Merry Christmas 2024!

 Merry Christmas loved ones, near and far! A brief synopsis of what’s going on in our family:

Andrew continues to live at home as he works through his medical struggles. He is still managing to do some schooling virtually and is in the process of transferring to Arizona State where he will have more options to complete his classes and degree virtually. We’re excited for him! He is a big help with his younger brothers and we love having him around!

Chandler and Rachel (and James, almost 2, and Livvy, 1) have just moved into their own home, just 5 minutes away! We love having them close by, in the ward, and making visits here as often as possible. Chandler graduated in April in Mechanical Engineering and is working for StageRight as an engineer and programmer. Rachel does graphic design and marketing for Shauna Edwards in the little spare time that she has while kids are sleeping. They both serve in the Primary in our ward. We are so glad to have them so close!

Jordan is also living with us for a while, and we love having him around! He continues to cut hair at Great Clips, and at our house too when we can schedule it! He continues to develop his musical skills on the piano and is always so willing to help us out in a pinch, with giving rides, babysitting, and making his brother’s day with something fun.

Seth completed his mission in the Arizona Flagstaff mission this past summer and returned home in July!. He is in the full swing of moving onto the next steps of life: dating, earning money, continuing to get fit, and going to school (BYU-Idaho) - probably in that order of priority! He is studying Web Development Design, and minoring in Piano Pedagogy. His piano skills are amazing! We loved having him around this summer - his entrepreneurial spirit was contagious as he and his brothers started a car washing business together.

Michael has just returned from his first semester at BYU-Idaho, and we are anxiously awaiting his mission call that should arrive any day! He will leave sometime after mid-January and we can’t wait to see where he’s going. Like Seth, Michael ended his first college semester with perfect grades. He loves to cook and game with friends in his spare time. Oh, and date, too! We’re excited to enjoy his culinary skills until he takes off for two years!

Bentley is acing his first year of high school. He is getting A’s in all his classes (honors too!) and continues to play the cello in a local orchestra (Cedar Haven Orchestra). He’s learning virtually at home and uses his spare time to continue his piano skills, work on e-sports skills, and come up with silly ways to make his family laugh. We are so proud of all the best efforts that Bentley puts in all on his own. He’s getting up every morning and leaving by 5:40 all by himself to get to early morning seminary. We can’t wait to see what this young man becomes!

Clayton is in his last year of elementary school and is a stellar student. His work is always neat and he has an artistic penchant as well. Like his brothers before him, he’s very bright and talented in the STEM areas. He is also moving along on the piano with great skill and we love to hear him play. Clayton is a great uncle to his nephew and niece and both of them have a special smile just for their Uncle Clayton. Clayton unfortunately had a pretty bad arm fracture near the end of the summer that has required some surgeries, but we are glad to be at the end of that and grateful it is healing well.

Joseph is our entertainer and kind-hearted outgoing boy. He is unafraid to talk to anyone, and though Mom’s heart skips a beat when he goes to say something, her mind is almost always put at ease by the kind and good words that come forth. Earlier this year, he was asking why he wasn’t able to give talks in church like his older brothers. I explained that he had to be 12 years old; he thought that was totally unfair! But when I told him that he could share his testimony on any fast Sunday, well…he has taken to that. He bears his testimony every fast Sunday and let me tell you - that is anxiety for this mom. She never knows what he’s going to say till he says it! But it has always been either very sweet, or quite entertaining!

Sherie continues to enjoy holding down the fort at home - doing chess club at
the school, teaching piano and cello lessons, and serving at church as 1st counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. This has been a tough year in many ways, and she has only felt closer to her Savior Jesus Christ through all of it.

Greg continues to serve in the Stake Presidency. His position at Optum was dissolved earlier this year, and he is still searching for employment. The Lord has blessed us abundantly through this trial, and it is so true that we feel closer to our Savior when we are going through trials. We also feel our marriage has been strengthened as we have walked together through this unknown path. 

Our younger children went with us on a cruise earlier in the year before Greg’s job loss. I’m grateful we were able to make those memories together! We didn’t have any other travel as a family other than that. But our family enjoyed all living under the same roof for a couple of months this summer! It was actually the first time this has ever happened for us (Joseph was born after the older ones were already leaving home). Chandler and Rachel and their little ones were living with us till they found a home, Seth came home from his mission, and Jordan came back home. Let me tell you, those weeks were the best stay-cation we’ve ever had! So many laughs and good memories together. 

