Christmas 2015

Our family reunion in Alberta Canada.  Back row:  Nathan B, Finley M, Amelia B, Sheridan B, Braeden Bo, Bridget M, Maura Bo, Ethan Bo, TAMSEN Bo, Avery M, Ashleigh C, Preston C.  Front row:  MEGAN C, Jana B, Teriesa B, KEVIN B, Tyler B, Patrick M, EMILY M, Cooper B, RUSS, SUZANNE  (missing:  Todd Bo, Nick C, and RYAN's family)  Pictured in front of the Prince of Wales Hotel at Waterton National Park.

Russ & Suzanne Ballard wish you all a very Merry 2015 Christmas and a Happy New Year 2016!  May the Savior Jesus Christ be remembered at this season and throughout the upcoming year. 

News of 2015 from the Ballard family:

Suzanne lost three parents in 8 months this year: her step-mother, father, and step-father.  The funerals were in Reno.  In addition, Suzanne also had major surgery in February with a negative outcome.  She is now on permanent disability.  She is no longer able to work, and travel and activities are limited. 

Because of all this, we decided to downsize in order to be free of debt.  We have moved from our beautiful Cedar Hills home to a smaller home in Lehi, UT.  We hope to have the Cedar Hills home sold soon.  Additionally, we bought a small travel trailer, which we have used to attend the funerals, reunion, etc. 

Our family reunion was in Alberta Canada this year at Waterton National Park.  Just SPECTACULAR!  Even though it took three days each way with our wee trailer, Suzanne was able to attend and fully participate.  It was wonderful to be with nearly all our family in such a gorgeous setting!  Later in the year we were also able to travel to the Pacific Northwest to visit our daughters’ families there. 

Russ worked for H&R Block as a tax preparer early in the year, but has decided to not continue in 2016.  Fixing up our Lehi home has been very time consuming and wearing on his health also.  We are grateful for children who live nearby who have graciously helped us with this difficult transition.  He also sadly gave up his calling on the High Council when we moved and has not yet received a calling in our new Ward, although he still thoroughly enjoys serving in the Temple once a week.  Suzanne has been called to teach a 30 minute lesson once a month in the women’s Sunday meeting. 

Good things:  We had numerous Temple baptism trips when a grandchild turned 12, attended many grandchildren events, had two more Eagle Scouts join the family Eagle's nest (Sheridan and Ethan joined Tyce, Teagan, and Kevin), and our son, Ryan, was called as a counselor in the Bishopric and received his Master's Degree!  

While this year has been a difficult one for us and some of our children have had some major trials also (as well as some amazing blessings), we testify that Jesus is the Savior of the World and the reason for this season!  God bless you all. 

May God bless you all!  Here’s to a wonderful and healthy 2016!!