Working hard and serving as a counselor in our Ward’s bishopric seems to keep Byron busy. He does manage time for his newfound hobbies like chopping wood for the wood burning stove and making a homemade zamboni. He continues to enjoy to fly fish, hike, bird hunt and ski. We certainly are more adventurous as a family because of Byron. It was his idea to start ice skating on the pond this year and we got to experience “wild ice.” Look it up; it’s pretty unreal.
I would have never imagined I would stay up late into the night planning new flower bed designs, figuring out when to treat the pond next or trying to decide how to fit more berry plants inside my garden fence. I am surprised at how much Byron and I enjoy working on the yard and gardens together. It is a blessing in our lives. Spending time with the young women in our church, teaching piano lessons and practicing the organ also keep me entertained.
Graduating high school and starting work full time were a big adjustment for Carter this year. He worked hard selling cars at a local dealership and saving his pennies so he could go on a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Carter has left for Las Vegas, Nevada where he was assigned and will spend the next two years serving the locals and telling them about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. It was a joy to see him work so hard to be able to receive his call and fun to share in his excitement. We will all miss him around here.
Being the recipient of many of Carter’s possessions has left Tyler a happy man this fall. He is the proud new driver of an old beat up Tacoma truck nicknamed Crunchy Taco. He also inherited a shiny new phone with a crack free screen. When he’s not enjoying his loot, Tyler is busy playing the trombone in multiple bands at school and learning the piano. The robotics club will start up shortly and then we won’t see him until spring. He enjoys playing church hockey and works at a sheep farm for our friend Julie. Working helps keep him with a pocket full of nickels - and keeps him out of trouble.
The soccer balls at our house may as well be duct taped to Ally’s feet. It is rare to find her not dribbling or juggling a ball between her toes or off her knees. If she tears herself away from soccer it is to hangout with her friends. Soccer, friends and her dog Penny are the loves of her life. She barely tolerates playing the trumpet and learning the piano. We have found she is a very serious student and works diligently at keeping her grades up. She was sick for an entire week this fall and actually faked being well one day to try and go to school. Ally continues to bring light and joy into our home.
We are rounding up on year two of living in Montana and being the caretakers of this gorgeous property. It seems to dominate our lives in a way that is unexpected and unpredictable. The icing on the cake is when we have friends or family visit.
2018 has been a year of much learning, many blessings and increased love. We are so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ and this beautiful Christmas season. We hope this coming year brings much joy and happiness to you and yours.
All our love,
The Pollan’s
No comments:
Post a Comment