Dean And Sybil Bateman Family Letters: 2015

(Dean) and Sybil: A note from Mom, the matriarch of this gang. (Sybil)

You all know pretty much where my past year has taken me, and therefore, to some extent much the same—good days and bad, health-wise. As I write this day is a pattern for all my days. When I got up this morning, I was definitely not well, but following my shower, I reclined in my chair and had a long nap. When I woke the second time, I was 100% better. No explanation except a long nap and a rest.

You must all know by this time that I am using hospice. They supply everything I need, including personnel. I have shower help, nurses, massage therapist, social workers, podiatrist, ophthalmologist, and anyone else I express a need for. When you get as old as I am (92) and have aliments, your time is limited. I know some of you have been seriously ill, and I truly hope everyone is better, and that 2016 will be a wonderful year.

Kent and Sharon: (Kent.Dean)

Don't know what to say about Kent and me. We continue to plug along. We still have no new callings nor new Sunday school class since our mission. We feel rather useless and old and out to pasture. We are hoping for some more action but have been waylaid in our plans because of some injuries and illnesses. Hopefully we will conquer and be able to move on in our service to the Lord. We enjoy visits from our kids and grandkids and a few others.

We love our family and feel very blessed. No matter the challenges, we stick together and love and care for each other. We love you all and are grateful to belong to this great family.*

Alison and Curtis Sandall (Alison.Kent.Dean)--
So......What? Already? Finding something that might be interesting. That is what I am having a hard time doing. So I will just type and see what comes about.

Curtis and I are the same I think. except weight gain. I gain he loses. He really wants another job that can still make our mortgage payment and I love what I am doing still. We have been having fun with a little app called dubsmash. You may have seen some of our facebook posts. If you see anymore you know we have been home alone and getting pretty bored. Other than that busy with work, church and family. I do miss living by everyone. I often think about the old farm and wish we could get together as easily as it seemed it was back then. I love you all and am greatful for Diana for keeping this going.
Write your articles. It's not that bad. Makes you stop and think about your family.

Love you all

Jared (Jared.Alison.Kent.Dean) my oldest, he quit his job this year and ventured out with his doppleganger name self (Jared) and started his own business. Kind of he is VERY good at what he does but he has NO money yet. So he is essentially working VERY HARD for NO money. (restoration and mold) It's starting to pick up but if you asked him and his mother it is sooooooooooooo hard to be patient. Zarah is still taking pictures really good. Her latest picture was the picture she sent when she went over to my house and saw that my toilet had just overflowed ...... okay you probably don't want to hear about that. but, it was a very helpful picture. If you want to see her web page Photography by Zarah on facebook. Claire and Sawyer belong to them and the are 4 and 3 this year.

o Ben and Kaylee (Ben. Alison.Kent.Dean) both have seperate adventures as far as work goes but their biggest lately is flipping houses. They are VERY good at it and are fortunate enough to have a team to back them. They are on their 3rd house now and are doing a great job with it. Kaylee still cuts/colors and now venturing out with nails. Ben still works at WL Gore. Kaylee teaches Relief Society they are doing well. Tenley is 5 in Oct. Stetson is A LOT like is dad and will turn 3 and Brylee turn 1 this month.

o Trevor and Katie (Katie.Alsion.Kent.Dean) Trevor got a new job back down here at the Phoenix Cement Plant, he works in the lab and they are finally feeling better about things. They bought a new house over in Rimrock so I have 2 kids living in Flagstaff, Ben and Megan and 2 kids living in Rimrock, Katie and Jared. Rimrock is by Montezuma's Well and Castle if you have ever driven down I17 to Phoenix. In between Sedona and Camp Verde. Anyway they're house is really cute and they love it. Katie went in and painted first off. Did some shabby sheek coloring and walla its dawling. Both Trevor and Katie and Jared and Zarah had a miscarriage this year so that was a little sad but they have healed up well and we expect new babies soon. I'm sure from someone.

o Kaleb and Megan (Megan.Alsion.Kent.Dean) had a Great year too.
Kaleb passed he plumbers test so now he is a full-fledged Arizona plumber. His goal is to get out on his own. They also had a photo-booth built and they are a licensed business "PRINTZ CHARMING PHOTOBOOTHS something like that. Also Megan is a realtor. They have been very busy. VERY BUSY. Peyton is 4 and Holland is 1.

Brent, Terrie, Zoe, Sam, Daisy and Jeffery Bateman (Brent. Kent. Dean) Well, we discovered this year that having missionaries come home ain't all that great. Yeah. That's right. I said it.

For the past nearly two years, we have had two missionaries serving from our family. We love our missionaries so much, and we felt very blessed daily because of their service. But recently, both missionaries finished and came home.

Now to you mothers who have missionaries out now, no disrespect intended. We missed our missionaries horribly. We counted the days until they returned. When the day came, we rejoiced to the heavens. Their returns are two of the greatest days in our lives, no foolin’.

But you know what? It took very little time to appreciate that while they were out there, they were someone else's problem. Their excellent mission presidents took great care of them, and their companions dealt with the daily struggle. All we really had to do was pray a lot and write a letter every week. For that, we just sat back and watched the blessings roll in, baby! Oh yeah! For two years we were up to our neck in the bounty of the Lord, I'll tell you what. Every day was like drowning in a pool of celestial gravy.

But they came home, as all missionaries must, and just like that the gravy train left the station. Now both kids are my problem again. Zoe returned in November, after 18 months of faithful and diligent service in Pittsburgh. She smiled, hugged us, and promptly and for no reason ruptured two disks in her back, cutting off her spinal cord and requiring major surgery. So that was nice. The ol' hospital is way fun, as I am sure many of you know. She has recovered nicely since the surgery but there have also been dates, cars, jobs, tuition, blah blah blah. I'll tell you what. It was way WAY cheaper having her in Pennsylvania.

And Sam. . . . Oh Sam. Great work and much faith in Puerto Rico. And then . . . he came home. Immediately we were brought back to memory that this boy eats everything that is not tied down. We simply cannot store enough food in our house. Free tip: It’s a good time to buy stock in Costco. And yes, he arrived in May. Here we are, IN JUNE! And he is engaged to be married! One of his mission buddies, upon hearing the news, commented that "Siempre me sorprende lo mucho Elder Bateman puede lograr en una transferencia." Oh to return to the glorious and inexpensive days of the trouble-free missionary stipend! Fortunately, we have one thing to look forward to. In six weeks or so he will be someone else's problem again.

Fortunately, although we feel as though we are standing in the desolate wasteland watching Eden zoom away in the distance, seeing the light of our Savior in their eyes keeps us going. Hope you are all well.

Heath, Kathy, Lindsey, and Lauren Bateman (Heath.Kent.Dean)

Tribute to Kent G. Bateman and the Farm

The Non Cowboy Cowboy

As memory recalls, there was a heard of red beef cows across the Jordan River to the east on the south side of the trailer court most summers pasturing in the tall weeds and grass. I can remember a situation one time that turned out to be a challenge with regards to those cows. We had our heifers down there in the lower east pastures under the high-tension power lines and word came to us that there was an adolescent red bull that had jumped in the river and crossed over to join the Holsteins on our side of the fence. Dad, Lynn, Steve, Scott and I (and perhaps others I can’t remember) went down there to check it out.

