2015 Merry Christmas from the Newitts!

Merry Christmas from the Newitts!

Easter Pageant 2015:  Jerry, Gideon (11), Vickie, Stephanie, Kyler (16)

This past year we had a few adventures… Spring of 2015 we were cast members in the Mesa Easter Pageant.  It was Grandma Vickie’s first time to join us.  We really enjoyed the spirit we felt as we celebrated the life of Christ. 

2015 February:  Jerry on hunting trip

We also took a quick trip to Provo, Utah, for Jerika & Brandon’s graduation from BYU.  HOORAY!  Jerika & Brandon are now back here in Arizona.  Jerika is teaching Physics at a local high school and Brandon is in the graduate program at ASU.  They only live about 10 miles from us now!  We have enjoyed hosting them for dinner often and having them join us for family activities.

Jerika and Brandon:  BYU graduation

Wittern cousins with the Newitts at J&B's BYU graduation

Gideon (12) took his lamb to the county fair where he was able to sell his lamb for a good price.   He saves his money to fund his Scouting adventures.  This past summer Gideon and Kyler (now 17) enjoyed attending our church’s Young Men’s Camp.  Gideon worked on merit badges and Kyler enjoyed the high adventure activities.

Gideon at Young Men's Camp

At the Newitt Family Reunion:  Stephanie, Gideon (12), Jerry, Kyler (16)

Summer took our family to Utah for a few days to visit Jerry’s family then we went on to Yellowstone National Park for a few days of camping with the cousins.  It was our first time to Yellowstone and we enjoyed seeing Old Faithful, the hot springs, the buffalo and other wild life.  From Yellowstone our cousins returned to Utah and we went on up to Butte, Montana where we visited with Stephanie’s Uncle Chuck and Aunt Gena.  While in Butte, Uncle Chuck drove Stephanie around to see the areas where he and her father played and lived when they were boys.  It was a wonderful visit.

Gideon at Yellowstone National Park

After Butte, we went on up to Victor to visit our friends Mike & Heather Thompson.  At the Thompsons, all the guys loved quadding together in the Montana mountains and Jerry enjoyed his fly fishing lesson in the stream in Mike’s backyard.  Montana mountains are breathtaking.

This summer Tori’s wings took her to a new job and sharing an apartment with Jerika & Brandon.  She no longer works retail but is now a receptionist at a physical therapy office.   Tori is a student at Mesa Community College, enjoying her psychology classes.  She is taking a painting class too which lets her artistic talents really flow.

Earlier this year Jerry’s company went through a merger and is now Orbital-ATK.  Jerry is in the stake Young Men’s presidency working with the Varsity Scout Teams in the area.  This fall Jerry and Kyler spent a week in Baja, Mexico with a dirt bike group off-roading trails and beaches.  Kyler did an amazing job in keeping up with the seasoned adults.  He and Jerry had a great time. Jerry has also enjoyed a few hunting trips this year.

Kyler (16) and Jerry in Mexico

Gideon is raising a lamb again this year.  Gideon enjoys playing the string bass in the 7^th grade orchestra.  He is an avid reader who also enjoys Boy Scouts and swimming.  In school he enjoys projects that let him learn about space and rockets.

Stephanie taught preschool last year but is taking a sabbatical this school year.  She enjoyed attending with Jerika a national educators’ conference that came to Phoenix this fall.  Stephanie is now a Cub Scout den leader in our ward and also serves on a few school district committees, advocating for the genuine needs of gifted students.

We wish you peace and joy this Christmas season as we join together in celebrating the birth of Christ.  "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)  View more at https://www.mormon.org/christmas

Merry Christmas!

-Stephanie, Jerry, Kyler, Gideon (Jerika & Brandon, Tori)

Merry Christmas 2013 from the Newitts!

Newitts 2013

This year has been one of endings and new beginnings.

Endings …

Tori graduated from high school!  The graduation was held at the ASU arena and was great!

Our ward (LDS congregation) had its geographic boundaries realigned in April and our neighborhood was assigned to a new ward.  In our old ward Jerry served as the Boy Scout Varsity Coach, but was released with the boundary changes.  

