Christmas Letter 2022

I'm posting a copy of this years Christmas Letter here on the blog... first Christmas letter/card we will have sent since 2018.  :)   There are links embedded within this letter to take you to blog posts about specific events - at least as far along as I have gotten on the blog!  ha!

        Well, it has been awhile!  My last Christmas card and letter was way back in 2018.  I have wanted to write since then but something always seems to happen in December…  This year I determined that I would get a note written and sent no matter what.  :)  Life has had many twists and turns since 2018, but we remain thankful for the tapestry of joy and yes, sorrow, that makes up this one crazy life.  Here is a brief rundown of events from the last Christmas letter to today. 

2019 saw both Brianna and Matthew graduate from Truman State University with their Masters degrees.  Brianna has been teaching K-12 music at Green City, MO ever since. Matthew teaches high school Math and does coaching in Miller, MO.  

Brianna, Daddy, Mama and Matthew - May 2019

        Also in 2019, Jackson and Brianna moved to a new house on the north end of town. That left their little  house on Friedman available for us to turn into an Airbnb.  By 2022 both of those things have changed!  We sold the Airbnb, contents and all, in mid-2020 when the pandemic pretty well shut down that business for us.  Jackson and Brianna sold the house in town and moved to a house in the country in 2022.  (this is what happens when you have 4 years between updates! ha!)   

The biggest event of 2019 was a trip west that I got to take with Mama and Daddy.  We set off for a grand tour of our favorite places in Wyoming and spent 10 glorious days in Yellowstone, Powell and beyond. The high point (of many high points!) of that trip was the period of time we spent on the actual homestead land where Mama grew up.  The current owner of that property built a new home there and graciously offered to  let us stay there.  I cannot overstate the power of being with Mama as we walked, ate, and slept on the same ground where she grew up. It was a sacred time and we will forever be indebted to dear Larry, Skip and family for the experience.  

Laura, Daddy and Mama at Artist's Point - Yellowstone

Mama in the Yellowstone Bus - a '32 model in a '36 model

Mama and Daddy on the homestead property near Powell, WY. 

On New Years Eve 2019 I offered a toast to the family saying with gusto, “2020 - it will be our best year yet!”  I am now forbidden to ever offer a toast again, under any circumstances. :)  We entered 2020 like the rest of the world; ‘with plans’.  :)  But as we all discovered, ‘plans’ can be changed. However, 2020, while different than we expected, also brought many joys and helped us refocus on what is truly important. We celebrated the birth of our first grandchild, Maverick Earl Mann, who was born to Jackson and Brianna on May 25, 2020.  We are now excitedly anticipating the birth of our 2nd grandchild in May 2023!  Maverick will be a marvelous big brother!  

Sweet Maverick wearing his Big Brother t-shirt

        2020 also provided the opportunity for Jackson to make a life change and leave Hobby Lobby to focus on raising, training, and now breeding horses here at Willis Creek Ranch. Jonathan finished his AA degree at Moberly Area Community College in December 2020. 

Mama, Jonathan and Daddy with Jonathan's diploma 

        He continued to help us here at WCR throughout the pandemic and was invaluable throughout that time.  We closed ranks to care for Mama and Daddy and will always remember  and be indebted to those who chose to walk that path alongside and in support of us. 

        In early 2021 vaccinations made large family gatherings safer and we made up for lost time with joy-filled reunions. Daddy also won the Carnahan Public Service Award in February of that year (much deserved).  Jackson continued with his horse business as he and Jonathan experienced their first foal birthing at home. It was a tough one and yet the foal and mare survived. As Marvin said later, “I guess it worked for the boys to learn about everything that can possibly go wrong  on their first  birthing experience”.  :)  

Chloe (foal) and Roxie (the birthing story)

        2021 saw Anna graduate with her Masters degree in Occupational Therapy. She now works for Cox Health in Springfield and is happy with her chosen profession. James and Rojina had their first child, a beautiful little girl named Aasha Lee, in September 2021. We all feel her name is so special… Aasha means ‘hope’ in Nepali and Lee is Mama’s middle name.  