All of the cows were nearest to the river so we had to walk all the way through the field to get to the herd. When we arrived, there was this crazy and libidinous red Angus bull down there making an attempt to play leap frog on any cow nearby. It was a constant whirlpool of cows. The bull would chase and the cows would swarm away and then run back and turn to see what was going on. Well, because Dad didn’t want any “redheaded stepchildren,” he knew we would have to get that bull away from the heifers (which would be like taking a box of wine away from Hedonism Harry). Our efforts however proved to be futile as every attempt to get him out of the herd failed.

Someone smart decided that the best thing to do was to move the whole herd up to the top of the sandy hill into the heifers’ corral so we could trap them and use the gates to cut the cows away from the little bull. So up we went through the pasture, through the gates and across the cow splashier (narrow bridge. My personal favorite) and eventually making it up to the top of the sand hill and into the corral.

I could see that wild little bull was getting somewhat annoyed. He was snorting a little bit and protecting his new harem with snorts and his ears pinned ears. We got the herd into the enclosure and started to cut the milk cows out of the herd until only about 5 or 6 cows were with bull. Then it turned interesting. . . . . .

The bull started to get more and more aggressive with each passing moment. He would pretend to charge us and would put his body between himself and the other heifers.

Really good farmers can speak “Cow Talk” which consist of far too much whistling and yelling the words, “HA. . . HA. . . . HEY. . . . . WOO!” while feverishly waiving out arms out to the sides. Just like in English, after a person speaks “Cow Talk” there must be an action word or words. In cow talk, every sentence must end in the statement, “STUPID COW”. Everyone was trying to speak Cow Talk but alas, we found that it was impossible to cut those last Holsteins away from that red little bull.

Someone got a great idea to Lasso . . . . . . . yes, you heard me right, a lasso. . . . . Let’s Lasso that little bull.

Now, I was not a very smart kid, but I can tell you this. It just didn’t seem right to me. Throughout my life, I have seen many rodeo pictures and I even went to a rodeo once as a young man and I had looked many times in magazines and also every old ‘Cowboy on the Cattle Drive’ television show and noticed lassoing, but in my opinion, we were missing 5 crucial LASSO elements.

One, A COWBOY!

Two, a rope.

Three, a Horse.

Four, roping skills.

Five, a Brain if we were going to try to rope that mean little bull.

It just didn’t sound like a great plan to me. What would happen if they did lasso the cow?? I could see that little bull running through the pasture with Steve hanging on for dear life. It seemed like there was many ways this could go wrong.

While Steve went to get a rope, Scott, Dad, Lynn and I were to squish the cows into a corner of the corral so Steve could do his best Roy Rogers imitation. When Steve came back with a rope in his hands, that bull started to get downright mad. He was snorting and digging his hooves into the dirt as if he knew what was coming next. I think Steve threw the rope two or three times without success before he just quietly walked up to the side of the manger and when the bull walked by, he put the large noose around the bull’s head. (I’m glad he didn’t rope it while throwing it because I distinctly remember the last time I saw anyone rope a bull, the person was attached to something bigger than the cow. NAMELY A HORSE!) Anyway, he put the noose around the neck of the little bull and then quickly tied the rope to the manger pipe.

“There we go” said someone.

“Just let the other cows move out of there” said another.

“We got him now!” Said a third voice

The other cows were chased away and were running for the gate and the little bull started to run away with them until, “GULP-YANK - CHOAK!”

The bull quickly found out why the others were being let go. Now he was alone and trapped. Then started a 5-minute FREAKAZOID by this little angry and lustful bull. He wrinkled, bucked, jumped, lashed and spun around so much that I would have thought it would have choked him into unconsciousness.

We just backed up and watched him and tried to calm him down. Finally, he got tired and settled down and stood there.

We made at least 2 VITAL mistakes. First, the slack on the rope that was around his neck was about 30 feet because Steve tied the other end to the cow manger. This would allow the little bull could to move around and away from the fence a great distance before it reached the end of the rope. The second mistake was every time it did reach the end of the rope, the noose around its neck would tighten.

It would get tighter and tighter until we were worried it might be dangerous for the bull .

Remember the Dandelion game? “Momma had a baby and it’s Head . . . . . . . . .” Never mind.

I can remember the men getting together to decide what to do. The plan was to drive him back down to the river and force him across the river back to his herd. How could that be accomplished. Let alone accomplished with a 30’ rope around its neck. How were we going to get that rope off of the bull now? Especially since he was good and angry now! The men were contemplating what to do next. Staring at the little red bull with their hands on their hips or one arm under the chin in the ‘Thinker’ pose with not a word was said for about 5 minutes. I am sure everyone knew the truth. Someone was going to have to take that rope off. Perhaps they were all waiting for a volunteer. There were no other options. Someone had to go up there and loose the rope around its neck and let him go. I’m sure the thought processes were something like this:

Dad: “Who should I send up there to unloose that beast. I am the oldest you know.”

Lynn: “Ill send Scott up there to take the rope off of that cow’s neck. He is big! Perhaps the mauling and goring won’t hurt him so much as the rest of us.

Steve: Where is Brent. If he was here, I’d send him up there.

Scott: DUUUHHHH

Well, I am not sure how the decision was made but Dad volunteered to try and started walking up to that little tinderbox.

I was standing by the gate (as I had always been. First assigned there by Steve to help cut cows. Later as the day went on, to be closest to the exit incase the bull went Charles Manson on us) and Dad was standing exactly 90 degrees from me and the cow. It gave me a great view as he approached the cow.

Now, I want you to picture in your mind Dad in his clodhopper, Gogo’s Shoe Store leather, work boots and Levi’s sneaking up on this mad little red bull. Every step Dad took toward him, the little bull would back up a step. Dad would take a step forward, the bull would take a step backward. I was thinking to myself, “Good, he will back up against the fence and wont’ be able to run away. He will be trapped. Stupid Cow!”

It never dawned on me that the Cow might have a different plan.

Dad - One step closer. . . . . Bull - one step back. . . . one step closer. . . . one step back. . . . . closer. . . . . back. . . . . closer. . . . . back. . . . . . Finally the bull backed up all the way against the fence and had nowhere to retreat.

Dad took a few steps closer because he wasn’t in reaching distance yet. The bull just looked at him with what I would describe as a partial grin. The Bull did not move a muscle. A few more steps and Dad was almost within reaching range of the noose of the rope.

One more step should do it. . . . . . . .

Onnne Moooorrre Sssstttteeeeppp and KA-POW!

(You know, cows aren’t that stupid as we think they are. I have determined that cow knew exactly what it was going to do and when exactly to do it. I also think it knew how long that rope was and how fast Dad was on foot. It had just lured Dad in like a fly to the web.

