A Tribute to My Dad Gilbert Sandberg by Jonathan Sandberg

Recently during a wonderful visit to our house by my parents, one of my good friends, who grew up without a father in the home, said something to me like this “you do realize how lucky you are to have such a great dad.” It was certainly not the first time I have had someone say that to me, both in and out of the church. Somehow many of my friends feel like they know dad well, whether it be from the advice he has given that I re-quote or his weekly letters that I sometimes share or just from interacting with him. It is true what Grandma Marza Hatch said all those years ago after meeting him, there is something special about him, I believe she particularly referred to his wisdom, but there is more than that. I believe I could write many tributes like this to my dad, each focusing a different set of memories or feelings, because he is a remarkable and wonderful man. I am grateful for the opportunity to get off the merry-go-round of life for a moment, and reflect on Dad and what he has meant to me. I hope these random memories can be uplifting and foster love in all families.

I do not think it was until I became a father and was watching some old family movies of my childhood that I realized how much time dad spent with me. I remember playing catch, shooting baskets, fathers and sons outings, talks, drives, activities of all kinds, playing games, watching sports or movies, going out for ice cream, wrestling with him on his bed (much to mom’s chagrin as we broke a head board), priesthood meetings, and many more activities. One of my favorite quotes about fathers is from President Hunter, who said, “a father protects his children with his time and his presence.” Though as a teenager I often did not fully appreciate how he shared his time and presence with me, I never doubted I was important to him, or that what I did mattered to him. Only now do I realize how hard it is to balance, and do it well, the responsibilities at home, church and work. He has said to me more than once as an adult, “it is hard to be a good man in today’s world, there are not many role models.” I am very grateful my dad was a great example to me of how to balance those key roles of the LDS man.

From my childhood, and even as teenager, I loved to hear my dad tell a story or give a talk. No matter how smart I thought I was or how out of touch I thought he was with my reality, I never missed a chance to hear him talk. To this day there are few people who can hold my attention like dad, he can weave common, every day experiences into the most powerful gospel metaphors and make scriptures and general conference quotes come alive and sink deep in the listener’s hearts. I knew my dad loved listening to the Apostles and Prophets and he went out of his way to share meaningful stories and quotes with us, stories from conference that I have never forgotten. I still have old, ragged copies of general conference talks he sent to me at college or on my mission. I treasure them really. I came to love the brethren largely because of the way my parents do. Just as an example, once dad told us he would pay any kid in the family who could memorize the Apostles names in order five dollars. Of course I did that as fast as I could, and he taught me about each of them as I did. Through that process I really got to know them and recognize them when they spoke.

Dad also has a way of asking questions and listening to what you say that makes you feel like the only important person on earth. He has this spotlight that seems to flow out of him and onto you, and when he is really listening, it feels so warm and bright and uplifting. One of the hardest parts of their mission to Guatemala was that phone communication was so unreliable and frustrating that I stopped calling to share my thoughts, feelings, ups and downs with dad. I missed that more than even I realize.

One treasured memory from high school was when Dad offered to go on a senior trip with me. Many of my friends were going to various alcohol-fest parties, including all the way to Mexico, and I was feeling a bit excluded and sad. Somehow he picked up on that; he said he would go on a trip with me, just me and him, to celebrate my graduation. He let me plan and organize the days we spent in Chicago, and I felt so special and had such a great time. We had gone through some real contentious times through the previous years, and that time in Chicago was so healing. Later, when I had been on my mission about a year, I got a letter from Dad. In it was a Chicago Cubs ticket stub and a letter, saying something like “two years ago this week we were in Chicago together, what a great trip I had with you, I love you, Dad.” I was in the midst of my toughest area and really felt so boosted by his letter. I tear up right now, just thinking back on it.

