So I had to record our Christmas letter update on our blog....
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011
Mike: Continues to save lives on a daily basis. ...One of my friends recently told me that she wondered if Mike were to take off his shirt there would be a superman costume underneath. Quite a compliment and I have to agree.
Marie: I finished updating my nursing license this year....yeah! Managing the Bateman household (even though it is shrinking!) still keeps me hopping-- also, volunteer work at church and school, walking with friends, reading, and writing weekly to two wonderful missionary children. It has been a great blessing during the past year for our family to receive missionary updates each week from Elder and Sister Bateman.
Bethany and Sean: Bethany graduated with honors from the BYU nursing program and has nearly completed a year at her first nursing job. They are excited for their next adventure and will move to Columbus OH in early 2012 for Optometry school. Goodbye Happy Valley and Wymount Terrace...Go Buckeyes!
Emily: Loving her mission on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. She has made friends with people from all over the world. She also has spent the past 3 months as a missionary in Athens Georgia, even became a true Bulldog fan. Home from mission on February 1st! Emily says “I am learning so many things about myself and about the world through serving a mission. I am so grateful to be here. The Lord is giving me insight and understanding about His ways as I try to do what He did, which is "preach the gospel." I'm trying to be like Jesus- I'm trying!”
Christian: After one year at BYU he left last June for his mission in Mozambique. He is experiencing 120 degree heat, eating crocodile meat, seeing monkeys, hippos and wild dogs on a daily basis: it’s all just part of his regular life in Africa now. Recent letter: “My heart is growing bigger and bigger each day. My capacity to love and my want to love all those around me is being multiplied because of the way I am keeping the commandments and trying to be a representative of Jesus Christ. I love my mission and I love all of you and the support you give me. Happy Holidays everyone! ”
Katie (16): Surviving heavy academic year at Curtis HS...successful swimmer and water polo player...loves piano and Acappella choir. Dating and driving have brought many new adventures and excitements. Completed her first sprint triathlon last summer and had a blast.
Hannah (12): Nurturing babysitter and lover of all babies and children...piano and cello and soccer....reading more than all of her siblings combined (and that’s saying ALOT!) Begs me routinely to take her to the public library where she is in her heavenly place.
Preston (7): Social little guy who loves to play with cousins and friends each day. His life revolves around football, soccer, basketball and baseball. A lot like his dad, he is curious and inquisitive, his mind constantly dreaming and scheming. Recently said to one of his favorite people, Cera Edgley...”I just love Christmas because it is when all of my dreams come true!” Hmmm, we’ll see.
We are so thankful for YOU!--all our wonderful family and friends. Merry Christmas to all and peace in the coming year..Love, The Bateman Family