Just as fast as a loose false tooth leaves the mouth during a sneeze, that cow exploded forward in pursuit of Dad. In my mind’s eye, I think that little bull put both hind legs on the manger to push off (like the swimmers do in the Olympics) go accelerate as fast as it could.

Dad, for what seemed like an eternity, stood there. I think the bull had 2 leaps at least before Dad moved a muscle. His eyes were as big as Cue balls, his nostrils were flared so wide that snot ran freely down past his lips and splattered into the air. His mouth was wide open with the long tongue flapping from side to side as he moved forward. Some kind of bellar came out of his mouth which sounded like a dishwasher losing a bearing. The bull looked scary too. Dads expression on his face changed immediately. It was, “STRETCH A LITTLE FURTHER. . . . . . TO . . . . . . DEATH! DEATH IS COMING!

Finally, his head started to turn, followed by his shoulders and hips and at long last, his feet made the transition from standing to flight. In the famous words of Brent as his snowmobile went off a cliff at Strawberry at 50 miles an hour, “YIKES!”

I think Dad might have been given a little push from that cow’s nose but one thing was for sure. The race was on. All I could think was that Dad was going to be run over and trampled. Or worse, catapulted down the sand hill like the Pachycephalosaurs did to that inGen guy on Isla Sorna as he was standing by the truck on Jurassic Park Lost World. (look it up)

Every step Dad took seemed like an eternity. The bull however, seemed to be gaining speed. By the time Dad got a good rhythm going , I thought that bull was going to run him over or pass him. In order to not get hit, dad arched his back pushing his shoulders closer to his hips. For 10 full steps, all I could see was his white garments on his stomach sticking out because his shirt had untucked he was trusting out his stomach so far to help keep the arch in his back. The bull’s head fit perfectly in the arch so that its head was even with Dads Shoulders and Bum. I thought to myself, “Run Dad, for the love of Pete Killman! RUN!”

Just then . . . . . . . end of the rope! GHEEEETH!

When the rope tightened, everything in front of the rope (head, ears) stopped immediately, everything behind the rope(ribs, rump, hips, tale, hooves, tri-tip) went flying forward with a whipping motion. The bull went airborne as the rope instantly stopped the forward momentum. The rump of that beast almost whipped all the way around and would have hit Dad like Tiger woods wife swinging a golf club at his car.

When all of this had happened, from my vantage point, I could not see where Dad ended and the bull began. I am not sure but I think when that rope went tight, the cow’s tongue shot out and he licked Dads belt from tug of that rope.

While the Bull was down, someone stupider, ran over and grabbed the noose and loosened it before the Bull could remember his favorite heifer. Dad’s face was completely white with a half ‘I’m still alive’ chuckle and then said those famous COW SPEAK words, “Stupid Cow. “

I personally can’t remember how they got it back, (perhaps they put him into a trailer and drove him across the river) but I will never forget my Dad, the Bull Fighter, on the job that day.

Kirt, Jerry, Oscar Bateman-Rapier (Kirt. Kent. Dean) Kirt, Jerry, and Oscar Bateman-Rapier have experiences so many firsts and more than a few lasts. The first and most important first is that no matter where we go in this wonderful and blessed country of ours, the government recognizes our family under the law. If we happen to be driving to visit Oscar’s birth-mother in South Carolina and (heaven forbid) get in an accident, there will be no question as to who will be allowed to see whom or what person should or shouldn’t make decisions for what person. We feel lucky. We feel humbled. We feel blessed. When Oscar's Grandma and Grandpa Bateman sent the Bateman-Rapier family a beautiful and unbelievably loving bouquet of flowers on the monumental day of June 26, 2015, while speaking about the flowers with Oscar, daddy said, “do you know who gave us these flowers?” And without hesitation, Oscar said, “Uncle Brian." It was pretty special.

Oscar is 2.5 going on 15. He is a most inquisitive boy and asks “why” approximately 300 times per day. While it seems as though his Daddy (Kirt) is annoyed while writing this, we LOVE his curiosity and passion for discovery. Oscar cannot get enough of big macheems (machines) and tools. He therefore loves Grandpa and Grandma Bateman’s house. Tools, tools, tools. I wish my Grandpa Bateman were still here and could show Oscar the wall of antique tools in the old porch.

Another first was Oscar’s first Summer Camp at the Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City where he learned about gardening, painting, and building sand castles.

A “last” we have yet to experience is our last diaper. Papa (Jerry) and Daddy have yet to learn the tricks that will coax him to use the big-boy potty, but we're not complaining since we’re lucky that our terrible twos just haven’t been that terrible. One reason is that Oscar speaks so well now that he can always be understood so there is little reason for him to tantrum out of frustration of not being able to communicate what he wants/needs.

Another first was a full-on night of vomiting. Oscar coming into Daddy and Papa’s room in the middle of the night and asking to lay with them. Then Papa thought it was a leaky diaper situation and went to change it and hoped to take Oscar back to his bed. But then we learned the difficult few minutes that he had just had - his whole bed was soaked in the night's dinner (T.M.I.? Sorry. We are most of us parents...so I'm sure you can relate). It broke our hearts because he hadn’t experienced that before so he thought he had done something wrong. When he started puking again, he got sad and apologized. Daddy and Papa really experienced for the first time that pang of unbelievable anguish that every parent out there will understand – although luckily in a very small dose – of watching helpless when your child is in pain. Blessings of health and happiness to us all.

Oscar loves his cousin Ellie. They are two peas in a pod and remind his daddy of a very young Kirt and Amanda. It’s a delicious circle of life.

Oscar’s god-Brother Gavin starred in a real-life Hollywood Independent film this year. A month-long shoot in L.A. with his own star-treatment trailer and everything. Looks like he’ll be a movie star (you’ve maybe already seen his progressive commercial). So Oscar’s Daddy is getting all sorts of green with jealousy and envy. But it’s fun to see him on the small screen (and the big screen when the movie comes out).

The Bateman-Rapiers continue their yearly vacation to Fish Lake and Kirt found and showed Oscar the camp spaces and rock in Little Bowery campground where his Daddy and Chris and Brad and Neil and Amanda and Lori and Kay and Paul and Becca and Anne and Mark and Michael and Sara spent days and days playing a game (he can’t remember the name of it) but you would have to hide so or like Hide and Seek but once you were caught you had to follow the “leader” until someone hiding could wave you away and if you did it stealthily enough, you were free to keep hidden. Wait, wait, wait, was it called "Wave Off"? This is also the rock where Chris found his attraction to Kirt’s friend-at-the-time Jennifer Turpin and formed a young teenage romance while Kirt sobbed that he wasn’t the center of attention. Oh…good times.

Kirt continues his work as Executive Director of the Davis Arts Council. Under his tenure the organization has doubled in size and scope and is approaching the $1 million budget level. Although he is not saving the world nor raking in the bucks, Kirt is humbled and honored to be able to make a living in the arts that allows him the flexibility to spend time with his boy and still do one or two plays every year. This past year, Kirt starred in “CHRISTMAS WITH MISFITS” at Plan-B Theatre Company.

