January Newsletter

Dear Family,

December was quite an eventful month for our family. Most of you met the reason at the Christmas party. His name is Rodney Smith. He is marrying our daughter Laralyn. They were good friends during high school; however, they didn’t date before he went on his mission to New Jersey. He returned in October, and it didn’t take them long to get engaged. Their wedding plans are: Date-March 13th; Place-Timpanogus Temple; Reception Place-to be decided; and Colors-pink, green and brown. Laralyn has already bought her dress, which is very beautiful.

I must say, it came as quite a surprise when I received a call at work from this recently returned missionary, who had been seeing a lot of Laralyn for the past few weeks, when he said he wanted to meet with me. I figured that could only mean one thing, but so soon? After agreeing to meet with him, I called Laralyn and said, “You better start talking!” She said they loved each other and wanted to get married. Laurie and I met with him a few nights later. He really is a very fine young man and there is nothing about him that is not to like. He is very respectful, kind, and loves Laralyn very much. He would have to, she can be a pretty big handful. Anyway, we are very excited for them both and wish them our very best as they prepare to start their lives together.

It was cute when they came over to talk to the kids about their getting married and Laralyn started the “Send a Whisper Around the Room” game. She whispered “Laralyn and Rodney are getting married” to Mollie. She then whispered it to the person next to her. Well, none of the kids believed that what they were hearing was what Laralyn actually said to Mollie. When it came back the same as it had left, and Laralyn confirmed that it was true, it still took some of the kids a while to let it sink in. Macall was hyperventilating and after about 5 minutes, Bryce asked, “So are you really getting married?” Anyway, it was cute.

Our Holidays were great, except for a little stomach flu. Of course, as usual, Laurie did all the work getting ready for Christmas and I just got to enjoy being home. She really does spoil me. Both Bethany and Laralyn were at home, so we had all 8 kids again for a few weeks. It was probably the last time our kids will all be single and at home together. Bethany started back at Utah State today. Laralyn just got a job today at Rise, a program that works with kids with disabilities. A few weeks ago, I got to go with Dave to see his cabin. That was a lot of fun. We wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Darrell, Laurie and kids