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

Merry Christmas 2020!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, loved ones!

Attending Hamilton with Dad, Michael,
Mom, Bentley and Seth

(to be updated when he comes home!)

Andrew continues his studies at BYU in biochemistry. He worked overthe summer for Michigan Sugar. We are excited to spend Christmas break with him - his brothers have missed him! Andrew makes us all laugh daily with his meme posts in the family chat - and then he educates most of us as he explains the chemistry ones. He has a real gift for teaching others, and his sense of humor is the best!

When Chandler visited in the spring,
we got to celebrate his and Clayton's
birthdays together

(to be updated when he comes home!)

Chandler is also at BYU, and has settled on a Mechanical Engineering
degree. After finals, Chandler will take  a quick visit to Anaheim and then he’ll also be coming home for Christmas; we’re so excited to have the whole family together again for a week or two. He has been working as a Physics TA this semester and really enjoys it. He’s been asked by 4 different professors to TA a class (math and physics). He is a great teacher and we love seeing him use this gift of knowledge to help others too.

Pizza, cake and a movie? A perfect
combination for a birthday party!

Jordan worked at McDonald’s in Idaho at the beginning of this year, but came home from BYU-Idaho during the Covid shutdown in the Spring and took up his old job at Greater Michigan Oral Surgeons. He helps clean instruments and also works the front desk some days. It keeps him busy! He is considering a career in dental hygiene or something in the dental field. In the meantime, he’s enjoying earning money and continuing on his road of independence. His brothers have sure enjoyed having him around (he lives in the basement) - every time he walks in the door they’re asking him to play with them or teach them something. He’s such a kind loving brother.

Golfing with Mike, Bentley & Mom

Seth (16, junior) is taking a couple AP classes, and continues to play the cello in orchestra (as much as that can be a reality these days!). He is really shining on the piano - he’s close to conquering Moonlight Sonata - all 3 movements! He’s got a Youtube channel in the works that will be published any day now.  He also has a few music students (cello and piano). He continues to have 100% attendance at seminary. He also did the tennis team again in the fall. Seth is very self-driven and diligent, and at the same time optimistic and funny. He inspires everyone around him!

Homemade pizza using our garden
tomatoes to make the sauce!

Michael (14, freshman) has had an interesting, to say the least,
introduction to high school, with all the virtual, half and half in-person and virtual, and then back to all virtual learning. He’s taking a drawing class and discovering some hidden talents there, is doing well in his honors coursework, and is also in early morning seminary for the first time this year. He joined the tennis team with Seth and had a great time. He also is in orchestra, but boy it will be nice when things get more normal - that’s pretty tough to do over zoom. Michael also loves to cook and improves his culinary skills daily! Michael is still our funny man. He’s quick on his feet with his jokes, but also with his problem-solving skills! I can depend on him to fix things around here with his 3D print design skills.

The huge catfish Bentley caught
before releasing it back.

Bentley (10, 5th grade) is very responsible and self driven. He attends
all of his virtual classes (there was a blessed 3 week period where he got to attend every day!) and does all of his homework without any problem. He puts forth his best efforts and has a great attitude considering all the circumstances. He is progressing quite well on the piano this year, and is beginning to branch out into more “fun” music. He is also following his brother Seth’s example and tries to eat healthier, plus he is working on running a faster mile. Bentley still amazes me with his insights and questions - he doesn’t takes blanket statements or explanations for granted; he wants to know, “but why, but how?” until it really makes sense to him.

String art! One of many covid projects

Clayton (6, 1st grade) is such a fast learner! The first few days of at-home learning Mom thought she would have to sit by his side all day. He wanted to do as much as he could on his own, and now he’s an expert! He’ll call her in for help spelling a few words here and there, but he’s mostly independent. He is my best worker, and fights to set his alarm as early as possible each morning so he can get all his jobs done before school. He has consistently done all his jobs every day since school has started! He has also started playing the piano this year and has a great sense of rhythm. His tender heart is such a blessing to our family. Recently, he served his brother Seth by doing all his Friday jobs and kept telling mom over and over how good he felt inside. What a great example he sets.

Joseph baking and frosting a cake

Joseph (3 ½) has amazing observational and experimental skills. You have to be real careful what you do in front of him, or in the next moment, he’ll be doing the very same thing, confident that he is just as capable (he loves to work the apple corer/spiralizer, peel carrots, cook and butter toast and bagels, and so on). He’s also decided he can go on runs just like Seth, and I can barely keep up with him as he runs down to the end of the street and back. The sweet phrases he says each day touch our heart: “I need you Mommy!” “I love my Mommy.” and “Okay!” even in response to something he might not want to do. He brings us such joy!

Greg presenting about creating patents at an
Optum conference in India. He arrived home
from this trip on March 13th, the day that
everything started shutting down.

Golfing with friends for our anniversary -
one of our few dates this year that wasn't
takeout and a movie at home!

Greg and Sherie are still the early morning seminary teachers. We currently teach over Zoom, as we have been since the Spring. That was a big adjustment, and not our favorite, but there are some things we’ve learned to love about it. We’re most grateful for the great spiritual start it gives for us each day, and the consistency it’s provided in our upending lives. Greg continues to work for Optum (the technical division of United Health Group), building up their patent culture and adding to his own patent portfolio. 

Fun at the beach at Lake Michigan

Our family outings this summer were both camping ones. We enjoyed camping on Lake Michigan in July, and on Higgins Lake in August. Both were with good friends and left us with such great memories. Early in the year the older ones enjoyed going to see Hamilton in Grand Rapids, and the Blue Man Group in Midland. It’s been an interesting year. Not easy, but, as we’ve counted our blessings, we have found ourselves happy and optimistic.

We are most grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and for the blessing that God sent His only begotten Son. We are grateful to focus on this gift during this season of Christmas. We pray you will feel the love of our Savior and Heavenly Father during this time. We love you all!

Love,

Greg, Sherie, Andrew, Chandler, Jordan, Seth, Michael, Bentley, Clayton and Joseph