The Christmas Letter

Now that the madness of finals is over, I guess I should update the blog and do our yearly Christmas letter. Here it goes.......

Angie--That's me. I just got through the hardest semester ever. I had Pathophysiology, Microbiology, Micro Lab, Organic Chemistry and finally, my Chem lab. I don't know why I took 3 science classes at once. The good news is that I will be ready to apply to the Nursing program with a higher GPA; the only reason I was not one of the 20 selected to start last semester. It was a blow to my ego, but now I know how much I really want to be a nurse.
My job is great. The office manager and I are working on a whole new training program for the medical staff. It will be a lot of work, but the clinic will be even better for it. I am lucky to have a job I love so much.
In my free time, I have a list of books to read during the semester break that have nothing to do with nursing school. I fully admit that I am a geek. I am starting with The Count of Monte Cristo, keeping with my effort to read Classic novels. I feel like even more of a geek, but I am loving it already.
Dave-- Dave got his license to teach Concealed Carry Permit classes, and is loving it, even though it means more work. He is still the manager for ALL AMERICAN SECURITY here in Cedar, and he loves it most of the time. Some weeks he works 60+ hours. We miss him when he isn't at home to make us all laugh.
He still likes to try new recipes. A recent favorite was his version of Curry Chicken. I look forward to dinner when he is home to make it. He loves to cook and we all benefit from it. He has started to impart his cooking genius on the girls. They love to help him.
He still is on a constant Quest for Sci-Fi and Horror books he hasn't read. I try to avoid Barns and Noble when we are in St George, Dave would spend his whole paycheck in there if I would let him. We frequent the used book store here in town, Dave has been buying old cook books and whatever hard back books we like for the home library.
Heather-- Our Heather turned 17 this year. She is thinking about what to be when she grows up. She has seriously considered joining the Air force, photography, or being a school teacher. It changes all the time, but she has plenty of time to decide. She will start Track in January and has a goal to make state this year. With some hard work, I am sure she can do it. The Cedar High team is awesome and has competed in state every year since the early '90's. Heather loves kids, watching movies and hanging out with her Dad.
Theresa-- She is growing into a smart young woman. She earned a 4.0 last semester and will probably do it again this time. She puts in the hard work to do her best. She will be running for the track team this year with Heather. She still loves to draw, and her work is simply amazing. It shows a maturity beyond her 15 years. She spends a lot of time outside with her friends and loves to be goofy. Her sense of humor is so much like Dave's; if they get together it means trouble.
Drew-- He officially grew taller than me this year. He turned 14 this summer. Though he hates school, his grades are good. He is playing the trumpet and is really quite good at it. We went to his Christmas Concert last week. He loves to be the center of attention; always making jokes and acting silly. He loves video games, music and action-hero movies. I can't believe that he is a young man now. Where did all the time go?

Well, that is the latest and greatest from the Mack Fam. All our best to all of you.

I am thankful for...........
My family (Dave and the kids, my parents and extended family, and friends that have known me so long they are family), my home, the opportunity to go back to college, my job and coworkers who are my home away from home. I am thankful for the little things that make life wonderful--a good book, a blanket right out of the dryer, the scenery outside my front door. I am thankful to have a family that is healthy and full of love and laughter, friends that remind me why I need them in my life, and the fact that I feel safe in my community.
I hope everyone took the time this Thanksgiving to reflect on how good life can really be. Love to you all!