This year we took several trips to California. Matt's father finished his courageous battle with ALS at the beginning of January, which brought us home to Yuba City with all of Matt's family. We were saddened by our circumstances, but comforted to be with so much family. We also went to Yosemite for our first official Glenn Goodman family reunion. It was so interesting to see the gorgeous landscape, massive sequoia trees, and raging waterfalls. The force of nature was breathtaking. We loved visiting with family. We are looking forward to our next trip in Moab this upcoming year. For our last trip to California we went for Matt's grandfather's funeral. He lived to be 90 years old. He spent his life serving and building those around him. It seemed to me that he built a great life by doing the simple things and by being obedient. We were really fortunate to know and love Matt's dad and grandfather.
Matt is still working as a computer programmer for Xactware. This year he has put a lot of effort into writing software for the iPad for his company. His experience writing programs for the iPhone came in handy as he took on this large project. He is also still involved in mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. We took a few family bike rides together, and are looking forward to more next year. Matt also took a few trips to Moab this year. I think Moab is rapidly becoming one of our favorite places to recreate.
This year I took on the project to make a quilt. I am hoping to have it done by the end of the year. My mom and I always wanted to take a quilting class together, so I signed up for one in January. It has been slow going to find time with my two preschoolers, but I am making progress. I have also found it therapeutic, and often feel my mother close to me as I am working on it. I also stay busy with my gardening and trees. This year I think we picked over 500 peaches off our tree. They were so good.
Talmage turned 10 this year. He is in fifth grade. He still loves legos and computer games. He is definitely a Goodman. Talmage went fishing with his Grandpa Hendricks for Huck Finn Days in June. They stocked a man made pond with hundreds of 6 inch fish. By the time we got there the pond was saturated with poles. But somehow through my dad's trick line baiting and Talmage's patience he was able to catch the biggest fish in the pond. It was around 2 feet long. It is hard to say who was more excited me, Talmage, or my dad. I am sure I made the most noise. I was like a kid at Christmas screaming as he was reeling the fish in, and my dad was more than happy to show the fish to anyone with a camera. Talmage was a little unsure of holding the fish, so my dad kindly took on that responsibility. Needless to say, it was a great day for everyone. My dad came over and prepared the fish and we ate it together with company for 3 meals. Talmage also earned his Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts this year.
Brynn turned 8 this year. She is in the third grade. Brynn's exciting event this year was getting baptized. We are so proud of her for her decision. Brynn loves art and is often drawing. She loves to help her little brother or sister, and is a big help around the home. She spends a great deal of time playing legos with Talmage. They are two peas in a pod.
Elly Ahna is 3 now. She keeps trying to convince us though that it is her turn for another birthday. She is pretty sure birthdays are more than a once a year thing. Elly and I have been learning about a different letter each week. She loves to count, sing the alphabet, and be my big helper. She usually is the one to set the table, and often gets the silverware in the right spot. It is one of her favorite jobs.
Miles is 18 months now. He seems to have a suicide wish most days. I spend much of my time getting him off anything he can climb on. He especially loved peach and apple harvest so he could keep trying to climb up the ladder. He is our first and so far only child to receive stitches. He had them removed on Halloween. I was sorely tempted to dress him as Frankenstein. He loves his dad, and runs to him at any given chance. I find it really cute because he thinks Matt's name is Mama, so he will be running from me to Matt yelling, "Mama." It really warms a mom's heart. Luckily he still loves to snuggle, and has made his baby time not rush away quite so fast.
We appreciate all you, our friends and family. You have edified our lives in so many ways. We hope this season finds you well and happy. Thank you for the love you have shown us. Merry Christmas! (or in the words of my 3 year old) "Happy Christmas, guys!" That has become one of her favorite lines this month.
1 comments:
Merry Christmas to the Goodman family -- one and all!...from the Reid family in Babb, Montana! :-)
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