resolution is something you keep doing next month, while adding to the new plan for the new month.  And Thus we see from all the experiences of the year I am resolved to be happy!!!!

The ABC's of 2017 A Happiness Project Year

A = Appraiser! He's the man, he makes the bucks, he is how we pay the bills and so for that reason life happens to us in lots and lots of places!  This year Richard Eugene finished all the requirements for and received his MAI!  He is an official big deal appraiser now!!! I'm so proud of him.  He is presently working as the Chief Operating Appraiser for Ag New Mexico Farm Credit.  One of Richards work trips took us to San Diego early in the year where we stayed at a beautiful place with beautiful views - Thanks so much AMC!

B = Bluff, Utah Can any one be outdoors and not think spiritually, I can not. Interesting to note "Spirituality" was MyHappinessProject for May, it happened like that all year!  What a beautiful drive this was just me and Richie on our first adventure in our new car.  The topography was and is beautiful the red rocks bring me in and make my thoughts and visions dream of what  and how life can be reminding me how grateful I am to be of the heritage that I am.  They have made a Fort here, a museum about the people who settled the area.  My great grandfather and mother were part of this settling.  I really appreciate how we can move and where we can live after being reminded of my ancestors and how and where they lived. 

C = Clarks I feel like I grew up with Marty and Lovena, even though we met while we were in our 30's I have indeed "grown Up" alot since we've been friends!!!  In May we went to Blake Island, it was a great day. We love Seattle and had not ever been, in all these years over to this Island. The dinner, the show the conversation - well it was delightfully memorable.

D = Drives  We love to go for a drive wether it be on a back road or a freeway, although I much prefer the backroad these days.   I was very blessed to be able to drive to be a witness to the beautiful fun lovely wedding of Stephanie and Kyle. 

We wish them much love and congratulations.    We took many a ride throughout Washington this year. To Lake Chelan, To Seattle - hate hate hate the traffic there, down to Vancouver to see the Parkers.

  One of my Favorite drives was when we drove the loop - Hood canal, Port Angeles, mean 'ol Forks and back thru Elma and up to Port Townsend to take the fairy home.  

Richard had to go to Denver for a conference.  I tagged along great drive right up I-25! What a great city beautiful fun and edgy.  I went to go out on my own and see the sights while he was conferencing and just stepped out of this amazing hotel and tripped, rolled, popped up and walked on like nothing ever happened but for 3 weeks I couldn't move I bruised my ribs I guess, it's embarrassing and ridiculous.  Richard was not impressed with my then I don't wanna play any more attitude!  I kept thinking about all the times Tom hurt his ribs bronc and bull riding, I had NO idea how much it could hurt.  

When AMC came to visit we took a quick trip over to Roswell what a fun day.  I really do enjoy them they are just a fun family. The aliens did not get us and take us away but we still had fun.  I am so grateful and happy to have those 3 around.  Ya know we used to live in Roswell, and the memories just flow back in the mind.

E = Emmaline B. Wells My person I picked for MyHappinessProject to learn from.  She inspires me because she encouraged learning and didn't rest on her laurels!  She was productive and fought for her rights and the those of all women.  She even in her older years was active engaged and positive thru all kinds of trials and the life that was dealt her.  I really liked it when she said "I believe in women, especially thinking women."

F = Family Gathering Words cannot easily express my gratitude for the expense and effort of our kids making Utah happen this year.  I was so blessed to have all 19 of us in the same place sharing this experience. Religion and Politics left at the door the spirit of giving, chatting, hugs and love was sweetness and Joy.  We went to Top Golf and wore our cool family shirts it was a blast.  Sean, who knows not of golf was showing off his stuff. We did crafts and some of them ran in the Freedom Run.  It was wonderful to have everyone there to bless McEG! and for them all to hear Richard share his testimony.  One day we thought we'd lost Shawn to all our chaos and he was the only one outside in the scorching heat entertaining the cousins - Good on you Shawn!  Anona came prepared with the most fun family games - good thing none of us are competitive!  Amric and Megan took some treasured pics for the memory books!