From Dad I learned it is ok for men to cry, that Dad’s can be wrong, apologize, and change and there is no shame in that. I learned from him that honesty and integrity are real important virtues, to be fought for and preserved. I learned by watching Dad that the priesthood is something sacred, to be honored, but most importantly, that we have to serve. I learned from Dad to love to sing. I learned from Mom how to blend into a group of people singing (sorry Dad, couldn’t resist, the fruit was ripe, I had to pluck it!). I learned from Dad that it is so fun to tease and make fun of your Dad, something our kids love to do to me (recently I told the kids that this year I was going as a grumpy dad for Halloween, Aubrey said, “gee, you won’t even have to dress up!). Somehow that teasing makes a Dad more approachable, more real.

I love my Father. I am proud to carry his name. I hope I can bring it honor in all I do and say.

A Tribute to my Father Gilbert Sandberg by Karen

A Tribute to my Father, Gilbert Sandberg

By Karen Sandberg Woodson



I heard my father, Gilbert Ivar Sandberg, joke that the most common compliment he received from his children was something like, “Dad, one of the best things about you is your willingness to change.” Most likely this thought originated from memorable talks my father gave as stake president with the themes, “It is never too late to change your old, evil ways” and “I reserve the right to be a better man today than yesterday.” But it is not just what we heard him say during our growing up years, it was how we saw him live. Truly, my father’s willingness to learn from painful experiences, then work towards improving his relationships with people and his relationship with the Lord is what I most admire about him.

As I learn about my father’s past, I realize he has always been a good man despite the difficult experiences he had even as a child. I have seen how losing a parent early in life seems to impede some people’s progress. So I admire how my father was able to turn to the Gospel, to family, and to community for comfort even as an eight year old child when his father suddenly died in a car accident. He made good choices as an adolescent and young adult, having goals which led him to serve a mission in Australia, marry my mother, and study to receive his master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.

His commitment to Church and family has continued throughout his life. As I child I have fond memories of dancing with him, planting a garden together each spring, and telling me the family-favorite stories he learned from his father: “The Moose and the Cherry Tree,” the “Ox and the Church Bell,” and the “Old Lady’s Fur Coat.” I appreciate his ongoing desire to have a personal relationship with his children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. For example, he has sent out a weekly letter for many years to connect with the important people in his life.

My father continues to be willing to go through uncomfortable changes to be able to serve more effectively. I know it was hard for him to have a recent hip surgery, but he said he wanted to do it to be able to walk with my mother and to serve the Lord on another mission. I admire his willingness to learn Spanish and extend his original mission commitment to serve for 3 ½ years in Guatemala. My personal relationship with him is better than it has ever been as he has patiently helped me work through some of our past disagreements with his understanding and patience.

I enjoy spending time with my father. My husband, son and I appreciate the opportunity to live with him, from the early morning summaries he gives of the local newspaper, to the late evening card games we play with him. I like how he wants his posterity to know about his heritage by writing his father’s life history, about his testimony of the Gospel, about his value for learning, and about the benefits of life-long growth and progress. He is a good man and keeps getting better.

John and Sandra Hatch

John and Sandra don’t have too much new to report. Our life is spent in Church work, John’s tours, and traveling to see the grandchildren. John has a sheep flock now; he has decided he does better at growing animals than trees. He is considering growing catfish also. His tour business is pretty good, but we could always use more customers there. We don’t have many plans for the summer except going to the family reunion in July and hopefully having our children come to visit us to do some bottling.

Stewart Hatch

Stewart is working with some guys from home. They install flooring in Marriott hotels mostly, and he has worked in San Diego, Denver, Salt Lake City, and is now in Anahiem. He hopes to earn enough to get into college somewhere soon!