Jerry continues his work as Producing Director of Plan-B Theatre Company. This year, Plan-B was, because of Jerry’s hard work and dedication, awarded BOTH the Governor’s Leadership in the Arts Award from Governor Herbert as well as the Salt Lake City's Mayor's Artist Award for Service to the Arts by an Organization presented by Mayor Becker. Jerry continues to be one of the most respected and influential community leaders in Utah's arts community.

And of course, the last last: the end of Bateman Dairy Farms. Oscar never got to really experience what it was like to have a grandpa who owned a dairy farm. He was still too young to ride the tractors and play with the baby cows and obviously won't have our memories of hay forts, cottonseed piles, four-wheel chases, and canal swimming (how did we all not die of suffocation, broken heads, or Giardia? Maybe because our parents were a little less paranoid (or a whole lot crazier) than we are as parents. And even though, for the first time in well over a century, there is no such thing as Bateman Dairy Farm, “the farm” will hopefully get passed on through all of us.

Love, peace, understanding, laughter, joy, play, discovery, silliness, stillness, presence, sharing, harmony, and love, and I mean unconditional love, bless you all through this next trip around the sun.

Love, JOK (Jerry, Oscar, and Kirt)

Jarom and Andrea Echols Family (Emma, Rachel, Hannah, Lily, Levi, and Ellie) (Andrea.Kent.Dean)

We are still in Levan, living the good life.

Ellie is 2, and, for a 2 year old, is pretty mellow. Thank goodness. This last year with the 4 older kids in school full time has been heaven. The house has been so quiet and Ellie just follows her big brother around doing whatever he wants to do. So far, it works for them. She learned early on, after the big kids went to school, how to fend for herself. She will pull the stool anywhere in the house, and climb anything. She is the perfect caboose to our crazy train!

Levi is turning 5 in August, but will not be starting kindergarten until next year. Academically I think he's ready. He's known his ABC's for a couple of years now and has been writing his own name for the last year, but I kept him out cause the poor kid can't say 'L'. If you ask him what letter his name starts with he will say “ELLOW”. Ok, that's not really why I'm holding him back, but I've got my reasons, and they're dang good ones. This is his first year in T-ball and will tell you he loves it... well, loves the treats anyway. He is definitely spoiled, and unfortunately knows it. Loves to rough house and doesn't know when enough is enough. Typical little boy!

Lily is 7 now and is moving on to 2^nd grade. With the help of Lily's amazing teacher, she went from not being able to read a single word when she started 1^st grade to surpassing what is considered average, and ending at the top of her class. I do give all the credit to Lily who worked hard and her teacher who worked harder. Lily spends most of her days calling friends for play dates. She's playing softball and is doing great in coach pitch!

Hannah is 9 years old and is a lover of life. All she wants to do is play with friends, and is constantly on the phone making phone call after phone call to see who can play. Accomplishments from 3^rd grade... cursive, 2 digit multiplication, and division. Best part was she got to see her teacher 6 days a week instead of 5 since her teacher is in our ward. This is Hannah's first year of kid pitch softball and is really getting in to the game. If we can get her away from her friends long enough to play a game!

Rachel is playing softball right now and told me she will try volleyball, (which she has refused to try) if I NEVER make her play softball again. I agreed. She has decided that she loves basketball and this being her first year playing, is surprisingly good at it! She just finished the 5^th grade, and I just found out, thanks to an end of the year program they had, is an amazing dancer! Too bad she has no desire to dance.

Emma just finished the 8^th grade with a 4.0. She will be going into High School next year, and is very excited. This last year she decided to enter the spelling bee the day of and won $20 by getting 4^th place. She was also nominated and served on the HOPE Squad. She is also on the 4H Teen Council and that is keeping her VERY busy and is helping her overcome her fear of public speaking! She's played Volleyball, Basketball and is about to start her Softball tournament in Gunnison. She's been playing the flute in band the past couple of years and this summer will be marching in various parades playing the piccolo. She also got the rare and special opportunity to sing and dance in the Payson Temple Cultural Celebration. Check out this link for highlights!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzVbe24x2zY&app=desktop

Jarom is lucky enough to be working from home. And by working from home I mean working from Kent and Sharon's. Home is way too noisy for work. Until a couple of weeks ago he has had 2 callings, Elders Quorum councilor, and Gospel Doctrine Teacher. He is grateful to give someone else the opportunity to teach Gospel Doctrine for a while.

This last year I have kept myself busy volunteering at both the elementary and Jr. High school. I ran the book fairs at both schools this year, and helped out where ever else I was needed. Last November I became a radKIDS instructor. (along with my mom, Go mom!) Since then I have been in the different schools in our district several days a week teaching 2^nd and 4^th graders how to be safe and defend themselves. If you don't have radKIDS in your school, find a program (radkids.org) and get your kids trained. You won't regret it! Although I thought summer would bring a much needed break, I have found myself stepping in last minute as PTO president for the elementary school next year. So here's to a summer filled with planning and begging for volunteers! I still teach Relief Society once a month and am the Activity Days leader, and also, for the last month or two have been filling in for a pianist in Relief Society who hasn't been called yet! We, (Jarom and I) also had the opportunity to work as ushers in the new Payson Temple during the open house. What an awesome opportunity that was!

(Wayne) and (RaNae) (Wayne.Dean)

Editor’s note: In the midst of preparing this letter and the accompanying reunion, Wayne fell at home, hit his head and began to bleed into his brain cavity. It was 48 hours before anything serious became apparent and even then the family believed it was dealing with some sort of illness caused by bacteria. First to instacare, then Altaview Hospital, and then life-flighted to IHC. Wayne was unconscious and breathing on with a respirator. Finally a feeding tube and pic line were inserted. It was not possible to wake him. They tried. Despite surgery to drain the pressure on the brain, it continued to build. The family was valiant! They pulled together and considered their own feelings and Wayne’s strongly expressed desires. They were there with him through everything, including their own concern, exhaustion, hospital protocol. After meeting with doctors and staff, after much prayer, discussion, and soul searching, they allowed Wayne to be removed from the tubes on Wednesday evening and he passed away, returning to his Heavenly Father and beloved wife, Ranae, on Thursday morning about 3:00 AM. There were many tender and sacred moments that have allowed the children peace and healing.

· Camille’s and Natalie’s entries were written before Wayne’s death.

Camille and Dustin Haight (Camille.Wayne.Dean)

Wow, how did we already reach another year gone? Well let’s see, where to begin? I think I will tell you a story.

There once was a nice family who had five beautiful girls and lived in a quiet little town in Laverkin, Utah. This family was happy and settled in their home and life, but change was coming for them. It was time for this family to share in an Adventure. Father Haight having been given a new job assignment as King of the Payson Walmart approached Mother Haight and said, “Honey, I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging.”

