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