TOP NEWS STORIES SINCE OUR LAST NEWSLETTER
EDITOR’S NOTE: The world seems to be unraveling at an ever increasing rate. So it’s not surprising that in searching the internet for the top world and national news stories of 2015 I found very little of the good or positive, and was tempted to discontinue this column. However, this column does provide historical context (and contrast) to our Hinckley Family news and makes us even more grateful to be part of this amazing family.
WORLD & NATIONAL HEADLINES
COSBY: After more than 50 sexual assault accusations, comedian Bill Cosby was charged for aggravated indecent assault.
PARIS TERROR ATTACKS: On November 13, 2015 a series of explosions and shootings connected to Islamic extremist group ISIS resulted in 130 deaths and one of the worst terror attacks in French history.
SHOOTINGS: In Virginia a reporter and a cameraman were shot dead on live television by a disgruntled former colleague. The killer posted the attack on social media then killed himself. In San Bernardino a married couple with ties to ISIS opened fire at a holiday work party slaughtering 14 co-workers.
MIGRANT CRISIS: European nations have been faced with a massive influx of migrants from the Middle East and Africa who have been risking their lives to flee war and other hardships facing their nation. In April a boat packed with hundreds of migrants from Libya, capsized in the Mediterranean Sea, killing 700 migrants, making it the deadliest disaster of its kind to date.
BRUCE JENNER: Received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for becoming “Caitlyn” Jenner.
NEPAL EARTHQUAKE: More than 9,000 people lost their lives after a 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal and triggered a massive avalanche on Mount Everest.
CANDIDATES: Presidential politics took on a carnival atmosphere during the pre-primary season, with an amazing cast of would-be successors to Obama. Among them: Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz and Donald J. Trump.
GAY MARRIAGE: In an historic landmark move the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states under the 14th amendment.
PLANE CRASHES: A co-pilot deliberately crashed a Germanwings flight into the Alps killing all 150 aboard. And ISIS claimed responsibility for the Metrojet flight from Russia that crashed in the Sinai Peninsula killing all 224 aboard.
News & Headlines of
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Elder L. Tom Perry, President Boyd K. Packer, and Elder Richard G. Scott passed away, and three new Apostles – Elders Ronald A. Rasband, Gary E. Stevenson and Dale G. Renlund were called. • In response to the Supreme Court’s legalization of same-sex marriage, the church reaffirmed it would “continue to teach and promote marriage between a man and a woman.” • To give women a more official voice in church leadership, they now serve on three major governing committees. • Two scholarly essays were released addressing the roles and authority of women in the church. • As of December there are 149 operating temples, ground was broken for the Star Valley Wyoming, Cedar City Utah, Tucson Arizona, Concepcion Chile and Lisbon Portugal temples, and the building of new temples in the Ivory Coast, Haiti, and Thailand was announced. • Family Home Evening, turned a century old, and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” marked its 20th anniversary • The church commemorated 30 years of LDS Charities helping others, including contributions of more than $1.2 billion. • After one year of renovation the Church History Museum was reopened, with beautiful new interactive displays.
Just a few of our HINCKLEY FAMILY HEADLINES
Since our last newsletter we have welcomed at least* three precious babies; celebrated at least* three baptisms and at least four Eagle Scout awards.In 2015 we had at least* nine missionaries in the field; and at least* two or more engagements. Homeschooling is the trend in the family; and several of our language dual immersion kids are becoming “fluent” in their new languages. World travels are becoming the norm, involving at least* sixteen foreign countries, and everything from Niagara Falls to Cove Fort in our beautiful USA.
Read all about these and many other great family stories in this issue of
Our Family Circle!
*I’m sorry, but there’s just no way I can keep an accurate tally of all these important events in the family.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: The tradition of a “message” or “editorial” in the newsletter began with the earliest issues of Our Family Circle and were written by Mother Hinckley. We have tried to honor that tradition in the ensuing years. But the responsibility for it now rotates between the aunts and uncles. This year Harold and Diane have shared some inspiring thoughts on how to be a happier people. Nothing would please Arza and Erma more than to see their ever increasing posterity doing those things that bring lasting, even eternal happiness. May we all live happily forever after!
Kay & Ned – Ned was called to be high priests group leader when ward boundaries changed the 1st of 2015, and continued on staff at Layton Family History Center. Kay continued as English teacher at NHS and as EP specialist in the ward and stake. Our ward grew younger as we grew older.
Some highlights of the year: Quinn graduated from U of U College of Pharmacy and became a pharmacist in Arizona! Ned and Kay vacationed in Galena Illinois and around North Shore of Lake Superior with Angie & Chris, the highlight being Lucia’s baby blessing. The family camped at East Canyon Reservoir and played at Boondock’s. Ned & Kay celebrated their anniversary at the top of Snow Basin via gondola. They loved Christmas in Prescott AZ with Quinn’s family. Ned spent two weeks of August in the UK, assisting his client with genealogy, scanning thousands of docs & books, driving, etc.; (photography more than a hobby.) Kay spent those weeks entertaining Porter & Grace and helping Katie & children. In 4th quarter, Ned edited and published ten books for his new client in Florida, and edited the son’s autobiography. January 2016, we welcomed Katie & Jared’s sweet Adeline, our 23rd.
Kay enjoyed visiting the Whitaker Home in Centerville with her sisters. She & Ned were grateful to be included in the senior cousins’ reunion at Lon’s ward, the Payson Temple open house plus lunch at Thanksgiving Point, the SLC Alzheimer walk with Diane’s Team Hinckley, the Cousin Connection at Murray Park, temple sealings with Lon & Hinckley seniors, and Hale Centre Theatre followed by dinner at Tucanos Brazilian Grill. Thanks to senior siblings for planning and organizing!
Curtis & Tricia Cannon – We didn’t move in 2015! We love Kaysville! On spring break, we hiked Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, and the Slot Canyons; family visited Cove Fort on the way. We enjoyed summer campouts and two trips to Bear Lake, where Tricia’s sister just moved. In September at the Conference Center, Tricia and the two girls attended Jaynie’s first Women’s Conference. In November, Curtis went back to having weekends off work. It’s been wonderful family time! This was Tricia’s first year with all the children in school full-time. She did a lot of family history and temple work for the extended families. She worked on all her mother’s scrapbooks, digitized her ancestors’ stories, and learned how to make herbal medicine.
Caleb, 12th grade, met Hannah, a girl that helped him go from poor grades to straight A’s. In addition, he has been making up for last year online, holding down a job, AND preparing for a mission. Caleb enjoyed playing the piano and working on a painting that he gave Tricia for Christmas. Elijah is a junior in the AP Calculus class, proudly earning a B; otherwise straight A’s. He plays the piano in Seminary and has been writing music with his new guitar and microphone. For Elijah’s b-day, his best friend paid for him to travel to Six Flags in California; they had a blast! Caleb and Elijah together received their Eagle rank in Scouts. Hyrum, a 9th grader, has been diligent at his homework and is doing better. He plays the clarinet in the school band and just got a flute for Christmas. He plans to try out for the famous Davis High Marching Band. Vera, 7th grade, does well in school, helps the younger kids, cleans house, and attends the temple often with friends. Jaynie Ruth was baptized in 2015, and Brigham is preparing for baptism in 2016; they both enjoy playing with friends and reading.
Spencer & Ann Cannon Fam – 2015 was a year of reinvention for Spence. On top of his role as husband, father of six, priesthood leader, soccer coach, and home maintenance director, Spencer felt he needed to launch a new business. In June he started a business, outsourcesales.com, wherein he engages with companies with great ideas that need help selling them. Loves it so far.
Ann and the children kept busy with Church, school, and friends – a year of learning and growth. Bryon works hard at a warehouse and just started classes at SLCC; he plans to leave for his mission this summer. Everyone is doing well.
Our ventures in the chicken-raising business got better. In 2014, we lost over a dozen birds to house pets and local hawks. I’m happy to report we only lost six in 2015 – if you don’t count the two dozen fertilized eggs we tried to hatch but literally cooked under a heat lamp. The main culprit this year was the poison Spencer put out to kill the mice. Of course, we had a couple dog instances, but nothing a shock collar couldn’t fix. We are getting this thing down....or so we think.
A few months ago, Annie ventured onto KSL Classifieds to scout out some new young hens to bolster our thinning flock. Six new birds right here in Herriman were found, and a time was arranged for pick-up. Ann arrived with her chicken crates and the kind lady instructed her to just go in the backyard and load them up. Peeking inside the hen house, Ann found a familiar sight: six dead birds. Thinking this was some kind of joke, she went to inform the owner, who was absolutely astounded – “They were just fine an hour ago!” After loading up her empty crates, Ann drove home slowly that afternoon convinced that somehow she was the cause of their death - as if she was some kind of Grim Reaper of barn animals. Had our reputation for chicken-raising been noised so far abroad that hens voluntarily “off themselves” rather than spend a moment in our care?
So she went and bought a Jack Russell puppy.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins as examples. As we go through life, seeing the various circles of influence in the lives of others, we realize more and more how uniquely blessed we all are in the Hinckley Family.
Quinn & Barbara Cannon – 2015 was a life-changing year filled with stress, miracles, relief, adventure, and a move to Prescott, Arizona. Quinn graduated from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in May, and he is now working as a pharmacist for Walgreens in Chino Valley, Arizona, approximately 30 minutes north of the family’s home. He is becoming more confident in his new position and enjoys being done with school. Quinn is the Scoutmaster over Dallin’s troop, and Barbara taught in Relief Society until a few weeks ago when she was called to be the Primary President. We are enjoying the mild climate and beautiful landscape of Prescott. Barbara thoroughly enjoys living in the Ponderosa pine forest, hiking along the many trails nearby, and taking the kids to the Prescott Zoo and other fun places in the community. Dallin, 12, our “pre-teen,” has already made some really good friends and is having a lot of fun. Dallin’s favorite things to do are play video games, watch Studio C, swim, and hang out with friends. Other highlights of 2015 for Dallin were: receiving the Aaronic Priesthood, passing the sacrament, and doing baptisms for the dead in the Phoenix temple. Gabriel, 10, has made two good friends, the son of a minister next door, and a boy who is in his church class and school class. He is not very fond of school, but loves doing sporty things and building structures in Minecraft and out of Legos. Also an entrepreneur at heart, he often comes up with ideas for making money, such as selling cookies and food. Camille, 5, our extrovert, loves playing with her friends at school and anytime she gets a chance when not in school. When not playing with friends, she enjoys playing with Gabriel and watching movies. All three of our children had a blast swimming in our neighborhood pool most summer days. We look forward to spending more time together as a family, purchasing property to build a house on, and exploring the area.
Katie & Jared Costley – The year 2015 was a challenging and also blessed year for the Costley Family. Katie spent the majority of the year pregnant with our fourth and final child. Her first pregnancy resulted in twin boys, Jeremy and Jonathan, who are now 5.5 years old. The twins were busy playing in their second season of soccer, experimenting with tumbling, and starting Kindergarten last fall. The second pregnancy brought our youngest son, Eli, who is full of life, spunk, and sometimes mischief. He stays home with Mom, entertains her, and keeps her hopping, chasing after him as he wreaks havoc on our house. This final pregnancy has blessed us with our first daughter, Adeline, born January 21, 2016. While she is only 4 days old when we wrote this, she has already brought so much light and love into our home. The pregnancies have all been very difficult on Katie, to which any mother could attest. She is glad to have given birth to our baby, and to begin the steady recovery from nine months of burden inflicted on her body.
Katie is also busy with her Church calling as the Duty to God specialist for the Young Men in our ward. This is part of a focus by our stake presidency on the importance of the Duty to God program. It has been a challenging calling, as it is a new stake position, and she has to formulate it as she goes.
Jared has been busy in his job at Hill AFB. He started a new position which is very different from where he has been for the past five years, which was in the F-16 division. While he was sad to leave his job supporting the Israeli F-16 program, he is enjoying his new job which affords him more time to be with the family. He has also kept busy as the Ward Executive Secretary. We have been blessed these past twelve months in so many ways. Our family has grown, which has brought so much joy to our lives. 2015 was busy but wonderful, and we are looking forward to another great year.
Angie & Chris Mee – At the start of 2015, we said our goodbye to beautiful, brown, dusty Arizona and headed east to the Land of Lincoln for Chris’ new job as the Budget Analyst at the federal prison in Thomson, IL. We found a place to rent in the charming, touristy town of Galena, IL. We have grown to love this town with its popcorn, chocolate, candy, and root beer shops. The town hosts weekly tourist-trap events such as Wiener Dog races, art festivals, Night of the Luminaries, pottery walks, country fairs, ghost tours, trolley rides, and balloon festivals.
We were grateful to have Ned and Kay join us for Lucia’s baby blessing in June. After spending time with them in Galena, we traveled to Duluth, Minnesota and the North Shore of Lake Superior. We fell in love with beautiful Lake Superior: so calm and serene, even majestic; the heavens and the earth melted together in an indistinguishable distant horizon. After saying goodbye to Angie’s parents, we extended our trip to the Keweenaw Peninsula, MI. If you ever find yourself up that way, enjoy the poetic silence of the enchanting harbors. We also traveled to Washington DC for Chris’ budget-analyst training on the taxpayers’ dime. Thank you, working citizens. We “packed it in,” as Kay would say. We visited monuments, galleries, and museums after Chris’ training each day. We loved it. On our way home, we visited the Sacred Grove, Niagara Falls, the Kirtland Temple, and the Indianapolis Temple open house.