Ian and Jennifer Quaranta Family

Ian is busy, busy all day long! He still works for the sheriff’s department in training. He’s an instructor in firearms, pepperball, Taser, C.P.R., or whatever else they need taught that day. Then he comes home and is put to work running errands, fixing dinner(if we’re not eating out), helping the older girls get ready for bed, then helping me with the twins! No wonder he goes to bed about 9:30 p.m. every night. Plus his day starts at 4:30 a.m. every morning. He’s also a team teacher for the Valiant 12 class in Primary, so that includes scouts every Wednesday. I don’t know how he survives…
My life consists of taking care of babies 24/7! I’m up at 7 a.m. to get Paige off to school. For those of you who know me this is a big accomplishment! Then I get the rest of us fed, dressed (I’m lucky if I get a shower), and ready to pick Paige up from school. The rest of the day consists of holding the twins, feeding them, and putting them to sleep. If I get 10 minutes, I help Paige with homework, violin practice, laundry, lunch, clean Lilly’s accidents, and attempt to clean my house(it doesn’t get done). After everyone’s asleep I finish folding laundry and cleaning up the kitchen, so I can get a little bit of sleep in between night feedings. Meghan and Maren are sleeping in our queen bed with us when they wake up to eat, unless we get up to put them back in their bed. We’re not too comfortable, but our sleep is more important now. I don’t have any callings in Church right now, so I guess they are giving me time to adjust. As far as I know, I don’t think you can ever adjust fully to twins. Each stage has it’s challenges. Are you getting tired yet?
Paige is 5 years old and “has too many things to do!” (her words) She is one of the youngest in Kindergarten, but proving her worth. She has not had any struggles with learning and homework, yet. I wonder where she gets it from! Mondays she has violin lessons. She’s been taking it for a year now and has had two recitals. When practicing she’s a little hard on herself, but I hope she sticks with it. Paige is very much a girl with all the drama and baggage, but still loves camping hunting and fishing with her dad. Lilly and her are princesses and tomboys at the same time. At home she teaches and plays with Lilly, and is a big help to mom and dad with the babies. No wonder she feels overwhelmed! We’re very proud of her though... there’s a special reason why Paige came to our family first.
Lilly is 3 ½ years old and the life of the party! She’s a little too outgoing for her own good. She has yet to meet a person or animal she doesn’t like. She’s like the energizer bunny too, “keeps going, and going, and going…” Lilly’s not afraid of much anything. Last summer she taught herself to swim. You have to keep and eye on her at all times. In the fall she took a ballet class from two ward teenagers that live across the street from us. They had a cute Christmas recital. She really enjoyed that and so did I since it was so convenient for me with the new twins. Lilly has had a rough time adjusting to not being the baby anymore. She really loves playing with the twins now that they’re older, but it’s tough being stuck at home with mom and the babies, while Paige is so busy. Oh the life of a middle child!
As many of you heard we had a little scare with Lilly in August. She kept complaining her tummy hurt and then one morning she woke up with a fever and throwing up. Fearing it was appendicitis, Ian took her to the emergency room. After having tests done on a poor little, but brave girl it turned out to be a bad kidney infection. She spent 4 days in the hospital, having high fevers of 105, more tests, and an I.V. pushing fluid so our little ‘toothpick” wouldn’t dehydrate. After they found the right antibiotic the fevers calmed down and she got to go home. Luckily it wasn’t too scarring of an experience, because after about two days she was back to her old self playing and being hyper. If that wasn’t enough, I went into the hospital the next week on complete bed rest because I had started into labor. My mom came out to help with the girls, and stayed until Meghan and Maren were born Sept 11, then stayed a month afterward.

PS We have since moved into a 3-bedroom house, the twins have their own bedroom and they are sleeping through the night! They are almost 9 months and crawling around. School is out for Paige, so we are happy to not have a schedule and do some swimming.

Robert and Sharon Hatch

This past year has been both exciting and eventful. Robert was called to be stake president just before Christina’s wedding in June 2006. It has been a learning experience for him. Sharon was subsequently released as stake Primary president, but continues to serve as a counselor. Work and church assignments have been plentiful, but we still managed trips to Vancouver Island with my brother Les and his wife, to Alabama to visit Paul’s family, to Puerto Peñasco for a family reunion, to Mazatlan to spend Thanksgiving with the Dovers, and to Phoenix/Las Vegas, where Robert enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sons and attending BYU’s bowl game. In January 2007 we took those of our children and their spouses who were able to join us on a cruise to the Caribbean. The following month we attended our newest grandson Kyle’s baby blessing in Alabama, after which Sharon traveled to Utah to help the Webbs pack up their home. More recently we enjoyed a sibling reunion in Pinetop, AZ.

