It’s been quite a year as most would concur. We have sought to see the blessings in our life rather than frustrations. Though that was a challenge, it has served us well.
It began with a halt as Kristi had to quickly rebrand herself and her business due to 
legislation making it illegal to freelance in California. Her performing days stopped, but thankfully her brilliant ingenuity shined brightly as she rebranded her efforts to Marketing Director along with other hats with Le Petit Circ. She continues to privately train her clients. But as Covid hit in March, she again adjusted as her operation moved training outside. Now that they are listed as a production company, the training facility is exempt. But this year has taught her to keep on her toes! She has remained positive all along. She’s an inspiration to all. Gavin & Alex opted to stay with home online learning and have adjusted well. Gavin has finished the requirements to get his driving permit, and Alex is right behind him. They are delightful to have around! They keep us on our toes… and while laughing, we are constantly amazed by their intellect and what interests them. We remember ourselves at 15! They resemble us at age 20! Alex is brilliant at problem solving, and Gavin’s organizational skills and abilities to communicate far exceed our abilities at 15!
Geoff’s company sent him home in March too, due to covid… we enjoyed 3 months of hanging out before his company made his job essential. It gave a glimpse of what it will be like as he eyes retirement. We hope to have him home for good in February, but he keeps pushing the date back. He enjoys going to work, using his brain in technical tasks, and having that routine, but hopefully he can take the plunge soon. There’s just so much more to do and experience in retirement! We are looking forward to it! Maybe we can go dancing again!
Loretta has continued plugging right along in both her dōTERRA business and energy business. She has been very busy the entire year with educating others on the proper use of essential oils and helping others with transitioning towards a healthier lifestyle. She enjoys the perks of having so many people enjoying dōTERRA like she does, but is trying to figure out a way to support those who need her while spending more time with Geoff in retirement. She’s been getting her feet wet with videos and looking to do more educational based videos mingled with humor in the future. What’s life without laughter?
We got to enjoy Brian & Staci with Connor, Isaac and Joshua for a couple weeks in 
December. This distant learning is wonderful, and has allowed Brian & Staci to continue teaching while they are here visiting and enjoying the warmer weather in So Cal! Connor has been working a couple jobs while attending BYU, he’s quite knowledgeable on shoes and the proper fit of shoes. It’s fun to see him in action! His brilliance in his studies is remarkable as well. Isaac continues to wow us on his abilities to play guitar. He’s such a gentleman, too! And Joshua is impressive how he holds his own being the youngest of all boys. Gavin and Alex enjoyed the time with their cousins. We are grateful for family and the amazing bond we share! Our oldest grandson, Parker was called to serve a mission to Brazil, but was sent home because of Covid. He was reassigned to the Tucson Arizona, where he is serving with joy. His mission is finished in July! My how time flies! This busy family will be a little busier when they get home from their vacation in CA, as Brian was just called to be the 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric.
We feel we have been so blessed over the course of this year with the love and friendships we enjoy from family and friends. Challenges, when faced with faith and gratitude, have softened. Now, more than ever, we have drawn upon our testimonies of Jesus Christ and are so grateful for the gospel teachings in the scriptures. May we all reflect upon the gift we have in Jesus, and enjoy a wonderful Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2021. With love, The Smith Family