We purchased a piece of Americana, a slice of eclectic, unforgettable history: the limited produced, 1993 Eagle Summit wagon! No, haven’t heard of it? (Google it.)
Here’s the skinny on our beautiful children: Nina started Kindergarten and loves it. Miri loves imitating Tarsiers (Google it.) Weston is a boy who finds joy in every toy. Lucia turned one! She is quite the speedy crawler and loves the attention from her siblings. Her smile is pure magic, bringing a spirit of joy to our home.
The latest big news: Chris got a new job! He will be the Northeast Regional Accountant for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We will be moving to Philadelphia in March!
Richard & Louise – Another interesting–sometimes difficult and sometimes wonderful–year has come and gone. We have no earth shattering news to share as our interests and commitments remain pretty much the same. We have added a second shift to our temple service and a few months ago were called to be shift coordinators for the next two years. We genuinely love our service in the temple! Richard even manages to sub on at least one additional shift each week. It has been such a blessing, and in some ways a life saver. Richard continues to teach Priesthood once or twice a month and often subs in Gospel Doctrine. Louise served most of last year as Cub Committee Chair in the ward and actually quite enjoyed it, but was recently called to serve as secretary in our (brand new Utah Southgate Stake) Stake Relief Society presidency. She is still involved in art whenever she can fit it in. Loves having the local grandkids over for art class, and wishes you could all join us for the annual grandkids art shows! She was thrilled to visit Ben & Becca’s family in Iowa just after Thanksgiving to see Izzy’s beautiful performance in the Nutcracker. As a family we welcomed home Tucker from his mission; celebrated Erma’s baptism; spent several days in SanDiego last July, enjoying the beach, Old Town, the Mormon Battalion Visitor’s Center, and etc. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with many of you at the Cousin Connection park breakfast! Our thanks to the Pierce family. But certainly one of the biggest highlights of our year was, the birth of our 21st grandchild to Adrienne and Chris. Little Mary has brought so much joy into our family, as have each of our grandchildren in turn. We are so very blessed!
Rachel & Rich GARNER - Here’s us in a nutshell: Miles (7 by the time this reaches you) is our sweet boy. He loves to help and tell you he loves you, or pray during a family prayer that Mom won’t lose her temper. He finished physical therapy for his eye issues earlier last year (Convergence Insufficiency) and is doing much better reading and with other things that require hand-eye coordination or balance. He is a master bike rider now and started piano lessons this year. Gwen (Almost 5) She is our mini-mama. She loves taking care of anything smaller than her; people, animals, bugs, you name it. She and Miles both started dance classes this year and Gwen especially loves it. She picked up reading this year, but her favorite subject is history. Lindy (Almost 2) is miss personality. She can be really sweet or really sour. :) We’re working on curbing her bullying tendencies. She is our comedian around the house and loves to have an audience to play to. She was our most expensive child this year with one trip to primary children’s for a finger that was nearly bit off by one of our rabbits, and another overnight getaway to the hospital for an awful case of croup. Yay. Rach: Still trying to figure out how to effectively home school and do anything else. She is currently the 1st counselor in the primary presidency and loving it! In her spare time, she’s working on growing a baby that will hopefully join us August 2016. :) Rich: Almost done with his MBA! He should be done in April and we’re quite excited about that. He is teaching seminary at Murray Middle School this year and loves it. Right now he’s the ward mission leader and likes the opportunities it gives him to talk to lots of people. If he has any spare time, he washes windows on the side. As a Family: This year, we traveled to San Diego with the Crosbys, had a weekend up in Brighton with the Garners, had a successful gardening and canning season, and ventured into the world of raising rabbits. It’s been a good year. We look forward to hearing from everyone!
Adrienne & Chris Lamb – The LambFamb is as busy and blessed as ever: Mary Elizabeth Lamb joined our family on June 8, 2015 and has blessed each member of our family with JOY, healing and a tremendous amount of gratitude. She is good natured, happy and easy (knock on wood!). She is now 7months old and is sitting up well and getting ready to crawl! She has also learned that food is yummy and is turning into a cute little “chunk”. John Crosby Lamb continues to keep our family on their toes. He is 6 years old, started Kindergarten, lost some teeth and broke an arm while dusting his parent’s bed! He is feisty and stubborn and full of life. John loves his video games almost as much as he loves a stray cat that adopted us. John and Paris named the cat “Milky”. I hope I always remember John with his camouflage cast, missing teeth, shorts and cowboy boots as he walks to the bus stop. Erma Louise Lamb was baptized in May 2015! She is our sweetheart and adds just the right amount of drama to our family. She continues to love the Chinese immersion program, art lessons from Grandma “Weezie”, piano, gymnastics and playing with her friends. She is a natural big sister to little Mary and a huge help to her mom. Paris Parley Lamb is 10 years old and a happy guy. He’s had fun this past year participating in football, 4H computer programming, piano, art with Grandma “Weezie”, now basketball and playing with friends. He is working towards his Arrow of Light/Webelos badge. He is a friend and help to all of his siblings. George Wendell Lamb turned 12 years old and was ordained in June 2015 to the Aaronic Priesthood - I can’t believe how fast time is flying! I’ve loved watching him as he strives to fulfill his priesthood responsibilities. He has also had fun participating in football as the center, now basketball, playing the baritone and guitar and hanging out with his friends. He and Paris both loved the PS4 that Santa brought. Chris was recently called to serve as a counselor in the Bishopric of our ward which has been a fun/growing experience so far. He has also gone back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner which is challenging but worth it, we hope... He continues to work for a local Pulmonary Specialist in sleep medicine and keeps us all smiling. Adrienne tries to keep up with everyone and everything. She and Chris had fun taking the kids to Southern California for a Crosby family vacation in July. She serves in the Cub Scouts, tries to exercise daily and reads a book every now and then. More than anything she is happy and grateful for her family.
Ben & Becca CROSBY - The Iowa Crosbys have enjoyed another busy year out on the prairie. Ben continues to enjoy his work as a professor in the English department at Iowa State, teaching courses mainly in rhetoric. He recently was awarded a sabbatical, which he will use in the spring of next year to finish a book on the National Cathedral and some of the great speeches given there. He loves his calling as an interpreter for a Deaf family in the ward. He’s also the Cub Master. Becca continues to enjoy her work as a part-time nurse on the cardiac floor at the local hospital, but she was recently accepted into a nurse practitioner program through Clarkson College in Omaha, NE. She is scheduled to graduate in May, 2018. She is excited for this opportunity but cannot wait to be done with school once and for all...someday. She too has a calling as an interpreter for the Deaf family in our ward. Izzy, 13, continues to love her ballet and dance life. She takes about 5 classes per week and refuses to cut back. She recently tried out for a ballet summer intensive at Ballet West Academy in Salt Lake and got in. She’ll be there for six weeks this summer, and she cannot wait. it’s almost all she thinks about - that and hanging out with friends on weekends, and watching Youtube videos, and cooking, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. She is also excelling in school, and we rely on her for babysitting. We hope she never changes. Theo, 9, is in 4th grade. His big achievement this year, at least as far as his dad is concerned, is that he started beating his dad in chess - with regularity. His dad, who at first was proud, has become reticent to accept Theo’s repeated invitations for more and more matches. Theo enjoys chess club at school. He is also staying extremely busy with piano and cello lessons, and he is doing well in basketball this year. His dad, who coaches the team, can still beat Theo in that game, at least. Adeline, 5, and Alec, 3, bring up the rear. They are the cute ones in the family. If our family were a boy band, most of our fans would have crushes on them. And for now, that’s all the rest of us want them to be. Their Mom and Dad are in no way eager to push them ahead. Adeline is enjoying early kindergarten, and Alec stays home during the day patiently accompanying his Mom on errands. Adeline loves animals and the outdoors. Alec loves cars - vehicles of all kinds, really. It’s sweet to see them play together and occasionally argue.
Russ & Nat CROSBY - In 2015, the Russ Crosby family enjoyed good health and employment, both of which can be fleeting, for this, we are so thankful. Russ is now in his 6th year at Sunwarrior and continues to serve as the company’s Operating Manager. The company highlight was instituting an employee fitness challenge and subsequently being featured on Good Morning America. In an effort to stave off death, he participated in the Zion Half Marathon and the Kokopelli Triathlon; why else would one submit to such bodily distress? Natalie has achieved a long standing goal by completing all EMT certifications and being hired to work with the Ivins City Fire Department. We are excited as she will be first on the scene to resuscitate Russ during his next race event. Her schooling will continue in pursuit of a nursing degree. Zadi (19) has tasted from the cup of “adulthood” and it is bitter, at least the parts tied to money and responsibility. She is now living in Provo and attending UVU while working 30 hours a week to pay the bills. Despite those realities, she finds happiness in family time, boyfriend time, and amazon shopping time. Liesel (11) is our newest “childhood” graduate, as can be witnessed by her growing interest in fashion, shopping, social media, playing the guitar, and baking. But don’t make any assumptions that boys are on her radar ;-) She is excelling in her studies and is anxious to say goodbye to Primary and hello to Young Womens. Tess (10), the family vegetarian, is the primary care giver to our growing zoo. Bronco the cat and Alfy the dog receive infinitely more love than any of her siblings. She too finds joy in good grades, though school, the institution, is not something she fully embraces. Also, she is semi-fluent in Mandarin Chinese. Our caboose is Josephine (6) who loves attending school and who is also taking part in the Chinese immersion program. She loves attention and affection from Mom and Dad and considers their time her most precious resource. Her highlights from 2015 included beach time in California and of course art lessons with the ever talented Grandma Crosby. We wish each of you peace and love in 2016.
Jenn & Mike WALLACE (by bullet points) – •#1 Now in Santa Clara–Last summer the Wallaces found a great deal on a nice home in Santa Clara, just 15 minutes from Grandma & Grandpa Crosby. They spent the majority of summer cleaning, repairing, and painting the entire interior of the home, and turned the basement into an apartment - thus becoming land lords! •#2 Back Surgery–While attending BYU-I Taysom began experiencing severe back pain. It is still a mystery how she injured her back, causing bulging discs etc. that normally afflict those much older. She found the right doctor and following surgery is “back” to her old self. •#3 Callings–Apparently Wallaces were needed in Santa Clara, because just weeks after moving into the new house, Mike was called into the Bishopric, and Jenn was called to serve in Young Women. •#4 Theater–Henry is making a name for himself in local theatrical circles. He played a great Baby John in St. George Musical Theater’s production of Westside Story. Ilah & Henry were both involved in MARY POPPINS, the last theatrical production of director and local legend Russ Saxton at Dixie High School. Ilah in the pit playing trombone and Henry in several roles and part of the dance ensemble. •#5 Mission Accomplished–We welcomed Tucker home from the Indiana Indianapolis mission in the fall, just after the temple open house and dedication. A thrilling end to a great mission. •#6 Two In College –Taysom transferred from BYU-I to BYU-Provo, loves her room mates and is enjoying the academic challenge, but is greatly missed by her family.Tucker is currently carrying a full load at Dixie State here in St. George, while working at a local hotel. •#7 Basketball Star – Ilah is loving basketball this season playing for both the JV and Varsity teams. She enjoys a lot of “fan” support from family! •#8 First Job – Henry, not quite 16 years old, is working his first job at Chick Fil A, thanks to Taysom who paved the way by being a star Chick Fil A employee herself. •#9 Still Teaching – Mike and Jenn continue to teach Science and English to 7th graders at Lava Ridge Intermediate just minutes away from their home in Santa Clara. Mike is also coaching basketball at Dixie High. •#10 Getting Old? – Jenn thinks the kids are getting too old!! And her mantra? - Just keep swimming.
Sue & Jack: We’ve enjoyed such a beautiful year, we can’t thank our Heavenly Father enough for His care and keeping.
Both Jack and I are feeling as well as can be expected for our ‘advanced years’. We are grateful for the gospel and it’s directing influence in our lives.
We feel very grateful for our children (and their children) and the wonderful lives they are leading. They are a great comfort and joy to us as we see them growing in their faith, and managing ‘life’s experience’ with gratitude and grace. Family is ‘everything’, and we thank our Heavenly Father for being able to share this estate with them.
It was so wonderful to be with our family for a family ‘stay-cation’ this past summer. Evan was home and we all just enjoyed spending our days together and going home at night to sleep in our familiar beds. We enjoyed the Family History Center’s new interactive exhibit, The Train Shoppe in Salt Lake (if you haven’t gone, you must), having Scales and Tails coming to our home to entertain us -- there were all kinds of snakes including a huge python, a crocodile, lizards, etc. We enjoyed the splash pad and lunch, movies and dinners, and more.
We have felt a little like fish out of water since our mission release in October (after two and a half years), but we’ve managed to fill our time with many things that have been demanding our attention. We loved our missionary work and the very fine people we were privileged to work with. It will always be a high and happy point in our life together. We are now serving as Primary nursery workers and just love it.
Since being released from our mission, I’ve been doing some tutoring over at my old school. It doesn’t demand very much effort or time, and I’m really enjoying it. I walk those halls and it feels like I’ve never left. Love it.