Don and Tammy Webb

With the March 16, 2006 purchase of the Coldstone Creamery in American Fork, life for the Webbs changed dramatically. Fortunately, they were still able to attend the family reunion in Puerto Peñasco. Don continues to work with the Utah National Guard, but his day often begins at Coldstone. They decided that it was just too far from Eagle Mountain to Coldstone, so they sold their home and moved into David’s basement while their new home in Lehi is being constructed. It could be ready as early as July. Don was released as bishop and is now serving as a Sunday School teacher, while Tammy works with the cub scouts. Brandon and Brenton are really enjoying the musical opportunities provided by the American Fork school system. While Brenton practiced for the musical “Seussical,” Brandon played soccer. Brittany also played soccer this year, and Bryson played his Game Boy.

Paul and Tammie Hatch

On November 29, 2006, Paul and Tammie added a beautiful baby, Kyle Porter, to their family. His brothers Jacob and Cade are excited to have another boy in the family and hope he will want to play baseball with them. They are also learning to play the piano. Jadelyn has decided that she prefers dance to baseball. They have been busier than usual with their Subway stores because this year two of them had to be remodeled, and they are relocating a third. When Paul is not working, remodeling the upstairs for his boys, or coaching baseball, he is busy as an assistant ward mission leader. Tammie continues to do the bookkeeping for the stores and serves as visiting teaching supervisor.

David and Heather Hatch

David continues to enjoy a successful career with Safeco Insurance. He is currently serving as ward clerk, and Heather is a counselor in the Young Women’s presidency. Heather enjoys spending time with their children, Dallin, Julia, and Kate. One of the family’s favorite pastimes is singing with the karaoke machine. Dallin especially likes to sing, “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie. When Heather is not hosting Preschool Pals for Julia, she can often be found reading, not only to her own children, but also to many of the children in the neighborhood. They are looking forward to their trip to Los Mochis/Mazatlan in June.

George and Susie Dover

Shortly before attending the family reunion in Puerto Peñasco, George and Susie purchased a 2-3 acre lot with an older home, just around the corner from their previous home. It is a perfect place for their children—more friends, more space, lots of fun things to do in the backyard. A week after they moved in, they flew to Mazatlan. They spent a few days in Los Mochis with Mom and Dad, and on Sunday the ward had a special sacrament presentation on the power of music, in which Susie played the piano. They spent the next few days on the beach, and everyone had a great time. Work keeps George very busy, but he always manages to find time to be with the family and fulfill his responsibilities as a counselor in the Elders Quorum presidency. Susie enjoys being a mom, decorating the house, and traveling. She serves in the Primary presidency.

Mark and Errolyn Hatch

Mark and Errolyn are looking forward to the arrival of their second child, a baby girl, mid June. In the meantime, they keep busy with work, church responsibilities, and playing with Andrew. Mark was working for Cosmic Pictures as an editor, but he is now supervising 5 editors for a newly created sister company, Universal Post. He serves as Young Men’s president. After work he enjoys playing games with Andrew. When the weather is nice, Errolyn takes Andrew for walks or stroller rides, or plays with him in their big backyard. They enjoyed the family reunion at the beach, and Andrew impressed everyone with his love of food. Errolyn teaches community aerobics classes three times a week and serves as a counselor in the Primary presidency. In her spare time, she likes to scrapbook, make cards, and spend time with family.

Richard and Christina Ellis

The exciting news for Christina this past year was her marriage to Richard Ellis on June 30 in the Mesa Temple. When they met, Richard had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. Currently, Richard is a Senior Airman at Luke Air Force Base, but he is looking for a permanent position with a city fire department when his enlistment finishes in October. At the same time he is finishing a degree in Para medicine. He makes his family proud as a fourth generation fire fighter. Christina loves being married and getting to know her new family. She continues to work for her brother-in-law in the mortgage industry. Both Christina and Richard enjoy playing with their chocolate lab, Megan. They have been co-teaching the Sunbeams in their ward, but a recent move will mean new callings.

