e-Christmas Card

Because we are both poor and lazy, we have opted to send out an e-Christmas card to everyone but our parents and grandparents (as well as a few "adopted" counterparts). So, if you are reading this post instead of receiving a physical card, please don't take it to mean that we care any less about you. Rather take it as a compliment - we trust you to be internet savvy!

With no further ado.....

Hello Friends and Family!

2014 has seen quite a bit of change and growth (and not all physical!) in our little family. We both experienced a career change, moved across the country, and added a third member to our clan!

Our year started out with a blow to our weight-loss New Year’s Resolutions when we discovered that I was pregnant! Also at the beginning of the year, Jordan began putting out feelers to find employment somewhere other than his friction-stir welding lab on BYU campus, as he expected to graduate soon. As we have both had the chance to discover, being employed as a student at a university means that graduation and a pink slip go hand in hand.

At the suggestion of some of his former lab mates, he applied to work at Manufacturing Technology Inc. in South Bend, IN, a leader in the field of friction welding.  Soon enough we found ourselves flying out to case the joint, and experience a bit o’ the Irish spirit as we enjoyed our St. Patrick’s Day in the town of Notre Dame and its fans.  Jordan accepted MTI’s offer, and our adventures began!

The start of Jordan’s career meant a hiatus for mine, as I finished up my stint at the Park Animal Hospital as a veterinary assistant. The change came none too soon, as morning sickness and early morning shifts make for a testy combination. We focused on packing, replacing our car that broke down a week before the move, and squeezing in a baby shower (where I felt like a bit of a sham, considering I was barely showing). Then we were off!

A 24 hour long road trip (split over three days) in our new car later and we found ourselves in our new home at the end of May! We have loved this little house. We must have someone looking out for us, because even with our blind choice, we found a home perfectly located close to everything we need, with a large back yard (we’re excited to add chickens next year!) and a wonderful community and neighbors.

Jordan's favorite version of our card -
Get it?

We enjoyed breaking out of the “Utah bubble” and have found joy in our callings out here in the “mission field”. Jordan has served as a Sunday School teacher, and now as the Stake Clerk. I enjoyed my time as a nursery leader, but was moved to Young Women’s secretary once I grew big enough.

By the time we were all settled in, we were due for another big change. Arriving one week later than expected, miss Diana Mae Walser was born on Oct. 15^th at 2:41 a.m. at 7 lbs 13 oz, 20.6 in. long, after 36-or-so hours of labor (being induced has thrown me off of when labor actually started).

She has added so much to our world, and we are excited to see her continue to grow. Her current favorite things are sleeping and eating (as well as other digestive adventures), with an occasional break to smile and coo. Her least favorite things are being put down, having someone try to give her a bottle or a pacifier, and riding in a car where she can’t see Mom or Dad.

Our year has wrapped up with some wonderful chances to visit with friends and family, first for Diana’s baby blessing out here in Indiana, and then for our Thanksgiving trip to Mesa and Manti/Provo, where we caught up with many of you. We are also looking forward to our Christmas trip to Oregon! After which, we are looking forward to never travelling with a newborn ever, ever again.

We are so grateful to have you and yours in our lives. We have been blessed to be watched over by some amazing people!
Merry Christmas!

Love,

Angela, Jordan, and Diana Walser