Sallings Christmas Letter 2015

 

Dear Friends and Family,

Our relationships with each of you are a big part of what warms our hearts this time of year. We love the traditions of Christmas and are enormously grateful for the peace we have found in the gifts of the Savior Jesus Christ. This year has been a "growing" one for us. It's fun to reflect on it and wonder what we'll be telling you a year from now. We hope this letter finds you working and playing with joy.

We spent this year again in Denton, Texas while Patrick works toward a Ph.D. in music theory at University of North Texas. In the hot, dry climate here, we swam at the water park a lot, checked out the Dallas Zoo and Aquarium, strengthened friendships, and studied medieval and early modern history. We've loved having a temple so close to us too! It's been delightful when several family and friends visited. This year Patrick and Juli have been able to nurture their love of live music, attending concerts of And So I Watch You from Afar, Teseschi Trucks Band, and TesseracT. We've loved our proximity to downtown Denton and ride our bikes there often to "run around" on the courthouse lawn.

Patrick finished his most intense semester of doctoral studies yet, picked up some German skills, taught guitar lessons, and played in a variety band and a few jazz projects for fun. He recently learned to play the lute and performed in the Baroque orchestra on campus. He's a positive and hardworking guy that makes every day better.

Juli began teaching small Spanish classes again, baked specialty breads, oversaw the kids' learning endeavors, co-piloted homeschool park day, and connected with several cousins through family history research. She rearranged the furniture but refrained from rearranging the plants. Some of her favorite things are the breeze in her kitchen window, seeing the kids grow, and eating yummy food.

Josie, 9, expanded her circle of friends, started being a pen pal, and learned cursive. She dabbled in flute lessons when she wasn't imagining and enacting elaborate scenarios based on historical events. Activity Days at church has been a fun way for her to work on personal development. Her insatiable appetite for reading is evident in her vocabulary. She is responsible and helpful, and we think she's growing into a lovely young lady.

Simon, 7, is meticulous and a good problem-solver. He continued drumming in private lessons and in band, figured out how to cook and prepare foods, and looks forward to joining Cub Scouts and being baptized in a couple months.

Kyle, 5, has counted to three hundred and appreciates quiet time. He is inquisitive and good at moth removal and turning a screwdriver counter clockwise. This year he enthusiastically began learning bass guitar and even performed this Christmas.

Taylor's wit at 4 is evident in his hilarious wordplay, and we are impressed with his interest in letters, words, and counting.  At bedtime, he would rather be lying on the couch eating pecans or apples. Although Mom is his favorite person, he is good at getting jobs done with Dad.

It's been a great year. We wish you all a Merry Christmas!

With Love,

The Sallings Family
Patrick & Juli, Josie, Simon, Kyle, and Taylor