Mother Haight, said “Oh no! I don’t suppose anyone here would like to share in an adventure. We are plain quit folk here and have no use for Adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner!”

The five girls readily agreed with Mother Haight. Nevertheless Father Haight was very persuasive. Plus Mother Haight’s employer, The Red wizards BZI Construction, was agreeable to the idea. Father Haight then convinced the five girls that the best place to go would Payson, Utah, the land of sucky sushi restaurants, and a new temple. Now Mother Haight never liked sushi and loved temples so in the end it was fine with her.

So, “Off to see the Temple, the wonderful Temple of God.” and after traveling far Daughter Emily looked at Lady dog and cried, “Oh Lady, were not in Laverkin any more!”

Their adventure began with movers, who came to Laverkin to pack for them. The force was strong with these men. They gathered up and packed it all very quickly. It wasn’t until we opened the first box that the children discovered they really must be part of the Sith Empire. For they were devious of mind and heart in packing the garbage can full of garbage and wrapped like a delicate flower. Box after box they opened only to discover they all were the same as Daughter Kalie describes, “Much paper in this box there is.”

After a short time the Haight family decided the land of Payson, while beautiful did not fit them just right. Then looking Spanish Fork to the decided that it was too big, then looking at Santaquin, they felt that was too small. Finally, looking at Salem Mother Haight exclaimed, “This one is Just right.”

So they bulit a home upon a rock, well actually a lot of rocks. While building the home the girls all attended schools in Payson for witchcraft and wizardry. They learned all kinds of magic also known as algebra, history, music, and more. The sorting hat helped Daughter Cassidy (12) even be placed on to the Witch's soccer team in the house of Shooters. She even had a chance to do training with the U/K Elite coach and Professor Angelo really did talk like Professor Lockheart and the moms did swoon. Luckily he had more skill than Lockheart and taught her a great many things helping us know the adventure had benefits like more opportunities. Cassidy was also welcomed in to the club of Young Women's this year a feat she was sure would never come.

Daughter Kalie (15), joined the Guild of teenage music adventurers, “Huzzah, string instruments, chess club, and never trust band.” It was not long though before here curiosity got the better of her though, and in secret she began to play the flute. Still her curiosity grew and she wanted to learn venture to new lands. When she turned 15 she begged to take the drivers permit. Having rolled a d20 for charm Mother Haight agreed and took her. Then bad fate came to play when Kalie rolled two critical fails and didn’t pass. She then chickened out and wanted to study before taking the third test. She has bought new dice since. (In case you are lost it is a D&D reference, Kalie's favorite game. #watchstudioC)

Daughter Emily (8), being the new fairy of Salem Hollow flittered around making new friends and spreading joy to all the neighbors. the fairies of Payson even wept when she went to Salem Hollow. Deciding dance was no longer her talent Emily discovered her skill was in talent of playing music. She began piano and loves every second of it. When the new house was finished Emily went about filling it with music, and she filled her room with butterflies her next favorite thing.

We have not forgot about daughter Aspen (5) who it is rumored came from the same land of Themeyscira that Wonder Woman came from. Deciding she needed a secret identity to go with her new adventure her parents enrolled her in the local preschool. Where she took charge right away, and her parents had to often remind her to be careful with her strength so as not to give herself away. So that meant no more pushing to be in the front of the line. She quickly learned how best to apply her powers and adjusted well to strange environment. Though she still often says, “Boys are very odd.”

Finally, Daughter Kendra (2) took the adventure in stride. She often smiled and would sing, “let it go, let it go. Turn away and slam the door.” She grew during this time in a size and skill learning to talk and use her words. Which also included, “Puppy!” and, “One, two, three," and... "Ass" (Which is her way of saying Cass. We are working on it.)” To this day Puppy is still her favorite. Her happy personality gave us all great joy and made the chaos of change feel unimportant.

So here we are at the end of our story. Having learned and changed along the way. It has been a grand adventure and the Haight family has lived well during these times with great blessings all around them. so to you all we wish you the same. "Live long and prosper."

P.S. I hope you smiled at least once because smiling is so much more fun!

Natalie. Wayne.Dean-- Natalie and Brett Loveland family

Another year has passed, and I just can’t believe it. Since last year our lives have been just as chaotic as ever, but that is to be expected with a 5, 4, 3 and 2 year old. So, what have we been up to this last year?! Well, Brett still works for Rio Tinto driving haul trucks, He works 4 days on 4 days off, Although his schedule is still a little crazy... Two weeks days (6 a.m.-6:30 p.m.) then two weeks nights (6:a.m._6:30 p.m.), We are also very grateful that he is allowed to work a lot of overtime, its actually required to work at least 1 overtime shift a week which helps financially! Brett still spends a lot of time doing archery, and he loves working with our girls, and teaching them all about it. Hunting is still a big part of our family, and seeing him teach our girls to be ethical huntresses is fantastic. I am still working from home, but just part time, right now the low hours are more than ok with me, It allows me to cherish the time I have with our girls, and I'm lucky to be able to babysit nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends almost daily, and I LOVE it.. I've also been able to spend more time on my photography and building my portfolio, In the hopes that I can become a volunteer photographer for "Now you lay me down to sleep" which is an organization that goes to the hospital and do amazing pictures for a family that has still born or beautiful babies that pass away shortly after being delivered. Doing all of these Newborn, and birth pictures that I have done has also helped me decide on the choice to become a pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum Doula. This is something I am very excited for and Brett has been awesome supporting and encouraging me!!

Our girls are getting big, and growing up to fast for my liking. Brynlee is 5, Quinn is 4, Cambree is 3, And Kennedy just turned 2. Turns out the old saying is true, "the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree." Our oldest 3 girls do gymnastics now and they love it just as much as their mom did. I love to watch their joy, and excitement as they learn and reach their goal during every class. not to mention, they will all spend hours shooting their bow and arrows with Brett, and even though they cant hunt till their 12, they are practicing their elk calls, and counting down the years until dad will take them out to fill a tag! Brynlee starts school this fall, and she couldn't be more excited, thiat little girl is in such a hurry to grow up, and she is so incredibly smart. In a lot of ways, she is just like her grandpa Bateman, she is a talker!! Quinn on the other hand reminds us more of her late Grandma Bateman, She is loving and kind, but she is more shy, and reserved. Quinn has a smile that lights up her entire face, and it can brighten anyone’s day. Cambree is....well, Cam is sassy!! She keeps us on our toes, and she loves trouble. Cambree can eat all day long, but even her little sister out-weighs her, so when you ask Cambree her name she will most likely respond "peewee" simply because she is our peewee and that’s what we call her, Of course Cambree was our first to split her head open, which sent us to the E.R. and gave her 4 staples in the back of her head, but on the bright side, she didn’t cry one bit! Kennedy, Kenna is my baby, and she knows it. The only thing that can cause more trouble than Cambree, is Cambree with her side kick Kennedy! those girls are best friends and worst enemies or what we like to call it 'SISTERS'. There is no doubt about it, though If your need a good laugh, Kennedy will give it to you! Kenna makes sure to push her limits with mom and dad, though, and I am certain that is the parents curse at its finest, you know the one when a parent says "when you have kids, I hope you have one just like you!"......Thanks for that Dad.