Hatch Rojas Family

The children are growing way too fast! In the summer of 2006, we were blessed with our precious baby girl Alondra. She was born at home since we live so far away from society; she is a little angel and is finally sitting up and rolling. I predict she will be the tallest in the family.
Alexandra will be 6 in June and she is doing great in school! She is one of the top readers in her class and she is definitely a great help and support here at home. Loves to play Piano (or as she would say it "touch the piano"). I love her teacher and of course, credit to the mom who sits and practices with her!
Analee is turning 5 in August and she will finally get to go to "the big school" with her sister (no more nonsense with mom’s preschool). She has matured so much in the last few months. She got a pair of rabbits for her last birthday and she takes good care of them. We have now discovered why they say "things" about rabbits. Does anyone want bunnies? We have new ones every month! It’s fun to have her around and see her so happy with her "chinos". She is doing gymnastics and loving it!
Alan is very much 2 yrs old. He will not let any of us girls tell him what to do or how to do it. Our biggest accomplishment so far is getting him off the bottle. Hurray! He loves to help around the house and is always busy. We hope he starts talking (or saying anything) sometime soon. My hard working boy is amazing and very sweet.
As you know, Adam and I are no longer together and we are trying our best to get through this without harming the children (if that is at all possible). We appreciate the letters and the support. We feel of your love and I pray that you may feel of our love as well and feel how your prayers have influenced us. We love you dearly!

Nate and Nere,

This last year has been an eventful one for the both of us. We started the year with a beautiful vacation to Hawaii that we enjoyed very much. Nere enjoys her time at home; especially tending to, talking to and caring after her many plants and flowers she has inside and outside our home. She also loves her church calling, serving in the nursery. Nere took a couple of semesters of English as she tries to learn this confusing language. She also helped out with the business for a few months at the store, which I was grateful for. We both took a week break in the summer to go down home to do some bottling and had time to run up to Pacheco where it was nice and green. Nathan has been busy with the business most of the year. He also was serving in the young mens and got to hike the Grand Canyon while doing so. He was worn out having hiked down and out in the same day. He also got to go to Alaska to fish with his dad and Adam. Nathan caught the biggest fish (salmon) of the group...55 lbs. We ended the way we started with another vacation, but this time to Cabo San Lucas where we had a great time, packed with fun activities and good food.

Joshua Hatch Family-

Joshua Hatch Family-
We had a very exciting 2006. We built our dream house and finally were able to move in it late November. It was a long 8 months, but it felt like years. Josh is still working for Pulte Homes. He is now in a Manager position. He went to work and then would come home and work into the night. What a hard worker he is! I, on the other hand, felt like a single mom, but in the end, it was all worth it. After moving into our new ward, he became busy in a different way- Elder’s Quorum President, so I still don’t get to see him much. But, he is doing a fantastic job with the Elders. The kids are growing like the weeds in our front yard. Crenna is now in 3rd grade and doing very well. She was baptized in September and we are very proud of her decision. We had everyone here for that occasion and are so thankful for our family. Maya is in 1st grade and such a little smarty. She is doing great in school! She will be 7 in May and can’t wait until next year when she can get baptized too. Andy is the big 5. As he put it at his birthday. He is finally 5 because he was 4 forever. He is in preschool 3 days a week and loves it. He has improved a lot since he first started and can’t wait until he can go to the big school with his sisters. Aaron and Anson are going to turn 4 in July. I can’t even believe how time flies. Soon my babies will be in school and I will be left with time to spare (I am hoping anyway). They keep me on my toes though. I am enjoying my new home, decorating and trying to still get things in order. I was called to Primary Chorister and loving it. We truly have been blessed and welcome anyone that would like to come visit us in the desert of Arizona.

Sandberg Family News

GILBERT AND MICHELLE SANDBERG
Gilbert and Michelle returned home in November and are adjusting to being back in the real world after 3 1/2 wonderful years serving in the temple in Guatemala. It is a blessing to be able to spend more time with our children and 17 grandchildren. We look forward to our own family reunion and the Hatch reunion this summer. Plus we are excited to get together with the Hatch siblings and spouses next month then go to Utah for April Conference. Gilbert had hip replacement surgery in January and is recovering well. We have been set apart as Denver Temple ordinance workers to serve in the Spanish program and Gilbert is also a sealer. Both have teaching callings in our ward--High Priests and Mia Maids. Our goals this year are to spend time with family, enjoy being retired, and get our house and selves in order to go on another mission.

