My New Year's Letter 2009

I decided I needed to write a newsy letter to family and friends, especially for friends, since I hadn't sent many Christmas cards last year or in 2007!

So, here it is...

Happy New Year Everyone,
4 January 2009

It’s that time already. Merry Christmas has passed for 2008. It is now 2009. This has been a busy year for my family and me. Overall, we welcomed a new baby in August, Joel Trevor McIntire, son of Aaron & Candice who became the thirty-fifth grandchild.

Late spring brought William - - - Chung Hoon, my first great-grandson, son of Ben & Marianne Chung Hoon. He is now eight months old, born May 8, 2008, who is also Tanise & Kaiwi’s first grandson. He is adorable and a very smart, and handsome little boy.

I am living in American Fork, UT with son Aaron and his wife, Candice. They have four children now. Two girls and two boys. We moved here in early February 2008 from Lindon, just about seven miles away. I love our new ward. We have a great Bishop. They put me to work right away and I get to teach Relief Society once a month, and teach from the President’s of the Church manual, and beginning the second year lessons of the Teachings of the Prophet, Joseph Smith. I have learned so much as the teacher and have come to really know more about Joseph Smith and it has enriched my testimony of his great contribution to the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This year I started doing my own blog and often make daily entries. The counsel of President Henry B. Eyring in October 2007 Conference inspired me and followed the example of son, Hank to make note of the hand of God in my life. It has been a great journey for me and I even have mastered how to post pictures from the internet and those of my own that I have taken with a gift of a digital camera from my children last year and or have in my computer photo files. It makes great additions for family history too.

The blog blesses me and my posterity and that way they can keep track of me and what I am doing. Many events that we do as a family are mentioned and it has become a vehicle of communication as well. It has been a source of interest and several others in the family have also started their own blogs. I am amazed with modern technology that affords us to communicate in this way. Michael and Matt and their families can keep up with all of us and what we are about by reading each others’ postings. It is like having a family newsletter. I love it!

This year I was called again to be a temple ordinance worker at the Mt Timpanogos Temple. I live about two miles from the temple and can see the temple from the living room window. It is beautiful to see the lights at night of the temple spires. I love working in the temple and recognized the blessings that have manifested in my life. I have felt many miracles occur in my life and those of my children. It feels like the windows of heaven pour out spiritual blessings through service in the house of the Lord. I was set apart by one of the temple presidency and told I would receive an extra measure of blessings while I served. I know this to be true, many times over. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to be where I am and doing what I am doing.

Michael lives in Cincinnati and Matt lives near Seattle, but they have managed to visit with us several times this year. Michael came out in April with a wedding photo job. Matt and Beth were here the end of June, so we had two reunions during the times they were here. We enjoyed a family reunion in June and late July and early August with Michael and Joanna and their boys.

I have been truly blessed and grateful to live with Aaron and his family. It is great to be Grandma and see them grow day to day. The grandchildren grow so fast and learn so much. It is also good to be close by to help with the other grandchildren from time to time too. I count my blessings. The one thing that pleases me is to see them develop their talents as well. It takes time and dedication to have them take music lessons. Soon there will be twelve of them taking piano lessons from the same teacher, comes to the five families home to teach them, at Hank, Tara, Tracie, Tana, & Aaron's ages 5-15.

This last part I am going to review just some highlights of the year. Now, I don’t want this to sound (too much anyway) like I am bragging. But it is what it is, just accomplishments and fact, Ok? Please keep in mind that how my life is at this time. I don’t look at what I do as that outstanding, nevertheless I do have joy in my life with the small things that I see but my family.

I became a great-grandmother, as daughter Tanise is the grandmother, and her son and daughter-in-law parents. That is three generations now. Now that is a milestone, right?

Son, Hank, my oldest was advanced in his military rank from Major to Lt. Colonel, which came from great faith and sacrifice for him to attend four months of schooling in Virginia that started this time last year. He is a busy father of ten children, and was recently called to be bishop of his ward. Lori,his wife is very supportive and behind him 1000% and shouldered the yoke while Hank is away on assignment or with his church calling. He spends quality time with her and the children and there to read bedtime stories to them.

Tracie had major surgery last week to remove some benign hemangiomas from her liver. The doctor removed sections from her liver which will regenerate very quickly. The human body is so amazing. I am thankful it was discovered in time and has a very healthy prognosis and an active life ahead of her. She is a runner as well and will return to that as her health permits.

Tara and her husband have been very actively involved with their two older daughters’ sports activities in volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer. They traveled the width and breadth of Utah for their games, besides having all five of their children in piano or violin lessons. Tara continues her running and marathons here and there, Russ hunts and fishes for his outlet.

Tana & Nathan have busy lives as well, with their home based businesses, My Little Sweet Pea, and Sweet Pea Baby line. Nathan had hips surgery in May, still helps with the business and keeps up as he works full time at BYU as well. The three older ones are in piano and or violin. Tana still keeps up her running too.

I count my blessings one by and with the love of the Savior all around me. I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. God Bless us everyone.

My new address is 1018 North 640 West, American Fork, UT 84003,& Home Phone 801-756-6332

Love, Anna