2018

Christmas 2018

Hello all,

I am trying to modern and be green at the same time, hence the Christmas blog. (Thank you, MaryBeth for the idea.)  As I am new to this, I am sure it will not be very spectacular.

The biggest change this year was in Sharon's extended family.  Sharon's mother died in July as she lost her battle with colon cancer. While it is always sad to lose a family, Jeanne is at rest from her many ailments.  It was nice to visit with family members we have not seen in years.  (Please pray for the repose of the soul of Jeanne Trombley.)

While Stephen and Serena were off at Extreme Faith Camp in June,  Mike and Sharon had their own adventure--more Sharon's than Mike's.  We spent three days in the Lanesboro area at a bed and breakfast and biked the Root River Trail.  We biked 55 miles and learned one very important thing.  Never bike from Fountain to Lanesboro to Fountain.   The first 5 miles from Fountain to Lanesboro is mostly downhill and coasting--which means when doing the return leg it is mostly uphill.

Mike and Sharon both were issued passports-Mike in case he need to rescue either Paul (went to Mexico in the summer for a Spanish immersion program) or Joel (went to Japan on an expense-paid sabbatical from his employer Epic with two co-workers and a college friend) and Sharon in anticipation of a trip in 2019.

See link for Joel (in Twins cap) on Japanese TV at about 4:43   click on >>   Joel in Japan

Paul, in addition to learning Spanish in Mexico, spent January in the land of St Patrick, Ireland.

Paul's seminary Ireland trip blog   <<< click on

Stephen continues to study at the University of St Thomas, where he is majoring in Applied Math and minoring in Computer Science.   He works two part-time jobs--John Ireland Library at UST and Steeple Pointe Senior Living in Osseo.

Serena won two tickets to the Renaissance Festivals.  She and Stephen went in costume and Stephen was selected to participate in a song with the Elizabethan Syngers.

Serena is now a senior in high school and keeping busy with home school, a few dual enrollment college classes, cashiering at Cub Foods and her last homeschool play.  (Sharon became teary eyed during the last performance.  While she is relieved to no longer have a crazy play season again, she will miss the parents with whom she has worked on plays since 2006.)  This year's play was "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."  Serena was a unicorn.

Merry Christmas from the Hedmans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaVswFQ_C7M   << click on to see our first attempt at a Christmas video.

At the trail head in Lanesboro.  We biked
 from Lanesboro to Whalen (and back) and Lanesboro to Preston (and back) also.

Mass at Shrine of Our Lady Of Guadelupe

Convento de la Santa Cruz.  (Paul, back row, second from left in purple shirt

Mexico city

Stephen as "Link" (in green, center) at Renaissance Festival

Serena and Stephen

The good Narnian animals

The battle for Narnia

2017

Christmas 2017 (The Catholic Church celebrates Christmas Day until January 1 and the Christmas season extends a few weeks past that.)

No letters in the mail this year. I am too harried so you will have to settle for this.

Mike is continue to grow his collection of camera lens. He has now made the jump to professional photographer. Well, sort of. He had one paying job in December.

Sharon has added two things to her list of volunteer activities. She is now a member of St Raphael's pastoral council and the treasurer for her Carmelite community.

Joel is still in Wisconsin working for Epic. He decided to put down roots this year and bought a house in Madison. He is still a Minnesotan at heart and cheers for the Vikings and Twins.

Paul is now Theology II at the St Paul Seminary. He has approximately 2 ½ years to ordination if he does not discern out. He is gearing up for a seminary sponsored trip to Ireland in January 2018.

Stephen graduated from our home school in June. He is following in his brothers' footsteps and is attending the University of St Thomas as a commuter. He is further following in Joel's footsteps to a degree in Math.

Serena is a junior in high school. She was confirmed April. She recently appeared in “Pride and Prejudice” with Spotlight Family Theater and continues to cantor at church.

2016

Christmas 2016

Hedman family highlights

January: Paul went to Honduras for a mission

trip with SJV seminary seniors.

