Christmas 2022

 "My Spirit Hath Rejoiced"

In faith she heard the angel bold

announcing birth so long foretold.

Her heart reached heavenward,

and faithfully resolved --

"Be it unto me according to thy word."

Then a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes;

Then a boy encountering carpentry woes;

Then the very Christ - off on his own.

But always the Son, who particularly cared

for his mother dear, who faithfully dared.

Raise the very Son of God

toward this path of pain and praise?

Oh, dear Father, be my staff and stay.

Now let us join hands one with another 

in declaring, as did his mother --

"My soul doth magnify the Lord,

and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior."

    We share our gratitude with each of you who have enriched our lives, showed us and so many others goodness and care, and have been true friends.  Merriest and most meaningful Christmas wishes to you all.  Annie & Tom

  The highlight of the year occurred when our seven children showed up unannounced on our doorstep in late January to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and Annie's birthday soon to come.  They arranged a wonderful weekend of memories and fun, along with a surprise gathering.

Sara, Emily, Luke, Tom & Annie, Matt, Laura, Leah, Seth

    In recognition of this special event, sculptor Roger Ridd, created this meaningful piece: "Leap of Faith."  We're so grateful to have joined hands and hearts on January 25, 1972 for a leap into the unknown and the adventure of a lifetime.

    Like all of you, we spend most of our days amidst the busyness of home and health, of obligations and the mundane, and of service to others in our community and church. But along the way we are thankful for visits from the kids, trips to their homes, camping, biking, and adventures of all sorts.                        Here's a glimpse into our year:

Lizzie's solo trip to Oregon

Catching some time on the pier in Newport 

Hoodoo ski resort, central Oregon with Seth & Tommy

Celebrating our anniversary at Willamette Pass

Exploring Los Angeles with Luke & Camilla

Groundbreaking for the new LDS Temple near Eugene, Oregon

The workshop in full gear as Hazel, Isla, Cali & Kate
and Mila join Annie in making nativities

Good year for Steelhead on the Alsea River!

No fish? No problem -
just jump in the waterfall with a good friend

Riding the Hiawatha Trail at the Montana - Idaho border.  SPECTACULAR!

15 stunning miles through 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles  

Biking the Columbia Gorge trail with Emily & family

Annie & Sage

In Lompoc, California with Laura and family for Sawyer's baptism ~ who can resist the beautiful beaches? Laura, Sara, Camilla, Annie

Thanksgiving in Corvallis.  Not everyone, but a happy gathering of 25!

Back from church with the Andersens, Seth's family,
and Luke & Camilla

The grand annual cidering day

Harvesting Mistletoe with Lucy & Kate

Sprigs will find homes with neighbors in Utah and Oregon

And now - for a closer look at the family . . .

Sofia, Matt, Jessica, & Lizzie Sherry (Midway, Utah)

Front row: Alysee (to be married Jan. 12th!), Birch, Sara, Chloe
Back row: Alexa & Alex, Tyler, Nathan, & Cooper Ditto (Yakima, Washington)

Hazel, Sage, Truman, Ryan, Emily, & Mila Andersen (Yakima, Washington)

Leah, Geoff, Kate, Isaac, & Lucy Wright (Mapleton, Utah)

Tommy, Cali, Caroline, Seth, & Willie Sherry (Corvallis, Oregon)

Sawyer, Rue, Jared, Isla, & Laura Watts (Lompoc, California)

Luke & Camilla Sherry (in the process of moving
back to Las Vegas from their Los Angeles home)

We all need a little pruning & preening to be at our best . . .

May His light brighten your path

*********

We were inspired by the Candle Arch creations from Germany when we visited
a Christmas store in Leavenworth, Washington last summer.  Upon our
return home, we thought we'd give a go at making one for each of our kids.