2016 Christmas Newsletter

The Judds Look Back at 2016

The close of 2016 finds us another year older, maybe somewhat wiser, and scattered around the globe.  Frank, Jill, and the three youngest have returned for another one-year term at the BYU Jerusalem Center, but Megan and Carrie are holding their own back at BYU in Utah. 

Frank is in his element teaching Old and New Testament and taking BYU Jerusalem students on field trips.  (He practiced by taking our whole family on a field trip to Palmyra and Kirtland this summer.)  The fall semester has gone very smoothly, and the students love their self-titled “Big Cheese” professor (named after his favorite hat, or maybe his cheesy sense of humor). 

I have enjoyed being a mom in Israel again.  Driving in metric is a real thrill—you can legally push the needle up to 90 (km/h)!  I am grateful for technology to help us cope and stay connected, from video chatting with Megan and Carrie to Google translating the label on a Russian Christmas gift (it was wine!)  But even more than technology, the Gospel helps us cope and connect.  It is difficult yet satisfying to watch my kids overcome challenges and learn foundational skills through their trials this year.

   Megan is a few semesters away from graduating in English with an editing minor.  She lives in our basement and attends a singles ward in Orem, where she is the RS accompanist and VT supervisor.  She works as a cashier at the BYU food court and still enjoys writing historical fiction and free verse.  Megan had the unfortunate honor of discovering the bats that invaded our attic and boiler room in late August.  Our extended family/renters Paul and Diane Epperson helped shoo out the bats and oversee the aftermath, for which we are grateful!

Carrie is almost halfway through the Family Studies major.  She lives close to campus in Provo and works part time at A to Z daycare in American Fork.  She is studying American Sign Language and passed her Statistics class with flying colors.  She read and watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy this year.   Megan and Carrie spent a week in Florida visiting Grandma and Grandpa Fillmore on their mission at the Deseret Ranches in St. Cloud. 

Lisa is a 10^th grader at the Anglican International School of Jerusalem.  The video she made for the school’s Shakespeare Film Festival won first place.  (Search for “Summer’s Day Anglican School” to view it on YouTube.)  She is studying Arabic and composed some George Winston-style piano songs.  Highlights from 2016 include a drastic haircut and 6 days in Egypt. 

Amanda is in the 7^th grade at the Anglican School, learning Hebrew and making friends.  She is reading the Mother Daughter Book Club Series and Little House Series.  She enjoys cooking, babysitting, piano, and softball.

Emily is 9 years old and plays the piano and beginner ukulele.  She read the Harry Potter series this year and also played softball in the spring.  She can often be seen making photo slide shows on Mom’s phone, taking selfies with Lisa’s phone, or playing Bejeweled with Frank.  Her new nickname is “George.” 

2016 Judd Family Funnies

While eating a peach, Lisa said, “This is almost as good as a kitten!”

Emily: “These long-johns could fit a hippo.”

Megan said, “Oops, I forgot to use MLA format.” Remembering her own college days, Jill said, “Ah, MLA.” Emily from the other room piped up, "What?"

During scripture study, Frank said, “Amanda, read Jacob 1, verse 8.” Amanda: “Where.”  Frank: “Verse eight.” Amanda, louder: “Where!”  Frank, even louder: “Verse 8!”  Amanda: “I'm trying, but you keep interrupting!” (The verse starts with "Wherefore." )

Lisa: "Write for your life, childrens!"

Jill: “Should I chuck these old sweet rolls?” Frank: “Yes, but not too hard, you might hurt someone.”

Lisa, with her arms wrapped around Emily’s neck, said: “I call this the headlock hug. It's supposed to make you feel safe . . . and threatened at the same time.”

Lisa to Mom: “Why are you making that face with your hand?”

Emily: “Go find a fork in the road and step on it!”

Carrie: “Stop Tolkien back to me!”

Lisa: “I'm like a crabby old lady stuck in a 15-year-old body.”

After reading the first chapter of Matthew, Amanda asked, “Why are there so many crazy names in this jellyology?  Like Booze?”

Lisa: “Being on cloud nine is a good thing?  I thought it meant being on drugs.”

Carrie: “It's 22:22!  Make a wish!” Lisa: “I wish Carrie had a boyfriend.” Carrie: “Why would you say that?” Lisa: “I panicked!”

Amanda told Lisa, “You sound like a trumpet with a sock in it.”

Lisa: “I want to be one of those crazy people who knows a million languages!” Jill: “You're halfway there!”

Emily said, “When were Mormons invented?”

Amanda prompted Lisa: “Angry rant on rice…Go!”  Lisa said, “I love rice so much, it makes me mad when people say rice is just for Asian people.  I mean, that is so rice-ist.”

 Warm Wishes for a Happy New Year!