Merry Christmas!

Dear Family,
Merry Christmas from the Carl and Marion Snyder family! I am taking it on myself to write on behalf of the entire clan, as you may not hear from everyone otherwise. haha. God has granted us another good year as a family. We are so thankful for His blessings every day.
Barry and I were blessed with another granddaughter this year. Little Kensie Reese, has been a joy to hold and see grow. She is in a smiley, contented 6 month stage now. Of course, her older sister, Sadie, keeps us entertained as well. You never know what will come out of a three year old's mouth! Devin and Stacy continue to live here in Estevan, but have moved to a more spacious house and yard, which will be great for their family for years to come. Stephanie continues to reside in Moose Jaw at this time, nursing at the hospital there. She has been curling with a ladies' team on the Sask. Curling Tour this winter and is looking forward to provincial playdowns soon. She and I had a great time visiting Seattle this summer, sight-seeing, taking every form of transportation possible, and of course, shopping! Branden convocated from the U. of S. with a Commerce Degree, majoring in Finance. He has still not found the "dream" job he would like, but he is currently working and living in Saskatoon.
Gayle and James have loved their new role as grandparents this past year, and try to get to Calgary as much as possible. Etta will be one year old next week! Terra and Stu are enjoying her, and are still busy with their jobs. Gayle is still involved with office work with the Junior Hockey Team in Estevan and they continue to billet two hockey players. James has been working as a farm worker for a local farmer here and is also involved in the executive of Estevan's Car Racing Club. As I write, they are in Mexico for a break, and plan to spend Christmas in Calgary.
Speaking of grandchildren, Doug and Marcie are excited about expanding their fold this coming year with three more grandchildren. Russell and Dieta are expecting in February, Julia and Ryan in March, and Tyson and Jayna in June! Marcie retired from nursing in June, only to take on a part-time job in November at a dentist's office in Estevan a few days a week. Doug and Marcie enjoyed a month-long bus trip to the Maritimes in October to celebrate her retirement. Russell and Dieta have moved back to Estevan, and are hoping to move a house on to the McLeod farm south of Macoun this coming year. The rest of Doug's family still live in Saskatoon.
Trevor and Lynna have settled into Saskatoon this past year as well. All of their girls are living at home at the current time. Alissa is in her first year of university at the U. of S. This past spring, Kelli graduated from her SIAST course in Architectural Design and Brianna graduated from the U. of S. with a Commerce degree in Marketing. Trevor and Lynna enjoyed a great trip to Europe this past spring with Lynna's mother. Alissa joined them after finishing her year at Bible School in Germany. They would covet your prayers for Kelli as she still often struggles with health issues.
And what a year it was for our dad , turning the big 90!! We all met at the farm for his birthday on July 2nd. We had a great time, playing an Amazing Race, canoeing on the sloughs, boating, quading, having a shooting contest, and eating, eating and more eating. If you were to ask dad the highlight, however, I think he would say driving Ben's team of horses with everyone on the wagon behind. It was a memory we will all treasure!! Thanks, Ben! Mom and Dad continue to live in their apartment here in Estevan. Their health problems can be a challenge some days, but we are thankful that they are still able to manage on their own. You never know what dad will try to cook from one week to the next!! Mom tries to keep up with the family through the computer, and enjoys the visits from grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
I think that wraps it up for the most part. I pray this finds you all well. Take time to keep Christ in Christmas and love on your family (and write an update on the blog??? hint, hint, lol). We are indeed a blessed family!!
Love to you all,
Heather (for Carl's branch)