Life is good. We are so grateful for the bountiful blessings of family, friends and faith. We’ve experienced a year of hallmark events including joyful celebrations, extraordinary opportunities and noteworthy achievements. We feel very blessed! And just have to brag about our kids!

Matt completed his master’s degree in history at the University of Utah, receiving the research award for the college of humanities. He left in August for Georgetown University in D.C. to begin work on a Phd program. He also published his first article in a historical journal. We are enormously proud of his achievements, but even more gratified with his lovingkindness, gentle humor and open heart.

Amy graduated from Weber University, receiving the award for top student in the department of interior design. A month later she married her high school sweetheart, John Pilkington, in the Salt Lake temple. It was a joyous event made even more so because Amy had the blessed honor of having her grandfather perform the sealing. We were so very grateful that Grandpa Bowman received permission from church headquarters to travel to Utah with Grandma Bowman to marry John and Amy. It was beautiful ceremony, glorious day, and wonderful reunion for the Bowmans. John and Amy are incredibly happy.

Maurice was called six months ago to serve on our stake high council. He welcomes every opportunity to work with our ward and stake neighbors. He thrives in serving the community by organizing roofing projects for neighbors, gathering resources to provide for needy families, and serving as a state delegate at the Republican convention. He’s our constant source of support and inspiration. And Rosanne needs that as she continues to work with dozens of at-risk, struggling readers every day at Washington Elementary. What an exhausting, wonderful job!

Hopefully, the past year has brought you blessings of love and joy, also. We offer our best wishes for a blessed Christmas and for a joyful, peaceful year to come!