Big events of 2011 in the lives of the Sorensens:
We had a lot of family and friends visit us in Page this spring! Grandpa Withers, Grandpa Taylor, Kim, Brett, Megan and Brent, Steve and Jess, Cam and Jody and kids… THANKS for coming to play with us!
We also finally went to the Grand Canyon! Awesome!
Mel’s mom and brother Aaron and his family and Ryan’s mom and sister Brittnie were all in Page with us for Easter. That was a busy household, but sooo much fun! We also celebrated Mel’s mom’s 50th birthday while they were there!
At the end of May we had a big life change- we moved to Branson, Missouri! It was a big decision made after Ryan was recruited to take over a hotel. It was very hard for us to say goodbye to our home and friends in Page! We had a wonderful time there!
The trials increased when Ryan’s job went sour, and he was let go 2 ½ weeks after moving here! Our faith has definitely been tried and proved this year! However, two days after he lost his job, Ryan got the opportunity to go up to Joplin (hit by a huge tornado) with members of our stake to help with the clean-up effort. It was a wonderful experience for him, and in the midst of his own trial, he realized how blessed we really are to have what we have! God’s tender mercies strike again!
Melanie went to work as a photographer for a while. It was fun to interact with all of the people and make some good friends, though she’s not much of a saleswoman…
It ended up taking Ryan a month and a half of searching (which was stressful and very humbling) before he was offered two jobs almost simultaneously. He accepted both jobs, becoming an activities rep at a resort and the revenue manager at the Radisson. He very quickly was promoted to the Rooms Division Manager at the Radisson, which was a much bigger job, so he had to let go of the activities position. He is very much enjoying his job, and very thankful for it! We are very aware and grateful for the care we’ve been given by our loving Heavenly Father!
Well, we’ve adjusted happily to our new home here, and really love this area! The trees are truly magnificent- we love the lushness and the colors, as well as all of the wildlife. We’ve been to several live shows and have made many good friends. What a great place!
Taylor has a best friend named Solomon, who is a boy from our ward. Tay is way into Lego Ninjago, and is loving school. He is becoming a proficient reader and pretty good at drawing comics! His big event was getting baptized in September! All of his grandparents and three aunts came to support him, which he was very grateful for! We’re so proud of his decision!
Callie is loving school, of course, and doing very well. There are not as many girls around here as there were in Page, which is kind of a struggle. She is really getting to be a great dancer, though, and loves to sing and perform in the comfort of home (she’s still pretty shy in the spotlight). Callie is really maturing and so loving!
Janey lives for preschool and riding the bus every day. Those things, and nursery at church, are the highlights of her life! She absolutely loves her teachers, and has recently decided that she “loves” a 17 year old boy in our ward! He is a really great kid, to her credit! She has hit a growth spurt as well as her terrible threes…but she’s still our sunshine!
Other than a new job, Ryan got a new calling at church… a primary teacher! He’s never had this calling, but is enjoying it. We’ve also made friends with the missionaries here, which is fun. He and Taylor have also been fishing with a friend from work, and love it!
Melanie has gone back to being a homemaker, and is enjoying all of the time she’s getting to spend with the family again. She taught in Relief Society for a few weeks, which she enjoyed but definitely stretched her, then got called back into Young Womens! Yay! She loves being in with the girls!
This year has been a tough one with lots of big events! However, after the trials come the blessings and the reminder that we have such a wonderful Savior on our side! Our Heavenly Father loves us and helps us in all that we need, if we but ask! May each of us have this testimony, and feel the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we celebrate His birth and gift to us!!
WE ARE SO BLESSED!
We love you all!
