The Holidays 2006

Despite the exorbitant amount of time given for the winter break by the University of Montana (5 whole weeks!), this holiday season flashed by with barely enough time to relax and definitely no time for boredom. However, the time spent with family and friends was, as always, a blessing and made for a memorable Christmastime. Right after finishing my finals in December I took off for Boise, ID. Although Boise was not exactly on my list of places I must visit during my lifetime, Choong Sil, a great friend from Mexico, was a sufficient enough attraction for me to make the 8 hour trip down to spend some time with her. It is not often that we are on the same continent anymore, much less to be within a day’s drive of one another. I had to take advantage of that opportunity. Much too soon, though, I was headed to Bozeman in time to meet up with my family. It was so wonderful to have the whole family together for Christmas! It has been years, and I see that as we “children” are growing older and moving off to other places, it becomes increasingly more difficult for us all to be together for the holidays. Jeni and Bill came from Minnesota – toting along the best Christmas present of all - my new nephew Eli. My uncle Ernie drove up from Memphis (Because they canceled his flight through Denver), my grandparents came up from Wyoming with enough food to feed us for monthsJ, and Brett and Dirk were there giving my parents a very full house. With plenty of time playing pinochle, eating Grandma’s food, and fighting over who could hold the baby, we had a very enjoyable Christmas. Just a day later Jeni, Bill, Eli, and I head up to the Great Falls area to visit other family; the Aunes in Dutton, and the Lorangs in Great Falls. Eli again stole the show, and I enjoyed every minute of showing off my nephew…and visiting the family. I am so blessed to have 5 grandparents alive and healthy. I have learned so much by watching the way that they have lived and loved. Very inspirational. Back in Bozeman, I was able to spend a couple days with friends catching up, watching movies, having bonfires, dancing, and ringing in the New Year with some of my most cherished friends. I quickly had to return to Missoula, however, to search for a job. I have decided to only take two classes this semester in hopes of getting an assistantship next year and letting the University flip the bill for the credits. Therefore, I should be using this semester to work and, if possible, save up a bit of money for important things…like travelingJ. Thankfully, I found a job working as a bank teller which works perfectly with my school schedule. I am also tutoring a high schooler from Spain with his English conversation skills. I love both jobs so far and am looking forward to what the Lord has in store for me this semester….

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Elishua (Eli) David Rannow, my nephew! Born September 24th

The Fruits Reunited

"The Fruits" reunited for a weekend of fun in Helena.