Merry Christmas 2011
Once again it is the end of another year. I’d say this year was the year of FOOTBALL, or at least the fall was. All four boys played some form of football, 4 to 5 games a week between them all. Derek played JV, and it was his very first year ever to play ball. His team was undefeated!! He did well and hopes to do even better next year during his senior year. Tyler played on the 8th grade team who went 7-1 and had a heartbreaking loss in the final game. They played their hearts out, left it all on the field in a FOUR overtime loss to the same team they lost to last year. Eighth grade boys do cry. Jeremy and Cameron played flag football and did great. I think I have two future receivers with lightning quick feet and sticky hands. The season of football culminated with a “young men vs. old men (elders)” flag football game in the snow. Derek, Tyler, and Jeremy played and lost to Chris and the “old men.”
During this same time, I decided to take a CNA (certified nursing assistant) class. The summer was hard without me working so this is my way to earn some money. I haven’t taken the final test yet. It’s been crazy at work. About a month ago I was offered a contract at my school. After leaving Juab High, I had a hard time finding a new job. Independence High offered me an hourly teacher job. After 3 years and a new administration, I got a contract!!
We spend a few days at Kodachrome State park for a reunion. It was nice, but short. Chris left early so I got to drive the truck and trailer home. I only made it 25 miles to the turn off to Bryce Canyon before the truck was done with me. The alternator went out and we were towed to Richfield where dad and Chris came from work to put in a new alternator in the parking lot of Checker auto store. My in-laws are the greatest; they stayed by us until we were all better. Too much went on all summer to do much else.
AAA is amazing. They had to tow us TWICE this summer. Once during the trip to Kodachrome bringing the truck and trailer nearly the full free mileage allowed, and again when Jennifer got rear-ended on the freeway the first day back to work. We totally used the benefits. Unfortunately, the van was totaled and we had to buy a new vehicle right before school began. We are now the owners of a Chrystler Pacifica that seats exactly 6 passengers. Derek was coming home from work and saw the van at the repair shop right after it was dropped off by the tow truck. He immediately called me to see what happened and if I was alright.
Derek got a drivers license and job during the summer. He also got a trip of a lifetime. The youth of our stake got to go to Nauvoo. They spent 8 very long days on a tour bus visiting almost every church history site from here to Nauvoo. BEST of ALL, he earned the EAGLE rank in October. The court of honor is still to come, but he’s waiting for his friend to pass his board of review, so they can have it together.
Tyler grew another few inches and turned 13 this year (ahhh…another teenager in the house). He attended a few scout camps including a leadership camp called Timberline and enjoyed every minute. He is a Star Scout now. He played basketball with the 7th grade traveling team as one of the tallest members. I never thought he’d make the team when he tried out, but he turned out the quite a player.
Jeremy is 11 now, and earned his Webelos award, along with the Arrow of Light. He still prefers to anything except read and clean his room. He’s in 5th grade and wears shoes bigger than mine. He loves to play any sport , a natural athlete.
Cameron turned 8 this year, and was baptized by his dad on June 4. He also joined wolf scouts with all his friends and earned his bobcat badge. Crazy times abound with 10 eight year old scouts. He enjoys hangin’ out with his dad, playing catch or Mr. Fix-it.
Chris turned 40 this year. We all celebrated at Yuba with his friends from work. He did a lot of hiking and looking for deer and elk, but they wouldn’t show until after the hunting season was over. He planted and cared for a boomer garden crop of corn, honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberries, pumpkins, carrots, and peas. He also applied but sadly didn’t get the manager job at Yuba. The new guy great, but Chris is teaching him all the ins and outs of the park. It’s hard when a younger guy gets the job. Chris is still a scout leader with me and coaches the boys whenever possible.
We are grateful for all our blessings and wish all of our friends a wonderful holiday season filled with love and hope for even better things to come in the New Year.
Love the Evans family: Chris, Jennifer, Derek, Tyler, Jeremy, and Cameron.
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