The Merksters

Christmas 2009 letter

December 2009
Dear Friends and Family,
Season greetings. This year has been our year for footsteps of faith. We have learned not to take the little things for granted, because those are what make the memories. Each November, I begin placing a bug in Steve’s ear to put up the Christmas tree(s). We love Christmas, and the earlier I can begin this season the better. What better chance than to reflect on our Savior, Jesus Christ and all that he has done for us. We also put up a tree in memory of our baby boy, Keith whom we lost last year to a stillbirth. It’s a time where we reflect on his short life, but because of our Savior, we know we will see and be with him again.
This year we wanted to take the kids to the beautiful parks and places that surround our home. Mission accomplished (sort of)! Can you really visit every beautiful park and place in the Utah and surrounding regions? We have memories of the kids searching for a geo-cache at Goblin Valley State Park, climbing on the rock formations, and many games of hide-and-seek. Arches National Park brings us memories of running down sand hills, realizing our fear of heights as the kids tested their ability to look over ledges of cliffs, finding red sand in clothes, orifices, and camping gear months after the trip. Even a short trip to Zions National Park was pleasant, although the memories of paintball with cousins and adults, swimming in 32 degree weather, and allowing Kayla to drive a dune buggy are much more prominent. A short jaunt to Soda Springs, Idaho has given us memories of placing pennies on the train track, walks on the ranch, and of course the rambunctious sounds of water slides and screaming kids at Lava Hot Springs. Above all, we have loved being at home. We bought an above ground pool that we spent the summer playing in along with several neighborhood kids. We spent the first few weeks of fall trying to get the green out of our hair.
Steve is realizing that an office job isn’t as fun as being in classroom full of kids. Although he is tolerating his district job, he misses the reason why he went into education, for the children. He is enjoying being Cubmaster, and accomplishing building a shed this past summer. Sadly he gave a way his truck status for a sedan. Yes, it’s still a sensitive subject, new status for him, especially in Plain City where you are known for the size of truck you drive. An office job, a sedan, accomplishing tasks, what has this guy turned into?
I continue to enjoy my office job and teaching mostly online classes at Weber State. Can you tell who is the introvert? Although I did get out of my shell and helped write and publish a text and presented at a conference in Viva Las Vegas. Steve and the kids came down with me to that conference. We tried the all you can eat buffet, the strip, Medieval Knight tournament, Science discovery center, and the Circus Circus Adventure dome. We realized that we can find enjoyment in anyplace (even Vegas at 120 degrees) if you look hard enough for it. After months of complaints of playing the piano in primary, I have found a worse calling…Primary president. I have also been able to volunteer with the Share organization providing support to parents with pregnancy and infant losses. Of course, room Mom at the kids schools seems to be my favorite volunteer position.
Trevor has ventured to a new 5th grade accelerated learner program at a new school. Despite the difficult work, he is intrigued by the challenge. He has made new friends, but that won’t sever the ties of his Farr West pals. He is looking forward to returning to Farr West Elementary next year with his friends to ‘Rule the school’. Trevor got to come with me on a conference trip to Vegas last spring. It was nice to have some one on one with this fine young man. We found that Trevor is quite the distance runner and can out beat both his parents (and other adults who are actually in shape) in a 5K. Track maybe in his future, but soccer still seems to be his passion. Now if only he would practice the piano..…
Eric continues to be the social boy and loves his 3rd grade year. His compassion for others has grown particularly for his teacher who is in a wheelchair, and he loves to be the one to ‘steer her chair’. When asked what he did in school, it was always something on the field in a soccer game. Eric chose to be baptized and confirmed this year. We were and are so proud of him. He is also enjoying Cub Scouts. Whether basketball, baseball, soccer (indoor or outdoor), or tennis, Eric will prove that size matters not. Not that I’m a financial advisor, but as long as Eric plays sports, I’d advise investing in blue jeans and tennis shoes which he just tears to shreds.
Kayla, Kayla, Kayla what can we say about this little girl? For starts, she loves her Kindergarten class at Farr West Elementary. Even with her militant style teacher, Kayla loves to assist. Her passion is by far the school bus ride to and from school. She carries her own with her brothers and can even put in a few acts of drama to incentivize any situation. We can say that after years of watching her brother’s soccer games it has paid off. She is by far the star of her soccer team, especially when we put a twinkie in the soccer goal. She is just so much more inclined to make the goal! She is loving gymnastics and is always asking “How many back hand springs was that Mom?”
Well that sums up our family for the year 2009. If it sounds too good, than I forgot to mention the tears, the nervous breakdowns, and hardships that life has given us. If it sounds too rough, than I failed to mention the ‘big hugs’, one on one bed time routine, or the simple words of ‘I love you’ that have helped us to endure. Regardless of what the future may hold, we feel blessed beyond measures.
May you enjoy this holiday season with your loved ones. Your continual support and friendship has helped us so much. One reason I enjoy writing Christmas letters is to express my thanks to you for all of your help. Thank you and may God bless you. May you enjoy this remarkable Christmas season and have peace as you reflect on this year and the years to come.
Love the Merkleys,
Steve, Heather, Trevor, Eric, & Kayla
& our Angels soaring over us.