Alisha, Jack and I went up to Lava Hot Springs to be with Alonzo for Thanksgiving this year. Before his restaurant opened, he set up a lovely table and the four of us enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving Day meal together, prepared by the incomparable Chef Alonzo. We then soaked in the hot pools there, enjoyed the comfort of their largest guest room, and generally had a wonderful time. We just wish Alonzo were closer to home -- we miss him.
We also miss Evan who remains in West Virginia at PA school. The first of March marks his ‘half-way point’. Alisha, Jack, and I will travel with Evan’s family back to West Virginia during the last week of April to be with him for his ‘white coat’ ceremony. We’ll return home leaving him there to start his year of rotations.
We enjoyed the addition of another grandchild this past year -- our little Brandon DeMille. So, now we stand at 16 grandchildren. That may not sound like very many, but to us it’s a chest brimming of the finest treasure.
Oh, yes! After three and half years, I finally got my braces off! I feel like a normal person now. My teeth look beautiful and the TMJ pain is gone. To help me celebrate, the orthodontist sent me home with three helium balloons attached to a box full of candy -- just like he does for his more ‘youthful’ patients. For a moment I felt like a kid again. But ONLY for a moment.
We loved the Cousin Connection last September -- the huge breakfast, the games, and the wonderful opportunity to get ‘reacquainted’. Absolutely incredible. We love our nieces and nephews -- and of course their parents. We continue to pray for Jessie, Don, and Diane and all those who so lovingly care for them. We are so happy for Jean and Rex in their new missionary calling. They will be ‘the best’.
May God bless you and keep you this year and always
Evan Thomas FAmily: The year 2015 began with Evan arriving in Charleston West Virginia on January 1st to begin his training at the University of Charleston Physician Assistant program. The family stayed 2000 miles away in Bountiful Utah to be close to Sabrina’s Labor & Delivery nursing job at McKay-Dee Hospital and the children’s schools. Even though as a family we had been working toward this opportunity for years it was still heart wrenching to finally have to be apart. We are so thankful to Sabrina’s Mom and Dad (Butch and Brenda) for their willingness to come and live in our home to help with the going’s on. We are also so grateful for modern technology because despite the distance we still have scripture study and family prayer each night via FaceTime. Even family home evening happens with more frequency now that we do it via the Internet. Sabrina manages everything like a miracle worker, and still has time to answer random medical question texts from Evan.
Bennett (16) sang a few solos with the Bountiful High choirs. Ethan (14) is an officer in BJH’s honors society and accompanies his school choir. Clara (12) gleefully joined Young Women’s. Henry (10) is a lead in his “Seussical the Musical” school play. Jack (6) reads like a champ. Scarlett & Stella (4) are growing up way too fast for Evan and Sabrina. Each has adapted well and all are a huge help to Mom. The children keep building themselves in faith and intelligence by studying the gospel and their homework. We love our Hinckley family. Thanks for loving us.
Johnson Family: Amie: I finished a second round in school studying Accounting at LDSBC. It was a wonderful, fulfilling experience. I will graduate with a 3.9 GPA and already have an internship lined up for tax season. Due to the pressures of school, I had to ask to be released from my calling with the Cub Scouts. Working with the boys was so much fun. I finished out 2015 in Sunbeams and now get to teach the CTR 5 class. My favorite part about working with the primary age kids is that the message that Jesus loves them never gets old. They love hearing it and I love saying it.
Chris: Has been driving for FedEx for 2 1/2 years and recently the owner of the routes moved to Colorado and Chris is now managing 3 routes and he doesn’t have to drive much anymore. It has been great to only have to work at the FedEx hub for a couple of hours every morning and still get paid. It is also great to not have him be so tired from running all day. After teaching Sunday School for 4 years, starting and ending on the exact same lesson, Chris was released and now works in the Nursery.
Rex (9): My big boy has played baseball and basketball this year and really loves swimming. Now he wants to start into flag football. His favorite things are to watch Star Trek: Voyager with Dad, play video games, wrestle with his brothers, laugh, and play board games with his cousins, Aunt Erin and Uncle Ben. He is so handsome and fun.
Reed (5): This kid literally glows with raw joy and enthusiasm. He has struggled to read but math comes very easily. The other day in church he started counting lights then without knowing it started to reason through simple multiplication. That was fun. Reed loves swimming, baseball and soccer. He has fun playing with his Army men and building Lego robots.
Ray (almost 2): He is my little sweet cheeks. He is a beautiful little boy and I am so thankful for his presence in my home. He loves running, chasing his brothers, refusing food, giving cat treats to our cat, finding his shoes, snuggling and waking up at 2:00 in the morning a couple of times each week to do all of these things while I just pray I can wake up with my alarm a few hours later.
We are starting a new year happy and thankful for all that we have and all that we can do.
Alisha: 2015 went by fast! Does anyone know where the time went? In August I was released as Young Women’s secretary. I had been in that calling for just over three years and it was really sad to get released. When I received my release, I was also called as Gospel Doctrine teacher. You know how there are some callings that terrify you? Well, this is one that terrifies me. I don’t know if I will ever get used to standing in front of a Gospel Doctrine class, but I will do my best.
For the year, I ended up working a lot with my two jobs. Work at LDS Family Services continues to move forward. I continue to work three evenings each week and Saturday morning. I still enjoy working with Heavenly Fathers children to improve their mental health. This year will mark my ninth year working at LDS Family Services.
During the day I am working as the general manager at Reading Horizons. This year makes my 14th year at Reading Horizons. And after all this time, we will finally be moving into a new building. Construction will be done sometime this spring. I am looking forward to get into a new building, but I am not looking forward to the logistics of the move itself.
At the end of 2014 I won a trip that was paid for by the company so I decided to check something off my bucket list. I took my brother, Lon, with me. We flew into Boston. For those who have been there, are we the only ones who got lost while trying to drive around? Next time, I am taking a native Bostonian with me who knows the city. The next day we drove north to Saint Johns Bay in Canada. Why...do you ask? Well, the answer is its an iconic town on the western sides of the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is the home of the largest vertical tide difference in the world. And I got to see it, mostly. I saw the tide about half way out and then a few hours later, just after dusk, I saw it at just about high tide. The vertical tide difference was around 25 feet. The next morning, I was in Moncton, Canada and witnessed the tide turn from low to almost high tide in a few hours. It was awe inspiring.
This has been a banner year at Reading Horizons. So good, in fact, that as a huge thanks, our boss has paid for the entire staff to go on a 7 day cruise in March. We hope to repeat this awesome year so we can go on another cruise next year!
Alonzo: This past year has been good to me. I am in my 4th year as Executive Chef at the Portneuf Grille and Lounge (at the Riverside Hot Springs Inn), in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I love it here. I never could’ve imagined living in a tiny town like this (about 400 people). But I have become quite accustomed to it. 2015 was a record year for the restaurant, in both financial and notoriety. I always felt that the restaurant was at a tipping point, and finally I think we’re there.
In this past year I was privileged to do some traveling. I haven’t had much down time since I started culinary school eight years ago, and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve forgotten how to vacation properly. This year I was whisked away to first, the west coast, then to the east coast. (Both were free, BTW J)
The first trip was to the Portland, Oregon area. The owner of the restaurant flew me out to show me what Lava could become. There, she treated me to dinner at a different restaurant every night.
The highlight was definitely white water rafting on a glacier sourced river. The water was very cold (in August even). I enjoyed every minute of the trip, including a precarious and somewhat dangerous situation.
Partway down the river, there is an eight-foot waterfall, followed by more rapids. We were instructed on how to position ourselves in the raft so we wouldn’t die (J). One of our party was thrown from the raft, and as the others in the boat leaned over the side to pull him in, our boat started to sink. Our raft ended up “wrapped around” a rock, with the seven of us sitting on the edge, with rapids literally on either side. But our guide projected an air of confidence and calm, that the rest of us stayed calm. We were rescued by another guide showed us why they are professional guides. Truly an unforgettable memory.
The second trip I took was to the opposite coast, Portland, Maine. Yep, I went to the two Portlands in America and only a few months apart. And boy are they totally different. Portland, OR is exactly what you think it is. Crazy people, great food, and a lot tattoos. Portland, MA is surprisingly conservative, even better food, and not so many tattoos.
This trip was thanks to my sister Alisha’s awesomeness. She won the employee of the year award at her work. The prize was a trip for two anywhere in the United States. She knew that I really needed to get away, so she took me. (THANKS ALISHA)!! We flew into Boston and spent the first of our 5 days totally lost. If you ever go to Boston, don’t expect to get anywhere easily. There are NO street signs!
Alisha and I drove up the center of Maine and up to the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Here we witnessed the greatest differential of tide in the world. It was amazing to see the bay rise and fall so fast, and so quickly! And yes, I did order a Maine Lobster. Yum!!
We had a great time in Maine. I would love to go back someday.
DeMille family: It has been a wonderful year for the DeMille family. Our biggest news of the year is the birth of our 4th child. Little Brandon Artimus was born on March 31st. He struggled to gain weight for the first few weeks of life and it landed him back in the hospital for a few days but once he got everything figured out he gained weight quickly and he is doing well. Dave continues to teach science at Kaysville Jr. High. He serves as an Elders Quorum teacher and enjoys creating things in his wood working shop in the garage in his spare time. I(Merica) keep busy getting kids here and there. I continue to teach piano lessons from my home. I serve as the ward choir director and organist. James (8) continues to attend Spectrum Academy school for Autism and is doing very well. With a great deal of skepticism but a lot of hope we started James in equestrian therapy this year. We were not totally sure what to expect but we have been pleased with the results. He is very talkative these days. He has begun to sing and he is a lot more self regulated and generally happy and excited about life. We are so proud of him. Matthew (6) started kindergarten and loves it. He loves learning to read. He has made lot of friends. He loves to build with his legos and wrestle with daddy. Emily (4) is all girl. She loves her dance class, playing dress up, getting into moms make-up and playing with friends. She is in preschool and loves the friends she has there. Brandon (9 months) getting fat and learning to crawl. Brandon loves to snuggle with mom. He is a very sweet and happy baby.
We so enjoyed the Cousin Connection in September. We feel so blessed to be a part of the Hinckley Family.
Chipman Family: Erin here. Ben, Parker, Eliza and I are doing wonderfully well.
Ben still works for L-3 and recently returned from a business trip to sunny, beautiful Florida. It went pretty well. He serves as secretary in the Elder’s quorum.
Parker started Karate in 2012 and has earned his second Little Ninjas belt. An orange belt that he really, really loves. Parker is in his second year of pre-school. What do you call a second year of pre-school?
Eliza is 2 and can climb just about anything. We recently found her climbing the shelves in our pantry having reached head level heights! She was after the Graham crackers. She talks almost non-stop and is making advances towards potty training, we hope.
I am still a happy stay at home mom. I teach the 11 year olds in Primary. I love fencing and playing board games. Ben and I have some new favorite games this year: Tokaido, SmashUp, Sherriff of Nottingham, Flip City and a dozen others. Our game collection has now passed 200. The jury is still out on whether this is a hobby or an obsession. If anyone wants to come play some awesome games let us know. (801-678-3970 text please). We love game nights and host one at least once a week!
We hope you are all well and wish you the best of 2016!
Rex & Jean: We can hardly believe how fast this past year has gone by. We have loved the various Hinckley get-togethers we have had. Most memorable were the Cousin Connection at the park for a wonderful breakfast. Thank you to the Peirce Family. We also loved doing a sealing session with our siblings/aunts and uncles with Lon officiating. We feel so blessed to have such wonderful siblings who do so much and who set such a strong example. They inspires us to want to do better.
We have had four grandchildren in the mission field this past year. Three are due to return home soon and then we will have several others who are due to leave this summer. Thanks to Ben and Sarah, we are expecting our 50th grandchild. This will be number 7 for them. We are thrilled for them and for us. We’ve had some really fun activities with our children and grandchildren this past year. Rex and Jean took a week to vacation in California. On our return home we stopped in Henderson, Nevada to be there as Marvin was put in the bishopric. As you all know those kinds of experiences always bring great joy to parents. We were blessed to have Marilee and her family spend 3 weeks with us last summer. It was wonderful to have them here. We had so much fun with them.
Rex and Jean are busy preparing to enter the MTC on the 8th of February. We have already attended three meetings regarding our mission call. From everyone we’ve talked with, this is going to be a very challenging mission. We are so impressed with so many of the couples that are serving in this mission. They really sound like they are on the ball and are working very hard. It will be a challenge for us to keep up with them. Our mission president, at least until July, was in the ward we raised our family in. So we know him and his wife well.
We love the gospel and we know how it has blessed the lives of our children and grandchildren. We pray that this mission will be another way of strengthening our family and that we will be able to touch many hearts and bring about some wonderful changes in the lives of people.
Matt & Hideko Howell: Ashley, our youngest, is now in high school (how did that happen?) in the ninth grade and is as busy as anyone in the family. She is heavily involved in the mock trial club and the robotics club. She is very social and loves to spend time with her friends. Over the past several months, her shoulder has been hurting pretty badly which prevented her from playing piano like she wanted to. She continued with lessons, focusing more on theory. Fortunately, the pain seems to be subsiding and she is back to playing and enjoying it as much as ever. She is looking forward to joining Young Women’s next month.
Christian is active in the priest quorum and enjoys being with his friends. Unlike Reagan and Ashley, he attends Corner Canyon high instead of Hillcrest. Despite that difference, he too is involved in the school robotics club. He is also planning on being on the track team. Finally, at the end of last month, he turned in the final paperwork for his Eagle. He is glad to have that behind him.
