Wow 2020 has been a doozy hasn’t it?!
I can say in these crazy times we feel we’ve been blessed. We still have a home, jobs, and food to eat. Sadly this year not everyone can say that. Our hearts are hurting for so many that are struggling with finances or health (including mental health that is so often forgotten) We gained a beautiful daughter in law this year and our missionary came home. We were both able to work remotely and have enjoyed the family time together so much. All of the kids are getting bigger so we know this covid year is an extra bonus year we probably wouldn't have gotten with all of them at home. Thankful for the small things we can still have this year. We did a lot of covid traveling - road trips. Arizona, Oregon, California and Utah. We did lots of hiking and just enjoyed time together away from crowds and people. It was actually pretty awesome!.
Ryan is still working in IT and still the hottest husband ever. This last year he switched to SalesForce. He finally found a place he enjoys as much as he enjoyed the Gates Foundation. His team seems to be a group of awesome people- I see them on the screen on and off all day. He is still the Stake Clerk for church so this meant the whole going digital was quite the feat to accomplish in all of the buildings. But after many late nights it was a go and has been pretty good. I’ve been encouraging him to have more hobbies since the kids are all moving on in life (computer/electronics could not count). So we bought electric bikes and have had a lot of fun with them. Our max together is 25 miles. He even biked in to work a few times a week- precovid. Now he doesn’t even have to put pants on to get to work.
Niki- I’m still with Arlington School District. Last year I transitioned from being a nurse to becoming the medical sciences teacher. I teach Human Body Systems and Sports Medicine to 160 kids. And I love it! Way more than I ever thought possible. If you ask me what I like better- being a nurse or a teacher- it's like asking which kid I love most. They’re both equally amazing. I love every minute of it. Even if it’s ZOOM classes. Still such a blessing that I can teach them and love them. A HUGE plus is - because I am so lab based I get to have small groups come in on Friday for labs. This year we’ve done brain dissections, and sports med taping. It's been so fun to see them in person and even more fun to see them light up around each other. I am also still teaching early morning seminary. I absolutely LOVE starting my morning off with 30 freshmen and teaching all about Christ. Is there a better way to start the day? My high school kids ask me how I can be so happy. I tell them seminary and getting to be with them is a pretty awesome day!
Chase- our oldest - GOT HITCHED! I feel that with his sweet wife he definitely married up! Madison is an awesome addition to our family. Gotta be honest he was a nervous wreck and without her and her patience it wouldn’t have happened. They are so great for each other. They compliment each other perfectly. I always wanted more daughters and so I am so excited for this addition to our family. Chase and Madison are still at BYU Idaho. Madison is about 3 quarters ahead of Chase. Then the plan is grad school and medical school (DO). So they’ll be in school for a bit longer. But both are hardworking and determined. I love it. They love hiking and camping and doing outdoorsy things. It's been so fun watching them grow and learn together.
They were married on September 7th and then when our temples re-opened (thanks to covid) they were sealed for eternity on November 21st.
Ian - our missionary was serving in Guatemala and his end date was August 24th. Because of COVID all of the US missionaries were sent home March 28th. Anyone with less than 18 months served could go back out. He missed this by 1 month and couldn’t go back out. He was super sad but he made the best of it. He is fluent in spanish and pretty darn good at Portugese and some of the Guatemalan languages. He started working door dash, and at the Nike store to save money for college. He also took EVCC classes in Summer and Fall and is transferring to BYU Idaho next month. His plan is to major in Economics and go on to DC school. He wants to open a franchise of Chiropractic offices. He has also been learning how to day trade and hasn’t done too shabby on his returns. I’m going to let him manage my retirement account too :) So proud of him for making the most out of the lemons that ended his mission early and being so driven.
Jaden- our Senior in high school. Out of all of the kids I feel he has gotten shafted the most with COVID lockdown. He took 5th in state in track as a sophomore and most likely would have taken 1st or 2nd but of course it got cancelled last spring. Then all online school has been awesome. He’s in talks with BYU Utah for track. They had him fill out all of the needed paperwork etc for the track team. As long as he actually gets a season he should be good to go there. He has had lots of other colleges hounding him but he's a Blue Cougar through and through. We’re praying this works out for him and even the possibility of a football and basketball season would be nice too. He is planning on putting his mission papers in here in February to leave this summer. Can’t believe my last baby boy will be leaving on a mission! He is such a good kid, by far my most tender and lovey dovey kid. I hate so much he’s growing up but am so proud of him.
Elle- our caboose and only girl. Did I say girl? She is not a little girl anymore. She has definitely become a young woman. She is active in Soccer and Tennis at the high school but lost out on her tennis season this last spring. Sounded like she was going to make varsity as a freshman but then covid. Dang COVID. She also has an amazing voice and sings in one of the performing choirs for the school. This year they’ve done some pretty awesome ZOOM performances- recording at home and putting them all together. I am constantly amazed at how they do it! She is our little nurturer but has such a little tough side from having brothers. I love it and she and Ryan have the same sense of humor. This isn’t good for me… I'm all alone with them when the boys leave. Also, look out! She got her permit this last August and is driving all over the place. Much more confident than her brothers. Or maybe we just don't care how bad she drives after living through the boys.
We’re praying for all those that are struggling this year and working to try to help. We feel so blessed to have a prophet in our faith that can counsel and give us hope. So we’ll end with something he said this year. “These unique challenges will pass in due time. I remain optimistic for the future. I know the great and marvelous blessings that God has in store for those who love Him and serve Him. I see evidence of His hand in this holy work in so many ways.” So grateful for our Savior and all HE is for us.
Well there you have it. Roskelley family of now 7 wishes you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