This year marks two years cancer free for me, or NED (no evidence of disease) how awesome is that?!? We are so blessed, and to celebrate that, I continue to make baskets full of all sorts of things to support others fighting cancer or other sicknesses. I call these Survivors for Fighters, and to make these baskets thrive, I search for companies, or people that donate, or help me make certain things to add to the baskets. I’ve been amazed at the responds from so many giving people and businesses!! so, I'd like to add, that if anyone has baskets laying around they could donate, I'd love to put them to good use, or if you could help by donating, PLEASE let me know!! Also, if you know of someone that deserves one of these baskets, I'm more than willing to make one for them. If you have Facebook feel free to Like Survivors for Fighters to see some of the baskets I've made and updates on some donation I am in need of, but ANYTHING helps!

Brenda and Gary: Gary and Brenda Jeppson Report on Serving their Two-year Vacation

We left for a mission to the Honolulu Hawaii Mission on August 20, 2014. A two-year assignment, time seems both agonizingly slow at times and Silver Streak fast when we realize that we have almost finished the first year. Gary is a Project Manager for the huge campus expansion, and Brenda is doing clerical and secretarial work in the Assessment and Accreditation office. Her specific requests (written into the application papers in five different places) to do anything but secretarial were ignored. She has mitigated the disappointment and difficulty by doing some archival research, editing and proofreading for a variety of offices, working with international students, mostly on writing, which necessarily involves grammar lessons, and offering to write for the school magazine (that last one yet to come to fruition).

It’s hot in Hawaii, and high humidity makes it sticky. If the trade winds are blowing (November through April), it’s great; if the air is still, it’s miserable. No heating or AC systems or insulation in Hawaii. As Elder Thomas Karren wrote in his memoirs for January 22, 1854, “It was not going to heaven in golden slippers to labor as a missionary in Hawaii.” Everyone thinks that this is Paradise, and it is, if you just go on being a tourist and ignoring the Hawaiians’ loss of their sovereignty and lands, their final bottom-of-the-heap poverty, the common struggle to restore so many lost cultural aspects, including language, etc. etc. My favorite soapbox. Next July 4^th, I will tell you about God’s hand on the islands of Hawaii, BYUH, the Pacific Rim, growth of the church throughout, and the mission of both BYUH and PCC, and prophecy fulfilled. You will learn how thousands of proselytizing and service missionaries in the last fifty years have helped to bring President McKay’s 1955 prophecy to pass. Some of them may even have been grumpy while they were working, thinking Hawaii wasn’t a paradise.

We will certainly miss your grand reunion, Diana and Ralph. Do you have some rocket balloons at the ready? We send our deepest love for all, G&B

Jennifer and Randall Cheney (Jennifer.Brenda.Dean) Jennifer and Randall Cheney's family moved back to the States after eight years in Japan. They had mixed feelings about coming home, knowing they would so much miss some things and that they were looking forward to others. The transition was busy and a little bit stressful, but after 3 1/2 months in an apartment in Logan, they moved into a house in Petersboro that they purchased while in Japan. They worked on remodeling everyday, trying to get things done as much as possible before their household shipment from Japan arrived. They painted some walls and tore others out; installed new carpet and wood floors; restained and painted bathroom and kitchen cabinets; installed new light fixtures, etc. etc. Within the first 6 months of being home, besides the work they were doing on thier hosue, they also managed to start a new job at Hill Air Base; get Madison settled at BYU Provo and three boys settled in three new schools; help Gary and Brenda get their house ready for renters (mission to Hawaii); get braces for Jonathan; move twice; celebrate two birthdays and Christmas; can peaches, tomatoes, salsa, etc.; bring Madison home from BYU and help her get ready for a mission back to Japan; unload household goods from storage; fix the furnace, the sprinkling system, the basement wiring, the smoke alarms and some plumbing; unpack everything moved from Japan; install new kitchen and laundryroom appliances; have a farewell party for Madison; take Madison to the MTC; help Jacob get started with his high school swim team, a driver's license, robotics and a lifeguarding job; help Levi get started with orchestra; help Jonathan get started with guitar lessons and robotics; adopt a cat; visit Gary and Brenda in Hawaii; plant a bunch of new Spruce trees, and empty their barn that they sold while they were in Japan. Ahhhhhh!!! It was a fun (kind-of) but extrememly busy time, and they were glad when things started slowing down!! Since spring, they've moved to their remodeling attention outside to landscaping and a garden. Chickens, a puppy and another kitten have joined their family. Jacob got a 32 on the ACT test :), got an internship with an engineering / robotics company, and is taking a summer college class. Jonathan and Levi got jobs at a nearby nursery watering and moving plants, and Jen is working there a few hours a week when the boys do, in exchange for trees. Randall has been looking forward to backpacking with his kids in the Tetons and Gros Ventre Wilderness, so has a couple summer trips planned. Randall and Jen are serving as ward missionaries and love their calling! In their family, they also had a true and wonderful miracle, and are so thankful for Heavenly Father's hand and guidance in their lives! Next year, hopefully their synopsis will be shorter because there won't be as much going on! :)

Chris and Allyson Jeppson (Christopher.Brenda.Dean)

Greetings from a land far far away! We miss you all so much but, we love to hear of family gatherings and to know that we are a part of such a wonderful family.

Life in a foreign country is never boring! That's for sure. Some adventures are amazing and others make you want to cry. Last night in FHE Chris asked the boys what they feel like they have learned by being here. Their responses were, "patience, there is more than one way to do something, and even though people don't believe the same as you, they can be a good person." These three responses make the hard times worth it. We are grateful that we have been able to have this experience. The downside to this is that Chris and I can no longer can talk in code because the boys are all learning Russian.

Chris is enjoying his job, Ethan has gotten a summer job at the embassy and is loving it!! Dalton and Seth are dog sitting all summer and it is keeping them busy.

With the gospel in our lives, we know that there is nothing we cannot do! Most of all, we are grateful for that knowledge!

Brad and Marissa Jeppson and family (Brad.Brenda.Dean) Diana and all, we are sorry we couldn't make it this year to the party. We are very busy living double lives of normal people and farmers. I have excluded farmers from normalcy for a very specific reason... I am now thoroughly convinced that all farmers are nuts. Mostly in a good way. I suppose I come by it honestly.

As Nephi said of Lehi to summarize the passing of time, "and my father dwelt in a tent", so may it be said of our family: And the Jeppson's picked cheatgrass out of their socks.

That about sums it up. We send our love and hope that this little blurb will serve as our piece of history this year. God bless.

