Seasons Greetings

Greetings Dear Friends and Family,

When we look back on the year I would have to say we are learning to expect and accept the unexpected. There was not one month with out at least one major event. There was not time to become complacent or become unappreciative of the good things we have in our lives.

In January Kelly had his first of two surgeries on his spine. It was found he had a tumor comprised of nerves. The doctors were able to remove it with out damaging any of the attached nerves. Kelly did not stay away from work for long and with several releases in February and March was working 60-hour weeks. He had complications, including passing out when he stood. He was referred to another Dr. and a Physical Therapist. In March he was somehow able to participate in the March for Babies. In May we made the long car trip to Arizona to see Kari’s Mom and Grandpa. By July it was discovered that Kelly’s spinal cord had not been stitched up properly, leaving it exposed and spinal fluid was not properly reaching his brain. Kelly was demoted due to budget cuts. They moved him out of his office the day before his second spinal surgery. His surgery was days before our annual Utah trip, which Kelly missed for the first time in 20 years. Two months later, September 3, Kelly was laid off from his job. After being laid off Kelly was able to visit his Grandpa Ernie in Missouri. As many of you know, the job market is tough these days. Kelly’s new job is looking for a job and it has not paid off as of yet, but we still have hope that the right thing will come along when it is meant to.

In February Kari had surgery. There was one unexpected find, otherwise all went well and recovery was quick. We had a few quick trips in our trailer, but due to all the recoveries and loss of work, there were not too many trips. We did 10 days in the mountains before school started to escape the heat. In October we went to South Dakota for a family wedding. It went way too fast and we all had an awesome time. Kari began working at a Private school the last week in October. The kids switched schools to be with mom in November. Jacob had just started attending preschool two days a week this year and Jenna continued her second year of two days a week. Moving to a school that was much more structured, five days a week, with Mama staying late most days has been an adjustment, but they have adjusted amazingly well.

When we had a moment to stop and watch the kids we would be shocked. Where had our little babies gone? Jenna was four in February and Jacob was three in March. They no longer look like babies. They are discovering the world in a whole new way. When the unexpected would hit us from behind we would take a look at the two amazing children in our lives and know it was “all good. “

The last few weeks have been a blur. Jacob had an x-ray on his foot after jumping off the bed. We lost our cat, the new school, the holidays have been rushing by and more are coming fast. It is difficult to remember what happened yesterday and what we need to do tomorrow. Yes, we are getting old and the memory goes, but we have to say we think of so many of you so often. As always our goal is to stay in better touch with everyone in the next year. We also like to take this time of reflection to count our blessings. We have many blessings this year. One of the biggest blessings is in the form of our Uncle John. He was able to come out to Vegas twice to help us out before and during our surgeries. He was also very helpful during our trip to South Dakota.
We thank God for him, all of you, your support, your love, thoughts, and prayers through out the year. We pray for you all this holiday season and through out the New Year.


Love,

The York family
Kelly, Kari, Jennavieve, and Jacob