We love you all so much, and want to share with you the love we have for our Savior, Jesus Christ. He is not only the reason for this season, He is the always the reason for joy, hope, and peace!

Love,

Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler (and Rachel, James, Livvy), Jordan,

Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton and Joseph

Merry Christmas 2023!

Hello dear friends and family! A little update on the goings-on in our family.

Andrew has been at home with us the past several months. He has experienced some health struggles but we see improvement each week and are proud of the progress he makes each day. He’s a big help around the house, tutoring Joseph and teaching his other brothers as well. It’s been great having his contagious laugh around the house again!

Chandler and Rachel are living at Wyview in Provo. Chandler is in his last year of mechanical engineering at BYU. We again enjoyed having them live with us over the summer as Chandler had an internship at Nexteer. They announced their second pregnancy shortly after their arrival to Michigan, and Sherie and Rachel had the time of their lives planning a fun gender reveal party while they were here! The drop of pink balloons and confetti was welcomed with shouts of joy and applause! This first Boss girl was born into the world on December 7th. Olivia Rachel was born weighing 7 lbs 9 oz. and is just a beautiful sweet piece of heaven. James is a great older brother already and adjusting well. 

Jordan continues working at Great Clips, and also gives some of the family haircuts from time to time! He is Clayton’s piano teacher and shows a lot of patience as he teaches him. We are so proud of all that Jordan has accomplished so far in his life! He is doing this adult thing pretty darn well. Each time he and Donny visit, the house erupts with joyful glee. He is always so good at playing with his younger brothers and developing meaningful relationships with each one.

Seth (Elder Boss) is in his second year of his mission in the Arizona Flagstaff mission. He’s currently serving as Zone leader and has been in Cottonwood since August. He is often so busy that we don’t have time for a call each week, but we always at least get to have a nice chat over text. He’s had a lot of musical opportunities as a missionary. One tender mercy is that a member had an extra cello she was willing to lend out to him so he could play some musical arrangements. He also used his musical arranging skills to arrange a musical number with piano, cello and a full choir for zone conference. We’re looking forward to talking to him both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Michael is in his Senior year and close to finishing high school for good! He is planning to graduate midyear, and work till he goes to BYU (Provo or Idaho, undecided at the moment) next fall. He continues to develop his piano skills, and even has picked the cello back up from time to time. Mike participated in Ultimate Frisbee again this year; his team won state! He has also continued to advance his skills and physical prowess through Kung Fu and also loves to run, and play golf, basketball and volleyball. Michael continues to amaze us with his mind - he makes amazing connections and conversations with him are always extraordinarily stimulating. His quick wit is unmatched! Michael currently serves on the Stake Youth Committee and as a Priests Quorum Assistant.

Bentley is in 8th grade and rocking the middle school life. He has participated in cross country and just finished the swim season. He surpassed all of his previous best times quite significantly in both sports! Over the summer he also took golf and tennis lessons. I think he would have a hard time picking his favorite sport - he seems to love them all! Despite the busy-ness from sports practices, he continues to maintain straight A’s. He takes his church responsibilities seriously too as he serves as Deacon’s Quorum secretary, creating agendas, teaching lessons and keeping the quorum’s schedule updated. He continues to astound us with his bright mind.

Clayton is in 4th grade and doing very well. His work is always neat and he continues to excel in math and science. The reading bug has bit, and Clayton may never recover! He is always found with a book in hand, and his nightstand is stacked high with books. This is a good time to mention that we got a new puppy this year named Lexi, a sweet cavapoo. The giggles that dog brings out of Clayton are unforgettable! Clayton is definitely her second favorite (Dad, once again, holds top spot for the dog’s favorite). We still have Ellie too, but she is showing her age at 15+ years. Clayton continues to love to swim, takes Kung Fu, took golf and tennis lessons over the summer and has continued with tennis lessons during the school year. He loves both golf and tennis equally!

Joseph is in Kindergarten and is an entertaining ball of energy. He struggles with staying on task and sitting still, but is a bright and happy boy. His reading skills improve daily and like his brothers, he loves math. He makes us laugh daily, and is also kindhearted and giving. One of his favorite pastimes is doing science experiments, which he likes to do “all by himself” as much as possible (!). Joseph loved taking tennis lessons this summer, doing kung fu, and is interested in starting some gymnastics classes in the new year. He continues to LOVE swimming and summertime is full of favorite outdoor activities, beachtime, outdoor fun and camping. He is still obsessed with Mario and will get lost in screens if left to it, but he’s always up for new adventures.