Brad Jeppson family, Kuna Idaho

Neal and Lori Jeppson and daughters Meg, kate, and Avery. (Neal.Brenda. Dean) Neal and Lori Jeppson and kids (Meg, Kate, Avery) are doing well. We just made a move from out home for 5 years in San Angelo Texas 3 hours southeast to the huge city of San Antonio. Life is good and we are adjusting. It was not easy to leave our happy home in west Texas, but we have tried to commit to follow what we feel is the Lord's plan for our family. Each step we have taken in the last 10 years has been a step that has brought huge personal growth and stretching and we feel that this will be no different. We are optimistically excited for whatever lays in store.

In December we will add our last (and likely final Jeppson grandchild) to our family. Lori has done so well as she has struggled with being so sick while we have been so busy and stressed with change and moving. We are glad that we will have another one and we are glad that it will be our last.

Texas has been so good to us and we love our little life here. We are sure of the things that matter most and are trying to center our lives around them. We trust and love Jesus Christ and are trying to align our wills and lives around His teachings. We love and miss you all.

Neal, Lori, the three girls and the mystery person who is coming soon....

Diana and Ralph (Diana.Dean)

I feel confident that something happened to us this year, and yet, as I look back I have no idea what it was. Ralph is still working for the church and hopes to do about 3-4 more years before he retires. Diana is still teaching reading and theater at Brockbank Jr. High (which is about to be absorbed-the building-into Cyprus High School, so who knows what will be happening to her) and we both enjoy our jobs just enjoy home more.

Ralph is serving as first assistant in the High Priest’s group, and Diana is still teaching Primary. This is a cushy job for her by the way. Right now she has two co-teachers so only has to teach every third week and can even sometimes sneak in to her Sara teach Relief Society.

We love going on short weekend jaunts so if we show up at your house for dinner, please feed us. Ralph has become addicted to novels on tape (He doesn’t think he’d ever read one in his whole life) though sometimes the kids get us to listen to something that is good for us or other words: non-fiction.

We finally bought a pickup truck this year. It is a Toyota. We own two Toyotas, who would have guessed. The two vehicles are very originally colored. One is white, one is black. We are fighting a losing battle with the bugs in our lawn. But, undoubtedly the most exciting thing that has happened to us is that we purchased a fridge with an ICE MAKER! This is as good as indoor plumbing. We just walk around all day saying variations of, “I love this ice maker!”

We are melancholy about Wayne’s death. But we are very, very proud of his children and how they have handled the entire situation. Having been close in proximity, we were privileged to watch them work through everything.

We love all of you and are so very grateful to be part of this amazing eternal family.

Anne, Michael, Daniel, Jonathan, and Ella Sampson (Anne.Diana.Dean) It has been almost one year since King Jasper the Hermit Crab, Hermes the I passed away. We're learning to cope with his loss and we think we've finally found our new normal. We'll always look back on our two days (one of which he spent molting) with him with the utmost fondness. (Seriously, though, if anyone would like to adopt three hermit crabs, I'll pay you and then bribe my kids to agree to let you have them!)

The Sampsons are pretty much, as Grandma would say, "muddling along". We do the best we can with what we've got and find the joy in the journey. Mike just received a calling to the bishopric in our ward (Little pointer for anyone who's ever been tempted to congratulate someone on a calling: the best thing you can say is simply, "I support you in your new calling," or "I know you will do a good job as [fill in the blank].") and I am still operating under the title of stay-at-home-mom. We are continually amazed at how quickly our days fill up with activities, meetings, sports, lessons, and visits, but feel immensely blessed that every evening we are able to gather our children for dinner, study the scriptures, pray together and snuggle down in a safe, warm home surrounded by the love we have for each other. Who can ask for anything more?!

As for the kids, Daniel (12) is heading into the 7th grade having completed a 6th grade year that was a dream (State National History Fair, Math Matters Champ, Romeo in the Shakespeare play, etc.). Jonathan (10) is proving to be a fine athlete, but interestingly enough, also our hands-on technical kid (origami, balloon twisting, practicing a world record stacking coins, etc.). And our sweet Ella (8) is just as good as they come! She's a problem solver, especially in relationships, she can get along with and will play with absolutely anything with anyone and have a fantastic time. All three of them are kind, generous, and loving kids that have a smile for young and old alike. They make our family complete!

Michael, Robyn, Ethan, Matt, Bridget, Tyson Parker (Michael. Diana. Dean) Another year in the life? If you've been reading these family updates, I know you're prepared for a rerun, because let's be honest, it's been a broken record around here. You know what I mean: another year, another baby, someone started school and someone stopped pooping (in their pants). Mike is a computer something-or-other and Robyn makes people pretty. Read the scriptures, go to church, pray.... But, no! This year ... this year is different!

A sampling of this year's differences:

· Our usual summer vacation to Southern Utah was replaced by a different one to Southern Nevada!

· Except for the very, very beginning of this year, we have not had another child (named Tyson)!

· We went to church as we have always done, yes, but after 9 years, Robyn and I finally spend more than one hour of the block together (we're both in Primary).

· This year, and this is a big one for us: we completed more home-improvement projects than we began.

· Robyn is now doing cosmetology for 8 hours on 1 day instead of 1 hour on 8 days (I swear it was 8).

· Instead of complaining that their (upstairs) bedroom is too hot, our boys now complain that their wonderfully cool downstairs bedroom is too hot.

· This year, we had a mere two hospitalizations! (We're not counting that one at the very, very beginning of the year)

· For just a bit longer than the past 12 months, as compared with previous years when Robyn and I talked only to each other about moving, we've added a 3rd party to the conversation: A realtor who we talk with a lot and has become a good friend, but from whom we do not really buy houses.

· In stark contrast with last year, when we sent one child to one school, we now send two children to three different schools in two languages.

· Related to above: we burn through a lot more gas than we used to.

In light of this, who knows what fate may hold, right? I mean, at this rate, by next year, Mike might end up a computer something-or-other that is way better than that stuff he says he does now, and how cool would that be?!

Sara and Dustin Marcrum with Parker, Austin, David, and Elizabeth (Sara.Diana.Dean) Our family had quite a few adventures this year. In December Sara had a tiny human extracted from her abdomen and instructed the surgeon to make it impossible for any further humans to grow there. We were very happy to welcome our only girl and all the boys are especially pleased with her. Her birth made it necessary to purchase a vehicle with a third row, so in February we officially became your typical middle class suburban family. Yep, that's right we are soccer momm'n it up in the KIA minivan. In other news, Dustin had been looking for better employment for over a year. Well, at the end of March his employers decided to give him some extra motivation by making him part of a company- wide "Work Force Reduction". Dustin was out of work for seven weeks, the end of which found him working again at a company called CH2M, and for a better wage. We are truly blessed. And, thanks Murata Machinery for that little push. As far as the rest of the family goes, Parker continues in school, Austin will begin school, and David makes it two years before Sara can go shopping with only one child in the cart. Overall, in the last year we have all grown a little taller or a little wider, hopefully a little wiser, and definitely a little older. Not too old though; Austin assures us that we are still young, because we don't "have as many cracks in our skin as Grandma and A LOT less cracks than Great Grandma Bateman". Mostly we are enjoying the ride and trying to make the best of the bumps in the road.