Reagan also finished his Eagle this past year. He is the lead engineer for the Hillcrest robotics club. He is putting in extreme hours on this and when he finally gets home is just worn out. Finally, he was just called as the first assistant in the priest quorum.
Rachel is attending college at the University and is struggling to figure out what she wants to major in. She is working two jobs right now, one at Great Harvest and another at a downtown clothing store. She is the pianist for the ward choir.
Brian has just over a year left before he graduates in chemical engineering. He is busy looking at internship opportunities and working with cousin Taylor on their latest idea to market some gadget or other that they have developed. He has also become quite serious with a great young woman. They met when Brian and Hillary traveled to Japan a couple of years ago. They made a quick day trip to Korea. While Hillary was in the bank exchanging money, Brian saw and approached her to ask for directions. They then became friends on Facebook and kept in touch. Brian introduced the missionaries to her and she joined the church not long after. Now they spend every weekend together
Hillary is working with the Young Women in the ward and enjoying that. As the kids have gotten their licenses and we have cars available for them, her time commitment to driving them around has mercifully decreased. This has allowed her the chance to do what she has wanted to for years -- teach Japanese at the college level. This month, she started as an adjunct professor at UVU. She is teaching a first year class and a returned missionary class. Being in the classroom is what gets her excited and it is fun to see the smile the thought of it generates.
Matt is still practicing law in Provo. He has been on the high council for almost three years now, where he is responsible for coordinating our stake conferences and other large meetings.
We all hope that everything is going well for each of you and express our love for you.
Susan & Nelson Holzer Family: In a little over a year from now, Tayson will be graduating with a Masters in EE from the U of U. He is busy with his senior project with Sandia Natʼl Labs, as well as his research job for a professor at the U. His calling as YSA E.Q. President keeps him very busy and needing to be in tune, and he loves it. In his spare time (or the middle of the night), Tayson composes/arranges music -- check out some of his originals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4r3WQl23L4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLSyN-uJ3xo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw1IfKmp-SE
WEDDING BELLS: Nelsonʼs sister, Heidi, felt inspired to line up a young lady, Bethany Murray, from her ward with Parker. It didnʼt take long to figure out that these two are meant for each other. They are happily looking forward to their March 12th wedding, after which, they will live in U of U student housing while Parker continues work on his double major of math and physics. Parker has LOVED his calling as the YSA Ward Mission Leader and has been instrumental in helping a number of YSAʼs become active again. Bethany graduated in 2015 in English and is looking forward to her masters work in Library Science. She plays the harp and is working on writing a novel. She also works for CaptionCall (caption phone calls for deaf).
Afton continues plugging away at her EE degree, while also sprinkling in a class here and there for fun, like pottery and an international foods class! Afton worked as an Oakcrest counselor during the summer. She has been serving as a VT coordinator, but is now the 2nd Counselor in the YSA RS.
Mataya has been serving in the Calgary Canada mission, and has had some really wonderful experiences. She gets home this March!
Casia finished her first year at USU in the BioEngineering program. Then she spent the summer working her tail off as the Oakcrest Girls Camp Head Cook. Despite the challenges, she saw many miracles! This was all great preparation for her mission to Rochester NY/Visitorʼs Center. She LOVED horseback riding with her cousin Tate each week during the Fall.
Taft is a senior at WX. He loved his experience this past year playing on the tennis team and making it to State Doubles Semi-Finals. He is looking forward to the upcoming season. He works at Nielsenʼs Frozen Custard and is planning to leave on his mission after he graduates. His gym membership this past year has resulted in him looking very different now. (Shirts just donʼt fit the same anymore!)
Nelson spent this past year tackling a few big, new projects, as well as continuing his habit of riding his bike to and from work several times a week. He built from scratch a large, authentic wood-fired brick oven in the backyard -- let us know if you get a hankering for wood-fired pizza! He also figured out and built a solar panel generator for our emergency prep efforts. This led to him installing a solar system to power a whole house for someone in our neighborhood. He has enjoyed his calling as a High Counselor. Susan took up the hobby of pottery this past year and has enjoyed that challenge. She has also been challenged by her calling as a Family History consultant. She and Nelson celebrated their 25th anniversary by taking a trip to Finland (to see the Northern Lights -- which they didnʼt end up seeing), Israel (stayed with a Jewish lady in the Jewish Quarter of the old city), and Spain.
Sue has also worked hard to get their food storage and emergency prep supplies updated. She also enjoyed a quick trip to visit Marilee in S.C.
We feel so blessed as a family to be busy serving the Lord and following His plan. There is peace in doing it His way. Our extended family adds so much richness to our lives. Thank you for what you mean to us!
Laura & Lon Perry Family: Hello from the Perry family! Some may ask, why do they keep writing annual letters—don’t they know about Facebook yet? Ha-ha, we had a Facebook page, but we deleted it after awhile. Apologies to all of you that we friended and then un-friended by deleting our subscription! For now, we’re reverting and sticking with the old fashioned way of summarizing the events of the year.
Laura (48) started cooking the ‘Forks Over Knives’ way and the rest of the family is going along for the ride. She wishes she’d been eating this way her whole life! She and Lon have been running a couple times a week together, running up to three miles at a time (really slowly because we don’t want it to end - haha) She is serving as a Beehive Advisor and a Personal Progress coach.
Lon (46) eats whatever is served for dinner, but secretly seeks meat whenever possible . He is delighted to continue serving as Scoutmaster, and he has joined a tennis group to practice each week in good weather. After a lot of thought, he decided to leave his company in October after working there for 23 years. Between home improvement projects, he patiently looks for an opportunity to start-up, acquire, or partner on a new business. We’re unsure if people believe him, but he says that he’s on sabbatical, not retired.
Hannah (22) returned from her mission in Atlanta Georgia and has loved being home! She spent her summer working as “Wadilly Ottcha” (camp name) at Oakcrest LDS girls camp. She couldn’t get enough and is now busy preparing for camp next summer, although this time she will be “Turtle”. She is currently at BYU studying food science and hopes to land a job in a couple years at the carrot farm in California! She is also planning her wedding for this next September, so if you know any qualified young men, hurry and have them send in their applications!
Kate (21) spent the last year working full-time at Merit Medical putting together syringes and soldering blood pressure cables, while pursuing a computer science major at Columbia College. She managed the family garden once more this year and we were blessed with more tomatoes and squash then we could eat. The raspberry bush produced bowls of fruit but the grape vines have yet to spring flowers. Next year, there will be blackberries and Kate’s planning on planting some hazelnut bushes. Kate is currently cross-stitching Thomas Kinkade’s Beauty and the Beast Falling in Love cross-stitch.
Jessica (20) is finishing up her mission in Indiana on January 27, 2016. She spent a whole year in West Lafayette, six months of that time, she was on the campus of Purdue. She has loved the people she has met. She plans to find a job and save money until she heads back to USU in the fall.
Truman (19) entered missionary service in June to Vladivostok Russia. He is happy, loves the work, his companion, the people, and even the very cold winter. He is serving in the city of Irkutsk. Every three months he flies to South Korea to renew his visa.
Stanford (17): “I am doing well and I am making lots of progress in my schooling and I plan on receiving my bachelor’s degree Summer 2017. I enjoy working at Chick-fil-A and everything else that is going on must be good because I can’t think of anything else.”
Emma turned 14 this year, and has just loved it. She takes band, German, and seminary at the South Jordan Middle School, then comes home to do online college courses. During the summer, she got to go to EFY, Trek, Girls Camp, and her personal favorite, South Carolina to visit her cousins for two weeks. She also loves taking piano lessons. Yes, indeed, you may say, Emma is just as fabulous as ever. :)
We took a family vacation during the summer to Cedar City and St. George, watching plays and doing some hikes in Zions. Temperatures were 108+ everyday – how do people survive the summer heat down there! Lon, Stanford, and Emma drew the lottery and got to hike into the Subway. We beat the sun (and all the other hikers) by hitting the trailhead before 6am. With new-found time, Laura and Lon also spent a couple weeks in New Zealand in December to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary three years late.
We wish all of you a wonderful 2016. May you be safe, healthy, and happy!
Marvin & Heather Howell: Our family has been very blessed throughout 2015.
Caleb is 13 and can hardly wait to be 14. We are amazed at how fast Caleb is growing, until we stop and think about how much he eats every day. This last year he passed up Mom’s height and is quickly approaching Dad’s height. Caleb is doing great and is excited to be in his last year of middle school. Caleb enjoyed a fun week of soccer camp at BYU during the summer. Caleb is also playing the cello. He set a goal to make it into the Chamber Orchestra at school and he made it. We love listening to him play the cello.
Dax turned 6 this year and loves kindergarten. He is learning to read and wishes he could read without sounding out the words. Dax has developed many new talents this year. He become an expert on the monkey bars, learned to ride a bike without training wheels and learned to swim. One of Dax’s favorite things is playing on the beach and roller coasters
Carson turned 4 yrs old this year and is in pre-school a few days a week. He tells us every day that he doesn’t want to go to pre-school, but when he gets home he tells us how much fun he had. He is very lonely at home on the days Dax goes to school and leaves him at home alone with Mom. Carson learned to ride a bike an swim. Carson loves to listen to and sing along with popular songs.
Heather loves being a Mom and helping the younger boys learn to read. Heather is serving in the Relief Society as a Compassionate Service Coordinator. Heather is trying to learn how to garden in Nevada and it is proving to be quite challenging compared to Utah.
Marv has been busy growing the swimming pool business and loves to work. This year when our ward was split Marv was called to serve as the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric.
As a family, we have been very blessed in every area of our lives. We are so grateful to have the gospel in our lives.
Andrew & Julie Howell: Andrew is working as the Regional Sales Manager for Hibu, a digital marketing firm. When he is not working, he enjoys having odd projects to complete. He is currently in the process of restoring a 1956 German 3 wheel vehicle called a Messerschmitt KR200. He is serving as the second assistant in the High Priest Group.
Julie continues to find joy in running and completed the Ogden Marathon and the Thankful 13 half marathon. She has a goal of running 2378 miles in 2016 which is the distance from our home Draper to Boston. This is part of her training to qualify to run in the Boston Marathon. After a year of working as a primary teacher with Andrew with the CTR 4, 5 and 6 year old class. She is now the primary chorister.
Our oldest son Taylor is now 22 and has about a year left to finish his Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Utah. He has had some great opportunities to work on a research project that has now been published and which he co-authored. He has since been hired by one of his professors to assist on yet another research project. Once he graduates he plans to pursue a doctorate.
Caitlin continues to study at Utah State University and after some deep contemplation she has decided nursing is what she wants to do. (We have always thought this would be a great fit for her.) One of the biggest highlights of 2015 for Caitlin was traveling to England. She could fool anyone with her British accent. She has also adopted being vegan to test her willpower and boy does she have a lot of willpower.
Tanner is our newest high school graduate and is also studying at Utah State and pursing a degree in computer science. Tanner is one that is always up for a challenge and finds a way to accomplish it. This year he participated and completed his second Spartan Race, those crazy mud races with obstacles.
Tate is now a sophomore at Corner Canyon High School in Draper. He continues to excel in his studies but has found a nice balance with working at Chik-Fil-A and having social time with his friends. At the beginning of the year Tate worked hard to complete his Eagle project which involved the collection of over 5000 diapers that will be used for the needy. This was also the year he gained new freedom by getting his drivers license. If you ask him for the highlight of his year, he would tell you that it was backpacking in the Uintas with his horse Storm.
Julie and the kids have also been taking turns traveling with Julie’s Mom around the world to achieve her goal of visiting all of the temples. In 2015 they have gone to Peru, England, Argentina, Bolivia, Indianapolis and Brazil. In addition to these amazing places, we were able to travel as a family to the Holy Lands and Jordan
Marilee & Andru Blonquist: Highlights: Spending a month in Utah/Idaho/Yellowstone for vacation and a reunion with Andru’s family. Getting a new (to us) van while we were in Utah (thanks, Dad for helping us find a great deal – certainly an answer to our prayers). Helped fellowship a family that got baptized! Having Emma Perry visit us in SC for two weeks! Trips to the beach, Fort Sumter, the SC aquarium, downtown Charleston, and visits from friends from out-of-town. We spent a week helping with the flood cleanup and count our blessings that our home stayed dry. Our water heater (in our new house) going out and it taking 2 weeks to be completely fixed. Having Sue visit for a couple days while we had no water heater (sorry Sue – come again and give us another chance). We continue to homeschool our children. We now have a teenager! Wow!!! Had 80 degree weather on Christmas.
Andru: Nana passed away in January at age 94 and he attended her funeral in UT. Continues to serve as 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric. Plays basketball most Wednesday and Thursday nights. Enjoying his job as VP at Crescent Homes.
Marilee: Joined a quilting group at church and discovered she really enjoys it. Said good-bye to the two sisters that started the group (one passed away and one moved to CA). Continues to serve as RS Secretary. Bought one of Aunt Louise’s paintings!
Annalee (13): Enjoyed her first girls’ camp. Attended Oakcrest Girls Camp while in UT and loved having 4 cousins working there during her time. Earned her YW Recognition Award by her thirteenth birthday. Took voice lessons this summer. Annalee began a wonderful online blog where she promotes the young women values and personal progress.
