Dear Friends and Family,
Holiday greetings to you! I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits this Christmas season. I am trying something new this year: an e-newsletter instead of sending it along with my card mailing. It seems like most family members and friends are blog readers and so I thought this would make life a little easier (why is it that trying to print out a Christmas newsletter is always so frustrating??). I've spent a few afternoons this season reading through my old letters and cards I've gotten through the years and it just is such a good way to remember and mark the big events in a year's time....especially my own life!
2012 was a big year for us as we passed two big milestones with Trace's 1st birthday in May and then the 1st anniversary of his death in October. It hardly seems real that we will turn over a whole new calendar year without him being here with us. A year does not seem like a very long time to me and I still struggle daily with grief over losing Trace. Some days the load seems lighter and other days it seems heavier but it is a load I bear and it does take lots of energy just to make it through every day. Although it might seem like our life has returned to "normal" on the surface, we are still very much rocked to the core. I try to live each day for Trace and pass him on in spirit through loving actions towards others. I can see his spirit in Michael, in nature, and in music.
At the start of 2012, I returned back to work at United Community School after a three month leave, working two days a week teaching 5th and 6th grade band. My students and coworkers were a huge blessing for me and I'm thankful for the patience and compassion they gave me as I transitioned back to work. This fall I started my 8th year teaching, back at United, but also with the addition of a half time job teaching 5th and 6th grade band in a nearby district. I work every day and I split my days between each school (and two afternoons a week go to the Catholic school in town!) and I have over 100 students. It is busy and good, with never a dull moment. I am finding work to be fulfilling and I hope I am making a positive impact on my students' lives.
In addition to teaching, I've been playing with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (my 8th year) and just this year I played with the Boone Municipal band on their summer series. I haven't been as active in my church orchestra this year, just playing with them for the Christmas Cantata. With the addition of working so much more, I haven't had time to pursue my old hobbies as much but I still enjoy updating my blog and clicking a few photos when I can.
Scott is still at State Farm in Johnston and is busy as ever. He is still playing adult league hockey every Wednesday night and plays golf weekly in a summer league. He is planning a ski trip to Colorado this winter with his guy friends.
Michael turned three this past October and is a busy and smart boy. He started at a new daycare this fall and is loving it. He learns something new every day and is working on skills he will need when he goes to school. He loves his new friends and provider and we feel so blessed that it is all working out so well. Michael and I had a great summer together, spending lots of time at the park, pool, and playing in our yard. We also organized a summer playgroup where we got together each week with friends for a playdate or outing. We managed to get the boat out often to the "big, big swimming pool" (in Michael's words) and I think the highlight of the summer for Michael was going to Adventureland with Grandma and Grandpa....something he still talks about, months later!
The other big event this summer was my brother John's wedding. His new wife, Meredith, is very nice and we are happy to have her as part of our family. They are making their home in Pleasant Hill and we are so happy for them. We know the future holds exciting things for them (including their first home purchase later this month!).
My sister, Denise, is a sophmore at Iowa State and we are so happy to have another Cylone fan in the family. She seems to be doing well and it sure doesn't seem like that long ago that I was in her shoes. Was it really 10 years? We are so happy she is close by and we get to see her often.
Mom and Dad have been a big support to us this past year and we are so thankful for them. We realize it is a big blessing to have parents willing to drive three hours anytime to see us and help us out. They love to spend time with Michael and even took him camping at the Iowa State Fair for a couple of days this August.
Scott's parents are still in Muscatine and are busy as always, even in retirement. We see them often and are so happy that Scott and I (as Cyclone fans) have bragging rights for a whole year as we beat Iowa in football this year. They are in good health and spirits.
It seems like we've spent most of 2012 laying low and trying to navigate our new lives without Trace. However, we have big things planned for 2013, including a trip to Walt Disney World in March! We are so excited (I think I am the most excited!) and I have already started researching and planning our days there.
We celebrated the holiday early with the Rumohr/Goettler side of the family this past weekend and we are hosting Scott's parents over Christmas. After Christmas, we hope to celebrate a Cyclone win over Tulsa in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. We are traveling down to Tennessee with a group of friends, are staying with Scott's Aunt and family, and are looking forward to a change of scenery and warmer weather.
May you have
the spirit of Christmas
which is Peace,
the gladness of Christmas
which is Hope,
and the Heart of Christmas
which is Love
Merry Christmas!
I would love to hear from you and hear how your year is going and any
updates in your lives!
2011- 2 years old 