In our old ward Stephanie was the Cub Scout Committee Chair, but was released with the boundary changes.  Stephanie was also volunteering with the Gilbert Education Foundation as their STEM Committee Chair (Science-Technology-Engineering-Math), but due to increased responsibilities elsewhere resigned in August.   Stephanie saw her 2012-2013 preschool class move on to kindergarten.

We had one of our last family campouts in June when Jerika was home from BYU.  Her boyfriend Brandon (now fiancé) joined us.  Over the summer we had additional camping trips, but not all of our children were able to go with us.  *Sigh*   Seasons of life come and go … I’m not sure if I’m ready for not having my girls home.

Jerika, after 2 years, quit her job working for the dental call center.  She appreciated the work, but was glad to move on and develop different skills.

Gideon, after being at his school since second grade, has transferred to a new school this year.  He was grateful for a Halloween party this fall where he could see his old friends. 

Thanksgiving.  We and our children were all home for Thanksgiving.  Now that Jerika is getting married, this blessing will be less frequent.  We enjoyed this Thanksgiving with all our hearts.

Other news ...

Both Kyler and Tori were able to participate in our stake’s three-day Pioneer Trek. 

Stephanie joined her sister Becky and Jerika and Brandon at the Timpanogas Storytelling Festival in Orem and had a wonderful time.  
 

Stephanie and the boys (Jerry, Kyler & Gideon – I remember the days when it was “Jerry and the girls.”  *sigh*)  spent five days in California in October over Fall Break.  We enjoyed fun and games with cousins, visiting the Monterey Aquarium and the San Francisco Exploritorium.  We loved spending time with Grandma Susie and members of her family.

New Beginnings …

Kyler began participating in the high school’s new aerospace engineering program.  Basic engineering design is the focus for the first two years, with aerospace being the emphasis for the 3^rd and 4^th years.  This is in partnership with the local branch of Jerry’s company, Orbital Sciences. 

With the Varsity Scouts, Kyler had his first experience snowboarding in February.  Then, in August, he had his first chance with water sports and went wake boarding.  Kyler has a blast on this adventure trips!  Kyler is now the new Team Captain for his Boy Scout Varsity Team, which will be a new experience for him.  

Kyler and Gideon also purchased lambs this fall to raise and sell in the spring.  This is their first experience with raising livestock.  Another first for our boys is participating in the Orbital Family Rocket Launching Activity.  They really enjoyed it.

Gideon played baseball this year.  In past years he played for the town’s Park & Recreation league.  This year he played for the first time on a National Little League team.  He really grew from the skills focus and in one game he hit two triples. 

Gideon began Webelos this year and has earned his Webelos rank.  He enjoyed Cub Scout Day Camp and worked hard to earn his Aquanaut and Scientist badges.  Gideon began playing the cello this year in his school orchestra.

Three weeks into the school year, Gideon and I received the news that there was space for him in the district’s new program at a different school.  After much prayer and weighing options and feelings, he and I decided the new school would be a good experience.  At his new school he has enjoyed building a Rube Goldberg machine (click here to see a Myth Buster’s example of a Christmas Rube Goldberg machine), building spaghetti bridges, his first science fair, and writing letters to NASA and universities.  It has been a unique and engaging experience and he is enjoying his new school and new friends.

Stephanie attended the BSA leader training called Woodbadge.  This was a very new experience for her.  She is almost done with her last ticket item (goal).

Tori began working as a seasonal worker for Party City and then Carter’s.  She has enjoyed the benefits of employment.  She has been able to use her Spanish speaking skills to help customers and has been excited about that.  Tori also received her driver’s license last spring and has been a big help to her mom by shuttling her brothers places and running errands.

In our new ward Jerry has been called to serve as the Boy Scout Assistant Varsity Coach and partner with a good friend of his.  They have begun preparing for the 2014 Mountain Main Rendezvous.  Jerry also bought a new motorcycle this past spring and is enjoying his commute more.

