December 2018

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

from Kurt and Teresa in Texas!
Oh, how we enjoyed our visits this year to see Courtney and
Nick, the grandkids and friends in Florida. Play time in the backyard
and watching movies with Vivi, Cece and Nico was lots of fun. One
visit included a ‘solo’ trip with Vivi to The Tampa Aquarium. We
appreciated also spending time with our gracious hosts, Stan and Carol
Skipper. This year Carol published a book of her poems, composed
over a number of years. One of her poems is included in the frame at
the conclusion of this letter. GrandPops & T-sa with grandchildren,
Nico, Vivi, & Cece

Nico, Vivi, Cece Courtney & Nick Carol and Stan

Meanwhile, back in Texas, the family increased by two new members! Great nephew Owen welcomed a
little sister, Maggie May, and great nephew Baker welcomed a little brother, Brooks. Great niece Larkin started third
grade and great nephew Bennett started Kindergarten.

Owen & Maggie Baker & Brooks Larkin & Bennett

We welcomed the opportunity to have the
Dillman Cousins for a visit during the summer.
Back row: Debbie (Dillman) and Don Burns, David
Dillman, Grant and Stephen Burns, Halley and
Mark Dillman; front row: Teresa, parents Malcolm
& Laverne, and sister, Libby.
The family was thrilled when Austin
popped the question and niece Ali said “Yes!”
Their wedding is set for next spring.

Our annual fall trip to Marion, Illinois (Kurt’s hometown) included exploring a
portion of the historic Trail of Tears, making interesting discoveries at the Marion
Genealogy Library, and an evening boat ride on Lake of Egypt, courtesy of Kurt’s HS
classmates, Larry and Lynne Broeking.
We also caught up with HS classmates Susan Leverda, Don and Pat Tank, David
and Patty Powless, Benny and Sheila Harlan, Vicki Griffin, Roger High (floating in Elk
Cove/Lake of Egypt), Jerry and Toni Stewart, and coach/music teacher—Guy and
Yolonde Peterson. We were sorry to miss the annual Parker Pig Roast, hosted by Ron
and Carol Parker and Don and Pat (Parker) Tank—but we’ll be there next year.

Continued on page 2
 In September, John Goble, minister, and Teresa, were very pleased to
publish a history book on North Side Church of Christ, founded in 1898.
Their collaboration on the project spanned twelve months.
Teresa continues to enjoy singing with the Chancel Choir of
University Christian Church in Ft. Worth, led by Choirmaster Dr. Todd
Prickett. On the third Sunday in Advent, the choir was privileged to debut a
beautiful new work “Gloria!” composed by Michael John Trotta for choir,
brass quartet, percussion, and organ. Choir and cast is also preparing for the
42nd annual Christmas medieval pageant—the Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival, January 5 & 6,
2019— http://www.universitychristian.org/bhylf/

For Thanksgiving 2018, the Murphy

Clan gathered at the family retreat in the
Texas Hill Country. We missed having
Kurt and Austin at this year’s gathering.

It was good to see

the cypress tree
planted in Joey’s
memory in 2012
is growing tall
near the river’s
edge.

Great nephew Owen has it on good authority that Santa

(played by his grandfather Jim) is coming soon to bring gifts for all.

We’re so grateful for the great times we’ve spent with

our family and friends in Florida, Texas & Illinois this year!
Merry Christmas and best wishes to all for a Happy & Prosperous 2019!

Little Baby

The Lamb of God was born one night

In Bethlehem, to be our light.

This little baby, so tiny and small -

Who would have thought He’d be savior of all.

He grew to manhood and lay down His life.

That’s why He came to this world of strife.

The shepherds came, the wise men too,

To see this gift for me and you.

Accept His gift of life and joy.

As we celebrate the birth of this small boy.

Adoration of the Shepherds Merry Christmas to all, from me and mine.

Oil painting, circa 1622 God bless you and keep you through all time!
by Gerrard van Honthorst (1592-1656)
By Carol O. Skipper of Tampa, Florida