As an art teacher, I’m constantly telling students to push their value contrasts – the areas of dark and light that make their drawings more interesting. This year has been one of contrasts; moments of light and shadows of darkness.
The HIGHLIGHTS include:
- Tim graduating from the University of Utah with a BS degree in Economics.
- Andrew, Annie and Ender returning from a 3 – year deployment in Italy, Andrew now working as an Army recruiter in Bakersfield.
- A family reunion in St. George to visit see the grandparents and hike Zion Nat’l Park.
- Pam teaching art at Layton High and doing radio spots for BYU Sirius XM Radio 143
- Getting buttery smooth new carpet in our house – it’s like walking on a teddy bear.
- A great vacation in Newport Beach; seeing a Bouguereau exhibit at the San Diego Museum of art and Manet at the Getty. We visited with 5 of our 7 children and most of our grandkiddos.
- Looking for a site to build a house on.
- Welcoming “Grandma Great” Nixon Lawrence into our household as she needs more companionship and care and Cindy and Dave move to St. George, UT.
- Newell planning to retire in less than 2 years and getting ready to do instructional videos about science and creativity.
The SHADOWS were saying goodbye to some of our favorite people as they wrapped up their time on earth – Pam’s Dad Larry Layton and Uncle Dave Roberts. These 2 good men served their country in the army and communities as Elementary School Principal in Oceanside and Fire Captain in Santa Barbara.
Now as we look through the lenses of 2020, we see more light with shadows to complete the experience. We wish you a wonderful year filled with love and those that bring you JOY.
The Nutcracker
Charcoal drawing by Pam McMurtry
Merry Christmas from the McMurtrys!