Cannon Christmas Chronicle

December 1997

(pictures soon to come)

Intro

It's snowing outside. There must be millions of flakes, each one beautiful, each one unique. Together they sparkle and make for a wonderful Michigan Christmas! This is kind of how we feel about our family, too. There aren't millions of us, but the number is growing! Each one is beautiful and different, but together we enjoy a Christmas which sparkles with our love. Our joy is deepened by you love for our extended family and friends. We wish we could all be together, but since we can't ... here's what's going on in our lives:

Hugh

Life is still good at Wayne State University. But it reminds me of those wonderful all-you-can-eat buffets in Las Vegas. There are so many yummy things to eat that fill my plate and end up getting a tummy-ache. When my professional tummy is not aching, I love my work-my students, my research, my involvement with the business community, and yes, even my committee work! I still haven't given up hope of finding a way to make education better and more efficient.

Bonnie

Traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia, with my Dad and sister, Susan, to meet Ben as he returned from his mission was a real highlight. The cultural heritage and courageous history of this city were profoundly impressive. Being with Ben enabled us to see it in a unique way. Life is joyfully full with work with the family, being Relief Society (women's organization) President at church, and working part-time at Rachel's school.

Sam & Velia

Sam and Velia and their dog Otis are living in Salt Lake City. Sam has left his job as editor of Grid magazine to join the editorial staff of City Search, an Internet guide to Salt Lake City. Velia is still enjoying her new job at System's West, a computer programmer contracting company. In between training Otis, work, and recreational activities like Sam's snowboarding, Sam and Velia finished redoing their kitchen all by themselves! They are both looking forward to their trip to Miami in February to see Velia's family.

Jim and Michelle

Jim is working at Ford in Bedford, Indiana. Both Michelle and Jim are enjoying Mikaela (18 months), and their most recent addition, Andrew (3 months). Michelle is doing an excellent job being a mother and working with the Young Women at church. She also finds time to play the piano and make crafts. Jim is involved at church as financial clerk and Young Men's president. Jim has been accepted to grad school at the University of Michigan, and we are looking forward to having them live closer to us.

Sarah, 24

This fall, I spent three weeks assisting a 7^th and 8^th grade English and Math teacher. Shortly afterwards, I had a chance to continue working with English and Math students by becoming a volunteer tutor at Provo High. My next activity will be working at the MTC (Missionary Training Center). When school is over in a year and a half, I hope to come back to Michigan and teach.

Ben, 22

Since returning from Russia last March, I've become involved in church and school and their related activities. January, '98 marks the start of my second full semester of college. I attend church at a Young Single Adult ward. There I have responsibilities as ward clerk and representative to a bi regional activities committee. I also teach early morning seminary (a scripture class) to the high school freshmen at the family ward.

Jenny, 20

I'm in my third year at BYU and having a great time! I've been accepted into the elementary education program, with a minor in English, and will be working in a local school district next semester. I'm excited to finally be doing some hands-on work! I've especially enjoyed my English classes.

Liz, 17

My senior year is stressful, exciting and moving by quickly! Color guard (dance and flag work) and the marching bad season are ending. The musical season is about to begin. I am looking forward to performing in "Guys and Dolls" with Christy. In between I enjoy church activities, student government, vocal lessons, and various school clubs. My BYU application is almost in. So....we'll see!

Christy,14

I am a freshmen at Harrison High school now. I played the alto sax in the marching band and enjoyed being the "rookie" of my section. Liz and I ave had fun being involved with a community service club together. I am looking forward to participating in the school musical and softball in the spring.

Rachel, 11

I'm doing lots of stuff at school in the Multi-age/Multi-cultural class. It is a class with ten 8-10 year old "new-comers" from Japan, Russia, Israel, Korea, Albania, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Iran. There are also 22 "mainstream" fourth and fifth graders. We're learning Spanish, Japanese, German and Arabic, plus the rest of the normal subjects.

Happy Holidays to all!

Love, The Cannons.