TYLER AND KRISTIN PRUETT
Pruett family keeps growing. Jordan just turned 14 and was ordained a Teacher. He is in 8th grade. Jaron is 10 and in 5th grade. He takes Tae Kwon Do and is good at it. Tanner is 6, almost 7, and in 1st grade. He is beginning to read well. Lindsay is 5 and goes to preschool. She'll be in kindergarten next year. They are entering a new stage in their family will all children in school and a teenager among them. Kristin still works in the school district with teen parents. A big change and challenge in her life is serving as Relief Society president. Tyler was given added responsibility at work when two departments were combined. He is now director of Financial Aid and Admissions at NMSU. They think Las Cruces is a bigger and better place to live than it was when they were there several years ago.

JONATHAN AND SHARON SANDBERG
Their lives are busy. Aubrey is 11 and in 6th grade. She loves reading, swimming, soccer, piano, violin and looks forward to being in YW. Spencer is 10, in 4th grade and in Weeblos. He loves all sports and school, and likes playing the piano and string bass. Marissa is 6 and in 1st grade. She loves dancing, soccer, swimming, playing the piano and being in Girl Scouts. Micaela is 4 years old, in preschool, and excited to go to kindergarten next year. She loves to dance and enjoys visiting every dog in the neighborhood. Sharon loves volunteering at school and seeing the kids during the day when she can. She is happy to be serving in Primary again. Jonathan loves spending time with the family and always has fun activities planned for them. He continues to work at Syracuse University and to serve as stake president.

NELSON AND MELISSA SANDBERG
The big news in their family is the addition of another cute boy. Jason Marcus, their 3rd child was born August 17, 2006. Eric was 3 years old in November and is very tall for his age. He loves trains, trucks, tractors, etc. and is making great progress with his speech therapy. Carlie turns 6 in February and is in kindergarten. She loves her class, her teacher and being in gymnastics and soccer. Melissa loved serving in the Relief Society presidency, but now is working with Cub Scouts--good preparation for when her boys are that age. She enjoys being home with her children. Nelson took a brief job with Weber State University, but returned to Hill AFB when they offered him a new contract with better benefits. He is still ward financial clerk. They enjoy doing fun things with their family and seeing such places as Yellowstone, Zion’s and Capital Reef National Parks.

KARL AND KIMBERLEY SANDBERG
They have had many changes in their family recently. Most important was the birth of their 3rd precious daughter, Hannah Kae, on October 30, 2006. Another change was the purchase of Guidant, the company Karl worked for, by Boston Scientific, which ended in a transfer for Karl from Denver to headquarters in St. Paul. They moved in January. Along with a new baby, Kimberley was busy preparing their Castle Rock home for sale and planning their new home to be built in Minnesota. Moving again so soon was a big challenge and a major change for the whole family--making new friends, going to new schools and getting new callings in a new ward, but they seem to be adjusting well. Alexa is 3, a Sunbeam in Primary and full of life. She can entertain herself wherever she is. Makenna is 6 and likes kindergarten. She is a big help at home with her 2 sisters.

CHRIS AND KAREN WOODSON
They are excited to be expecting another baby the first of May--a baby brother for Dallin who is 2 1/2 years old. Dallin is all boy and gets a lot of attention living with Grandpa and Grandma Sandberg and in the same ward with Grandma Woodson and Aunt Tami. Karen works part time as a clinical social worker at a mental health facility and also does counseling for LDS Family Services. Chris works for Larimer Mental Health, is completing his doctorate course work in Psychology at UNC and working on his dissertation. He hopes to do an internship with the military in 2008. Karen serves as Primary music director and Chris is ward Sunday School president.