May: Mike, Sharon, Stephen, and Serena took

a mini-Wisconsin trip. Saw some religious shrines,

visited Joel in Madison.

Paul graduated from UST with a degree in

philosophy.

August: Camping at Whitewater State Park.

September: Paul enters St Paul Seminary.

October: Stephen applied to colleges.

December: Serena and Stephen participate in

“It's A Wonderful Life.”

2015

 January 2016 (for Christmas 2015) Sorry, folks, a Christmas photo is not happening this year. The home school play for this school year was “A Christmas Carol” and it took up much of Sharon's free time. Here is a summary of the events for this year.

February: Stephen (operating the spotlight) and Serena (Princess #2) took part in Spotlight Family Theater first (and probably only) musical “Beauty and the Beast.”

April: Paul won the Thomas D. Sullivan Medal and Scholarship for best philosophy paper. He wrote about “The Inability of Mind Uploading to Maintain Personhood or Identity.” (What ever that means. I attended the ceremony and heard Paul read the paper and don't know much more than I did before he read the paper.)

May: Stephen was confirmed May 9. He also was hired for his first job and began training in June for culinary services aide for Steeple Pointe Senior Living.

June: Mike was installed as Grand Knight for the Fr. William Blum Knights of Columbus Council. We celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary by staying at a B&B in Stillwater.

July: Mike, Sharon, Stephen, and Serena went camping at Tettagouche State Park. They went with Sharon's brother Alan, his wife Beth, and two of his children, Jack and Sam.

August: Serena began home schooling high school. (How did that happen? My baby!)

 September: Paul began his senior year at SJV-UST. He joined Caruso's Crew, the seminary cheerleading squad for the UST football team. Stephen began taking his first PSEO college class.

Sharon took her definitive promises as a Secular Carmelite (OCDS).

October: Stephen passed his driver's test.

November: Mike bought his new toy, a Nikon D7100 camera.

December: Stephen (operating lighting board) and Serena (Fan/Belinda) took part in Spotlight Family Theater's production of “A Christmas Carol.” Joel, who was in Minnesota from

December 18-December 27, was able to see a performance.

May God bless you and have a happy new year!

Mike, Sharon, Paul, Stephen and Serena Hedman (and Joel in Wisconsin)

2014

Christmas 2014

Hello,

Following in the footsteps of the Chinese, the Hedmans have declared this to be the year of the Bicycles. Everyoneended up with a different bike than he/she started the year with, except Paul.

Mike had a crack in his bike frame. Sharon had a choice of two bikes to use- 30+ year model or a garage sale Schwinn. (Mike decided she needed a real bike with more than three gears). Joel upgraded his bike when he was home for Easter. Stephen benefited from Joel's upgrade by inheriting Joel's old bike. Serena upgraded to a used Schwinn (not Sharon's old one) which is bigger than “Misty” her old bike.

Disclaimer on following highlights: each family member composed his/her own except Joel.

Mike is still working at the University of Minnesota. He has been adding lenses to his DSLR that he bought last year and taking pictures whenever he can to learn how all the features work. (Editor's note: he has been know to take photos of light switches.) He has been volunteering for his Knights of Columbus council more of late, and assumed the role of Deputy Grand Knight. When he becomes Grand Knight next year, he may not have time to write about himself in the Christmas letter.

Sharon had so much fun being treasurer for the Rosary Society, co-chairing the ice cream/cookies booth, and chairing the Jolly Jar Game (all at St Raphael Church) that she signed up for another year of each along with another year of producing the Spotlight Family Theater play. Significantly, she finished her three year, three month cross-stitch project of the Divine Mercy image (Jesus).

Joel, age 23, still works at Epic in Verona, Wisconsin and plans to be there for a long time. He was visited this past year his parents and two youngest siblings in May. Both sets of grandparents visited in the fall.

Paul, 20, had a busy year. In his junior year, he continues to study philosophy at St. John Vianney College Seminary at the University of St. Thomas. He finds philosophy to be an interesting and challenging major. He has decided to minor in computer science and is the Vice President of the Computer Science Club at UST. He is constantly finding fun things to use their 3D printer for. He looks forward to January, when he will be roadtripping to Tennessee for a FOCUS (Fellowship Of Catholic University Students) conference and attending an eight day silent retreat led by one of Mother Teresa's spiritual directors.

