2025 in Review
Not everyone enjoys a letter enclosed with their Christmas cards, but it’s an excellent opportunity to look back over the year. We are grateful for the moments of fun and reflect on the lessons learned in perseverance during the difficult times. When we do this, we see God in all of our experiences.
Leroy won a trip to The Masters in Augusta, Georgia, from one of the insurance carriers. He loved every minute of it. He managed to work a lot of golf into his schedule this year, including a boys’ golf trip to Reno. He did not draw a tag in 2025, so he wasn’t able to hunt this year, but it gave him more time with us. In November, he retired from coaching football after 25 years, and I suspect he did so to make more time for golf.
This year was full of ups and downs for me. I loved the opportunity to see Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, but the trip left us ill for several weeks, and I ended up contracting pneumonia. I wasn’t looking forward to going to the American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament in Lake Tahoe, but I ended up having the most fun. I collected autographs from my favorite sitcom actor, Ray Romano, as well as Steel’s favorite hockey player, Joe Pavelski (who went on to win the tournament). I also began a new media project that I had been planning for over a year. I finally went live with “Stuart in Steerage,” which features my dear friend Stuart, who lives in the UK. It’s been a hit, and I’ve had the most fun working on it consistently. My conversations with Stuart always leave me smiling.
The sudden death of my beloved brother Jon in August cast a shadow on the rest of the year. We traveled to Kalispell, Montana, for his funeral and reunited with many family members. A few weeks ago, our Faulkner family honored Jon again by participating in “Wreaths Across America,” a program Jon had volunteered for in the past. It was a moving experience, and a new tradition was born.
Sierra and Joey have been busy keeping up with their kids. They joined us on our Granny/Grandpa Get-A-Way in Lake Tahoe with the kids. They celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary in November.
Steel and Taylor were finally able to go on a honeymoon and chose to spend ten days in Portugal. They loved it and ate their way through Porto and Lisbon. They also added a chocolate Lab puppy (Gretzky) to their family.
Jameson is nine and has become an NCAA and NFL football expert. He was able to attend his first pro and college games this fall.We love testing his memory with stats and scores.
Charlotte is five and a half and continues to love her dance classes and performances. She is in Kindergarten and already reading. She loves all things rainbow and unicorn.
We always enjoy traveling, and we have had some great trips this year.
Maui, Hawaii - With friends Mexico City, Mexico - Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe Wisconsin - Leroy only for work Augusta, Georgia - Leroy attended The Masters Reno, Nevada - Leroy only for golf Lake Tahoe, Nevada - Trip with Kids Depoe Bay, Oregon - Visit friends Kalispell, Montana - Jon’s funeral Aptos, California - With friends Portland, Oregon - Leroy for CC Football Carmel, California - Work appreciation trip for Leroy, and I tagged along Folsom, California - Leroy’s last football game Redwood City, California - Notre Dame vs. Stanford Game
Looking back each year, we are increasingly grateful for the people and experiences that have come our way. We are surrounded by grace in all aspects of our lives and are so thankful for all that has been and all that is yet to come. You can always keep up with our adventures here on the blog.
May God continue to bless you and your family with health, peace, and happiness in 2026!