G = Georgia Peaches When my niece Tami and nephew Tim would come to visit my Daddy would always call them; Georgia Peaches. They have both moved on to a better world and left behind family and loved ones.  This year Richard took me to Georgia and I finally got to meet the children of my Tim Michael Jr. (well 2 out of 3 of them)what a special blessing this has been for me.  It has been so long in coming that I only hope that they don't just say; that was anti climatic and move on.  I remember my family thinking that Tim was "too young to go off and get married".  Who knew how short a time he'd have here on this earth and how blessed are we are that he left us with children who have made wonderful lives for themselves. He has 9 grandkids now, just like me!   
Returning to MyHappinessProject, November was; to be full of love and remember Family is Forever!!!!  I kid you not the theme played out every month!!!

H = Hiking  I weigh to much and I'm getting up there in age. I can't hike like I used to and don't even try out of fear of death!  We went to Golden Gate Park with Austin in the heart of San Fran and we drove the famous windy/curvy roady made of bricks (hiking was not involved but walking was definitely required).  It was awesome.  In April Anona went off on a all girls rafting trip and I stayed with Austin and the girls doing mom chores!  Papi flew down and surprised me not wanting to spend Easter alone, I think!  Then off Austin Eugene took us to hike in the San Fran area.  We went to Muir Woods it was beautiful and RAINING!  I love those old trees.  The tree timeline is my theme of life love and family - I just love it and all that it stands for - get it --Stands of trees / they stand tall!   

 Then in May we took a trip to Albuquerque and I barley hiked in Sandia Park but enough to remember to write it down!  In August we hiked up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings and I really lived out the saying; "I can do hard things"!  In September we hiked with Austin's family down into and then back up out of a 'Cave with no Name" in Boerne Texas. Oh, I hear what you are saying "they aren't hikes"!  But for me and my house they were!!!  
Note to self 2018 get healthy! again!!!!

I = Inventions I'd be lost without my connection to my kids. This comes with cell phone and the Internet. What a great invention! It's also a way that I continue to learn and a link to my religion lds.org! It's amazing the family history I can do on my phone! Use new inventions wisely!!

J = Jordan  Richard started the year out helping AMC move from Logan.  Amric Megan and Colton spent this year in the Jordans! We had great fun visiting them.  Amric has a new job at E-trade and he loves it there.  They both go to school online and have followed suit, moving 3 times this year and now owning a home in West Jordan.  They cared for Kate while AA went somewhere! We all went bowling together it was a blast, they are a very fantastic fun filled Aunt and Uncle. 

K = Kelly turned 60 I was a little shy about this birthday and nervous about what comes next.  Apryl was hip to my inner most feelings and she showed up in Washington to both console me and celebrate with me.  We went to a fancy dinner. We ate tacos at the local gas station! We talked, watched TV, did a puzzle, and just like that she was gone! Thank you Apryl Ann for taking the sting out of 60! As Apryl flew away, so did we - off to Utah to visit, have a dinner with the kids and then off to Arizona to continue the celebration!  Richard had it all planned out for me, he's the bestest!

L = Las Cruces In August we bought a home in the southwest. As close to the Mexico border as we were to the Canada border!  Where we have scorpions, snakes, coyotes, rabbits, and bugs of all kinds.  Where it's hot but it cools at night.  Where the sun shines brightly.  Where someday in the next 30 years we will retire.  I don't know why really, because I'm not sure what Richard would do all day.  Next year we are planning to stay home not go any where just live the life here becoming involved in the church and community - it's harder to call it home if you aren't involved, serving and striving to  be All In!!!  We have been so happy to have all the kids come visit, except for Larkins - they really do love us, I just know it!  
Now how do you read that?? they love us so they came to visit or even though Larkins haven't been here yet I know they love us!!!! either way is acceptable!

M = Michael Eugene In May I popped on down to Utah to hang with Ayris and get to know Shawn Michael a little better. A great time was had by all!  I did get to know them all abit better and it was the first time I really got to hang out in Ayris' domain since she and Shawn tied the knott.  Anyway we have number 9 he is adorable.  I love that kid.  We Love him, I like to call him McEG!  Ayris is being a mom now and Shawn a Dad. 

N = Nachos are the traditional meal after church for me and my babygrands!  I went to San Francisco in February to stay with the girls.  I was petrified for this trip because I hadn't ever driven around there on the freeways and the anxiety was flaring it's ugly head so I talked Richard into going with me.  We read books, We walked, We went to the San Carlos Airport Museum, McDonalds, In and Out and we had Nachos, after we all went to church on Sunday!  