In our new ward, Stephanie has been called to serve as the Education Counselor in the Relief Society.  She is enjoying her opportunity to get to know the sisters of the ward.  She has begun a weekly email for all the sisters so they receive the weekly announcements and notes from the Sunday lesson. 

She also began a new school year with her new preschool class.  They are adorable and such fun to teach.  She is implementing a new lesson theme this month based on the book The Polar Express.  She is excited to share it with the children.

Stephanie has begun giving Professional Development presentations at local schools regarding the characteristics and needs of gifted students.  It has been a positive experience and eye opening to many teachers and principals.  She is also a member of the district’s newly formed Gifted Education Parent Council.

The dedication of the Gilbert Temple has been announced!  It will be March 2, 2014, with the youth of the region having a Cultural Celebration of song and dance on Saturday, March 1^st.  Kyler will be participating in this unique experience.

We went on our first of many-to-come family boating experience.  We had fun tubing on the water!

Jerika began her new job as a Teacher Assistant for one of the Physics professors at BYU.  She really enjoys teaching and science.  This job is just plain fun for her!

Jerika is beginning a new life with Brandon McKeon with their marriage at the end of December.  We are excited to have Brandon as a part of our family.

We are in our third year in our new home and our first year in our new ward.   Though many things come to an end, there are also many new beginnings before us.  We wish you a wonderful Christmas and a New Year full of your own new beginnings, filled with the love and tender guidance of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Much love,

Jerry, Stephanie and family

September 2013

Our big news for September is that Jerika is engaged!  

Jerika is engaged to Brandon McKeon of Oregon.

We are excited about Brandon becoming a part of our family

and feel that he is a very good match for Jerika.

The wedding is December 27th in the Mesa, AZ temple.

On to regular family news ...

Gideon is playing soccer again this year.  

His team is called "The Blizzards" and they wear the white jersey.

Gideon is the player in white with the ball.

  

Gideon played the keeper position for a quarter. 

This is Gideon in the keeper vest.

Gideon and his best soccer buddies:  Adam (gray jersey) and Ryan. 

They were all bummed when they weren't on the same team this year, 

though they were happy that they got to see each other at the first game of the seaon.

Our property is watered via irrigation instead of sprinklers.

I thought you'd like to see what this looks like.  

This is the front yard ...

This is the back.   

Kyler has just adjusted the canal gates and yes, he is wearing Jerry's wader boots.

Some of you may understand how this is a "Grandpa Roberts connection."  :)

To add to the agricultural experience, we bought two lambs - 

one each for Kyler and Gideon to sell in the spring.

This month we joined the Neely ward at their ward campout.  

It was great to see old friends.  

After the campout we went geo caching for the first time.  

It was a lot of fun.  Tori was the BEST finder!

2013, Where has it gone?

In January we had four consecutive nights of freezing temperatures.  Once it passed we hurried to juice our oranges.  Homegrown OJ is the BEST!

Our pack Pinewood Derby was held in January and Gideon placed first with a car he designed himself.  

Yay Gideon!

In January I embarked on BSA Woodbadge or Adult Leadership training.  It was an intense experience of two camping weekends two weeks apart.  I was placed in the Eagle patrol with four other leaders - Joy, Layne, Cory, and Brian.  Our Troop Guide through our entire experience was/is Doug Campbell.  There were nine patrols of leaders participating.  The first weekend we stayed in the Heard Pueblo Lodge and were fed by camp staff.  The second weekend we camped in tents at the Heard Pueblo campsites and cooked the majority of our own meals.  It is hard to describe Woodbadge training.  It is intense, it allows for personal reflection and encourages growth, all while having fun.  It teaches you how to lead others as you develop a common vision.  I'm so glad I went.  After the training, we have about a year to complete 5 goals or "tickets."  So much of the jargon connects us with BSA history and values.  I've completed three so far and have two more to go.  It is an amazing experience.

The Eagle Patrol - Brian, Joy, Layne, Stephanie & Cory

In February Jerry took the boys to a car show and they enjoyed seeing the Batmobile ...