Samuel (11): Moved into 11-yr-old Scouts (his leader has the Silver Beaver award and is the former SC Temple President – AWESOME!!!). Mowed the lawn for Grandpa Howell and loved it so much that he mowed their neighbor’s yard too! Went on his first over-night Scout camp.
Lauren (8): Got baptized while we were in Utah!!! Loves participating in Activity Days. Decided she wants to trade in her dream of being a baker for becoming an artist.
Lydia (4) & Savannah (2): Best friends and lots of fun. Love to make messes and laugh lots!
Natalie Robison Family: Natalie ~ Instead of a family trip this year, we opted to take classes together! We took Dave Ramsey’s 11 week Financial Peace University course, attended BYU Education Week and attended the week long World Congress of Families where we met people from all over the world who are passionate about strengthening and defending traditional families. As an added perk, we enjoyed a complimentary room at the Grand America Hotel for the full week! Natalie and Jean took an awesome six week course on the Principles of Liberty (If you’d like this course to be offered in your stake, let me know!) Natalie also joined the United Women’s Forum to stay informed on the local, state and national issues. She is currently teaching Gospel Doctrine, is back at home with her kids full-time and has started dating again! After watching the “Forks Over Knives” documentary, Natalie has changed to a whole-foods, plant based diet which is in perfect harmony with the Word of Wisdom. She has also taken up running and loves it! A highlight of the summer was having Marilee’s family here for a few weeks!
Miranda~ Is loving life at BYU where she is majoring in Music! We’ve attended several of her amazing concerts. She lives in the Foreign Language Student Housing in the German House. She is only allowed to speak German there and she has made friends with youth from all over the world! She teaches Gospel Doctrine (in German). Over the summer she was a full-time camp counselor at Oakcrest Girls’ Camp. Her camp name was Blitz. She loved being in the great outdoors and being able to love and mentor so many girls with her beautiful, strong testimony of the gospel. Her playful/mischievous side more than expressed itself as she instigated a summer-long, full out WATER WAR at the camp! With Miranda around, nothing is ever dull!
Cami~ She survived the terrible tornado season in Texas and LOVES the missionary work! She has been able to see many embrace the truth and come into the waters of baptism. She has served with many Polynesian companions working with and teaching the youth! Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s visit to the mission was a highlight. Cami has been such an inspiration to us all as she bears her sweet and powerful testimony week after week in her letters! She comes home March 31, 2016!
Danielle & Ira~ These two are best friends and do almost everything together, including: Volunteering at Special Needs Mutual program each week; Working at Chick-fil-A; Working on their Bachelor’s degrees through College Plus; Singing with the Madrigals, A Cappella, Honor & All-State Choirs; Attending early morning Seminary; Played parts in the Mary Poppin’s musical; Loved Pioneer Trek; Had a blast at EFY, Remix Vocal Academy and visiting their dad in California for a week! Danielle has also enjoyed dating this past year and Girl’s camp. She survived her first ½ marathon; she makes weekly temple trips for all the names she finds using “Hope Chest” (an App that works in tandem with Family Search). She is serving as the Laurel Class President and also earned her Young Women’s Medallion! Ira was also in Anne Frank play and Romeo & Juliet, enjoyed High Adventure camp and is serving as the Teacher’s quorum president.
Janiel & Bill Pyper Family: After ten plus years of commuting through Parley’s Canyon, Bill accepted a job in South Jordan. He can now drive to work in a short three minutes, come home for lunch, and be back for dinner with the family. Janiel and the children love having him home for meals and bed time, and he loves not having to drive the canyon in the middle of winter. Currently, Bill is serving in the High Priest Group Leadership and enjoying his association with some great men.
Janiel is working with the Young Women again as an Advisor. She loves the opportunity to study gospel topics with the new youth curriculum! Although Janiel has not been teaching school for over seven years, she has been very busy teaching our children how to read and volunteering at the school as a reading volunteer. Teaching children to read is exciting and gives her a lot of satisfaction!
Alexa (age 7) loves first grade! She has a very nice teacher and enjoys all of her friends. Currently she is reading “The Work and the Glory” series as she continues to work her way through The Book of Mormon (almost finished with the book of Alma). She stops frequently to ask questions about her reading. She definitely keeps mom on her toes with the thought provoking questions she comes up with. When her nose is not in a book, she is often found playing with her siblings in the back yard or creating a fun craft on her weaving loom.
Jonathan, Emily and David are officially readers after completing the BIG YELLOW BOOK, also known as “Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons”! They are excited to graduate to Mom’s library of school books and start reading their own scriptures.
David (age 5) continues to shadow Mom and Dad in all they do. His favorite day of the week is whatever day Dad is mowing the lawn or shoveling snow. He walks right behind Dad step by step as he mows the lawn, not taking a break until Dad is ready for a drink of water. The best gift Santa brought David was his very own snow shovel! Santa was also kind enough to bring a lot of snow with him on Christmas morning. David spent most of the day shoveling snow and loved every minute of it. He was thrilled to have our driveway the cleanest one in the neighborhood. He is a detailed fellow and gets the job done right!
Jonathan (age 5) is our academic child. He is always working to learn something new and surprises us with the random things he picks up. He loves practicing handwriting, math problems and telling time. Kindergarten will be a very exciting adventure for him! Jonathan has a great imagination and can keep everyone entertained! He also loves riding his bike, swimming and putting train tracks together.
Emily (age 5) - After watching Jonathan finish reading the “Big Yellow Book” first, Emily was determined to be the next to finish. By nature she is our most competitive child and she did not want David to beat her to the end! She loves a good competition whether we are out riding bikes, playing games, or learning a new skill. Emily is all girl! She loves to have her fingernails painted, wear pretty dresses and play with her dolls.
By nature she is our most competitive child and she did not want David to beat her to the end! She loves a good competition whether we are out riding bikes, playing games, or learning a new skill. Emily is all girl! She loves to have her fingernails painted, wear pretty dresses and play with her dolls.
Most of our summer days were full of swimming lessons. The children made great progress and loved being able to have Marilee’s family join them for some of the lessons. Jumping off the diving board was a huge accomplishment for each one of them and they can hardly wait for next summer’s lessons.
We love you all and hope you are doing well!
Most of our summer days were full of swimming lessons. The children made great progress and loved being able to have Marilee’s family join them for some of the lessons. Jumping off the diving board was a huge accomplishment for each one of them and they can hardly wait for next summer’s lessons
Ben & Sarah Howell Family: We are feeling very blessed with the success of the pool business that Ben and Marv have been building. It has been fun to watch HGTV filming the construction of a pool Ben built for a new TV series, Pool Kings, which should be airing in the next few months. Needless to say this business keeps him extremely busy. Ben enjoys teaching the 10 year olds at church. Sarah’s work at home is a full time job. She enjoys it and tries to find time for her calling as second counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. Our family is looking forward to the arrival of our 7th child at the end of summer!
Hyrum (13) and Caroline (11) are enjoying middle school. They both have PE 6th period and hope that there will be at least one or two days that their classes can combine. Hyrum has continued his garbage can cleaning business and has quite a talent in drawing. Caroline has a talent for all sorts of hair braids and is looking forward to joining YW this year.
Grace (9) and Eliza (7) are best of friends. They enjoy rollerblading, playing school, arts and crafts, and playing with their two little brothers. Grace has enjoyed vocal lessons this year and developing her singing voice. Eliza is a natural gymnast and enjoys improving her cartwheel, roundoff, and handstand throughout the house.
Isaac (5) and Samuel (22 months) are becoming good play buddies. They love rides in the little motor jeep, digging in the dirt, and playing with trucks. Isaac has always been on the timid side but can now go to primary class with no tears! Samuel on the other hand is friendly to all.
DUSTIN & Sara Howell Family: Dustin is currently working at the law firm of Workman Nydegger and is currently serving as the ward clerk.
Sara keeps very busy homeschooling the kids and taking care of Sela who was born in February. Sara’s mother passed away this year. It was a tender time for Sara and her sisters.
Lily (14) Enjoys baking, reading, sewing, and crocheting. She has also become a talented blogger with two different blogs – one on family history and the other on classic literature. Through her blogging she has become good online friends with Mary Ellen Edmunds. She spent a whole interviewing her Grandpa Howell about his life story. Lily is a wonderful help to Sara in caring for the other children, especially baby Sela.
Arza (12) was ordained a deacon this year and loves passing the sacrament. He enjoys reading about science and inventors. He also enjoys building things.
Simeon (9) likes Star Wars, building and drawing.
Peter (6) also likes Star Wars and playing with his toy light saber.
Sela (11months) loves listening to music. Her favorite food is butter.
Harold & Diane: For us 2015 was a year filled with many blessings, intermixed liberally with challenges and concern. Happily our blessings call us Mom and Dad and Grandpa and Grandma. We are always impressed and exhausted with the activity level exhibited by all our children and grandchildren. It’s hard to imagine we ever had that much energy.
In a rather unusual way our family has grown even closer this past year, primarily because all of our children make it an important part of their schedule to come and spend time with their Mom, and give Dad a little break. Diane is doing reasonably well, but is pretty much unable to feed herself anymore, which is a challenge, in that you never know what she will or won’t eat, and then just getting it into her mouth is turning into a sport of target practice.
It appears that we will be needing to find a replacement for Audra (who is the lady that helps care for Diane), because she has felt the need to find full time employment with benefits and an actual income stream. She is going for her final interview in Atlanta in two weeks, and she feels pretty sure the job is hers. That being said, if any of you know of a great caregiver that needs part time work, please let me know.
By the time you read this newsletter, the entire Harold and Diane Hinckley family will have returned from a week long trip to So. California, which was part of our Christmas gift to our children and grandchildren. We obviously did not think through this trip thing very well, since neither of us will be with them in California. Diane hasn’t traveled for years now, and I couldn’t go without her.
Our entire family expresses tons of thanks to each of you for the unbelievable support we received, both financially and at the Alzheimer’s Walk. That was truly above and beyond anything we’d ever seen before. We love you all dearly and completely.
Ann & Justin Hamilton: We have definitely been blessed in our third year of marriage. Both of us were able to find new careers that we actually enjoy. Justin was hired as a marketing assistant and website editor for an e-commerce business, which requires more travel than you would think. He was sent to eastern Georgia last October, where he spent a part of his trip in his hotel as hurricane Joaquin made landfall. After a year as COO of the company I’ve worked at for eight years, I was offered a position as a lead project manager for an outdoors merchandising company. I will finally be able to work on the creative side of the industry, vice the administrative side, which I’m very excited for. We’re pretty sure we have set a new record for callings in our ward, as we have been Sunbeam teachers going on two and a half years now. The calling has been, and continues to be, very fulfilling and enjoyable. Our lives are still centered around the love of our life, our cat. She will be four years old this July and we can’t believe how fast they grow up. The foreseeable future looks bright for us and we are grateful for all of our blessings!
Andrea & Chuck Stackhouse : This past year has been uneventful for our family but we are grateful to say we are happy and healthy.
Chuck has had the biggest change in our family. After 26 years in retail he has changed jobs to working in sales for IDI Distributors. He is definitely liking the flexibility of his schedule and glad he is no longer having to ‘babysit’ his much younger staff. I continue to work for Intermountain Healthcare as a home care nurse. I genuinely like my job but wish there was a little less paperwork involved. We keep ourselves busy by keeping our kids involved in their extra curricular activities. We look forward to the nights we are able to just relax and watch reality TV together.
We just recently celebrated Ashlyn’s 21st birthday...she is now an adult. She continues to keep herself busy with attending school at SLCC. She will hopefully be able to apply for the radiology program for the upcoming fall semester. She is working full time at ARUP laboratories and although she may just be tolerating the job she is making a good income.
Caden is now in the 9th grade and is looking forward to going to the high school next year. He has really branched out this year and is excited to be participating in the school play of Lion King. He is also in boys choir and can not wait for their first choir performance. Caden also continues to enjoy playing basketball on Saturdays with other kids who have disabilities. None of them have a real competitive nature about them but it is fun to just watch them play.
Cortney is in the middle of her first year at a Junior High....she loves it. She is doing well in school and getting excellent grades with a 4.0 GPA yet I am wondering how she is able to keep up with everything. Cortney continues to competitively dance and is practicing 10 hours a week. She continues to be the organizer of our family. She has the cleanest room in the house and even color coordinates the clothes in her closet. I wish a little of this trait would rub off on her older sister.
Amanda & Brian Clark: We’ve had another exciting, eventful year. One of our favorite things was spending time in Southern Utah, one of our favorite places. During a hike to the Emerald Pools in Zions, it was exciting for the kids to witness a flash flood after a surprise cloud burst. (It was exciting since we were in no danger.) It was a fun opportunity to tell the kids about a similar experience when I was a kid hiking the Narrows with the Hinckleys. Good times! Other highlights included Harold Hinckley family vacations to Bear Lake with boating and jet skiing, and Bear River Lodge and snowmobiling. Dad is amazing at ensuring we continue to spend quality time as a family. The family that plays together stays together! He certainly deserves the break as he diligently cares for Mom. He is truly amazing.
Brian: Enjoyed some fun scout camp outs with Ethan, as well as a couple with our family. He continues to work at Teerlink Cabinet and is grateful for what he is learning there, and still serves as Executive Secretary in the ward. He was excited when a piece of furniture he designed and built won Best of Show at the Utah State Fair. It is a headboard that replicates the Tabernacle organ pipes and is truly stunning!