O = Ordained Can you believe it?  Vaughn turned 12 this year!! the goal was to get to him in Vermont for his birthday and the ordination of the Priesthood, but life happened.  So sorry Vaughn.  But we are so excited for you to be 12 and be learning new responsibilities and finding your strengths, beliefs and the what things you really love.   Also I love that you text me!! Love love love!!!

P = Pool Did I mention we are building, digging, cementing -- putting a pool in our back yard? We are and it only "cemented"! the reason we have never built a house together!  But it's going to be a beautiful backyard paradise /stay 'cation and I am anxious to have water to look at again!

Q = QX60 While I was in Utah and Richard was at home doing homework and finishing up his MAI he sold the boat and the Armada and bought me a new car!  For Mothers Day he drove it down, surprised me and bringing me wheels for my stay. I only mention this here because I needed a Q!   I am ever grateful to have dependable transportation.  We have had some vehicles that's for sure!  We came into our marriage with my Germlin and his Honda 350motorcycle.  

R = Rens In October we were invited to a baptism! A Ren Baptism!! Marcela took the lessons, invited to do so by their neighbors and friends and She said Yes!!! Matthew and his fam are going to church! I know I'm a little too excited about this.  Gram would be pleased and so would Sis, it makes me happy too.  Congrats M Rens!  I'm so glad we are closer to them now so we could get to see them more often and reconnect our family bond!  

S = Samish Island  This is the first time he said "we won't move again".  This is where I retired.  This home felt like I was always in paradise or on vacation. Living at the furthest most east end of the San Juan Islands was aMaZing, it felt so calm and peaceful everyday of my life there. This is where Amric came home from his mission. Where All of the Larkins visited for the summer. Where the Noyes' took a ride with us, in our not for the ocean boat - into the ocean - to picnic! Where Amric and Megan came to live with us for just a precious few months, and where they told us they were going to have Colton!  Where we ate crab straight from the ocean. Where eagles visited everyday.  Where we brought the girls to stay with us and swim daily for hours in the swimspa!!!  Where Ayris and Shawn surprised us for a  thanksgiving visit and told us they were having Michael.  This is where I tried to garden for real.  Where Richard created and worked so hard on landscaping! This is where we had the best house dog - I had a house dog!!!  This is the best little 4th of July Parade around!  

Sometimes in life you don't move forward, you don't really progress you become slothful!  I believe this is what had happened to me in my paradise.

 Without the everyday text from Urlene I might have not talked to a sole there in my solitude.  I mean I like being alone, but.   

With us being gone so much we also had to rehome our Winston, as much as I didn't really want a dog I was sad to see him go.  The other day I when I was unloading Christmas I got the socks out and Winstons' was there it made me cry!   

Anyway I do get side tracked ...  As much as I didn't want to leave there, I felt we were in a rut of our own creating and I didn't know how to dig out - and I do know how to move!  I didn't handle retirement, empytnesterness very well.  I let my anxiety get to me. I became lonely and of no use. I asked myself; how can you love something so much and be a total wreck?   This is why it was ok for him to break his promise and move us again. I will always, always refer to this home as a paradise, a transition place of beauty.  The eagles, the water, the soundproof house, I totally felt safe there.  
 If you are ever down and out I recommend the scriptures.  TheHappinessProject and The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up if you ever need a little prompt too or a little "hey wake Up". 

This Christmas letter has given me the opportunity to Remember the good, the Happy, the treasured moments here.  We did so much while at this address I will always be grateful for the time we lived on our own little Samish Island. 

T = Thanksgiving brought home The Sobczaks, The Fieldings and The Rens a real treat!  We had 15 people in our 2 bedroom home.  Having thanksgiving and more family together reminded me of how I was raised and what we did traditionally, having Matthew here made it even more so because I knew he could remember too and I wanted it to really be traditions he would remember striving to really make that connection stronger again.  At the same time recognizing other families traditions have been added to ours, like pull apart bread vs plain ol rolls!  Candy vs Cookies --Well Iris Ayris and I made candy and it turned out great and we had gravy for breakfast! And yes daddy we had pumpkin pie and said the traditional quote!!!  "Hello Vi this is Sy there is Shit in that pumpkin pie"!!!!   Marcela made us Pumpkin roll, Posole and barbacoa for tacos - Delicious!!! Austin made a Pecan pie I'm so proud of him nice job! We loved Anonas' German Chocolate cheesecake.