Stephen, the youngest boy, is 15 and in 10^th grade. He is doing pre-calculus for math, which is usually done in 11^th grade. He really enjoys math. He also enjoys driving as he now has his driving permit.

Serena, the cute one, is excited to be 13. For her birthday, she had her ears pierced. She acted in Spotlight's play The Wizard of Oz. Serena is excited for the next play because it is a musical.

Merry Christmas from

The Hedmans

2013

Christmas 2013

Hello all,

Mike continues to work at the U. He bought a new digital camera recently and now spends a lot of time looking at lenses and other paraphernalia online.

I am continuing to homeschool Stephen and Serena. I am also continuing my role as "play mom." I am producer again. Since I didn't think I was busy enough, I decided to co-chair a booth at the St Raphael parish festival, become treasurer for the parish women's group (Rosary Society) and chair a game booth at the parish Christmas bazaar.

Joel (age 22) flew the coop. His new nest is in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, a suburb of Madison. He has his first full- time job working for Epic, a medical software company. He has made several trips back to Minnesota, including three in his two months of living in Wisconsin. Although he finished his UST classes in December 2012, his graduation ceremony wasn't until May 2013 (which was one of his first three trips back to Minnesota.

Paul (age 19) decided to attend college closer to home this year. He is now enrolled at Saint John Vianney Seminary and attends classes at the University of Saint Thomas. So far he loves it, although he misses his friends from Loras. In October, he had a “free” weekend and brought two other seminarians home with him. And no, this wasn't a total surprise as he played “priest” when he was younger and always enjoyed (and still does enjoy) altar serving.

Stephen (age 14) is still involved in his Squires club and recently joined the Core Team, the Saint Raphael senior high youth group that has spiritual activities and plans events for the junior high school kids. He is also in ROC, the two-year St Raphael confirmation preparation program. He is the oldest child at home (most of time) with Joel moved out and Paul at college most of the year.

Serena (age 12) is gearing up for her fourth theatrical performance, this time as a talking tree and a Munchkin in The Wizard of OZ. Serena is singing in the St Raphael school choir and participated on the St Raphael soccer team again. She enjoys going Saturday Night Alive, the monthly junior high youth activity at St Raphael.

Merry Christmas,

The Hedmans

2012

Christmas 2012

Hello all,

On the fourth day of Christmas, Sharon wrote the annual Christmas letter.

Mike's mystery illness of last year remained a mystery. It never was definitely diagnosed. He was given a prescription on a hunch of middle ear infection and whatever it was went away. Mike continues to work at the U.

I am continuing to homeschool Stephen and Serena. I am also continuing my role as "play mom." Serena will be in another homeschool play in February. I am producer this time around which is much easier than stage manager. I made my temporary promise as Secular Discalced Carmelite in September.

Joel (age 21) just finish his Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics. He is still playing guitar and worked five part-time jobs in 2012---lifeguard at UST, math tutor at UST, math researcher at UST, math scribe at UST (for a blind student) and swim instructor for the city of Brooklyn Park. He will present his research project at a conference in San Diego in January. His next major project is to find a job.

Paul (age 18) is beginning his college career at Loras College in Dubuque. We are very happy he has found a carpool partner so Mike won't have to drive as much to/from Dubuque. Paul is continuing his love of theater at Loras. He performed in the musical The Adding Machine and participated in the 24-hour Theater project where students have 24 hours to write and perform a one act play. Mike drove to Dubuque in October to see Paul join the Knights of Columbus.

Stephen (age 13) is still involved in his Squires club. I am waiting for his body to start growing and catch with his feet. Stephen took over Paul's bedroom when Paul made his escape to Dubuque, but is back to sharing a room until Paul leaves again. Stephen (and Serena) participated on the St Raphael Junior Varsity soccer team. The team place 2^nd out of 6 teams in their league.

