Dearest Family and Friends,
Holiday Greetings from the our home! Another busy holiday season is upon us – this year being no exception to the
rule. In fact, I find myself writing this letter at 6 am because it is the only
time I seem to have available!
Our house has been a busy hive of activity
and excitement this past year. The kids have grown enormously, bringing joy and
challenges to Dave and myself. One minute, we are in awe of what great human
beings they are becoming and the next, wondering if we will make it through to their 18th birthdays!
Jackson and Katelin have started grade
one this year and love it. They are, once again, in the same class and enjoying
their closeness, but celebrating their differences. Jack, our strong, focused
quiet one has shown himself to be a mathematical whiz and Katie, our outgoing, social butterfly expresses a wonderful flair
for the creative and dramatic. They will both be representing their school in
the annual Santa Claus parade tomorrow and look forward to this occasion with much excitement.
Matthew has entered into his last year
of junior high – grade 8 and appears to be enjoying it immensely. He’s
on student council and will be traveling to Quebec in the spring with his French class for a field trip. He continues to be an impressive student, but most importantly, he is becoming and wonderful, kind and
determined young man.
David has enjoyed and exciting year professionally
and personally. In May, he took an office position in management and for the
first time in our marriage, he’s been home nightly. The kids love it and
frankly, so do I. I was exhausted! There
are many challenges with his new position, but to deal with the stress he took up running, competing in his first 10k race
this summer. Not only has his fitness level increased dramatically, he lost 75lbs
too! He looks great and most importantly, feels great. Rumor has it there may be a marathon in his future!
I also had a wonderful year, achieving
many personal goals. My health initiative continued and I am pleased to report
that in October, I reached my weight goal and lost a total of 152lbs. I now lead
my local Weight Watchers meeting and have relished in the love and support of my community.
I also started running and have enjoyed the challenges that it has brought. It
has provided Dave and I an opportunity to spend time together and challenge one another.
The only marathon I plan to enjoy though is a “shopping marathon” which has become a wonderful past time
for me, much to Dave’s chagrin!
With this holiday season upon us, I am
once again reminded of how each of you has touched our lives in some special way and that this letter is one small way of
saying “hello”. Please know that you are loved and cared about by
our family. Peace to you and yours this Christmas.
Stephanie, David, Matthew, Katelin and
Jackson
xoxo
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