Happy Valentine's Day

Hi,

The holiday seasons have come and gone. I'm not sure about our winter. It has been so mild. Not as much snow as we had expected and certainly not as cold. The people here say the temperature (30-40 degrees) is normal since we live in a desert. The Utahans are very disappointed with how little snow we have received. The ski resorts depends on the snow to bring in travelers from all over the world and of course the more snow the longer their season will last. Hey it's only February!

Keegan came home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was so different for her, because the last time she was in SLC we were still sleeping on air mattresses. My goal was to have everything unpacked and in place by the time she came back to visit.

The 4 of us had a nice relaxing Thanksgiving. It was fun just hanging out with Keegan and catching up on what was new in her life. A few days later she flew back to St. Louis. I guess knowing she was coming back in 3 weeks for Christmas made it a little easier to say goodbye.

Besides Keegan we had another visitor during winter break. Dawson's best friend from Wichita stayed with us for 2 1/2 weeks. The boys did so many different things. We drove to Antelope Island, they took lessons and skied for the 1st time, attended 2 pro basketball games (they watched Utah Jazz beat the Lakers). They played paint ball, went to a trampoline joint, Dawson drove him all around the city showing off his new school and surroundings. They even worked out at the gym every day. It was sad when the boys said their goodbyes. Who knows...this may become an annual get together for them. Our house was so quiet when both Keegan and Mastan left.

Keegan and her boyfriend had a great time in Florida during their last week of winter break. In just 3 days they went to Disney World, Harry Potter's World, saw a movie and went out to eat a few times. She really liked Dan's family. They were very welcoming and kind to her. I'm afraid she had more fun in Florida for 3 days than the prior 2 1/2 weeks with us! That's OK, such is life.

The 1st semester at Wash U Keegan loved all of her classes and professors. She said it was hard to see them end, but now she is equally happy with her 2nd semester. This week she is required to claim her majors. Same as before, English and PNP (Psychology, Neuroscience and Philosophy). I'm not sure when she has to claim her minor, but I don't think she has made a decision yet between creative writing or Irish Literature. I'm hoping for creative writing, but I don't want to influence her.

Dawson is my bud. We hang out together after he comes home from school/gym. Unfortunately David has to work every evening, so Dawson and I have dinner together. In the meantime we watch a few repeats of "Cheers" or "Everyone Loves Raymond", then off to his room he goes to do his homework until midnight or later. I usually go to bed before him or I fall asleep on the sofa until David comes home.

After Fall Ball, Dawson joined an indoor lacrosse league. They just played their last game yesterday. His team came in 1st, so I think he plays one more week for the championship. I love watching him play lacrosse in SLC. It's entirely different than the league Wichita was in. You've heard me complain about how rough the sport is, well not here. It's like watching a college or pro team play.

He is now meeting with his high school team twice a week for "conditioning". They are getting ready for the spring league to start in a couple of weeks. He comes home exhausted and complaining about every muscle in his body hurting. I really don't feel sorry for him. (Ha ha!) He is in a weight lifting class in school, he goes to the gym 4-5 days a week, now a conditioning program. I think he likes the pain!!

I am very happy to report that David's blood test this week was very good. We have been praying that after his 44 days of radiation, the cancer would be in remission. I'm not sure if it's in remission, but his numbers were extremely low, so they don't need to do another test until June. Thank you for all of your prayers. It was very hard watching him get sick at the end of every week during his radiation.

Work for both of us is the same as usual. My hours are down this time of year and David gets an occasional day where they want him to work overtime. It all works out.

Keegan will be coming home the second week of March for Spring break. Then the 1st week of April, the boys and I are going university shopping. Dawson wants to check out a few colleges in California. I've got to start praying for scholarships again, otherwise it won't happen. He said if he doesn't get accepted at one of the big Universities in CA, he will be happy going to the University of Utah, which also has a great medical school.

As usual I got carried away writing. I hope you enjoy the pictures that I have attached. Sorry for any misspelled words, poor grammar and wrong punctuations. Writing is not my strength even though I enjoy it. :(

God has blessed our family in so many ways this past year. I am eternally grateful. I hope you too have had a blessed year. Stay strong in your faith.

Love and miss you as always,

Marjie