We all went to see Coco - we waited for almost an hour for the dang movie to start! But what a great message; REMEMBER ME!

Glad to have everyone here at the new house to update the quote wall and the measurement wall!  

We Hope to see YOU all in the summer for swimming and visiting!!! You are always welcome, anytime.  Sam gave me a new nickname that of KellyMcSue! I like it, I think it'll stick!  Gosh I love those girls.

U = Urlene and Mike When we went to Arizona while there we went to the Movies, Falcon Field Airport Museum, Golfing and to Tombstone with the Shelbys. We of course went out to eat and Urlene made me Cherry pie - my favorite!!   All and all turning 60 wasn't as bad of an experience as I had imagined. Thanks to family and friends.

V = Vermont For Apryls birthday I returned her present by dropping in, a few months late (suppose to be for V bday) but anyway dangit we were there.  We want to see their new place and we froze to death in the process and it's only November!!!!  We went to see Thor because that's just what we do!  We got to go to church and meet the new peeps and Richard even went to hang out with Sean at his work!  Holy smokes we got to watch Gage play soccer, he totally took one for the team when he stopped a goal that picked him up and dropped him like a wet rag into the net!!!  Apryl has a dog - now isn't that crazy.  They named her Luna and she seems to love and be loved by everyone. Happy 36 Apryl Ann!  You know I was 36 when I had AmricZane!  Pax was busy with gymnastics and has stories for us always, but what I like is that she loves to listen to stories something not to many of us appreciate doing.  

W = What if  Richard wasn't really interested in changing jobs, he'd found a great branch of people and he very much liked his place of refuge there at NWFC.  I was the one that ask, "What if...".   

Austin Sobczaks too ask "What if" - on their way to Texas!

NWFC 

Ag NMFC

X = CrossRoads  When I lived in the LA area, well I was young I just drove not knowing always where I was going. Somehow I just believed if I took the wrong freeway it would cross back over to the one I wanted on down the line! Probably not the fastest way to get where you want to go!!  All of us have a cross road should we go left or right?? First of all Don't judge others. Remember to say your prayers and remember that life happens.  If you find yourself on the wrong road  - go for a drive, turn around, just keep moving! This old gal says it plays out for you good in the end, if you choose not to stand still, stop moving, stop praying or stop loving. So just keep moving, every cross road has another direction up ahead, you'll find the right freeway - if you keep moving forward.  philosophy101ksms!!!   

2017

Y = Yesterday I had alot of family history type goals this year.  Because of all the time away from home and the big move most of these goals will be moved forward to 2018.  I had one that I did complete though it was to copy photos from all the scrapbooks.  I did this and had quite a slideshow for the kids at the family gathering in July.  
Yesterdays' are bittersweet!  am I right?!

2007

Z = Zoned out!  When this letter started I had zero feelings. I think it was Urlene that pointed out I "had turned off my feelings, zoned out".   Writing is great therapy and allows for me to work thru my issues!  Ayris WRITE!  all of you write!!! I tend to be reactionary, if you know me at all.  I need a date to get dressed, I need visitors to clean, I need Christmas to write this letter!!!  
As 2018 approaches my desire for us is to discover our purpose, to seek out what is the point, to ask what does it matter?  who matters? what is the One thing I believe in, what is my foundation?  Finding these answers I believe will cause us to endeavor for the good, the better part of ourselves. My goal for myself is to move without being compelled, to act on something because it's who I am not because I feel obligated or guilty. 
Let us not be slothful. Let us not zone out.   Gordon B. Hinckley said it like this: "Let’s try: Be Grateful. Be Smart. Be Clean. Be True. Be Humble. Be Prayerful. I have not the slightest doubt that these patterns of behavior will yield success and happiness and peace. I recommend them to you, with a promise that if you will follow them your lives will be fruitful of great good. I believe you will be successful in your endeavors. As you grow old, I am satisfied that you will look back with appreciation for the manner in which you chose to live."  

From our house to yours  

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!