Dear family and friends,

Merry Christmas from Oklahoma (or perhaps we should say Happy New Year)! 2025 was another busy, but very enjoyable year for the Gruenbaums. We are still Buckeyes, but the Boomer Sooner cult is always looking for converts.

Rachel continues to be a Dow Chemical employee. She considered a job change but decided to see where her “friend” ended up before making any decisions. She has a new hobby, powerlifting, and has participated in a couple of competitions this year. She won one of them! Her travels to Baton Rouge to visit her friend, often on the Dow corporate jet (a nice perk!), are a regular occurrence. She enjoys hiking and visited Colorado this summer, and even tried solo camping in southern Oklahoma for a couple of days. You’ll have to ask her about that.

Abby and Caleb’s big news this year is that they became parents. Eliza Ruth was welcomed in May by her parents, grandparents, and aunts/uncles. Ellie is a bundle of energy, and with no exaggeration intended, she is the cutest little girl ever! Abby continues to work as a dietitian. Caleb completed his programming curriculum only to realize he really wanted to complete his Doctorate in Music. He started back at OU in the fall. They expect it to take 3 years to complete. Following that, they could end up anywhere.

Jeff really enjoys having his parents near. Not only has he helped us with a variety of projects at the house, but we were able to get to know his girlfriend, Kriti, (now fiancée), really well. When the local family comes over to dine once or twice a week, we have had to develop some vegetarian options. Kriti appreciates all of our efforts. Kriti is working to complete her PhD at OU next summer. Before Jeff and Kriti got engaged, we were able to attend her baptism. We love that they will make their faith a priority in their marriage. Plans are not complete, but they will be getting hitched over Memorial Weekend 2026. No tornadoes are being invited. Since Jeff is a big OKC Thunder fan, the NBA Championship was an exciting part of the first half of 2025.

Tim continues to be in the construction industry. He recently changed jobs and is working as a construction estimator. He had to work in the field for a month but now works in an office each day. He hopes this provides the right mix of challenge and life balance. He has overseen some home improvements on both the inside and outside of his home. He and Madison have many plants and flowers, and it is always a fun topic of conversation with them. They vacationed in Gatlinburg this year. We miss having them near, but Judy stays with them when she has to work in the office.

Having lived in OKC for over a year, we have accomplished a few things. We are members of the same church as Abby & Caleb. We are hosting two great boys from the local hockey team; they are from Wisconsin and the State Up North of Ohio. Judy continues to work for Toyota. She has decided she would rather undergo foot surgery than return to the office. Remote work is fine for her, thank you. Andy has been working for “Project Ellie” for a few months now. Abby hopes to get the job soon, but Andy is the weekday employee for a few more months. When Judy’s mobility allows it, we enjoy watching Warrior hockey games during home weekends.

Our only big vacation this year was to the Caribbean in February. Besides the good memories, we brought back COVID. Yeah us!! In July, we took our annual jaunt to Ohio and North Carolina. Family time abounded as Abby, Rachel, and Ellie joined us in NC. After returning to OK, we did a drive to Branson along Route 66. Very fun. We stopped at a bunch of unique attractions along the way. We didn’t get the fudge, but we did eat at the “Cars” restaurant.

We are grateful to live in a country where Christ is still allowed to be a part of the season. We pray that each of you makes Him a central part of your life and accepts his free gift of salvation. If you’re coming to Texas, Oklahoma, you are always welcome here. 

Much love,

Andy, Judy, Tim, Jeff, Caleb and Abby, & Rachel