December, 2010

Merry Christmas! I hope this letter finds everyone enjoying the Christmas season. I enjoy writing this letter every year, because it gives me the opportunity to reflect back and thank God for the many blessings he has given us. This summer, we were able to see my brother get married to his beautiful bride, Laura, and also gather for our 2nd annual Orr camping trip. We were also blessed with two new nephews this year! Writing this also provides a chance to “catch up” all of our friends and relatives, who are not so close in proximity to us, on what’s been going on in our lives, especially with the boys. They are growing up way too fast. It is hard to believe we have two in high school now!

Stephen is a junior this year and continues to do well in school. He stands at about six feet tall and is not done growing! It’s hard to believe that he’ll be graduating next year already Back in the spring, Stephen qualified to run the mile at the division one regional track meet again, so that was exciting! In May, he received his driver’s license and has avoided any accidents and tickets so far, so we’ve been pleased with that. He drives to school every day and has to pay for his own gas, which he’s very conservative with Over the summer, Stephen continued to run as he geared up for his cross country season this fall. He also attended cross country camp for a week which is always fun. This season, he beat his personal goal of breaking 17 minutes flat, which was his dad’s best time, by running a 16:42. Stephen also qualified to run at the state meet again this year. That’s always a fun-filled day! He has chosen to follow the medical path at Dakota, as he plans on pursuing a career as a surgeon. He also got his first job this fall, working as a dishwasher at Leo’s Coney Island. That lasted about two months; now, he is working for his high school athletic director, keeping stats and running the time clock for the freshman girls and boys basketball teams. It’s a great way to see his brother play for free! Stephen also continues to help serve communion and take the offering at church. He continues to run during his off-season and has recently been enjoying a new video game (a little too much)

Brian is a freshman this year and has done well adjusting to the life of a high-schooler. He stands at 6’1” now and continues to grow like a weed. He has grown over 1½” just during the past few months! Back in the spring, Brian was chosen to run at his school’s district track meet. He came in first place in the mile run During the summer, Brian woke up early every morning to go with his brother to cross country practice, even though at that time, he had no intention of actually being on the team. After deciding not to play football anymore, he decided to join his brother in running long distance. He attended cross country camp for a week in the summer and earned the 4th top freshman with his time this year. In October, Brian was also able to experience Homecoming He went with a huge group of kids and had a blast! Now, he can’t wait for Snowcoming. Recently, Brian was invited, as a freshman, to try out for the JV basketball team. Although he made it, he was #8 on that team, so he decided to play on the freshman team where he’ll start every game and earn much more playing time. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, going to the rec center, and playing his X-box and basketball.

Brian’s job is still holding strong, which is such a blessing, given the way economic times are. He even had a month of overtime in October, which is unheard of now days. He continues to lead our small group that meets at our house every Sunday night and help serve communion and collect the offering at church. During his spare time, Brian enjoys reading and playing ping pong with the boys. He actually read 13 books, which are each roughly 650 pages long, within a few months! He also has been finishing our basement and plans on having it all dry-walled by Christmas, so I can paint it over the break.

As for myself, I discovered at the beginning of the year that I need surgery on my feet and have arthritis in my back! It was recommended that my surgery wait until the kids are in college, as there will be down time involved. The arthritis stinks and causes me to lose much sleep, but there’s not really too much I can do for it. As for work, I finished out the long-term I had in 3rd grade for the last half of the school year and have since been hired by the district to work for their Indian Education Grant program. I travel to six different schools throughout our district, working with students (grades 2-9) one-on-one with whatever they need. During the summer, I taught 4th grade summer school and tutored a couple times a week. I also continue to host our small group each week and bake cookies for the new-comers to our church.

Attached, you will find several pictures that were taken at different events throughout the year or just snapshots at home. I hope you all take the time, especially during this Christmas season, to be thankful for all you have. Spend lots of time with family and friends. Unfortunately, this year, we’ve lost a couple of dear ones which has only further helped us realize how important it is to spend quality time with those you love and care for. We’re only put here for a short time. It is up to us to make the best of what we’ve been given and share it with others. Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful and safe start to the New Year!

Love, Mindy, Brian, Stephen, & Brian

Guide to Pictures:

Page 1: Brian playing basketball, Brian & Mom before Homecoming, Brian at district track meet, Brian’s cross country picture, Brian at County Cross Country Meet, Brian in Dakota basketball uniform, Brian & Mom hanging out

Page 2: Stephen’s cross country picture, Stephen & Mom before All-County Cross Country Banquet, Stephen at County Cross Country Meet, Stephen at Regional Cross Country Meet, Stephen’s junior school picture, Stephen running at Wolcott Mill Cross Country Meet, Stephen’s first day of junior year

Page 3: Brian’s first day of freshman year; Mindy & Brian before Michael & Laura’s wedding; Brian & Mom before All-County Cross Country Banquet; Brian at Anchor Bay Invite Meet; Brian, Brian, & Stephen before Michael & Laura’s wedding

Page 4: Brian, Dad Presson, Mom Presson, Stephen, Mindy, & Brian; Brian before Michael & Laura’s wedding