Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 

As you can probably already tell, this letter almost didn’t happen.  :)  On the plus side we have been living life fully and fully living life - savoring every moment of the holidays and this past year.  On the down side it has meant that I have truly fallen behind on the business of life such as returning emails and phone calls (and writing Christmas letters!).  But, I just couldn’t let the season go completely by without sending greetings, no matter how late they may arrive. 

2012 was a year of big events.  Perhaps the biggest event of the year came at the end of June when we celebrated Daddy’s (and Mama’s) retirement from ATSU.  That celebration coincided with our annual Magruder Family Reunion so we enjoyed several days of celebration with friends and family from around the country.  

When people hear of Daddy’s retirement they invariably ask, “Is it for real this time?”  :)  I do believe the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’  Although the last 6 months of 2012 continued at a breakneck pace for them, it looks like 2013 is Mama and Daddy’s year to start enjoying themselves and a (somewhat) slower schedule.   Of course, ‘slower’ is a relative term when talking about Mama and Daddy!   :D   Part of Daddy’s retirement has been a return to the past of sorts.  He is co-teaching Chemistry (along with my brother) to Jackson, Susanna and a few other students.  What a blessing that is for Jackson and for Daddy!

Another big event was the groundbreaking for the Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health that was held in March at ATSU.  What a truly magnificent opportunity for our community!  I am so proud of Daddy for his role in this project.  

In May Marvin, the boys and I traveled to Oklahoma to celebrate Hannah’s graduation from OU.   Sadly, Mama and Daddy were again unable to attend since the ATSU/KCOM graduation was held on the exact same date.  However, we represented the family and were honored to watch Hannah receive her diploma then spent the weekend celebrating with her.  

We made two trips to Table Rock Lake/Silver Dollar City this year.  Once in April for World Fest and then again in September for Harvest Fest.  We were joined in September by Mama & Daddy along with Kerry, Candace, Hannah and Susanna.  Even Uncle Charles and Aunt Ilene were able to come down while we were there.  We continue to love this place and already have our reservations made at Table Rock Lake for World Fest this spring.  

I backed the fifth wheel in the site!!   :)  Whew!  

Jackson, Jonathan and Marvin at Silver Dollar City for World Fest

Jackson, Uncle Charles, Marvin, Aunt Ilene, Mama, Daddy

Grandma and Grandpa with 4 of their grandchildren

our 3 campsites side by side

I reached a milestone goal this past summer when I officially lost a total of 60 pounds.  I feel so much better and enjoy having a body that moves with me again!  I have indulged a bit too much over the holidays, however, so am now ‘back on the wagon’.  However, losing 4 pounds doesn’t feel nearly as daunting as losing 60!  I am just happy to know that I can do it.  

We had a great time in August at the Missouri State Fair, as is tradition.  We enjoyed having a lot of folks join us this year over the course of the fair.  The boys each took a friend with them for the first weekend, when we were also joined by the Matheney family, Julie & Anna, and friends from Arizona.  Mid-fair we spent time with our friend, Jim, along with Uncle Mitch and various members of his family.  Then the final weekend Hannah and Susanna drove up from Oklahoma to join us.  There is truly something for everyone at our state fair and we would love to show you around if you come join us in 2013!

Melina, Jonathan, Anna, Matthew, Zack, Jackson, Adrian and Megan at the state fair.

Jonathan and Jackson with the fair queen.

Susanna, Hannah, Jonathan and Jackson at the fair.

Mama and Daddy took the new fifth wheel on a long awaited trip to Vermont in the fall.  They thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent fall colors but it was a bit of a whirlwind trip.  Of note in my mind, Daddy parallel parked the truck and fifth wheel in a 50 foot space between cars along a side street near the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA.  I am still in awe that he managed that!!  I never would have even attempted that!!  My Daddy is truly amazing.  :)  

Mama and Daddy in Vermont

They returned home in time to be honored as Alumnus of the Year at Truman State University.  It was nice to see them honored by the university that we all love so much.  I regret that I didn’t get video of perhaps my favorite moment of the weekend, however.  During halftime at the football game, they were introduced out on the field.  As their story about meeting in registration line here on campus was told over the loudspeaker, there was an audible ‘Awwwww....’ that came from the crowd.  That was quickly followed by an “Ohhhhhh!!!!!’ when it was announced that they were married a mere 8 weeks later.  :)  What a fun response to their remarkable love story.  :)   

Sadly, we lost my dear Aunt Carolyn in early November.  She had been in the hospital for most of the time since falling ill June 26.  Aunt Carolyn was a vibrant, elegant, joyful woman who made an impact on my life and the lives of so many.  She is missed by each and every one of us.  

