Merry Christmas to all!

December 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time, we had no idea how much things would change in the next few months. It began in June, when Jordan interviewed for a position with Southwest Airlines in Dallas, TX. They are notoriously tough to get a job with; only NASA hires a lower percentage of applicants. We mostly went just to check it out -- nothing ventured, nothing gained. To Jordan’s surprise, he was hired! When we got the final job offer, we had only a few short weeks to make a 1200+ mile move -- argh!

So in mid-August, we put our house up for sale, just in time for the housing market to tank. A very helpful group of men from our ward helped pack our belongings into a moving truck, and we drove off into the sunrise (Texas is east of Utah, after all). After 3 days of driving, our convoy of 2 vehicles and a moving truck, 2 parents, 2 kids, and a dog all arrived more or less safely in Dallas. We quickly found an apartment so that Maaike could start school on time, and attempted settling in. We miss our ward and neighbors, and being in an apartment makes me appreciate so many things about our house. If we could get our home sold in St. George, our settling-in would be much easier -- anyone want to buy a great house in the best neighborhood in St. George?

But it has been an exciting year for each of us. Here is what we’ve been up to:

Boone: So cute! He has really changed in the last few months. He can walk quite well now, and is finally getting hair! He is so happy, and gets into so much trouble! He will walk over to the TV, look at mom or dad, and say “No no no no no!” then go ahead and push the buttons, even though he knows he shouldn’t. He loves the dog, other small children, and his family. He is such a joy, we can’t remember what we did without him!

Maaike: What a busy gal! In St. George, she raised a steer again for a 4-H project, thanks to lots of help from Dad and the Blakes; she was also involved in dance, piano, and activity days. Early in the year, she took an acting class at one of the high schools. She loved it! When we moved to Texas, she started Middle School, and has really adapted well to many changes. She is on Student Council, has made lots of friends, and especially loves Science class. She has grown up; instead of Mom dragging her out of bed, she’s up and showered before Mom drags herself out of bed! Recently, she decided she misses piano lessons and is ready to start again. We’re glad she wants to continue to develop her talents.

Marylynn: In St. George, I did my usual teaching at DSC and helping with PTA and Healthy Utah, and loved it all. One of the highlights of my year was my 20th high school reunion. It was so much fun, I wish we had it every year! Since our move, most of my activities have centered around home and church, although I did meet one of my DSC students the first week we were here; it is a very small world! I am enjoying some of the great museum exhibits here and extra time with Jordan, as his schedule is much different than we are used to. I can see that I will enjoy living here, but it may take a little more time.

Jordan: One great thing Jordan did this last year was build a fence. We had wanted a privacy fence in our backyard for so long, and now we have one: we even got to enjoy it for several months. Jordan spent a lot of his summer camping, hiking, and shooting with the Young Men. He is now on the other end of the age spectrum, teaching seven 7-year-old boys every Sunday. They are busy guys, but they have fun together. He also has gotten to spend a lot of time helping the missionaries, another thing he really enjoys. And, oh, did I mention he started a new job? So far, he has loved it. Southwest is known for their corporate culture, among other things, and we have all seen the difference the employees make. His boss called before we left Utah, telling us that if we had any problems along the move to call his cell, and he’d take care of us; when there was a death in the family, we were given reserve seats (not stand-by) to fly to SLC, and whatever time off Jordan needed. They are so thoughtful. The training is strenuous, but Jordan is doing a great job, and we are proud of him. He has been told he will advance in February, and that will make a big difference for him, in terms of pay and schedule. We are excited!

It’s been a good year; full of blessings and surprises, and we are more grateful than ever for family, friends, and the gospel. We appreciate so much those who have helped in so many ways with our move. We love and appreciate you all. We are thankful for this holiday season and the opportunity to reflect on all that is most important, and the birth of Him who makes it all possible. Merry Christmas from the Texas Goudys!

Jordan, Marylynn, Maaike, and Boone