Sherie’s highlight of the year was spending 10 days helping Chandler and Rachel with baby Olivia and James in Provo. Being a grandma is glorious. She continues to serve as Relief Society secretary, and also runs chess clubs at the elementary school. She enjoys every musical opportunity that comes her way - Lamb of God in the early part of the year, accompanying the ward choir and many other musical things, and playing the cello in musical numbers at church. She also teaches cello, and tries to teach her children piano (but passes that on to Jordan for most of them - he has more patience with them!).

Greg continues to work for Optum (a division of United Health Group) as Chief Architect for Strategic Platform. This spring he was called to 2nd counselor in the Stake Presidency. Thursday evenings and much of Sundays are spent in that service, but he loves people and loves his calling. He still finds time to fix everything around the house and be an amazing dad and husband.

Most of our vacations this year were shorter and close to home. The family spent a few days in Traverse City at Great Wolf Lodge in the spring. In May, we traveled to Ohio for the Columbus temple open house. While in the area, we picked up a cavapoo puppy that is now part of the family - Lexi fits in just perfect. We went to Cedar Point a couple of times this year. Greg and Sherie spent a week in Utah over the summer celebrating an early surprise 80th birthday for Sherie’ mom. The family also enjoyed a week long vacation in the Upper Peninsula, where we camped on Lake Superior. 

We send our love to each of you this blessed Christmas season!

Love,

Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler (& Rachel, James & Olivia). Jordan, Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton & Joseph

Merry Christmas 2022!

Hello Friends and Family! We send our love to all near and far! Hope you enjoy this update on our happenings:

Andrew continues his studies at BYU for biochemistry. We enjoyed having him home for a couple of weeks over the summer and are again looking forward to spending Christmas break together. We are proud of Andrew’s determination to work through some tremendous difficulties thrown his way.

Chandler and Rachel have made us grandparents! James arrived on January 27 this year and he is a delight! We were so grateful that Chandler had an internship over the summer at Nexteer here in Michigan. We got to enjoy James every day! Chandler and Rachel continue their studies at BYU. It is amazing how much they are juggling and manage to still do!

Jordan has graduated from cosmetology school and is currently employed at Great Clips. He and his partner, Donovan Duran live just a few minutes away and we enjoy seeing them most weekends. Jordan also teaches piano to Clayton (and Bentley and Joseph in the future!) and it’s always a thrill when he comes over for piano or any other reason. We are so proud of all the good things Jordan is doing; it is always the highlight of the day when he comes to visit.

Seth (18) , aka Elder Boss, is on his mission! He is serving in the Arizona Scottsdale mission, and is currently in Cibecue. It is his first and only area so far, and he loves it. It’s a Navajo Indian Reservation, and he has said he wouldn’t mind staying there for his whole mission. A ward member has crafted a bolo tie for him, and he has spent a couple of P-days making his own knife. His love of the scriptures and the gospel has already increased so much, and we look forward to catching up with him every Monday.

Michael (16)  is our oldest at home now! He is a junior and does his studies virtually through Michigan International Prep School. He is now a licensed driver, and happens to actually also be a great driver! He gets himself up at 5:30 every morning to get to early morning seminary at the church. Michael is an excellent student, doing well in his AP and honors classes, and has a unique blend of creativity and intelligence that will serve him well in his future endeavors. Michael has been making great progress on the piano, and is currently a green belt in Kung Fu. He is serving as 2nd assistant in the Priest Quorum.

Benltey (12) continues to rock the middle school years. He has just finished swim season, and did cross country before that. He is still getting straight A’s, as well as playing cello, and a bit of piano on the side. He is an orange belt in Kung Fu. Bentley’s hardest thing in life will be picking just one thing to pursue - he is so good at so many things. Bentley is a Deacon now and faithfully passes the sacrament almost every week. Bentley’s natural curiosity and intellectual depth blows us away almost every day. He questions just about everything, in good ways and other ways too, because he really wants to know! (This can be a challenge for tired parents - “just because” does not cut it with this kid!)

Clayton (8) is in 3rd grade and is a top student. His teacher says he not only performs very well in all subjects but that he sets a good example of respectful and kind behavior. Clayton was baptized in March this year by his dad, on the same day as his best friend cousin Brayden. He plays the piano (with brother Jordan as his teacher) and is into Pokemon and Minecraft. He is a yellow belt in Kung Fu and is developing good discipline and work skills. Clayton is kindhearted and a hard worker. He gets going on his daily chores without reminders, and is eager to be “passed off” as quickly as possible!

