Merry Christmas...

Hello Family,

As another year draws to a close, we hope that you are well and enjoying life to the fullest. It seems each year goes by faster and faster.

2010 seemed to be a year of good-byes for us. First, our good friend/sister, Ruth Gustafson, died of cancer at the end of June. It was great to be together with her last Christmas and have her stay in Estevan for January. She came into my classroom to help me each day. It is comforting to know she doesn't have to suffer any longer and is rejoicing in heaven with her parents.

The end of summer seemed to end the same way as it began for us with the death of Barry's mom. She died of a massive heart attack. After suffering for a week, she slipped into eternity on Aug. 20th, one day short of her 85th birthday.

The last good-bye was to our dog, Tanner, who was sick and old and had to be put down at the beginning of October. After being with us for 14 years, it did seem rather quiet around here without the familiar "bark". He did certainly provide us with enough adventures over the years. I still need to write a book about that!!

Some of our more enjoyable highlights from the year was that Barry and I enjoyed a holiday to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico during Feb. break. It was beautiful and so relaxing.

Later in the summer, we rented a cabin at Wakaw Lake, Sk. and had all of our family come to stay, as well as Trevor and Lynna and some of their family. Unfortunately, Lynna broke her foot, and had to hobble around as they packed up their household and moved to Saskatoon at the end of summer.

One of our biggest joys, of course, is playing with our granddaughter, Sadie, who only lives a few blocks away, and has just turned two. She is going to be a big sister in June, so we are looking forward to having another little one in the family. Stacy and Devin teach at the same school a few blocks from their house. They are busy with worship team at the church and sports such as baseball, hockey and soccer.

Stephanie is still in Moose Jaw, nursing at the hospital there. She is on a competitive ladies' curling team and has been travelling around the province to bonspiels on any free weekends she has. We are looking forward to having her home for Christmas for a few days.

Branden is completing his last year at the University of Saskatchewan in Commerce. He is writing his exams right now and will be home for the holidays next week. He enjoys playing hockey and ball. Last summer he worked in Estevan at the Shand Power Station where his dad works. Next year will bring job-hunting and a whole new chapter of his life beginning, as he starts a career (at least that's what the parents are hoping! chuckle).

This year has also been a difficult year for Barry, as he underwent surgery on his back in March and was off work for three months. A piece of disc was removed that was pressing against his spine and causing severe pain. He has had to be careful (although he can hardly wait to jump on his snowmobile again!) but thankfully, he has been able to resume most of his previous activities.

I am continuing to teach at the same school in a Grade 3 classroom. Most days I still enjoy it, although I am also looking forward to retiring within the next five years. It is a job for the young and energetic I am realizing more and more! I am busy with Christmas concerts and choir practices at school these days. I will be off for the holidays on Dec. 21st.

We had fun celebrating my mom and dad's 60th anniversary in October. We had a nice family meal at the Estevan Golf Course and had an enjoyable weekend together at Thanksgiving. Our next gathering that we look forward to is at the beginning of July. We hope to have a campout at the farm for my dad's 90th birthday. My parents continue to live in their apartment and are doing fairly well.

Gayle and James are looking forward to becoming grandparents soon, so our family is ever expanding. Doug and Marcia are thrilled to have four grandchildren already.

We want to wish all of you a very happy Christmas but more so, a year filled with peace and contentment that only God can give you.

Our love to all of you,

Barry and Heather

P.S. It would be great to hear from each "Branch" of our huge family tree.