Julie, Rojina, James and Aasha Lee - Fall 2022

        We spent a large part of 2021 clinging to ‘hope’ after we lost Mama on May 29, 2021.  It is still so hard to think about but there is much to be thankful for even in the midst of the pain of losing her. Mama was healthy and well and planting flowers just days before she died following emergency surgery for twisted intestine. Another blessing in the midst was that because her surgery began on a Friday night and was taking too long, they stopped mid-way. This allowed us to be with her on Saturday morning for several hours where she was lucid and very much ‘Big Sue’. Although they successfully completed the surgery Saturday afternoon, her heart just gave out.  Our hearts were truly shattered to lose her.  But we rejoice over the life she lived, the lives she touched, and the difference she made in our lives.  This world will never be the same without her, but we know we will see her again. 

Marking one year of missing Mama - May 29, 2022

2022 has been the year of ‘rebuilding Marvin’. :) The poor man has had multiple surgeries on his eye, his teeth, and installing a pacemaker.  We have joked that he is nearly a Bionic Mann.  The eye surgery was necessary and successful, but did cause him to lose even more of the eyesight he had. However, we are so thankful for the sight that remains. He still has more oral surgeries to go in 2023, and the pacemaker has helped him tremendously.  

        We hosted an extended family reunion here at Willis Creek Ranch in June 2022 and it was pure joy to be with so many from near and far.  We look forward to next summer when we will get to do it all again!  Matthew was nominated for Missouri Teacher of the Year and placed in the top 7 in the state!  Hannah bought her little house from Julie so now is the official owner of her home. Jonathan started at Truman State University this fall as an Agriculture Science major. He just completed his first semester this week and is looking forward to Christmas break. 

        We get to babysit Maverick 3+ days a week and are so grateful for the time spent with him. One of my greatest joys is having a full table of ‘my fellas’ at lunch.  As often as possible Daddy, Marvin, Jonathan, Jackson, Maverick and I gather for lunch at our table and it never fails to touch my heart to see the 3 generations enjoying one another’s company.  And I am so very grateful to have the opportunity to just be here with them all.  

Mav was entertaining us mightily!  :D  (he was mimicking what his Dad had just done) :D

        So many of my greatest joys take place around this table. I have claimed the song ‘Crowded Table’ by The Highwomen as a mantra of sorts. That song represents  so well what I have always wanted and worked toward. We are so thankful for many years of crowded tables and each and every person who has been a part. I remember every single one. 

They say you need to find ‘your people’. I am beyond blessed to have indeed found ‘my people’ and I want to say a special thank you to them.  I am a member of 4 different groups of magnificent women who have surrounded me and stuck by me the last several years - through thick and thin.  2018 was the year that I began my wine club.  We are an eclectic group who came together over a shared interest in, and love of, wine. But, we have developed into something more… dear friends who have formed deep bonds of love and camaraderie. I also find myself surrounded by incredible women in my Bible study group and two(!) book clubs. :)  All are new groups since the last Christmas letter (which seems truly a lifetime ago). I am forever grateful for these gifts of friendship in this stage of my life and do not take them for granted.  I love each of these women so much and will forever be thankful for the ways they have, and continue, to enrich my life and my world. 

     So as you can see, much has changed since the last Christmas letter in 2018.  And not just because of a worldwide pandemic. In so many ways, when I look back, 2018 was the year that everything changed for me. That was the year I turned 50, Jonathan graduated from high school, and Marvin and I celebrated 25 (wonderful!) years of marriage. So many joyful events. I also remember that as the year of transition in health for some in the family and for daily activities to begin to change.

But there are things that have stayed blessedly the same. My love for my family is at the top of that list. I am forever grateful for them.  Throughout everything the last few years I have held tightly to my Faith in dear Jesus and have been so thankful for our wonderful church and church family.  I have clung to Hope that continues to shine, even in darkness, and draws me forward. And Love, the greatest of all… expressed by God through family, friends, and our beloved community (be love).

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. 

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.  

And now these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love.  

