I used to send Christmas cards out in the snail mail every year with a Christmas letter to update friends and family on all of our going’s on and the years’ happenings. This was before social media where everyone pretty much knows everything people are up to. But this year, I want to write a Christmas letter anyway. I’l write it as a blog post then send it out on social media and by email. Who knows if anyone will read it.
Scott turned the big 6-0 this year. He is talking about but has no plans for retiring from being Director of Emergency Management for USD 475 because he is constantly starting new projects and adding staff. His department has been dealing with covid the last two years and added grant money and staff to help. Though the building of the new high school, complete with the huge security system is complete, there are always security and safety projects going that Scott wants to see to completion.
Scott had both knees replaced this year, partial replacements. Both surgeries went well and set him up to be able to play with the pup and grandkids.
We got Wilson, a golden doodle, one year ago. He has grown into a giant animal and is starting to calm down after tons and tons of training at home and at Mutt school. The plan is for him to be a therapy dog at Diane’s practice, the coffee shop, and at Homestead. He is a joyful addition to our household.
We lost our Shih Tzu Rex in March 2020 and recently also lost our Sheltie Diego suddenly and sadly.
Scott and I just took a well needed and earned two week vacation to Hawaii that was amazing. We played in the ocean, snorkeled, rode mopeds and went on a catamaran. It was the vacation of a lifetime.
The kids are all doing well. Hannah, now 33, is 25 weeks pregnant with their first. She works four days a week as a Physical Therapist at Denver Hospital in the trauma unit. Her husband, Kent, is an aerospace engineer working on various amazing projects like a plane that goes to space. They own a home in central Denver and have two dogs, a husky, Sierra, and Oscar the labradoodle who is two weeks older than Wilson.
Leah, 30, and her husband Dave, three kids, and 7 year old German short hair pup Moose, purchased a beautiful home this year in North Newton, finally moving out of their 800 square foot home. Dave continues to work in his successful business of software and app development and also works in his brother’s graphic art/interactive museum display business. The three boys also co own a health food deli/store/bakery/event space in downtown Newton for which Leah does the social media. Leah still dabbles with her business Lavender and Clover and is influential on social media. Emmet, 5 1/2, attends preschool and is very into vacuums. Henry, 3 1/2, also attends preschool and is into all flying things. Eleanor is now 14 months. All three kids are absolutely adorable and have a blast playing together in their new house and large yard.
Joel, 29, moved back to KC from LA a little over a year ago. He and his girlfriend, Kayla, and their 2 inside and 2 outside cats, recently purchased a house near Westport in the Hyde park area. It is a beautiful older home that they are fixing up. Joel continues to work in video game production at The Game Band. His game Blaseball continues to do very well. Kayla works as a publisher at Random house. Both Joel and Kayla work from home offices. It is awesome to have them near.
Diane’s practice, Ethos Therapy and Life Coaching, has been open over a year now. She added a yoga instructor this year along with Shari’s massage services and Dave’s Life Coaching. A new therapist will be join the practice soonish.
Diane’s book She’s On Her Own continues to sell as does the Midwest Meets Manhattan music though efforts to promote both have screeched to a halt. Diane continues to write so who knows if another book will result in the future.
Diane continues her weekly involvement with Homestead ministries as support group leader. A second Homestead chapter opened this year in Salina.
The coffee shop, Brother’s Coffee, has been open more than a year now and is doing well. Dave manages the shop and Scott and Diane have taken more of a supportive, hands off role as of late. We have partnered with several local businesses including Therapie, added a food truck, and have started having music some evenings.
The “rents” are all doing well. We continue to miss Scott’s mom Julie and Diane’s brother Dave, both taken far too soon over the last two years. Scott’s Dad Larry and Step Mom Joanna sold their farm and moved to a condo but continue to spend time at Lake Wabaunsee. Diane’s Dad and Step mom Jean are on almost constant lock down at Aberdeen Village due to covid. Diane’s Dad continues to struggle with his health but turned 93 in November and is hanging in there. Diane’s Mom continues to live independently here in town and turns 91 in January. Her hearing and vision are failing and she added some part time live in help but overall, she does very well and it is a blessing to have her here and so close to us.
2020 and 2021 have continued to bring both challenges and blessings to the Clark family as it has for everyone. We hope and pray that 2022 is filled with good things for all.
Love,
Diane and Scott, and Wilson
dianegclark 