Amanda: Loves working part time! It’s been especially nice since I’ve returned to school this past year. I figured it was finally time to finish what I started many, many years ago. In April I ruptured another disc in my back, which lead to another emergency surgery. I’m getting good at those. My surgeon diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease, so there may be more in the future. But for now we’re grateful for the surgeon and procedure that has me back on my feet with only a small trace of drop foot to show for it.
Ethan (15): Probably had the most eventful year for our family. Thanks to an amazing venture scouting program in our stake, he river rafted the Colorado River (which Brian was able to enjoy with him), hiked the Grand Tetons, enjoyed canyoneering in Goblin Valley areas, and flew in a helicopter at Bear Lake Scout Camp. The year culminated with him earning his eagle! We are so proud of him and his hard work. He is enjoying his 9th grade year, is an excellent student and seems to excel at all he does. He also has his learner’s permit and is loving driving us around!
Megan (12): Loves Young Women’s! And after some tearful days leading up to, finally went and loved every second of her first girls camp. She has not overly enjoyed her transition to junior high and will be the first to tell you she does not like 7th grade! We are so proud of her for hanging in there and trying to make the most of a tough situation. She is really growing into an amazing young woman. She is developing quite a talent for doing make up and hair styles. It is so fun to see what she can do! She has become the favorite young woman in the ward for babysitting and all the young kids absolutely adore her!
Dillon (10): In 5th grade and still in Spanish Immersion. We are amazed at his ability to learn not only a second language, but also to learn school subjects in that language! Very impressive! He is a bright boy, who’s sometimes too smart for his own good. I should probably include a picture sometime to prove that he is the most amazing Lego builder ever! And thanks to the new Star Wars movies, he is now building mock sets of Star Wars battles...they are so cool! He is the funnest kid to have around, always finding the fun in anything!
Adam & Kate: Looking back on 2015, if I had to give it a name it’d be “All work and no play” or at the very least, more work and less play. Kate and I continue to stay focused on school and work. She decided earlier in the year to pursue her MBA, but after a few MBA prep classes, she quickly shifted gears and is now running down a Masters in Marketing with high hopes that there will be a little less math involved. Who can blame her? Pretty sure no one in the Harold Hinckley family can. She also continues her work at CompHealth by the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. She still enjoys the work and the people she works with. I’m still adjusting to a somewhat new position for me at Priority Dispatch Corp, the same place I’ve been at forever. The new challenges have provided a real shot of life and some newfound excitement about what I do.
Between work and school we have, of course, managed to work in some fun. After having missed the previous Cousin Connection, it was great to see everyone this year (thanks Pierce Family!) What a family. Bear Lake with the H. Hinckley family this summer was a blast. It’s always a good time dragging the kids (nieces and nephews) behind a boat. We also hit the usual spots in Mexico but nothing too exotic or far off the beaten path. We definitely need to step up our game in the “travel and leisure” category for 2016.
Speaking of 2016, we’re off to a hot start. Got a suite at a Jazz game with most of the H. Hinckley family, got a new niece on Kate’s side of the family, her grandpa got baptized, and we’re headed to SoCal with the fam this week. Not a bad start. Happy New Year everyone!
Angel & Brian Stevens: At the beginning of the year we had the opportunity to go snowmobiling (for a lot of us it was the first time - thank you mom and dad!). The whole family stayed in a cabin at Bear River Lodge - the kids always love being able to hang out with their cousins and everyone had a blast snowmobiling! In August, Dad took the whole family to Bear Lake - and we stayed in one big house together again! Everyone had fun getting pulled behind a boat on a tube and a banana sled, jumping on the water trampoline, going to Minnetonka Cave, and trying the famous raspberry shakes. Both trips were so great that we actually talked about going again - to both Bear River Lodge AND Bear Lake! And by the time this newsletter comes out, we’ll have been to Disneyland!! Besides all the trips, we’re fortunate to be able to get together with all the family for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, camping, 4th of July, 24th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas! It really reminds me of growing up in the extended Hinckley Family - and I love it! Also this past year, we were able to see a couple Jazz games from a private suite (thank you Curt/Allison and Adam/Kate)! And the Walk to End Alzheimer’s was amazing this year seeing all the aunts and uncles (and even some cousins!) come help support our cause!
Brian - Captain at SkyWest Airlines - 12 years now - does anyone have a hook up for him at Delta?Ï•
Angel- Reading Literacy Aide at the elementary school - Activity Days leader - chauffeur - part time cook
Emily (14) - 9th grade - has maintained a 4.0 GPA for the school year - takes dance and piano - will be getting her driver’s learner permit very soon - hopes to be out of braces before she starts high school in the fall
Jill (12) - 7th grade - has also maintained a 4.0 GPA for the school year - takes piano (too bad we live so far away from Aunt Steph) - started junior high this year - doesn’t love it. Got braces - loves them even less.
It feels like every year when it’s newsletter time, nothing has changed for us since the last one - which is good (for the most part)! Maybe we’ll have something more exciting to report next year. Ï•
Allison & Curt McDaniel (Dru, Lindsay, Sara & Kate): 2015 has probably been our quietest year so far... for which, we are grateful! Curt is still working at ABC4 TV and Allison is still working at Intermountain Healthcare’s corporate office. Curt still enjoys his triathlon races and canyoneering while Allison continues to enjoy her volunteer work and crafting hobbies.
Lindsay and Dru are enjoying being high school graduates who earn a lot of money at their jobs and take college classes in their free time. Sara is looking forward to graduating this May from Alta High and is weighing her offers between TCU and all the schools in Utah. She can’t wait to begin her college experience but made the most of her high school experience last year as a cheerleader and FBLA President.
Last year, our family traveled to Wyoming to go snowmobiling, Bear Lake to go jet-skiing, Chicago for FBLA Nationals, Orlando for the National Alzheimers Convention. Texas to see our family and friends down there, Las Vegas, lots of quick stops to our favorite places in Utah (Logan, St. George, Park City, Eden), and our favorite trip of all so far... to Germany, Austria and Hungary!
We again would like to thank the support of the Hinckley family at last year’s Walk to End Alzheimers. And we also really enjoyed attending the Cousin Connection with many of you. We are honored to be a part of the Hinckley family!
Earle and JoAnn: Even though we are growing older and feel the effects of that now and then, it has helped to keep us in young frames of mind to have Brian and Becky with their cute blond, vivacious, and very smart little girls living with us the past few years. We have become quite attached to Ella and Abbie. JoAnn has done a lot of baby sitting, and the girls had Earle play Bumble Boogie on the piano for them every day so they could dance to it. It has left a definite void in our lives since Brian and his family moved into their home in West Jordan two weeks ago. Brian’s family was well-loved in our ward and their youth and energy will be sorely missed. We continue to serve in the Draper Temple as ordinance workers. We feel it such a privilege to be able to be Heavenly Father’s conduit in the sacred temple ordinances. Each time we serve Earle makes the comment on just how very much he loves serving in the temple. We also serve in our ward as missionaries. We have been able to meet some people in our neighborhood that we had never met before, and have developed friendships with some of them. JoAnn is serving for six months in the nursery. The member of the bishopric said her calling was a desperation calling. Not sure how she feels about that! We had our Peirce reunion with our own family this year at the church’s Heber Girls’ Camp in the mountains east of Heber. The facilities and cabins are so clean and wonderful. The senior missionaries directed the zip lines, paddle boats on the lake, and other ‘cooperation and unity’ type games. They even provided the wood for the large campfire site, as well as refrigerators and cook stoves. The best and easiest camping experience we’ve ever had. We spent a week in August traveling to Maine and to New York City. We enjoyed driving along the coast of Maine from Portland to Bar Harbor. We saw many light houses, lobster shacks, beautiful rugged beaches, and quaint little beach towns. We loved it. In New York City, we saw all the usual sites. However, we had not seen the new 9/11 Memorial Monument. The museum, grounds, etc. were very fitting. The entire place evokes a very somber feeling. We went to the One World Trade Center observation deck on the 102nd floor and you could see forever on a clear day. We also walked the new elevated High Line Park which at one time the High Line trains supplied food, etc. to the many businesses on the lower west side of New York City. This rail line had become dormant so the city recently has made it a lovely three-mile walking park with food kiosks, beautiful trees and plants.
We could almost say ditto to the year prior regarding family. We didn’t have any births or marriages or missions. However, we have one new Eagle Scout (Collin) and one high school graduate (Collin), and one baptism (Madalyn). We were able to go to Fort Collins for both the graduation and court of honor. We love the new Fort Collins Temple. It is supposed to be finished some time this year. Nathan and family are very excited about the temple being in their back yard (almost). We appreciate the support of JoAnn’s siblings at the activities we’ve had this year, and our children were grateful for the great turnout to the Cousins’ Connection activity. Frisbee anyone?
Ed and Marsha: Things haven’t changed much in the Ed Peirce family over the last year. Ed is 53 now and still works for the Postal Service as a mechanic on mail sorting machines. The job is physical in nature, but it probably keeps him in better shape than a desk job would. Marsha is working part time as a para educator. Her school is only a couple of blocks away from our home and often she is able to come home for lunch. Marsha excels in cooking. The family is lucky to have a mother who cares about the quality and nutritious value in the food she prepares. Garrett is in 9th grade at Entheos Academy. This will be his last year in middle school. Like most teens, Garrett loves music and often plays with his guitar or drum set. Meadow is in 5th grade. This is her first year attending Entheos Academy (charter school) and likes it much better than the public school she attended previously. She gets fantastic grades . A fun achievement for Meadow was to be selected to represent her school at a cooking competition put on by the Granite School District. Our family spent the evening at the contest where she cooked up her own recipe of chili nuts. She didn’t win in the district, but to have her recipe chosen to represent her school was honor enough. As for the whole family, we did some fun things during the year: 1) Annual Peirce outing at Heber Valley Camp, 2) Marsha especially enjoyed spending a day at Thanksgiving Point at the Tulip Festival, 3) a week spent in San Francisco seeing Muir Woods, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, with our favorite being Alcatraz (getting up at 4:00 a.m. in order to get tickets), 4) attended our first soccer game at Rio Tinto Stadium, 5) love to eat out with the family (especially a Vietnamese noodle soup called Pho (pronounced ‘faw’). Meadow says it is her most favorite of all foods. We still have Marsha’s mother Lolita living with us. We all love her so much and it’s really nice to have her around. However, she is planning on returning to the Philippines this year which always makes us sad.
Scott and Lynda: Dallin is 15 this year. He is happy to be a high school student. He started learning guitar and is making good progress. He attended EFY for his first time with his cousin, Tanner. They had a marvelous, spiritual and testimony-building week. With his parents, he traveled to San Antonio, TX (high-light being the Alamo), then visited Houston, where they took a cruise to Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel. He also enjoyed going with his parents to see Mount Rushmore, Nauvoo, and Carthage Jail. Nick is 20 and is working hard in the shipping department at Flowserve, Inc. in Springville. He has worked there for a few years and we can tell they like him because of the awards he brings home which usually accompanies gift cards to Cabelas which is Nick’s favorite place to shop. He is a complete out-doorsy kind of guy! On the first day of the elk hunt, Nick bagged an elk. It’s surprising how good elk meat tastes! Lauren went off to live and work in Virginia this past year. Lynda drove with her as far as Nashville, TN where the two of them enjoyed a show at the Grand Ole Opry, as well as two shows at the famous Bluebird Café. They loved seeing some of their favorite country stars! Lauren is true ‘country’! While in Virginia, Lauren met and dated Justin Scafaro. He is in the Air Force and recently was transferred to Las Vegas. Of course, Lauren, left Virginia and is now home. They see each other on weekends. The entire Peirce family got to know him when he was here for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Eric and Megan are enjoying married life. Megan works at Costco in Orem and Eric at Novell in the security department. They are both movie enthusiasts! Megan is an author and has published a series (3 books). She recently finished the first book in a new series called SOULS which has been accepted for publication. As mentioned earlier, Scott and Lynda cruised to Costa Maya, Belize, and Cozumel with Dallin, their bishop and his wife, and their good friends, Angie and Todd. In April, Scott taught a yearbook workshop in Hawaii near Waikiki and of course, he and Lynda enjoyed the benefits of all the Hawaiian scenery, beaches, and activities. Another business trip, took Scott, Lynda, and Dallin to Kansas City with side trips to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Nauvoo, Carthage, Liberty Jail, and Independence. As a family, we also enjoyed the Peirce Family campout at Heber; took our boat to Bear Lake and enjoyed that beautiful place for a few days; Nick and Dallin loved their camping experience at Palisades State Park. We are also new river front property owners! In our quest to find a good kayaking spot, we asked a property owner if we could launch our kayaks on his property. Scott mentioned that if he ever wanted to sell a sliver of land down to the river to let us know. We heard from him a few weeks later and made a deal. We named our property Little River Bend. It is a little less than 7 acres and is located near Yuba Reservoir in the Sevier River Ranches. It is covered in sagebrush, has no improvements, but we really love it. We bought an old trailer and cleaned it up a bit to have a place to stay when we go. A huge highlight of our year was to see the beautiful temple here in Payson as it was finished and dedicated. We feel so blessed to have a temple that is just down the street from us! Dallin also felt it a marvelous privilege to participate in the Payson Temple Cultural Celebration. A memory he will have forever!