My dear Aunt Carolyn

Anna is a Sophomore Nursing major at Truman and has just been diagnosed with Lyme Disease.  While she has a long and difficult healing process ahead of her, we are so incredibly thankful to have a solid diagnosis and a course of treatment after many years of ‘unknown illness’.  She is strong and brave and courageous and I am constantly inspired by her.

Anna with Matthew

James is still in the Marines and is stationed in North Carolina.  Happily, he was able to be home with us for Christmas and New Years.  

Anna, James and Julie on Christmas Eve

Rachel and Stephen moved to Tallahassee, Florida this past summer for Stephen’s job and they were also able to be here for New Years.  So, for a few days, we had everyone home together at the same time!  

Rachel and Stephen

Marvin and I are plugging along, enjoying the tremendous blessings of our mundane daily life.  :)  Jackson is in his Junior year of high school and is still deeply interested in photography.  Jonathan, now a teenager at 13, is showing a proclivity for 3 dimensional design and building.  

Jonathan and Jackson

Jackson, Jonathan, Laura and Marvin

I find that I am becoming more aware of impending changes to our family.  It is a reality (in the recesses of my mind) that time is growing short for what I term ‘normal’ (for the lifestyle that I cherish).  I have begun thinking about trips we need to take in the next year and a half ‘while we still have Jackson at home’.  I find myself looking at my family and realizing that things won’t always be like this.  I see most things on a shortened time line now.  The thought of this togetherness; this household of Mom, Dad and two ‘kids’ transitioning clutches my heart.  It feels like an ending of sorts.  

One of the projects I was working on before Christmas involved transferring an old VHS tape to DVD.  I sat mesmerized watching while it copied over.  It was from 1989 when Kerry and Candace videoed Mom and Dad reminiscing over old family photos and giving a tour of the farm.  This was right at the end of Daddy’s long, arduous treatment for Stage 4 colon cancer.  There weren’t any medical professionals at that time who truly believed he would survive.  Watching that video I was immediately transported back to that feeling we all had of endings.  A sad sense of saying ‘good-bye’.  I was grateful that Kerry and Candace had thought to record those moments for the future and in watching them, could feel emotions exactly as I felt them then.  

And yet, what struck me most powerfully was that all this took place in 1989!  Daddy DID survive!  (and so did Mama in 2004...)  And even more, instead of the ‘ending’ that we all thought we were living through, it was truly at a point of beginning for some remarkable events.  This was 5 years before Daddy became President of Truman State University and 19 years before he became President of ATSU!  It was before most of their grandchildren were born, before I was married, before Willis Creek Ranch came back to thrive.  Before Julie and I and our families had moved back to Kirksville.  Before so much...  To watch that video and know the feeling of endings but have the knowledge that it was actually at the beginning of so much joy and growth and love gives me such a hope.  

Transitions are often difficult.  And I won’t say that I don’t get a bit teary thinking about some of the changes that I know will come in the next few years as the boys grow up and move on with their lives.  But, I am grateful for the reminder that sometimes what can feel like an ending is truly a miraculous beginning.  Our Lord has so many beautiful surprises in store, I just know.  What a blessing to think back over the beauty that my life has been and to imagine the joys and blessings yet to come.  

Our family is expanding and growing.  We have no little children left, but sitting in the living room of my parents home, filling the room with family and dear friends, I can imagine the coming generations.  There is such joy in each stage.  Such hope in the future.  May you also find joy and comfort in the beginnings that may be disguised in endings. 

We wish you love and peace and joy and hope in the coming year!
From Marvin, Laura, Jackson and Jonathan

We would love to hear from you!  You can find all 4 of us on facebook or you can catch up with us via our ‘family online journal’ at www.lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”    Psalm 105:4

Our whole crew!  

I love this photo of Mama and Daddy

Rachel, Stephen, Hannah, Candace, Kerry and Susanna

Anna, Julie and James

kids at Mom and Dad's on the 26th

singing Christmas carols on the 26th

New Years Eve at our house.