1 Corinthians 13:12-13 

We would love to keep in touch with you!  Our email address is Lmjmann@mac.com.

  

We have a family blog/journal 

(that is usually months and months behind, but eventually I will get caught up!)  

You can see this letter (with bigger photos) and more at…

 https://lifeatwilliscreekranch.blogspot.com/

We wish you Peace, Joy, and Love in the New Year!  

Marvin and Laura Mann - and family 

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end. 

Lamentations 3:22

Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding.

Romans 14:19

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; 

everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

1 John 4:7

   

March 2021 - Anna and Matthew visit

Mother's Day 2021 

Jonathan, Marvin, Jackson and Boots!  March 2022

Jackson and Maverick - riding Jo - March 2022

Marvin, Daddy and Laura at church - June 2022

Family Reunion - June 2022

Family at MO State Teacher of the Year banquet - with Matthew (top 7 in state!)

Sunday family lunch - October 2022

Celebrating Marvin's birthday - November 2022

Brianna performs with Lucky 7 Jazz Quartet

Jackson, Maverick and Brianna - fall 2022

Jonathan, Marvin, Laura, Jackson, Brianna - and Maverick :) 
Thanksgiving Day 2022

Wine Club ladies - December 2022

Bible Study/Books With Friends - December 2022

Zoom Reading Circle - in person patio gathering - June 2022

some of the members of Well Read Book Club 

Christmas greetings

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

  Gratitude.  That has definitely been the word of 2015.  We are so grateful for the many blessings we have received and witnessed this past year.  Some are our stories; some stories belong to others.  But, what an incredible year.  2015 has been chock full of happiness so deeply felt that our hearts nearly burst.  As is usually the case, there were also trials and concerns.  Such is life.  But the tapestry of grace that is woven through it all is something that still causes me to catch my breath.  We are loved.  We are held.  We are thankful.

 Clearly, our biggest news of 2015 is that our family grew by one.  :)  On July 18 we celebrated the marriage of Jackson and Brianna with a beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony here at Willis Creek Ranch.  Although storms threatened and the sky initially looked ominous, the clouds parted and the sun shone directly onto Jackson and Brianna.  We took that as a blessing on their marriage.   :)  It was a perfect day of joyful celebration and we are so thankful for their union.  

        It was particularly poignant for us because exactly one week prior we were uncertain if Marvin and I would be able to be present.  Marvin entered the hospital through the ER and ended up having a surgical procedure two days later.  It was that tapestry of grace that all of this happened one week before the wedding instead of the day of the wedding!  And the outpouring of love and support we received from family and friends still moves me deeply.  We literally could not have pulled off that wedding without the tireless work of so many others.  We are forever grateful.  

So, how do you follow up such a joyful event?  You begin a family reunion the very next day!  :)  How wonderful to wake up the morning after the wedding and gather with family for church in Julie’s living room.  That tapestry of grace interwoven with the legacy of faith in our family was evident as we gathered to sing hymns, share favorite verses, and count our blessings.  Even Jackson and Brianna dropped by briefly on their way out of town for their honeymoon.

In June our family traveled west to the Grand Tetons & Yellowstone, as well as Cody & Powell, Wyoming, where Mama grew up.  We had 17 in our family group and although we have been on this trip several times before, we all agree that there was something special about this particular one.  Perhaps it was the fact that the younger generation (dubbed Gen. 3 on this trip) all enjoyed hiking and exploring together.  Or maybe it was the fact that Gen. 2 (my middle generation!) and Gen. 1 (Mama and Daddy) enjoyed relaxing time spent in Old Faithful Inn and taking shorter hikes through scenic areas.  I suspect, however, that it was an awareness that being all together in the midst of such majesty and beauty is truly a gift not to be taken for granted.  Whatever it was, that trip will go down as the most special trip we have ever taken together.  Our times together in large or small groups were so special and filled with meaning that I sometimes still tear up when remembering.  

