Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas! The family wanted to write you and wish you Merry Christmas and update you on what is going on in our lives.

Sam and Luther are enjoying kindergarten and Candy is enjoying not having a child in the house during the day. It is the first time since 1994 we haven’t had one. She loves working out and volunteering at the school. The boys don’t like waking up early but once they are going, they love school. They are so excited for Christmas.

Gabby is Gabby. She is our sprite. She sang a solo in the elementary school Christmas concert. It was pretty cool. She loves performing and gets a kick out of watching people bug out when they hear her voice. She is excited for soccer season to start next spring. She is an excellent student and loves to be involved with everything.


Matt is becoming an amazing guitarist and drummer. He is first-chair in the 7th grade and was a featured soloist for the Christmas concert (band). He played the drums for “Little Drummer Boy”. He is growing up so fast. He loves being a teenager now. It is crazy to think that he is 13. He loves it. He played football this fall and while he was one of the smallest on the field, he consistently hit hard.

Zach is busy. He just got back from Philadelphia, PA where he played in their Thanksgiving Day parade. He just found out that the Petal High School Band has been selected to play in the Presidential Inaugural Parade on January 20, 2009. He is excited for it. He also is nearing his Eagle Scout and is busy with church. We are hoping he will get his first deer soon. We have been out several times but haven’t been successful to date. Oh well.


Rainier is currently stationed at Fort Bliss, TX and will be deployed in early March to serve our country in Qatar. He will be serving there for approximately 18 months. We are so proud of his service to our country and pray for him constantly.


Candy loves her independence from kids during the day and works with the schools to fill in the time. She also works out more now that she has time to do so. She is also doing projects around the house. She is going to start taking classes in the fall of next year toward her college degree.

Brent is trying to balance way too many things. Between being Bishop of the Petal Ward and working at the University of Southern Mississippi, he is trying to be a dad and husband. He is truly happy. He is learning he has to slow down after his third bout of pneumonia this year. He was just glad to be out of the hospital for Christmas (he was in for a couple days this week).

One thing is for certain, life is never boring around our house. We love this time of year because it reminds us of the most important focus of our lives. The birth of the Savior Jesus Christ and his ultimate atonement has made it possible for us to return back into His and our Heavenly Father’s presence. We are so grateful for our family and for the opportunity we have to be together forever. We thank God for our friends and family and pray that you feel His unending love for you at this time and throughout the year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love,
Brent, Candy, Rainier, Zach, Matt, Gabby, Sam, and Luther