2010 has been an event-FULL year for our family and we are grateful to God for His grace and mercy in all that has transpired! We began 2010 with a mission trip to the Philippines that was amazing for Barry, Jacob and I. Shortly after returning, we announced our plans to leave Austin for the Twin Cities. Barry had accepted a position with Geriatric Services of MN, where he is now caring for the frailest of the elderly in settings where they need to be seen: long & short term care facilities on the north and west sides of Mpls. We began our move to Mounds View in May, Barry started working in June and I bounced back and forth for a few weeks, and then settled in July.
Jacob (18) ran the 4 X 800m in the State track meet (his relay team crushed the AHS records!) and graduated from AHS in June. He worked all summer at the municipal pool in Austin, saving up for Bethel University, where he is now a freshman. He is loving college, especially singing in the Bethel Choir. Festival of Christmas was fabulous!
Sara (21) is newly engaged (12-19-10) to be married to Dave Merritt! (son of Bob and Laurie) The date will be announced sometime later. Sara is a senior at Bethel double-majoring in Chemistry/Biochemistry, is a TA and alto section leader for the Bethel Choir. Dave is in his 2nd year of law school at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and is planning to start his career with Faegre & Benson in Mpls.
David and Emma live in Grand Forks, ND with Wilson, their yellow lab. David (23) works full time for Cabela’s and is applying to medical school. He and Wilson love to hunt together! Emma (23) is teaching an undergraduate class at UND and working on her Master’s thesis, in addition to teaching/coaching tennis and supervising at Starbucks.
Matt and Ali live in Denver, CO with Lincoln, their “little stinker”! Matt (27) is employed by Medtronic in the neuroscience division and leads worship at Denver Community Church (DCC) around once a month. He also plays with Ali’s dad, Chip, in a band. Ali (29) resigned from her job in mid-2010 to begin a Masters degree in Education. It is quite a change for her, but she is loving the learning and the challenge. Ali will turn 30 on Dec 25!!
We are LOVING being closer to our family in the Twin Cities, but miss our dear friends in Austin! We think visitors are fantastic, so please plan to come see us!
If you comment and leave your email, I will send you our new address.
Pam Larson 
Glad to see all your news! Yes, you’ve had a very eventful year. I’d love to send you a Christmas card, so can you send us your address? With a 3 year old, everything has gone into slow motion (except Katie) – including my brain! I do not know how anyone manages more than one of these “persons of small size but huge impact.” My hat is off to you!
Merry Christmas!
Beth
Merry Christmas! So good to hear that your family is doing so well! Excited for Sara, and your first time as Mother fo the Bride! Many blessings to you and your family this season!!