Matthew capped the trip off with his surprise serenade to Mama and Daddy our last night at Old Faithful Inn.  As we sat on the viewing deck overlooking Old Faithful Geyser, Matthew sang ‘They Call the Wind Mariah’, a song that is dear to Mama and Daddy’s hearts and pertinent to Mama’s childhood in Wyoming.  He captured not only our attention, but all who were lucky enough to be sitting on that viewing deck to witness that moment. We later heard young children singing parts of the song and knew Matthew had touched more than just our hearts with his gift.  :)   That precious tapestry of grace weaves its way through our hearts and lives again.  Generation after generation, we share memories and stories and connectedness.

Other highlights of the year included a few shorter trips.  In May we camped at Table Rock State Park and enjoyed taking Rojina to World Fest at Silver Dollar City.  Although this is a favorite destination of ours, seeing it through Rojina’s eyes made all  the magic come alive anew for us!  She received special attention everywhere she went, including a personal tour of the McHaffie Homestead by one of the McHaffie homesteaders himself.  It was shortly after the devastating earthquakes in Nepal and I was grateful to all who showed their care and concern for dear Rojina.  

Of course August always means it is time for the Missouri State Fair.  This is one of my most anticipated times of the entire year.  I absolutely love camping alongside Mama and Daddy in view of my beloved Swine barn.   :)  The ‘kids’ have a great time together and I enjoy just sitting back and observing them.  I wish we could have the fair twice a year!  :)  

           This year Mama and Daddy finally decided to trade their horse trailer with living quarters for a brand new travel trailer.  Although it was a bit melancholy to see that horse trailer leave Willis Creek Ranch for the last time, it was a true thrill to see Mama and Daddy arrive back home with their beautiful new camper!  They broke it in with a trip to south Missouri and Oklahoma and already have plans for several trips in 2016.  We are so happy for them!

In May, Daddy retired (for the third time!) from teaching Chemistry at Moberly Area Community College.  We celebrated with a surprise reception in his honor.  It was a great day!  He and Mama have finally gotten this retirement thing figured out.  I think they now know how to ‘do it’ and will fully enjoy it from here on out.  (That new camper will help!) 

Jonathan is a Sophomore in high school and just received his driver’s license in October.  He is a thought-filled young man with a dry wit.  If you pay attention and listen closely, you will be rewarded with his wickedly funny sense of humor.  :)  He has also spent a lot more time riding his horse, Governor, this year, and is becoming a fine horseman. 

Jackson is halfway through EMT training and has found his calling.  What started as a ‘good option’ has turned into a true passion for him.  What an exciting time.  Brianna is a Sophomore at Truman working toward her Masters in Music Education.  She participates in Wind Symphony II, Clarinet Choir, and an all female a cappella group called Minor Detail, alongside her regular studies. 

Marvin and I have struggled with various health issues this year but are hopeful for renewed health in 2016.  Truly, our blessings far outweigh any small complaints.  Life is good.  We are thankful for the people in our lives who laugh with us, encourage us, walk beside us, and point us to the Giver of all Grace. 

We are thankful for each and every one of you.  We appreciate hearing from you and hope to have the opportunity to spend time together in 2016.  May you be blessed with grace and peace in the coming year. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!   

     Marvin, Laura, Jackson, Brianna, and Jonathan

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever…”  Psalm 136:1

The Grand Tetons

Brianna, Jackson, Laura, Marvin, and Jonathan at the Grand Tetons

Beautiful overlook at the Grand Tetons

Laura, Jackson, Brianna, Jackson, and Jonathan at Jenny Lake/Grand Tetons

Grandkids at Artists Point in Yellowstone
Matthew, Anna, Hannah, Rojina, Jackson, Susanna, Stephen, Rachel, Brianna, Jonathan

The blessing of family at Easter
Combined members of our family with the M. and B. families.

Daddy's (3rd!) retirement reception

Jonathan, Marvin, Laura, Brianna, Jackson, Mama, Daddy - July 18, 2015

They Do!  :D  

Jackson and Brianna 

Wonderful group of folks at the Missouri State Fair - August 2015

Mama and Daddy at the Missouri State Fair 

A boy with his horse and his dog.  Life is good.  :)
Marley, Jonathan, and Governor out for an afternoon stroll.