Merry Christmas, our dear friends and family! We send our love and greetings to all near and far. 2017 has been an amazing and full year!
In April, we welcomed our eighth son in the world! Joseph Nathan Boss was born on April 13th, early in the morning, just hours after his Grandma Skousen arrived from Utah to be there with Mommy and baby in those memorable first couple of weeks. He has been a truly joyful baby to have around. Many of us have declared him to be the “perfect baby,” and only a few times has Sherie had to threaten to take that card away - he really has such a happy disposition, a beautiful face that all who meet him comment on, and a smile that draws in everyone around him. He has just found his voice, and delights us all with his “ya-ya’s” and “da-da’s.”
Clayton (3 ½) is a wonderful older brother. He loves having Joseph as his roommate, and is a great helper for Mom during the day. He has improved dramatically in his speech and can now be understood 90% of the time, which is a great improvement from earlier in the year, when it was more like 30%. He is into Star Wars, airplanes, and Octonauts. He has a giggle that is easy to find and
Bentley (7 ½) is a bright, organized and funny 2nd grader. He loves to be silly, but he has a serious side too. He asks phenomenal questions that stump his mom on a regular basis. He loves playing Star Wars on the piano, playing with his cousin Logan who just moved nearby, having playdates, playing in the snow, playing on the beach, playing in the water, and, yes, also playing video games. He is currently playing basketball and has also enjoyed being a part of running club. We’ll see if soccer makes a comeback next year.
Michael (11) is in middle school now! He continues to be our out-of-the-box thinker and is always creating new things, coming up with great ideas, and being our funny man. He is a great babysitter already, and does a great job entertaining Joseph as well. Michael continues to excel in math, science, minecraft, starcraft, and designing things for the 3D printer. He has started learning the cello, and plays in the school orchestra. He is also in VEX Robotics with his brother Seth at school.
Seth (13 ½) is in his last year at middle school, and is a straight A student - his work is always well done, on time, and impressive. He particularly enjoys math. He serves as Deacon Quorum President and has shown some great leadership qualities in this role. He also continues to play the cello, but misses the piano and has been caught playing on it as well - I think it’s making a comeback. Seth ran for cross country again - this year he earned the Coach’s Award at the end of season awards night. Coach told the story of Seth running ¼ mile sprints for a total of 5 miles, and towards the end of those sprints he wasn’t even getting a break, but he wouldn’t give up! He is a hard worker, full of optimism, does his best on everything he tries, and is a great example for all around him.
Jordan (16) is our oldest at home right now and is driving! He is a great help with his baby brothers, and it’s great to have an errand runner again - okay, Mom was only without one for a couple months, but it was rough! Jordan happily ran 6 errands for her the weekend he got his license. Jordan is a performer and continues to amaze us with each new thing he decides to take on. This year he was in the school play (Grease), playing several parts, and we learned he is a great dancer and singer! He has also decided to pick up the viola, and is learning that while he still continues to play the cello for the orchestras at school (he is playing in both the Concert and Philharmonic this year). He continues to amaze with his piano skills and we love hearing him play. Jordan is still getting great grades, despite also taking a couple AP classes, attending early morning seminary, and serving as 2nd Priest Quorum Assistant.
Chandler (18 ½) had a lot happen for him this year! He graduated from high school and seminary in June. He went on youth conference and high adventure and the next month left to serve a 2-year mission for our church! He is serving in the California Anaheim mission and is really thriving. His last transfer was an assignment to train a new Elder and serve as district leader. His letters are always full of such optimism and excitement. We are always so excited to hear from him. (If you would like to receive his emails, just let Sherie know)
Andrew (almost 21) is in the latter part of his 2-year mission! He will come home next May, and I think all involved would say that the time has just flown. He recently had a baptism that he was in charge of planning the entire program, which felt somewhat intimidating. After the baptism, the woman threw her hands up in the air and called out “Hallelujah!” Andrew is always sending such spiritual and inspiring letters - we are so moved by his emails (you can also get his emails as well if you are interested). It will be exciting to have him come home and meet his brother Joseph for the first time!
Sherie is overwhelmed by the wonderful blessings surrounding her, sometimes disguised as chaos and noise. It is the busiest she has ever felt, but the joy is also unrivaled. She was called as YW President in June, and that has been a humbling and also exciting calling (those girls she’s been praying for all these years….here they are!) Christmas Day is going to be amazing - she can’t wait to talk to both of her missionaries on Hangouts!
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| In front of the Idaho Falls temple |
Greg is still with IBM, and continues to create patents like there’s no tomorrow. It’s amazing that there are still ideas to be found, but Greg is finding them! He now has over 600 patents, ranking him at 70th among all inventors, historical and living. He got a 3D printer this year, and the kids and him have had fun fixing things around the house, printing toys, and designing things just for fun. Chandler especially really shined as he had taken an Engineering CAD class at school and was already familiar with the software. Greg was released from Stake YM President after serving for 5 years, and is now enjoying being the Primary teacher to the 8 year olds. He does a fantastic job at every calling he has. He continues to be the amazing father and husband he always has been.
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| Solar Eclipse time! |
The family has had some great family trips this year. Over the summer we took a trip to Utah, and also travelled to Idaho Falls for the solar eclipse! Being with our Skousen side of the family for a couple weeks was a lot of fun. Jordan also got to attend EFY in Provo, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Most recently, we did a first - a cruise with the kids (well, the ones that are home!). Yes, kind of crazy to take a baby and preschooler along with all the others, but it was a fun and memorable trip! We sure wish our oldest ones could have been with us, but we’ll be making up for it when they’re back (maybe a cruise with just them - then it will be a real vacation for Mom too, haha!). We went with our good friends, the Deibels to the Western Caribbean (Belize, Honduras and Cozumel). The kids enjoyed cave tubing, ziplining, snorkeling, and beach time with Dad, and Mom did some of those with the little ones, along with ship time and relaxation.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year for 2018!
Love,
The Greg and Sherie Boss Family
Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler, Jordan, Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton and Joseph!
