A Reflection On 2022

PAT & KRISTINE:

Trying to put all of a year's growth, challenges, hopes and worries into one place seems a bit daunting.  There were many other experiences (both good and bad) that are not summed up in this blog post, but were nonetheless important and meaningful.  May this glimpse into our lives simply be a means for you to, in essence, sit across the room from us and have a "let's catch up" conversation.  

Kris's mom & stepdad (Earlene and Atle Tessem) left for a mission in Norway in early March.  We made a trip in late February to Utah to wish them well and hear them speak before they headed to Norway.  We are grateful for their example of serving the Lord with all of their hearts.  

                                                   

In early April, we went to see a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.  The Grand Canyon University theatre department did a phenomenal job, and we truly felt this is the best production of this play that we have ever seen.  It was an added bonus timing wise, coming on the heels of  just studying the story of Jospeh in the Old Testament! 

In late April, on a trip to Rexburg, ID, our van threw a rod.  This van hauled kids for years, and was the family transportation to and from many errands, events and vacations.  While we knew the time was coming to trade it out or retire it, we still were sad when it broke down. We definitely miss the space that it gave us! Pat and Sam rented a U-Haul, completed the trip to Idaho, and came home thanks to a rented moving truck.  

We were so grateful for all of the miracles that occurred in this "curveball" experience...the final miles of the van's life were right outside of Kanab, UT, it was the middle of a weekday, so a garage was open, as was the U-Haul rental facility.  The U-Haul staff worked with Pat to get the lowest price, (saving almost $600), and had him drive the U-Haul back home rather than dropping it off in Rexburg.  That saved us the headache of finding a way home for he and Sam.  One of Pat's motto's is "Life is an Adventure".  Indeed it often is.  

In early June, we welcomed our first grandchild into the world!  I was thrilled to be in good enough health to go to Rexburg to help Lily & Nate with the transition to parenthood.  We didn't tell them that Pat & Natalie would be coming at the end of my visit!  

After a full year of working on his own business, Pat decided to transition back into a formal workplace.  He was hired on with Lucid motors in late July, and right before he started his job, we took a whirlwind trip to California.  We made some wonderful memories, even if Nat did get a bit intimidated by the rides at Knott's Berry Farm.

Mid-August, most of the family was able to gather for our grandbaby's baby blessing.  What a joy to have so much of the family gathered.

In November, Pat's brother Keith passed away. We were able to make very quick trip to Utah to say goodbye to him and be with family.  We are grateful for the kind of man Keith was and the example he set to live life with an optimistic outlook.  

STEPHEN & VICTORIA:

It's been a year of transition for Steve & Toria.  A couple of moves, with their last one landing them in Rexburg, Idaho, occupied the beginning of the year for them.  They have a knack for finding fun and good food wherever they go. 

They have found ways to support their friends who have become like a second family to them, and have had blessings come into their lives from that.  They have enjoyed being in close proximity with Nate and Lily (and their nephew Alex) and make the most of their time by having weekly dinners together. 

Both plan on attending BYU-I within this next year.  

EMILY & TYLER JUDKINS:

Emily and Tyler moved to Southern California at the beginning of the year to follow an amazing job opportunity. Tyler was hired right out of college to work at a game audio studio. He’s been able to work on some cool games like League of Legends and Rumbleverse!

Emily has been keeping busy at her own job as a receptionist at at an accounting firm. She also has been volunteering at United Families International and working on a ton of new embroideries for her Etsy Shop and Instagram page @littlethreadofmine. 

They’ve had so many adventures this year and are looking forward to many more to come!

NATHAN & LILY:

This year has been one of navigating adulthood (and all that that entails) for Nathan and Lily.  They have moved (a couple of times!), enrolled in college, had a baby, experienced financial adventures that included vets and mechanics, and come out still smiling at the end of it all.  

Sweet baby Alexander was born on June 9th.  We love having him as part of the family and seeing Nate and Lily parent in loving and gentle ways.  

Nathan is working at BYU-Idaho as a teacher's assistant to a couple of religion professors.  

Lily is juggling free-lance art commissions, taking classes at BYU-I, and being a new mom.  

ELDER THOMAS JOHN:

Thomas continues to serve in the Seattle, Washington mission.  He has been serving there for 22 months, and is looking ahead to what the next phase of his life will entail.  We love being able to talk with him weekly and hear about his adventures and see how his testimony is growing.  

BEKAH & GARRET HUNT: 

Bekah and Garret started the year moving from Utah to Tucson, Arizona.  They're both students at the University of Arizona and are loving their time there.  

Garret worked as a dental assistant and enjoyed his time learning more about his future profession. His spanish has also improved working there!

Bekah worked as a cheer coach for kids in the summer and has moved to an on campus job. She’s loved meeting so many new people and working at so many different jobs. 

The two celebrated their first anniversary in May with a trip to Hawaii! They’re so excited for 2023 and all of the things to come. 

SAMUEL:  

Sam is a senior in high school this year.  The seniors have the option to paint their parking spot, and he did!  Perry the Platypus is now immortalized for the entire year on the pavement of Combs High.  Sam is loving his classes and his friends.  He had the opportunity to attend our stake's Jospeh's Journey to Christ in June, and felt it strengthened his testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored gospel.  

He started working at Wendy's on Labor Day, and is saving money for his upcoming mission. 

Last first day of high school for Sam, and first first day of high school for Isaac.  

ISAAC:  

Isaac spent all of his 8th grade year serving on the student council at Legacy.  He graduated in May, and was emotional about leaving the school he had been at since kindergarten.  

Attending high school has been academically an easy transition for Isaac.  He loves being able to be with his friends, loves learning and loves seminary.  (Let's pray that continues for the next 3 years!!!) 

Isaac also attended Joseph's Journey in June, and was able to have a ton of fun while building his testimony.  Pat went up the last full day and shared pioneer stories with all of the groups that were there.  

NATALIE:

Natalie is in 6th grade this year, and about to enter the youth program at church.  It's been a bit bittersweet to know that my *baby* is no longer going to be a part of Primary (the children's program).  It's exciting to see what is ahead for her as she has new experiences.   

 

We surprised Natalie with a trip to Idaho while her brothers were at Jospeh's Journey.  It included her first airplane ride.  She was the first of the John children to meet her nephew.  

As we look toward 2023, we do so with excitement and hope. May you find many things that both inspire you and bless the world around you on your own journey.  Any time you are near, remember our door (and our hearts) is always open, and we'd love to see you and catch up.  

With love, Kristine, Pat & the John crew