RICHARD AND DEANNE SANDBERG
The big news in their family this past year was the birth of their 2nd pretty little girl. Savannah Rochelle was born June 25, 2006. Her big sister Karadyn will be 3 in March. She is talkative, loves to play with her cousins, and likes going to Grandpa's and Grandma's house. Another big event in their family was a move to Sunnyvale, CA, last August where Richard did a 4 month internship with AMD. They returned to their home in Erie, CO, just in time for Christmas. Two moves and 2 little girls kept Deanne busy, but she is used to hard work having grown up on a farm and having owed a landscaping business. Richard has completed the MA part of his PhD in physics at CU. He and Deanne teach Primary.


BIRTHS:
-- Savannah Rochelle Sandberg was born June 25, 2006, to Richard and Deanne.
-- Jason Marcus Sandberg was born August 17, 2006, to Nelson and Melissa. -- Hannah Kae Sandberg was born October 30, 2006, to Karl and Kimberley.

Whetten Family

As most of you know, Mom and Dad made an unplanned visit to Utah from their mission. Mom fell off the kitchen table and broke her arm in four places (March 1). They came to Utah for Mom to have surgery (March 9), which required a metal plate and 11 screws. She's in therapy right now, and waiting for the docs to give her the all-clear to return to the mission. Dad went back to Mexico a few days after the surgery. Of course he misses her, but he's super busy with 170+ missionaries and 5 districts to oversee. They are 21 months into the mission.

Diana and Ryan Windley will celebrate nine years of marriage next month. We still live in South Ogden with our two beautiful girls, Lauren (5) and Jenna Rose (19 months). We had great time visiting "Papa Cliff and Nana Rose" in Mexico in January...our second trip down there! (Photo attached...Palenque Ruins in Chiapas)

Carolyn and Jake Smith moved to Puerto Rico last fall, and have started a Big Dog Satellite (Dish Network) business down there. It has always been their dream to live there...they both served as missionaries in PR (but claim they didn't meet until after their missions). The have three active boys, Jett (6), Luke (3), and Thomas (11 months).

Renee and Gary Christensen live in Salt Lake City with their defective yet somewhat loveable cat Mickey. They just bought a home in South Jordan a couple of blocks from where the Church is building the new Daybreak temple. They spent Christmas in the mission, and loved every minute of it.

David is a student at Utah State in Logan. When he's not studying, he's usually fishing. He has a raging social life, and a cute girl that he hangs out with on a regular basis (we're not supposed to define her as a "girlfriend"). He plans on spending the summer in Puerto Rico working for Big Dog.

~ Diana

Bruce & Christy Jacobs family

After six great years in Washington state, we decided to move our family back to Utah, so Bruce could take a new job as director of the Combined Federal Campaign, which covers all of Utah, southeast Idaho, most of Wyoming and western Colorado. We miss our friends and the beauty of Washington, but we're settling in well here. Bruce loves the job and being (mostly) his own boss, which gives him creative freedom to plan how to best motivate federal workers in his territory to donate to charitable causes. His new church calling is Sunday school teacher for the 15-year-olds. Since joining our new ward, Christy has received three and a half callings. First she was called as co-teacher of the 15-year-olds with Bruce, then as a member of the Enrichment committee and then as the new ward choir director, which she finds intimidating even though everyone (except she) says she's doing a terrific job. Fortunately for her sanity, she was released from the co-teacher position. What was her half-calling, you ask? The second counselor inadvertently set her apart as the new ward organist rather than enrichment committee member, after she had substituted as organist that day in church. She didn't get released, but she wasn't sustained either, so Bruce likes to say she has two-and-half callings to his one. That pretty much sums up their respective capabilities...

Shortly after moving here, Sammy's eye doctor prescribed glasses to help cure his minor case of strabismus (lazy eye). It looks like the whole family is doomed to poor eyesight. Luckily both of Riley's eyes are working well. A little too well, maybe, as he is quickly able to spot any opportunity to get into things that are "no-no's."

Overall we're healthy, happy and glad to be nearer to many family members. We look forward to hearing from all of you.

Bruce, Christy, Sammy & Riley