Wrapping Up 2013

This was another great year for the Schaefermeyer Family.  We all got a year older and that's not bad; we are also all a year wiser.

Theron and I are going to travel and stay fit with our new electric bikes.  My back surgery was successful and I'm feeling better now than I have in years.  We will wrap up our mission of writing the humanitarian history in March and then we'll see what is next.

 









Adrian asked for 2 x 4's for Christmas and is pushing to finish their basement this coming year.  Todd changed jobs and found an even better one where he can work from home for the most part.  Cameron will finish the 6th grade this year and make a really big move up in school.  Taylor will finish the 4th grade and will now be able to spend more time alone with his mom - he'll have all the track vacations to himself!  Adrian has now given up the young women and is playing the piano in Primary - finally the piano lessons are paying off!

Cameron, Taylor and Todd on their hockey rink

The Paschals ski trip.

Their first Christmas!

Curt married a wonderful woman, Melanee, and this was a special occasion for our whole family.  He is adjusting to married life and activity in the Church -- praying, teaching classes, working with the scouts, etc.  The big house is hopefully in the last year of production and then it will be a larger house for he and Melanee.  Welcome to the family Melanee!!

Marc and Brittney added a wonderful little guy, Tyce.  It has been fun to see how unique he is in personality and temperament and to watch him grow.  He is scooting around the floor and standing, it won't be long and he'll take off like Ali and Mason.  Mason is always an amazement to see which super hero he will be on any given day.  Ali has learned to talk, and talk, and talk.  She makes us smile.  She is going to learn how to tumble and dance this year.  Brittney was called into the Relief Society Presidency and will do a terrific job.

Tyce in a "glitter" bib - it's the 3rd child.

It was a great year, we have been healthy and protected.  Everyone has a safe home and plenty to eat.  The recessions and economy haven't hurt us too badly and everyone is still working and making life pleasant for their families.  We look forward to 2014; bring it on!

We finally made a time to get together - here is the family in 2013.

Let's Go On a Sleigh Ride

Winter is always fun when you can wrap up and spend time outside in the snow.  The family went to Mueller Park and took in some sleigh time.

Cameron and Taylor and Todd are the brave ones and the older ones so they could speed down the big hills.  Taylor had the best time just using his coat as the sleigh and sliding around.

Marc brought Mason and Ali and as soon as the first ride was finished, Ali screamed - "again dad."  She was thrilled to go fast and furious.

Theron could not resist and so for one run they linked all the sleighs together and it was a group moment.

Just so we remember, we shared the slope with a family from Texas who were visiting for the holidays; they brought cardboard boxes for their sleighs.  It was fun to see them sit in the box and simply slide.

Sleigh Bells Ring

Okay, it's only a few weeks late, but I have to end the year so I can get the book published for this year.  I keep wondering why I can't keep up with a simple blog, but I can't.  So, this is about a newer tradition that we have started since the kids were married and we had grandchildren -- a Christmas Family Home Evening.  In the past we have made gingerbread houses and trains (the tradition isn't very old); this year we made candy cane sleighs - thank you Pinterest for a fun idea.

On the 23rd, we gathered at our house and plugged in the hot glue guns and spread out the candy.  You glue a candy cane to each side of a large candy bar and that forms the sleigh bed.  I'm a traditionalist but I really appreciate the creativity of the family.  There were travel trailers added, a box of candy bars made to hold a stack of candy, and just plain fun -- thanks to all.

After the fun, a little time was spent using our wood nativity to act out the Christmas story from Luke.  This year we gave the DVD, "Christmas for a Dollar".  Each year we try to find a good Christmas book for each family.  Love to all and to all a good night.