The Glenn-Searls Gang,
We don’t see them as often as we would like; but, when we do get together, we have a great time. There is always laughter, delicious food, snuggles with the fur babies, updates on school, band, and choir, and the occasional board game or art activity.
Jamie pretty much spearheads everything the family undertakes. She is organized, creative, daring, and patient. She has the ability to focus on what is most important and manages to keep the family moving forward, all while dealing with an extremely stressful job. Jamie is my greatest hope for a future quilter. She often jumps right in and makes things for her home and others.
One of the things I admire most about Jamie is her ability to give thoughtful gifts. She even remembers my favorite donut and pie on Mother’s Day. She is also guilty of feeding my fabric habit! I hope we can have a mini sewing retreat sometime in the summer of 2023. We are also so thankful to have her as our family’s official cruise organizer. That girl knows how to cruise on a budget!
Ryan is teaching middle school math at a charter school in Georgetown. I believe his entire school population is made up of Spanish speaking students. He is often frustrated with the disconnect between the pace of the curriculum and the learning gap caused by lack of comprehension due to language barriers. Ryan often tells me that his administration is the most understanding and supportive of any he has worked for. That make such a difference in an already difficult job! The only complaint he has received from his principal is that he uses too much Spanish when he teaches. Kind of a catch 22 situation.
Samantha and Sophia have had a year filled with firsts. It was their first year in middle school. This was also the first year they didn’t have their Grammy caring for them before and after school. This was the first year in their entire school career they weren’t in the same class. They have embraced band instruments for the first time. And, they have done it with enthusiasm and dedication. It was the first year in glasses for Samantha. And, the first year in middle school choir for Sophia. The girls have formed a core of great kids that they refer to as the squad. Middle school appears to be getting off to a great start for them.
We have been greatly blessed to be able to attend concerts and celebrations with the Glenn-Searls family through the year. And, we have thoroughly enjoyed the times they have come north to visit. We hope and pray our health continues to allow us even more in the upcoming year.
Any post about Ryan’s family would be incomplete without pictures of their fur babies. The animal count at the their house is holding steady at 5. (The hamster and fish are no longer with us.) The ruling queen is Miss Maya. A massive ball of Golden Retriever fur with a heart to match her size. We are sooo in love with her and thankful she survived her heart worm infestation.
Then there is the pure breed beagle, Coco. She was fixed this year and it made a HUGE change in her personality. She is so much more social now.
Next, is Captain Jack Sparrow, a rescue that lives to eat. Needless to say, his main goal in life is to figure out how to get food. This picture of him looks like he was caught mid candy snatch. Such a guilty face!
The last dog to join the family was Toby. Jamie inherited him when her mother, Dorothy, passed away. Toby was pretty untrained, in many ways, when he joined the family. He really is a cute little guy and has come a long way in the short time he has been with the family.
The final member of the pack is Mr. Kitty. He was an abandoned cat that roamed the neighborhood. Ryan adopted Mr. Kitty … kind of. He makes sure he has his shots, is feed, and has access to the house when the weather is miserable. Mr. Kitty comes and goes as he pleases, giving the dogs an occasional swat on the nose when they get in his way. Personally, he is my favorite!