Nathan and Robyn: We said a few good byes. Collin said good bye to Fort Collins High School. Sydney bade farewell to her elementary school. Cora will no longer live the carefree life of a preschooler. Nathan wrapped up his work project for a two month sabbatical. And after a short lived experience with a third car, we said good bye to our little 1999 Fort Escort after it was totaled in a car wreck. These are just a few of the many distinct changes we experienced as a family in 2015.
The centerpiece of our year was a sabbatical trip. After seven years at Intel, Nathan was eligible for an eight week vacation. We chose to use the time to explore the Southern States. We kayaked the Rio Grande, snorkeled in the Florida Keys, and retraced the path of the First Flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In between, we visited two NASA space centers, spent 10 days at Orlando theme parks, and toured 26 national park sites. Did I mentioned we did all this while camping in a pop-up tent trailer? I won’t mention the humidity nor the temperature. Never were the kids so happy to get home to Colorado.
In addition to graduation, Collin toured Salzburg and Prague, received his Eagle scouting rank, and started school at Colorado State University where he is studying computer engineering. He enjoys attending a young single adult ward.
Randy got his driver’s license. He enjoys his charter school, early morning seminary, and playing cello for the school orchestra.
Owen continues to do well with piano and violin. He recently memorized a lengthy piano arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon. He likes participating in church youth activities and playing video games.
Sydney is experiencing her first year of middle school. She continues her piano lessons, and she joined the percussion section in her school band. She loves reading and writing.
Cora loves kindergarten and is learning to read. She loves playing with friends. She received her first 4 tooth crowns this year. Let’s hope that she learns to brush.
The parents are just the same ole same ole. Robyn takes care of us, some cub scouts, and ward members who are in need. Nathan solves problems with microprocessors, with church records, and with the house. But we definitely feel that life has changed. Nathan’s work continues to evolve. Robyn is adjusting to having time alone while Cora is at kindergarten. And we all sense that new epoch in which kids begin leaving the nest is about to begin
Tom and Shanna: Sage (age 17) - senior in High School, Dance Company President, Sterling Scholar for dance, CNA through the Jordan District Tech Center; Tanner (age 15) 9th Grade, honor roll, band...plays percussion, sweeper at the school, great group of friends; Brynn (age 11) 6th Grade, flute, tumbling and cheer, basketball, dance, hanging out with friends, sings in the ward choir; Grace (age 6) 1st grade, dance class, soccer, likes hopping around, beanie boos, and friends; Shanna - a blessed mom, loves her preschool kids, Primary chorister, enjoys making digital photo books; Tom - enjoys fatherhood, Riverton City as Storm Water Manager, scout master, rides his bike to work.
Family adventures - taking a several-day trip to the Oregon Coast with Sherm and his family, exploring the ruins at Mesa Verde, snowshoeing in our beautiful mountains, skiing and snowboard with Nathan and his family during Christmas Break
We are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family in our lives! It was so wonderful to see so many of you at the Cousin Connection! Thank you for your help with the food assignments...it was a lovely and tasty breakfast thanks to you!
Sherman and Jocelyn: We are getting to the point where each year feels like the last. We’ll try to make this interesting. Jocelyn is listed first because she is the oldest. Sherman will never let her forget that small detail. She is in the chauffeur state of mom life since each of our children goes to a different school . In church she is the nursery leader, choir pianist, and Activity Days leader. Remember when Sundays were restful? Sherman celebrated paying off (finally) his initial optometry practice loan by buying new equipment and going right back into pretty much the same amount of debt. He is still the Elders Quorum President and is not looking forward to Spring when everybody in the ward seems to move in and out at the same time. Braden is enjoying his first year in high school. Landon is in middle school. Maddie is in elementary school. Megan still likes school because she is in pre-school. The oldest 3 enjoy making fun of their parents in Chinese (Maddie and Landon have been in Chinese immersion for years now). For fun, we spent a week traveling up the Northern California and Southern Oregon coasts together with the Beesleys. That family is fun to party with. We loved hanging out in the tide pools, freezing cold beaches, lighthouses, redwood forests, and Crater Lake on the way home. We also enjoyed sleepless nights and hot days at the Heber Valley camp with the extended Peirce fam. The zip line and giant swing were highlights (No, Earle and JoAnn did not go on the zip line) for our children. Also, not so much for fun, but it ended up being quite fun anyhow, we got to help plan the Cousin Connection in September. We have some great cousins and loved being able to see so many of you. Thanks for bringing excess food as well. Just like old times.
Brian and Becky: We don’t have that much news to add this year. We still have two cute girls Ella and Abigail. Ella, who is 5, enjoys her preschool and dance classes and saying “no” to 75% of parental requests. Abigail, who is almost 3, says “no” to 99.99% of parental requests (even if it is something she likes). Abbie also just started dance and appears to like it so far. Both of our girls are so cute and have enjoyed the adulation of the Union 4th Ward folks who don’t have a lot of children to adulate. Becky has continued to work as a Dental Assistant part-time to keep her sanity and perhaps pay a few of the bills. Brian is working with Convirza, a call-tracking company with plans to move into net-working. We enjoyed living in my folks basement for awhile and decided that the view wasn’t that great. So right at the end of 2015, we bought one of those minimalist homes for $11,000 in West Jordan which is great for our family because we don’t like to collect a lot of things. Coming in at 196 square feet we have all we need (each other). We can hang our girls on the side of the walls at bedtime and then watch TV on my smartphone. Okay, joking aside, the home is bigger and more expensive than that, and it is perfect for our family. We are enjoying the moving experience, living out of boxes, waiting for repairmen, installers, etc., But it has been fun. That is our big news for the year. Until next time.
EDITOR'S NOTE: In the printed copy of the newsletter there are numerous little hearts throughout Lon & Steph's contribution. They did not "translate" into the blog version, and appear as the letter "d". (Sorry Steph)
UNCLE LON & AUNT STEPH
February 21, 2015 (Saturday) – a day from Aunt Steph’s journal -- Today was our annual Hinckley Siblings Planning meeting here at our home. With my teaching, any event is difficult to prepare for and this was no exception. I gave eight lessons yesterday ending with Jaren’s children and they didn’t leave until about 7:30 p.m. Thursday night Lon and I made a quadruple batch of potato soup. Last night, while Lon was at the temple, I made the mix for the Lion House bran muffins. So this morning I got up early, showered and washed my hair, and got to work with Lon helping every step of the way. At 11:00 a.m., I went to pick up centerpieces from Cactus and Tropicals. I had been there on Thursday getting the planter the siblings gave us for our 50th wedding anniversary replanted and talked with them about two arrangements of tulips. When I saw the price today, I was shocked. The arrangements were just what I wanted—simple: red tulips in glass vases. But I had no idea that each tulip was $4.00 a stem. The small vase had 11 tulips in a $6 vase = $50. The larger vase was $100. The guy could tell I was shocked and gave me 20% off, but Lon wouldn’t have ever done anything like that. So I paid for them. (This is just one reason I teach piano.) Charles and Janet Solomon joined us for lunch and then shared the story of Charles’ brother Raymond’s recent years and passing. I was happy to be able to give the smaller arrangement to her as they left. I learned a lesson (or did I?)—but I do love the flowers. Just not quite that much.
This family is amazing. The responsibility for leadership was turned from us to JoAnn and Earle. We had a wonderful time together. The soup was delicious, as well as the muffins which we served with Lon’s raspberry and blackberry jam. The tables were beautiful. JoAnn brought a great salad and Jean brought dessert. Harold brought candy to snack on. Lon and I added little smokies and his grape juice. Sue & Jack came directly from their calling at a Church Storehouse and brought us all a package of hot chocolate mix. Louise brought the family newsletter. It is so wonderful!
This is what I put in the Choir Notes section of the Sacrament meeting program for today: The choir is singing....“Did You Think to Pray?” (Hymn no. 140)When our second son, Jaren, returned from his mission to Scotland he wrote the words “ERE YOU LEFT YOUR ROOM THIS MORNING…” on a strip of paper and taped it over the door frame in his bedroom. Now, many years later, it still remains as a reminder to us of the importance of prayer in the morning before facing the demands of the day, as well as a reminder of the blessing we had of raising a son who each day demonstrates a love for the Lord in his life. –Sis. Hinckley
JOEL & KIM
Zeke (2 ½/3’4”) has the longest hair of any Hinckley male in at least 4 generations - maybe more (I’m not counting [cousin] Adam’s mullet in 1991). d Sam (5 years/4’3”) is in Kindergarten - learning Spanish - does not want to go to the Principal’s office. d Nate (7 years/4’6”) in second grade - learning Spanish - getting baptized in a couple of months. d Maddie (9 years/5’1”) in 5th grade - likes to bake and keep us all fat. d Tea (12 years/5’4”) in 6th grade - in young women’s with her Mom, soccer player extraordinaire. d Mack (13 years/5’11”) 8th grade - basketball, Utes, Steelers - too skinny. d Andrei (15 years/6’1”) sophomore - lettered in Cross Country, basketball, thinks he drives well - is wrong. d d Kim (41 years/5’4”) In Young Women’s, perpetually young, chickens, garden, Edible Arrangements, lots of kids. d d Joel (41 years/6’3”) Released from Young Men’s, works in Salt Lake at Red Bell, Triathlons, Edible Arrangements.
d d d Burt (14 years) the greatest dog who ever lived passed away this year, and took a piece of our hearts with him.
If anyone - or your children - need extra work around the holidays (Christmas, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day) let us know. We have stores in Murray, West Valley, and Farmington.
JAREN & JANE
d Emma (14) d Cate (13) d Ian (10) d Janny (8)
As part of the BYU Study Abroad program, we were asked to direct a Study Abroad to Siena, Italy, from late April to early June.
HIGHLIGHTS of our time in Europe:
ITALY: • Naples (driving through Naples is alternately frightening and thrilling) • Pompeii (touristy but fun) • Paestum (non-touristy and much more fun) • Tivoli (Villa d’Este - astounding garden with fountains everywhere you look) • Rome • Siena (watch this www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqIr5ier52o) – the first eight seconds shows you the exact street where we lived for a month) • Bomarzo (Renaissance garden filled with large statues of monsters) • Civita di Bagnoregio (do a google image search for it—it’s amazing) • Florence • Assisi • Milan • Pisa • Asciano • San Gimignano • Volterra (we didn’t see any vampires) • Venice
FRANCE: • Paris • Giverny (Monet’s home and gardens) • Rouen (cathedral) • Chartres (cathedral) • Vaux-le-Vicomte estate (google it—you won’t regret it). We rented a golf cart and zoomed all over the estate) • Colmar (to see the Isenheim Altarpiece) • Strasbourg (cathedral) • Nancy (we stayed at a Downton Abbey-type estate home for mere pennies for a family of six!) • Reims
SWITZERLAND: • Chateau-d’Oex (we felt like we were in the land of “Heidi”) • Broc (the Nestle-Caillier chocolate factory tour at the end of which you can eat all the chocolate you want)
LISSA & VINCE
The Larissa and Vince Humphries family is still headquartered in Bountiful. d Vince is stake clerk and continues to work at L3 Communications. He plays piano and cello with Lissa whenever she needs him to. He enjoyed performing the Francis Poulenc Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra with friend Spencer Thompson in a concert at the U honoring their former teacher Lennox Larsen. d Lissa went from her calling as nursery leader in Primary to counselor in the Stake Relief Society Presidency. She teaches 27 cello students and coaches Davis Youth Symphony. dJason (26) earned his Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the U, started working for Boeing, and moved into an apartment close to work. d Stephen (24) received his Bachelor of Accounting Degree from the U and is engaged to marry Joelle Jenkins in June. (Very lucky guy!) d Camille (22) continues her studies in Computer Engineering at the U. d Elder Spencer Humphries (20) is a missionary in Taipei, Taiwan. In 2015 d Alex (17) got a new pair of pants and enjoys playing in his band, “Passport” (It’s a lot of fun and real loud!), and hanging out with his homies.
JONATHAN & AUDRA
Jonathan serves as the troop committee chair in the ward. He is still employed with Intermountain Print Finishing and spends his spare time repairing anything that breaks down in the house. d Audra continues to serve as 2nd counselor in YW presidency. She stays busy trying to keep up with the kids and their busy schedules. She also works for Dirty Devil Disposal as bookkeeper and answering phones. d Stephanie (18) is a senior at Skyline High School and is looking forward to going to Snow College in the fall and planning to major in Elementary Education. When Stephanie turned 18, she opted to go to Relief Society and is really enjoying it. d Rebecca (14) is in 9th grade at Wasatch Jr. High and made the volleyball team again. She enjoys playing the piano and flute. She goes with her friends once a month to the Temple to do baptisms. d Rose (12) is in 6th grade at Morningside Elementary in the French Dual Immersion program. She’ll continue the program at Churchill Jr. High next fall. She loves playing the piano and cello. She is now in YW and is anxious to get going on personal progress. d Bryant (10) is in the 4th grade at Morningside Elementary. He loves skiing and scouting and is working to earn his Arrow of Light. He plays the piano and wants to start playing the trumpet. d Our family keeps busy with “fold and glue” jobs from Jonathan’s company and after hundreds of hours and a couple of years, the kids earned the money to take a fabulous trip to Disneyland and San Diego Zoo and a VIP tour of Universal Studios. It was declared “worth it!"
DON & JESSIE – By Sara & Don Jr.