Joseph (5) continues to be our delightful caboose! He brings such joy and laughter to the home. He has a most creative mind, and he recovers from any bump or bruise in the time it takes to “kiss it better” or be distracted by the next good thing happening. This happy-go-lucky attitude has its challenges - he’s always looking at the next good thing, and schoolwork is not that exciting for him. He’s challenging his parents in this area, and we are looking for ways to engage him on his level and in his learning style. He is in Kindergarten and loves going every day. We adore the energy he brings to our home, and he makes us laugh every day!

Sherie and Greg finished their four-year stint as early morning seminary teachers this last spring. They still call it the best calling in the church….but they are enjoying the extra hour+ of sleep each morning! Sherie is now serving as Relief Society Secretary and ward choir accompanist, and Greg is serving on the stake high council. They enjoyed going on a couples cruise at the end of January, just after James was born. When they returned, Sherie went to Utah to “help” Chandler and Rachel (it was really just an excuse to snuggle her new grandson as much as possible!). This past spring, Greg’s job at UHG was dissolved so he was in search of a new one. He was hired within UHG in the OptumRx CTO Office, as Chief Architect for Strategic Platform. We are feeling blessed by the Lord that he was so quickly able to find a new job. 

This summer our vacations were mostly day trips, as we didn’t want to travel far and abroad with our new little grandson around! We spent a day at the Henry Ford Museum (Greenfield Village). Another fun-filled day was at Mackinaw Island. We also took a couple of trips to Cedar Point in the late summer and fall. This was the first summer in a long time that we didn’t do a long camping trip, so next summer we’ll have to make up for it!

We send you our love, and at this most beautiful season of the year, share with you our love for the Savior Jesus Christ and all that He has given to us. It is because of Him that we rejoice!

With Love,

Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler (Rachel & James), Jordan, Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton & Joseph!

Back row: Bentley, Rachel, Chandler holding James, Andrew, Jordan and Donovan
Front row: Michael, Greg, Joseph, Sherie, Seth and Clayton

Merry Christmas 2021!

A quick update on this past year:

Andrew continues to study biochemistry at BYU along with working part-time. We are enjoying spending Christmas break together!

Chandler has brought us our first daughter (-in-law)!! He and Rachel Linford were married April 20th of this year. Chandler continues his studies in Mechanical engineering, and Rachel is in electrical engineering. We are so excited to welcome our first grandson, their first son, in February!

Jordan has started cosmetology school, and is acing his exams! He’s just begun cutting on the floor and we’re all lining up to be his practice subjects. 

Seth is graduating early from high school in January, and has been working at Frankenmuth Credit Union since the beginning of the summer. He continues to excel on the piano as well as video editing and other computer hobbies. He’s preparing to begin his 2-year mission next summer. 

Michael (along with Seth) has been doing virtual school this year and is doing well with managing his time and working on his piano skills. Michael amazes us with his quick wit and natural performance skills. 

Bentley is rocking the middle school years! He’s managed to keep straight A’s in his classes while also participating in cross country and boys swim team this year. He also started kung fu with Seth and Michael this year. 

Clayton loves second grade and loves building legos, soccer, piano, and tennis. He is a loving brother to Joseph, faithfully “watching” him every day after school for 30 minutes. He is Ellie’s favorite right now (our elderly pet dog who has gone completely deaf). I think he will be the most affected when she leaves our family. 

Joseph was excited to join his brothers in the world of schooling by starting preschool this year. He’s very interested in the agenda for each day, and ends each day by asking what is planned for the next day. He steals the show wherever he goes, and we all adore him! 

Greg and Sherie continue as seminary teachers each weekday morning from 5:50 - 6:50 in our basement. We love the youth that faithfully attend each day! Greg continues his patent work with Optum (a division of UHG), and Sherie still wonders what free time feels like. 

Our family travels/vacations this year included going to Utah for Chandler and Rachel’s wedding, a trip to Mackinaw Island over the summer, a camping trip at Higgins Lake, and a family cruise that was planned, but never happened (durn you COVID!) but we hope will come to pass very soon. We love you all, and share with you our love for Jesus Christ, who gave His life that we might have joy in this life and the next! We thank God for all of our blessings, which includes the love and friendship of all of you! 

Love, 

Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler (& Rachel!), Jordan, Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton, and Joseph