Christmas 2010 Letter

Post date: Dec 28, 2010 7:32:51 AM

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to our family and friends.

Although Paula is always hesitant to brag about our family, we decided it is better to celebrate the positive aspects in our lives rather than the first ‘think time’ incident at school or our inability to organize the storage room. We do feel blessed and grateful and always enjoy catching up with those we love. So please be warned, the following is a brag rag.

We have waited to send our annual letter, because James and Jen had imposed a gag order on their big news until now…We are all very excited about an addition to the Palmer Clan in July! This baby will make first time parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles. Jen is still enjoying working at Kids On The Move, a non-profit organization in Orem, which helps at risk families. James is working hard to finish up his bachelor’s degree this June. James and Jen spent three and a half weeks in Thailand this summer visiting James’ mission areas as well as the rest of the country.

Matthew spent twelve weeks in the MTC learning Greek before flying to the embassy in San Francisco to be told, with most of the missionaries in his district, that they would not be allowed visas. He was reassigned to the New York, New York South Mission, which covers Staten Island, Long Island including Brooklyn and Queens, and strangely enough, Bermuda. It is unlikely many of the missionaries make it there. He loved it in East Brooklyn, but he is looking forward to spending time in Queens.

Thomas is a senior in high school this year. He is serving as a senior class officer and was able to find time to sing in the choir for the first trimester. Thomas works every afternoon as the head sweeper at Oakdale Elementary School where he is saving most of his pay for mission and college. He is very serious minded about that. Perhaps not too serious, as he just donated a large sum of money to the school’s yearly fundraiser by purchasing the rights to one of the bathrooms at Brighton High School. If you are passing by this year, feel free to stop in and check out the Thomas B. Palmer Retreat.

Libby is a sophomore at Brighton High School. She got her learner’s permit and is having fun driving every chance she is given. Luckily she will not turn 16 until August 23rd, which relieves her parents that she won’t be driving and dating for a while longer. She is really enjoying her experience dancing with the school’s drill team. It has required much hard work, dedication and fundraising. She loves it and is looking forward to competition season, which is just beginning and will end with a trip to Florida in March.

Alex is in 7th grade and seems to have grown up the most this past year. Her new hair bangs and height gain are only part of the reason. She is quite mature acting and tries hard not to mother Joseph too much. She is one of the seventh grade student body officers and recently had the opportunity to sing a solo in the school choir concert. She is in the cast for the school play to be performed in February, but her true love is taking dance lessons. She has now advanced into the Young Women program at church and her mom is excited to be working with her and Libby.

Joseph is working hard this year to be a good student. Todd has him working on his times tables on the computer most every afternoon. He is gaining a love for reading, but still prefers to be outside playing. He is always out working on his rollerblading skills or riding a bike. He was happy that there was no new snow on Christmas morning so that he could go out and ride.  He has started taking Kung Fu this year and would like to earn his yellow belt before too long. He is excited to become a Webelos scout in March and have his dad as his leader. Happily he still possesses his quirky sense of humor.

Todd has had some great job opportunities for which we are grateful. He is extremely busy and doesn’t get out much, but he is really enjoying the challenge. He is ecstatic to have a grandchild, but not sure how he feels about being a grandpa.

Paula is still doing a little substitute teaching and will do another maternity leave for a teacher in January. She is studying up on her 6th grade math skills. She will take any title necessary to have a grandchild!

Todd and Paula were lucky enough to tag along for a couple of weeks with James and Jen on their Thailand trip. They played with tigers, monkeys and rode elephants. Most of all they loved meeting the members who took such good care of James as a missionary.

We are grateful to know you and appreciate your friendship. We wish you the very best for a wonderful year ahead.

Love, The Palmers

Todd, Paula, James, Jennifer, Matthew, Thomas, Libby, Alexandra and Joseph

P.S. If you would like to watch Alex’s solo, Libby’s dances, and more photos, check out our new web site at: www.toddpalmer.com    We will try to keep it up to date this year.