Serena (age 11) is gearing up for her third theatrical performance, this time as a dwarf in The Princess without a Name. Serena is also enjoying singing in the St Raphael school choir. St Raphael opened up extracurricular activities this year to parish homeschoolers. She has made several friends that are both in soccer and choir with her.

Merry Christmas,

The Hedmans

2010

Christmas 2010

Hello all,

Mike biked his goal of surpassing last year's miles (3044) this year (3177.8). Mike's office at the U of M moved again. He has moved from Lind Hall to UPP to WBOB to UOP--three moves in four years. Pretty soon the locations he has been at will catch up to the departments he has been in (UCC, ACSS, ACS, CIS, OIT/OS). Mike, using Sharon's organizational skills, became Green Room Co-ordinator for this winter's production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." The Green Room is where actors go when they are not needed on stage. This year, the actors were flitting on and off stage so much the "room" became the hallway behind the stage. The co-ordinator and helpers make sure the kids behave.

I am now a novice in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. This means basically that I am taking on a way of life that incorporates prayer. I will be novice for two years. Since there are "soccer moms", I must be a "play mom". I drove the kids to most of their play rehearsals this year and earned the title "House Manager" for the production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." That means I made sure the chairs were set out and the floor swept and mopped afterward. The first performance (Dec 5) was almost snowed out and had 30 attendees. ( We arrived too late for me to set out the chairs. It took us only 1 hr 20 minutes for a drive that usually takes 20-30 minutes.) The last performance was canceled (Dec 11) due to a mere 16" snowfall.

Joel (age 19)is enjoying his second year at the University of St. Thomas. He bought his Uncle Pat's car and now has more freedom to do things (too much thinks Mom). He is still playing guitar and working three part-time jobs---lifeguard UST, math tutor at UST, and swim instructor for the city of Brooklyn Park. Yes the second job is math tutor. He has officially declared a math major.

Paul (age 16) just performed in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." He portrayed Reverend Hopkins and also helped as stage crew. He took two PSEO classes at North Hennepin Community College and will take two more for spring semester. This is in addition to his homeschool studies.

Stephen (age 11) was on the stage crew of two plays this year---"Anne of Green Gables" in February and "The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever" in December. He very happily joined a Squires club (a boys club sponsored by the Knights of Columbus) this fall and looks forward to the monthly meetings.

Serena (age 9) is happily attending her Little Flowers Girls Club. She made her stage debut this month in (you guessed it!) "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." She portrayed Doris, a member of the "Angel Choir." She had the opportunity to off-key (on purpose) and well as angelically in this role.

Merry Christmas,

The Hedmans

2009

Christmas 2009

No attempt to make fancy paper this year....This letter again will be more of a Christmas season/Epiphany letter.

Mike biked his goal of 3000 miles this year. With all the car problems we had this fall, he might have gotten more if it hadn't been so dark in mornings. Our 16 year old Saturn gave up the ghost. Mike found a 2001 Focus and happily drove it off the lot. The next day (yes the next day) the check engine light came on. It needed a catalytic converter. A few weeks later, our 2000 Grand Caravan had valve cover replaced and many "routine" maintenance items done to the tune of $2000. (One routine item done was replace timing belt. The Saturn's timing chain broke and caused its demise).

I ended up back in physical therapy with a "frozen shoulder." Today (12/29), I learned that a pinched nerve in my neck may be adding to problem. I am finally beginning to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a nun. Well, actually I am a postulant in the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites. This means basically that I am taking on a way of life that incorporates prayer. (And no, I will not be wearing a habit or going barefoot--discalced means shoeless).

Joel is enjoying his first year at the University of St. Thomas. He has a great dorm room--he even shares it with his 10 yr old brother. He is able to carpool some days with Mike which saves even more money and allows Mom to have a car to drive to orthodontist appointments. Joel was in a Math/Science/Engineering scholarship contest and was named runner-up (boo hoo). But then my (Sharon) mother's cousin's grandson (Joel's 3rd cousin, I think) who won one of the four scholarships turned it down to attend St John's University (yeah). Joel recently bought a guitar amp, which is now "in the shop" awaiting replacement. He doesn't have an electric guitar yet, but Paul does (see below).