At Gideon's 4th grade school musical program, Gideon played this drum for one song.

 In February our Blue & Gold pack meeting theme was the Cub Scout Roundup!  Gideon is practicing his lasso skills during the gathering activity.

Later on in the program he was asked to climb a tree to find his Bear badge.















MARCH .....

In March Jerry took the boys to the Dunes for Spring Break.

Arizona snow???

Not snow, apricot blossoms!  Popcorn popping!!  :)

Tori and Michael going to MORP - Prom spelled backwards/girls choice.
Theme:  Disney.  Costumes:  Dinosaurs from Toy Story 3

APRIL ....

Gideon played Little League Baseball.

His team was the Athletics.

Tori and Grandma Vickie after school assembly recognizing Golder Scholars. 

Gideon's 10th birthday!  Huff and puff!

Opening presents. YAY!!  Jerika is home from college for the summer!

Birthday present:  Webelos neckerchief - fashionably worn in many ways!

Jerry bought a new motorcycle.

2012 in Review

This past year has been an adventure … though when is it not for our family?

Family trip to Sunset Crater, Flagstaff, AZ.

We are enjoying our new house.  We’ve been here 1 ½ years and only have a few more boxes to unpack!    The girls helped Stephanie drive to CA this summer to visit Grandma Susie and our cousins there.  It was a fun visit.  We played at the beach, at the Children’s Discovery Museum and were weirded out at the Mystery Spot.  We have also visited Flagstaff a few times to visit Sunset Crater and the volcanic cinders, the Lowell Observatory and some ancient Indian ruins.  We made one visit south this year when we went to Kartchner Caverns this summer – it was NOT the Batcave, Batman!  We have visited the Gilbert LDS temple site which is under construction.  We look forward to its completion in 2013!  Tori and Kyler took part in a temple walk with church youth and walked to the new temple in one morning – it was about 10 miles…whew!

Visiting the ruins near Flagstaff, AZ.

Tori, Jerry, Jerika, Kyler, Stephanie & Gideon - Aug 2012

New LDS temple in Gilbert.  Under construction and to be done in 2013!

Quadding with our friends the Jamisons!

Jerry – Is still the Varsity Scout Coach over the 14-15 year old boys.  In the spring he took his scouts to the annual Mountain Man Rendezvous.  In the fall he joined some friends on a dirt bike trip down in Mexico.  He enjoyed taking Tori to see a STYX concert, which she loved.  He has enjoyed taking his sons quadding at the dunes out at Yuma.  This year, for the first time, he went quadding at the cinders in Flagstaff near the Sunset volcanic crater.  He convinced Stephanie to go quadding for a day date out in the desert and she actually had a good time.  Stephanie’s favorite dates though are still to go see live shows at the Hale Theater.  With our new property, Jerry has taken up a new past time... scroll down to see.

    

Duuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnes!!!!!!!!!

2nd from left - Jerry - with friends for Mexico dirt bike trip.

Jerry, quadding at the cinders in Flagstaff, AZ.

Jerry's new past time.

Stephanie – Has enjoyed teaching preschool again this year.  Stephanie was excited about being asked to be on a district committee to draft a vision and mission statement for the district’s gifted education program.  She enjoyed her trip to the Timpanogas Storytelling Festival with Becky, Jerika & Tori.  She has enjoyed her mother’s visits to sunny AZ – together they enjoyed the Phoenix symphony and the Broadway show Le Miserables.  For the first part of 2012, her sister Diana lived with her while working at an internship.  It was such a blast having Diana live with us!  Stephanie also got to make jam from her own apricot trees this year and applesauce from her neighbors’ trees – yes, apricots and apples DO grow in AZ!   We have 10 citrus trees and we look forward to sweet and yummy lemonade and OJ each year!

Jerry and Stephanie riding quads in the desert.

Mt. Timpanogas Storytelling Festival - Becky, Jerika, Stephanie & Tori.

