Hess Family 2013 "Newsletter"

Its been several years since we published a family newsletter (because I'm TOO busy!). So I figured I'd better get to work on a Reader's Digest version of our status- SHORT and sweet (mostly)- as we plunge into the new year that is 2013.

I'm in my 30th year with the same company I've been working for since college. I haven't yet been fired from my job supporting engineering software applications at Parker Hannifin, so I keep reporting for duty most mornings. Some mornings it is COLD (well, SoCal cold) biking to work at 6:30am in the dark. Parker implemented what they call an optional Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) that allows participants to work at least 9 hour days in exchange for getting every other Friday off work So, with more frequent 3-day weekends, why does my to-do list not get any shorter? Hmmm. Refinished kitchen table and chairs, refinished the outside of the front door, childproof latches installed on all cabinets, got a new roof, and a wee bit of Church service.

We all survived the ordeal of Kim serving as co-director for our stake's (church) multi-month production of "OOOOOOOKKK-la-homa" last spring. I played the role of the "I tell ya I git no respect" Federal Marshal Cord Elam. Kim also serves as the Stake Music Chairman, Ward and Stake Choir Director, Relief Society instructor, and several other callings. Kim also maintains a heavy workload of accomplished vocal students and has worked relentlessly to beautify our home. She also tends grandchildren 4 days/week.

Judd and his wife Michele are now the parents of FOUR children, with the addition of a set of twins in 2012. (see earlier blog posting here: (http://camswebpage.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-hess-clan-welcomes-ellington-and.html)  Judd continues to teach English at Godinez Fundamental High School.

Katie and Larry and their family moved from Garden Grove to Stanton this year as Larry landed a new job as a restaurant manager. They celebrated their daughter Kaliah's first birthday with a great party that will be remembered by all who attended. And Kaylee just celebrated her 10th birthday. Larry's daughter Amarah has moved in with Katie and Larry. Katie and Larry surprised us with a 2013 family photo calendar that included an ultrasound picture of our next grandchild for July! We were very surprised. If all goes well, this will be Katie's 3rd child and Larry's 4th and our 14th grandchild (15 counting our step-granddaughter Amarah). Larry is understandably hoping for a son, but most importantly a healthy and safe delivery for both baby and mother.

After completing his transitional, post-medical school year in Austin, Texas, Clayton and his family moved to Sacramento, where Clayton has begun his residency in Radiation Oncology at UC Davis Medical Center. Clayton and Katie have four wonderful children, Gredtel, Mayzie, Clark, and Betsy. Gredtel excels in her 1st grade class. We've liked having them closer so that we can take turns driving to visit each other.

Jayson, Celeste, Hayden, Landon, and Kendri are living in San Angelo, Texas where Jayson works for Lowes Home Improvement. Their kids are growing up quickly. We've got to get down to see them or have them come visit us. Hopefully this summer.



 Zachary returned in late July from his tour aboard Holland America' Eurodam ship after touring the Eastern Carri bean, crossing the Atlantic, touring the Western Mediterranean while visiting southern Europe and North Africa, then up to the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, Scandinavia and north west Russia. It was great to have him home for a few months, especially over the holidays. He tried out for and was cast as one of the leads in Musical Theatre West's production of "42nd Street" tap dancing musical at the Carpenter Theatre in Long Beach, California. The show was sold out most nights and got rave reviews. The show was just as good as any musical in New York. It was so surreal to watch Zach perform so well on a big stage with stars flown in from New York City. It was a great experience. Soon after singing with our stake choir for our Community Christmas Program in early December, he had his tonsils removed, recovering just in time to solo during our ward's sacrament meeting Christmas Program that Kim directed. He recently moved back up to Los Angeles to rehearse the shows he and his co-performers will perform aboard the Nordam this Summer and Autumn in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Its a rough life, but somebody has got to do it.

As we begin a year of uncertainty, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you as we all strive to find joy in the journey of life as we seek to overcome the difficult, but needful "opposition in all things". We LOVE our family and friends.

Cam-n-Kim 

P.S. Click on any of the photos to see a larger version.