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