Paul bought an electric guitar from the youth minister at St Raphael. He has no amp, but originally used Mom's (Sharon) bass guitar amp (yes I played bass guitar in my BP days{before Paul} at St. Raphael). His interest in theater is continuing. He played Devlin Scarp in "Dick Wittington" in February, was technical director for "Little Princess" in November, and has a bit part in "Anne of Green Gables" this coming February. These plays are all with our home school group.

Stephen's braces are off. He woke up one morning with his "permanent" retainer missing. We never did find it, but the orthodontist is doubtful he would have swallowed it. He had a tooth pulled in November because the adult tooth was coming in and baby tooth did not want to leave its happy home. He has long way to go to catch up to Joel. Joel had 11 teeth pulled; Stephen has had two removed .

Serena (alias Pip/Pippi) is happily attending her Little Flowers Girls Club. She has earned four patches for learning about various virtues. Serena has two permanent 6 yr molars with little to no enamel on them. We knew that eventually she would need major dental work done to these two teeth. In November, the dentist told us that she needs some type of temporary fix now (he suggested stainless steel crowns) and some type of permanent solution when she is little older. We are investigating various options. Please pray for guidance for us as we make our decision.

Merry Christmas,

The Hedmans

2008

Christmas 2008

Hello all,

No graphics this year as Sharon is speed typing to get this done, but we will experiment with changing the font color. We did pull a photocard together this morning that has pictures of our North Shore trip with the kids and Mike and Sharon's overnight at Stillwater thanks to Mike's digital camera and ritzpix.com.

Mike is still at the U although he isn't quite sure these days which department or floor he should be in. He moved from his building on University Ave in October (he had been it for only a year). He is being moved to a different floor in the new building next week. The U is ever consolidating and shifting his whole department and now he has a new manager although it has taken since he moved in October to decide which department to assign him to after breaking up his old department.

Sharon is still homeschooling the kids although she will be losing a pupil as Joel graduates in May. She has been trying to stay on top Joel's college applications, scholarship deadlines, and deposits required. After Mike purchased a “spa basket” at the St. Raphael School Wine Tasting fundraiser (of which Sharon can't taste any due to stomach problems), Mike and Sharon stayed at bed and breakfast in Stillwater to purchase items with the spa gift card.

In January 2008, Joel's braces were removed and he got contact lenses. Joel has a new hobby-playing guitar. He took a PSEO guitar class at North Hennepin College spring semester 2008 and loved it. He bought a guitar in October. Joel is now a certified Water Safety Instructor for the City of Brooklyn Park. Between working two nights a week and two PSEO classes fall semester, he was kept very busy. He is hoping things will slow down a bit spring semester as he is only taking one class (calculus) at the college in addition to his homeschool classes.

Paul is now in high school as well. Paul bought an electric guitar that the St Raphael youth minister was selling. After playing a pirate in Peter Pan earlier this year, he is now gearing up to play Devlin Scarp in Dick Wittington and His Magical Cat. He had braces put on this year.

Stephen is in fourth grade and in braces. Several years ago he had a “supernumeral tooth” (an extra tooth). It was a very pointed tooth that came in upper front. After the tooth was pulled, his adult tooth

came in crooked so the orthodonist suggested straightening the upper four adult teeth as long I was driving Paul in anyway. A few months later, he suggested we straighten Stephen's lower adult teeth as long I was bring him for upper teeth.

Serena is second grade. After our trek to LaCrosse in June to the allergist, she is now being treated for a mosquito allergy. I made the remark that Serena had a good spring allergy-wise and I only gave her Benadryl to help with mosquito bites. The allergist immediately tested her for mosquitos and found out that, yes indeed, she does an have allergy to mosquitos (which explains why her mosquito bite welts take a long time to go away). Isn't Serena lucky our unofficial state bird is the mosquito?

The Hedmans