2007 christmas letter

Dear Family and Friends, December 7, 2007

The time has come around again to reflect on the blessings we have received this year as we send our Holiday Greetings to you. We have had quite a few big family events this year that we would like to share with you. On January 31 David returned home from his mission to Argentina. It was a joyous occasion as we and our extended family greeted him at the Show Low airport. He had been traveling for several days to finally arrive here so it took a few to adjust as well, including leaving in summertime and arriving in a winter climate. The following Sunday, February 4th he gave his homecoming mission report while his younger brother, Chris gave his missionary farewell as he was due to leave for his mission the following Wednesday. I know the Lord blessed us that we were able to have them both here for 1 week together. It was a glorious, busy exciting week welcoming one son home and finishing preparations for the other son to leave. Chris is serving in the CA, San Fernando Mission. He had the opportunity to learn Spanish at the MTC and used it in his first area where he was on a bike. His second area where he is currently serving is so spread out that he is in a vehicle and with an added blessing; he is serving in his A. Mary’s ward. She has been able to have them over for dinner several times and assists them constantly in their missionary efforts. It is truly a sweet and tender mercy for them both to be allowed to serve the Lord this way and strengthen their family ties as they serve others. The likely hood of this repeating is rare, so we are all savoring the time and making the most of it. He is doing great and will reach his 1 yr. mark in February. David worked during the summer and is now attending college at EAC in Thatcher, AZ. We enjoyed attending our Cardon Family Reunion held at Anna’s brother, Sam’s house in North Logan, Utah. We visited, ice skated, and played games and activities, attended Maria’s baby shower and participated in “the Great Race” Sam and Vicki organized. What fun! We took Kenton and Kardon with us and they got to know their cousins better and had a good time. On July 17, Maria and Jordan were blessed with the arrival of their beautiful baby boy, McKay Jordan Moser. Anna was able to go up to Orem and help them out while Chantelle stayed a week with her G & G Cardon in Utah. We had the McCleve Reunion shortly afterwards so the rest of the family was able to see him then. We were able to return for his baby blessing in Sept. Maria received her CPA license and Jordan will be graduating in April from BYU. On August 16 Melinda and Devin were blessed with a sweet baby girl, Kindsey Porter. She had her U. cord wrapped around her neck 2 xs and also looped over part of her head so she arrived via C-section. Both Melinda and Kindsey are healthy and doing fine. She has a precious winning smile and her brothers Kenton and Kardon enjoy giving her lots of love and provide entertainment for her. She was blessed on Anna’s birthday in Heber. Devin works full time and also attends school. They are currently applying for Pharmacy school in several areas. Dustin (a sophomore) turned 16 and received his driver’s license. He works part time doing yard work etc. He enjoys being in a dance class, dating and discussing politics with his Dad. Chantelle (8th Grade) enjoys dancing, YW activities and babysitting. They are growing taller and enjoyed dressing up as “Wolverine” and a “Zombie” on 10-31. Our latest family project has been to remodel our former storage room into a “guest house” with a great room, bedroom and bathroom. Maria and Jordan were the first ones to try it out when they came for a week at Thanksgiving time. They dubbed it “the McCleve Mariott”. Although it’s not completely finished, it has been fun and rewarding to do a project we can use and enjoy. We also enjoyed having Melinda and Devin and their children here the week before Thanksgiving. It was like having an early Christmas with everyone here. It was Wonderful! We hope you are well and happy and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We’d love to hear from you. Love Verl & Anna McCleve and family.