Lynn and Gail Bateman (Lynn.Dean

The year 2014 was extremely eventful for us, and not necessarily in a good way. It began in June with hand surgery for Lynn. Only a few days had passed since the surgery when he tripped on the front sidewalk of our home, messing up his shoulder, which resulted in another surgery to repair all the damage. Things were just starting to get back to normal, when he somehow contracted Staff Infection in his upper spine. Most of you have heard the story, and we are glad to say that it is behind us now. Miracles were wrought in his behalf. We are so grateful for all of the faith and prayers offered in his behalf. While his was still recovering the farm sold, changing our lives forever. We are still adjusting to that change, trying to figure out where we stand and what to do. He is also overwhelmed by the other nonpaying positions that he somehow collects. He is now Fire Chief, President of Levan Irrigation, Ward Mission Leader, and the resident “I can fix that” person. He also is an adjunct instructor and certification tester for Utah Fire and Rescue Academy. At least that comes with a little compensation. So as you can see, Lynn has nothing to do. Gail is still working at Juab Title and teaching the youth in Sunday School. We were able to go on a couple of vacations with some of our children, and that is most gratifying when we can spend time with them. It is hard to believe that the years keep flying by, and now we are the “OLD PEOPLE” at the reunions and family gatherings. We see history repeating itself as our grandchildren come knocking on our trailer door to get a cookie or a hug. We love all of you and look forward to seeing you soon. We pray for the Lord’s Blessings to be with each of you. We Love You All.

Amanda and Jason Mecham family (Amanda.Lynn.Dean)

Jason is working with a group that travels all over. They install carpet in hotels, and also have an independent team who build gun ranges for Action Target. Depending on the job, there are specialists within the group to lead or be grunt labor. It seems to work well for them, and Jason gets to see some pretty cool places when he travels, like Roosevelt, UT... or Gellette, WY. On a plus side, it reminds us that we are a family, and we miss him and he misses us when he is gone.

I am still working at the Pro Desk for Home Depot. I help the contractors and homeowners look at their projects, and get what they need when they need it. I love what I do, and I'm good at it. I also have my pyro license and get to set off the large fireworks part time for a company called Vortex Productions. (There was a blurb on fox 13 on the 4th about my boss and the fireworks at Sugarhouse.)

Greg joined the National Guard and has his basic training and AIT (specialized training) done. He had planned to go to Jump school and be part of an Airborne Unit, but that didn't work quite like he had hoped, and now he needs to wait at least 6 months before he can re apply. He is currently working at the Subway in the Springville Wal-Mart.

Monica will be a senior this fall. She is taking classes online this summer or get ahead. She will be in the applied technology training program this fall. She will have college credit and be a dental assistant when she graduates. She just completed her second Spartin race, and signed up for her 3rd. She is planning to go to Arizona for this next one so she gets her Spartin Trifecta. She turns 18 in October and is already bugging the bishop about mission papers so she can plan ahead. She also works part time at the Subway with Greg.

Jeff is now 16. He plans to take drivers ed this summer. He continues to be my best helper when it comes to projects, and is always willing to help a neighbor in need. He is currently looking for a job, but wants it to be close to home so he doesn't have to worry about transportation.

Ruthanne is a very independant 9...sometimes too independent. She will be in 4th grade this fall. She always makes friends wherever she goes ad never seems to have bad words about anyone.

Kay and Ryan, Jace, Ashton, (Gabriel), Keira, and Tyson Pettit ( Kay. Lynn. Dean) The Pettit family is still going strong in Levan. It's been a busy and eventful year for us. Ryan is still driving trucks, but is looking at going back to law enforcement. He was promoted from Assistant Scout Master to Scout Master. Work, kids and scouting are keeping him busy! I started substitute teaching this year. It's been fun for me to be more involved in my kids lives and friends. I love that all of the kids at all 4 schools think that I should remember their names! I'm working on it, but I forget more often than not.

Branden is almost 15, and is going into high school this fall. He is really busy with football,basketball, trying to finish his Eagle project, and working for an elderly man in our area. He is a great young man, and got really good grades this last year.

Jace is 13, and is a teenage boy. Most of us don't need any further explanation. He is super smart, but has chosen to avoid handing in his school work. He loves cooking, and playing baseball. His goals are to play in the MLB, and to be a famous chef!

Ashton is 11, and is a straight A student. He is very active, and loves to play soccer. He got fantastic scores on his end of year exams, and we are very proud of his hard work.

Gabriel would be 9 this year. We constantly talk about, and miss him.

Keira is 6, and is going into 2nd grade. She is such a change from all of the boys! We love having her beautiful smile and personality in our family. She loves dance, soccer, and softball.

Tyson is our 4 year old spit fire! That kid never stops! He is so smart and inquisitive, and always has a funny comment or question for everything. He is finally old enough to play sports, and just finished T-ball, and is so excited to start soccer in a few weeks.

We've been pretty blessed to have this energetic and brilliant family, and are so happy to be a part of this extended family group!

Paul, Elisa, Emily, and Zachary Bateman (Paul, Lynn, Dean) This last year has been a bit of a whirlwind for Paul and Elisa. Emily finished elementary school and is headed to middle school in the fall (can’t believe it!). She has also started in Young Women’s and will be going to Girls’ camp for the first time this summer. Zachary is growing like a weed and will be in 5^th grade this August. He’s doing well in cub scouts and will be starting with the Webelos next month. Elisa, after almost 3 years in our new house, has tamed the yard to the point that it is the envy of the neighborhood. She is currently serving as a Primary teacher in the ward. On top of all that, Paul has been playing “musical callings” at church, going from Sunday School teacher, to Elders Quorum Secretary, to Elders Quorum First Councilor, to Elders Quorum President, all in less than a year. We’ve decided, though, that this isn’t enough excitement for our family and so have torn up the bathroom for a 6-month re-model (see Elisa’s Instagram for details - @bateperson1) and entered Paul into contention for South Jordan City Council (bateman4sjc.com). Needless to say, we’re keeping busy and loving life.

(Dean) and Sybil: A note from Mom, the matriarch of this gang. (Sybil)

Kent and Sharon: (Kent.Dean)

We love our family and feel very blessed. No matter the challenges, we stick together and love and care for each other. We love you all and are grateful to belong to this great family.*

o Jared (Jared.Alison.Kent.Dean) my oldest, he quit his job this year and ventured out with his doppleganger name self (Jared) and started his own business. Kind of he is VERY good at what he does but he has NO money yet. So he is essentially working VERY HARD for NO money. (restoration and mold) It's starting to pick up but if you asked him and his mother it is sooooooooooooo hard to be patient. Zarah is still taking pictures really good. Her latest picture was the picture she sent when she went over to my house and saw that my toilet had just overflowed ...... okay you probably don't want to hear about that. but, it was a very helpful picture. If you want to see her web page Photography by Zarah on facebook. Claire and Sawyer belong to them and the are 4 and 3 this year.