Our dear parents continue to be faithful in every respect; they exhibit a positive approach to all things in life. They are in their fifth year of residence together at the Inn on Barton Creek. Barton Creek is a wonderful, clean and safe assistive living center. We are blessed to have a great facility in Bountiful and so close to family and friends.
Mom and Dad are very active in their LDS Branch at Barton Creek. Dad is so active in the branch that he is known to attend Relief Society on a fairly regular basis. Dad also attends the Bountiful Temple when he can.
Dad walks all the time and everywhere. He loves to listen to books on CD. He listens to several a month. He loves playing Bingo, and Balloon Volleyball. He is so patient and takes such good care of Mom!!
Mom reminds us so much of Grandma Hinckley. She has an extremely quiet voice! You really have to listen hard to hear her. She loves Wendy’s Chocolate Frosty, but has recently been introduced to Pace’s Dairy Ann’s Peach Rainbows.
Mom and Dad spend most every Sunday evening at Don & Kathy’s house. They seem to enjoy themselves in spite of the noise and entertainment that is provided by their great grandchildren.
Every Tuesday afternoon John takes Dad out to run errands and go shopping. Dad is very organized, always has a list of places that he needs to visit, and John always has time to take Dad wherever he needs to go.
Mom and Dad LOVE having visitors. We appreciate the many visits that the Aunts and Uncles make to their residence. They tell us about these visits in great detail on many occasions. They love being part of this incredible family!!! We, as their children appreciate the love, friendship and support you share with our parents.
SARA SEARLE & FAMILY: 2015 was a HUGE year for our family. In June Several of my In-laws flew to Illinois and helped me pack up my house, load the moving vans, and drive the moving vans back to Salt Lake City. In July I flew to Omaha, to become a grandma. Zadi Jayne Cantua arrived August 4th. In October we went back to Omaha for the baby blessing.
In November I had the most TERRIFYINGLY, AMAZING experience of my life!!! Exactly one year to the day that Gordon was killed, I was able to fly back to Chicago to read a Victims Advocate Statement in the Sentencing Hearing.
The previous 12 months of being a single parent, my feelings towards this “Killer” have been ALL over the board. He took away the love of my life!!! I was asked to prepare a statement of personal loss, to be read in the court room, these emotions of anger, hate, and grief, consumed me!! I really wanted this driver to know all the incredible roles that my husband had played, I wanted him to understand the enormous hole that he created in our lives.
Originally I had asked my brother in-law, Chris to read my statement, knowing that my emotions would get the better of me. However, when it was my turn to take the stand, with fear, anxiety, and a prayer in my heart, I walked ALL the way to the witness stand, sat down. (My kids and granddaughter were too young to go to court, so I had taken big pictures of them and Gordon to display.) Through tears and many tissues I was able to read my statement. I completed reading my statement, but I was not done speaking!!!
During the entire proceedings the defendant had not looked up, not once! When I was done reading, I called him by his first name, and asked him to look at me. The room went silent. It took him a few seconds to decide what to do, but he finally looked up at me. I looked him straight in the eye, and told him that I forgive him, that I knew it was an accident!!!
There was a very loud gasp from the whole courtroom! They were shocked! I was shocked!! I had absolutely no idea where that came from!! But when I returned to my seat, and collected by thoughts, I remembered the sweet blessing that my brother in-law, Dwight had given me. In the blessing I was instructed to be Christlike, to be forgiving, and to think what Gordon would have done in this situation.
The power of the Atonement is amazing!!!! We have been so blessed!!!
We are surviving. We love living so close to family!
Kayle & James (Cantua) love Omaha. James is in his 2nd year of Dental School. Zadi is the cutest baby ever.
Madison is in the 5th grade, loves anything American Girl Doll, and loves science.
Jack is in 3rd grade, and loves anything electronic!!! Minecraft, his I-pad, DS, his mom phone.
We love living close to family, but I am still trying to figure out life. Trying to figure out who I am. Trying to be a good mom.
Thank you for ALL of your amazing support this past year. The letters, the cards, the e-mails, and the texts. They were very needed, and much appreciated!!!!
The Searles
DON & KATHY MILLIGAN AND FAMILY: We are empty nesters, again. It seems that given life circumstances, we have been blessed to have some of our children and grandchildren live with us during the past three years. We love being parents and really love being grandparents. We have four grandchildren and the fifth will arrive in mid March.
Kathy keeps very busy taking care of children, grandchildren and parents. She makes time to continue running. This past year she completed her fifth Wasatch Front 100 mile ultra marathon. Somewhere around mile 83 she broke her foot. At mile 83 in a 100 mile event everything hurts; while she knew her foot was hurting, she did not know she had broken a bone. She finished the race with a broken foot and with a good time. She spent the next six weeks wearing a boot as part of the recovering process.
Don continues in his employment at the University of Utah and specifically at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. It’s a meaningful and fulfilling place to work. Don also participated in the 100 mile trail race last year. He is currently serving as the 11 year old Scoutmaster in our ward; he enjoys spending time involved in scouting activities. He thinks it’s great to go hiking, biking and spend time outside in order to magnify his calling. Don received his Silver Beaver award last year.
Our daughter Meagan Jensen and her family currently live in Flagstaff AZ. where her husband Luke is finishing his post doctorate training in psychology. He has multiple job offers and as I write this, they don’t know which one they will accept or where they will be living in the future. What a great problem to have. It will be exciting to see where they end up living and where Luke will practice. Meagan and Luke have two children; their son Crue is 5 and their daughter Hadley is 2. Meagan keeps busy taking care of her children and serving in the Primary Presidency in her ward. Luke works with the Young Men; they will be missed when they move.
Mason and his family live in Bountiful in a home they recently purchased. They have been busy redoing their yard, deck, fireplace etc. Mason works at Huntsman Cancer Hospital as the supervisor of the customer service area. His is an Elders Quorum Instructor in his ward. Taylor is a nurse and works in the well baby/well mom department at University of Utah Hospital. Mason and Taylor have a 3 year old son named Everett. Everett’s middle name is Moses so “Mo” is what most people call him (much to his mothers chagrin). They are expecting their second child in mid March.
Our son Marshall lives in the basement of Don & Jessie’s home in Bountiful and takes care of the home. Marshall has an interesting work life; he works part time as an attorney at a firm that specializes in wills, trusts, etc. When he’s not working as an attorney, he works at a hotel in Layton. Marshall spends a lot of time with Myles, his 3 year old son.
We enjoy life and are blessed beyond measure. Life is not always easy but those things we are allowed to learn and experience seem to be exactly what we need. We love you all.
THE COUSIN CONNECTION 2015
The Alonzo Arza & Rose May robison
Hinckley family 2015 Cousin Reunion
By Uncle Lon & Aunt Stephanie
June 27, 2015 was a historic Hinckley family occasion when the Arza & Erma Hinckley family hosted a reunion for their cousins at the Holladay 10th ward building in Holladay. With over 60 in attendance it was a great opportunity to share memories and renew feelings of family love and pride. We served as chairs of the event and because of the support and work of all the aunts and uncles (and cousin Angie Craven Lovell) it was a grand success, as evidenced by just one of many notes we received.
Dear Lon, Steph, Angie & all others who may have helped w/the planning, organizing & then holding last week’s family reunion – it was exceptional; and, you are all to be congratulated!!! Many many thanks from Jessie, Lon – Lynda and me. You did a great job – it was a wonderful experience;
& it was appreciated by all.
& it was appreciated by all.
Thanks again – George [Badger]
Once our siblings and spouses started arriving at the reunion, we began to relax knowing that everything we were worried about would get done. They brought delicious fresh fruit to enhance the dinner catered by Meier’s Chicken, set up the tables and chairs, made their cousins feel comfortable by sitting at different tables and visiting. Aunt Louise’s name tags were a popular take-away. Uncle Earle was at the piano providing perfect atmosphere. A DVD, “When There’s Love at Home,” featuring our grandparents Alonzo Arza and Rose May Robison Hinckley and their children Harold, Afton, Rulon, Mabel, Susannah, Angeline, Ethel, Mary, Arza, Nellie, Beulah, & Zina (and two who died while very young), was shown thanks to the creative work of our son Jonathan, and grandson Jason Humphries with input from Jason’s siblings Stephen and Camille. (Cousins Tom Rose and Lorraine Ashton provided family videos and photographs.)
When it was over, it seemed as though we blinked and everything was cleaned up as everyone pitched in to take down, put away and take out the garbage. Aunt Jean stood at that kitchen sink until everything was washed and better than when we came.
We admit that while we were grateful to breathe a sigh of relief to have that event behind us—we were equally grateful that everyone seemed to enjoy being there. We are all part of a remarkable family and we are very blessed.
BELOVED HINCKLEY AUNTS & UNCLES
How well did you read the newsletter?
Fill In The Blanks:
1. ______________ is blogging friends with Mary Ellen Edmunds.
2. _______________ played “Bumble Boogie” everyday on the piano for two years.
3. _________ & __________ bought a “minimalist” home.
4. __________________ is restoring a 1956 Messerschmitt.
5. __________________ had a close call while white water rafting.
6. _________ & __________ interpret for the deaf in their ward.
7. ______________ broke her foot on a 100 mile run.
8. ________ & _______ are expecting their 50th grandchild.
9. __________________ likes tulips even at $4.00 a stem.
10. ______________ “needs” a groom for her September wedding.
11. _______________ enjoys equestrian therapy.
12. _______________ built his own wood-fired brick oven.
13. __________ received the Silver Beaver Award!
14. ______________‘s original music compositions can be viewed on YouTube.
15. _____________ has the longest hair of any Hinckley male in 4 generations plus.
16. _______________ represented her school at a district cooking competition.
17. ______________ teaches Gospel Doctrine in German.
18. __________________‘s company was featured on Good Morning America.
19. __________________ is training for the Boston Marathon.
20. __________________ is a Sterling Scholar for Dance.
21. __________________ is an avid quilter.
22. __________________‘s pool will be featured on HGTV.
23. __________________ (nine years old) regularly beats his dad in chess.
24. _________________, though male, attends RS on a regular basis.
25. ___________ & _________’s family keeps busy with “fold & glue” projects.
26. ________________, (7 yrs old), is reading “The Work & The Glory”.
27. _________ & __________ are new owners of riverfront property.
28. ___________ & ___________ (brothers) earned their Eagle Scout awards on the same night.
29. The ____________ family raises rabbits in Riverton.
30. ________ & _________’s family have FHE, scripture study and family prayer via Face Time.
31. ________________, (13 yrs old) promotes the YW Values on her blog.
32. ________________, a new in-law, is a published author.
BONUS RECIPES!!!
Aunt Kay’s WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
This is a recipe from teacher friends…should win any chili cook-off! I swoon over it!
Prep time: 15 mins.
Total Time: 50 mins.
Servings: 6
1 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (3-4 chicken breasts)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 (15 ounce) cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained
14 ounces diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup sour cream
(for topping: Colby Jack cheese shredded, diced green onions, sour cream)
Directions
1. In large saucepan, sauté chicken, onion, & garlic powder in oil, until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Add beans, broth, chilies, and spices
3. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in whipping cream and sour cream.
5. Serve immediately.
6. Garnish with shredded Colby Jack cheese, diced green onions, and/or a spoon of sour cream.
Aunt JoAnn’s RICE CHEX TREAT
In large bowl combine:
1/2 box rice chex cereal
1 cup shredded coconut
4 oz. or more slivered almonds
In saucepan combine:
1 cup sugar
1 cup light Karo syrup
1 1/2 squares butter
Boil 2 to 3 minutes, pour over cereal mixture and mix together. Spread out on cookie sheet to cool.
Aunt Susan’s POPPY SEED CHICKEN CASSEROLE
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves cooked and shredded
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 tsp. poppy seeds (or more to taste)
1 (8 oz.) container of sour cream
1 (10 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1) In a bowl combine the melted butter, crushed crackers, and poppy seeds
2) In another bowl blend sour cream and chicken soup. Put half of the soup mixture in a 9x9” baking dish. Add the shredded chicken and pour the remainder of the soup mixture on top.
3) Sprinkle with cheese; top with the cracker mixture.
Bake in oven until cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Aunt JoAnn’s CHUNKY CHICKEN VEGETABLE SOUP
1/2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp. oil
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) fat-free reduced sodium chicken broth
1- 1/2 cups water
2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (broccoli florets, sliced carrots)
1 envelope (0.7 oz.) Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
1/2 cup instant white rice, uncooked
2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
Cook and stir chicken in hot oil in large saucepan on medium-high heat 5 minutes,
or until done.
Add broth, water, vegetables, and dressing; stir. Bring to boil; cover.
Simmer on low heat 5 minutes.
Stir in rice and parsley.
Remove from heat.
Let stand, covered, 5 minutes.
HINCKLEY FAMILY PLANNING MEETING
February 13, 2016 • Sue and Jack's Home in Bountiful
We really missed having Diane with us, but what a treat for the rest of us to be all together!
(Not a great photo. Must have had my camera on the wrong setting or something,
so if someone has a better one, send it asap!)
Aunt Jessie & Uncle Don Milligan
Uncle Lon & Aunt Stephanie Hinckley
Aunt JoAnn & Uncle Earle Peirce
Uncle Harold Hinckley
Aunt Jean & Uncle Rex Howell
Aunt Sue & Uncle Jack Thomas
(One of these days we'll find a picture of Aunt Louise and Uncle Richard Crosby to put here.)
Aunt Kay & Uncle Ned Cannon