Jerika, 19 – Started her 2nd year at BYU.  She is majoring in Physics (she built a heater block and a plasma speaker out of nothing but cardboard and Duct Tape!! Okay just kidding about the cardboard), and she wants to minor in music.  She began her teaching classes this year and volunteered with an elementary school’s science club, which she loved.  She participated and won a T-shirt for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).  She has such a fun and witty sense of humor.  Her BYU apartment is a converted basement … that has a 2nd basement … that is a 1950’s bomb shelter! (Blast from the Past!) She loves being home for summer and the holidays.  She and Stephanie’s sister Becky had some fun adventures together in Provo, including Krispy Kreme Donut runs, screaming while they take left hand turns across traffic, and Hogwarts Lego building. 

 

Jerika riding the neighbor's horse.

Tori, 17 – Senior.  She has had great teachers this year and is enjoying her college composition class, her painting class and AP Government class.  In 11th grade she studied video productions and editing.  She enjoys using these skills on projects in her regular classes.  (For extra credit in her physics class she created a music parody of the song Dancing Queen... Physics Queen!)  She worked for a short time as a contracted video editor for a local company.  She loved Especially For Youth and Girls camp.  She enjoys playing the piano, reading and taking voice lessons.  Being inspired by the STYX concert, she played a STYX song for her piano recital!  She loves playing with her Uncle Eric’s daughter Nora (2) and painting Nora’s toenails.  Nora loves it! She calls them “Tori Toes.”  Tori gave a recent Family Home Evening lesson and tried to rein in the conversation, “We’ll discuss the fourth dimension at a later time.”

Tori and Nora hunting for Easter eggs.

Tori - Spring Prom.

Tori at STYX concert with her dad.

Kyler, 14 – Freshman and adjusting to high school life.  He achieved the rank of Life Scout this past year.  He enjoys dirt biking and quadding with his dad.  He now has braces and so has left his trumpet packed up.  Instead of band, he enrolled in a fine metals class and has enjoyed technical sketching and soldering, etc.  We’ve loved the things he has made for his family for Christmas.  He has grown about 6 inches in the last 1 ½ years!  Jerry must have been slipping Miracle Grow into his food.  He enjoys playing the piano and looks forward to taking up archery.  To celebrate Kyler’s birthday we went to ASU and saw a model of the Mars Rover, touched meteorites, etc.  It was all kinds of nerdy fun.

 

Kyler, Jr high baseball team.

Stephanie, Jerry, Kyler & Gideon with model of Mars Rover.

Gideon, 9 – Fourth grade.  He has enjoyed playing soccer, his favorite position being the keeper.  He also really likes baseball, his favorite position being catcher.  He also enjoyed the afterschool robotics club.  He is an avid reader and likes the Percy Jackson series.  He enjoys Cub Scouts,  Legos and computer games.  On hot days he loves riding his bike through the big puddle that forms at the end of the street on irrigation days.  He was excited about our garden this year.  He loved finding a new zucchini to harvest every few days!  We now have a year’s supply of zucchini puree ready to be converted to zucchini bread – Gideon’s favorite way to eat his vegetables.  Gideon also began playing the string bass this year in beginning orchestra.  You can barely see him when he plays his instrument.  Gideon loved riding the neighbor’s horses with Jerika. You know you have a nine year old son when you have to brush the army men off the Christmas tree before hanging the ornaments.  

  

Gideon and friend Ryan, builders at Lowe's!

Gideon, baseball catcher!

Gideon, Zucchini grower!

Gideon loved riding the neighbor's pony.

Gideon, soccer goal keeper!

 

Grandma Vickie, ??  - Jerry’s mom has lived “in our backyard” apartment for over a year now.  We have really enjoyed having her close.  She enjoyed a visit from her granddaughter and great-grandbabies this past spring and this fall she was set apart as a Family Search missionary, providing tech support to those who seek help on their family history from familysearch.org.  She loves her mission and she is one TECH SAVVY Grandma!

Grandma Vickie - Missionary!

We are grateful for family and our Savior, especially at this Christmas season. We hope our letter finds you well and happy.  Merry Christmas!   

Love,  the Newitts

Jerika, Gideon, Tori & Kyler July 2012