Dear Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas!
2009 was a typically busy year for our family, and, many of our highlights have been pictorially portrayed on this blog. Here’s a bit of a written summary of our lives this past year:
Jacqui continues her nursing studies and is now one semester away from graduating. She has done very well and was inducted this past fall into the academic honor society. As you might imagine, all of her “boys” are very proud of her and what she has accomplished – all of which comes on top of being a mom and wife, and "first lady" of the parish. She handles all with her characteristic grace and laughter (we’re particularly thankful for her laughter). So, the New Year (the spring) will bring with it both graduation and a job search.
2009 has been a big year for Aaron. This past summer he moved into his own apartment in Charleston (about 4 miles from home). The move has been good for him – it’s close to both school (College of Charleston) and work (Bluetowne Consulting – computer networking) and us (each of the remaining boys now have their own bedrooms!). He begins his senior year at the College of Charleston in addition to working 30 hours a week. This has been a good opportunity for him and he has learned quite a bit from a very kind boss. Enjoyably, the company Aaron works for has the sub-contract for St. Andrew's network and Aaron has been assigned our account. I enjoy seeing him around the church. The biggest news for Aaron is that the Saturday before Thanksgiving he got engaged to a wonderful young woman, “Jessie.” She is a blessing to know and we are thankful that this delightful young woman will be a part of our family! The wedding date is set for 10.10.10. Jacqui and I are still amazed that our little boy is a grown man and about to get married!
Tim is going to college in Charleston and working about 20 hours a week at St. Andrew’s as our Children’s Worship Leader. He’s had a busy year. One of his highlights was trip with Dad to England this past June (pics elsewhere on the blog). We attended a leader’s conference in London and then had a bit of time to see some of the country. Of particular interest to Tim was a trip to Oxford and a visit to C. S. Lewis’ home – and then a few pints at Lewis’ favorite pubs. Tim remains a joy to be around.
Nick is in 10th grade at Wando High School having transferred from Bishop England. He liked Bishop England, however, all of his good friends were at Wando and so we made the switch this summer. The only downside is that as a transfer student he’s ineligible to play scholastic sports this year (he still played rec league soccer – becoming a prolific scorer!). Nick, now driving, is pressing Tim as the biggest boy in the family. They both check in just a hair over 6’1” – way beyond Dad who seems to be shrinking these days. This past summer Nick joined Jacqui, Sammy and me in California for vacation. We had a nice visit to Disneyland, Emerald Bay and San Francisco (pics on the blog). The highlight, though, was sitting in the owner’s private club for a Dodgers game at Dodgers Stadium. Very cool. Nick remains a somewhat intense, but fun-loving kid.
Sammy, now 12 yrs. old and in 6th grade, really never changes. He is still a very sweet and delightful boy. Sammy had a busy year and there were several highlights: In February he joined Dad on a trip to England. It was his first trip to Europe. They had a wonderful time seeing all the sights (around Dad’s work schedule), though, Sammy didn’t think much of the food. In the summer Sammy and his Dad made a trip to Charlotte to see Coldplay. It was Sammy’s first concert and he had a great time. This fall, after having had no luck last year, Sammy bagged his first deer – a buck – all very exciting. As you might imagine with 3 older brothers, he's pretty rugged kid. And when not in school or on the soccer pitch, you can find him in the neighborhood or throwing a cast net in the creek.
Our biggest wish for the New Year is that we get to see more you in it!! Please know that we always have a place for you at the beach in SC!
Anyway, this year closes with us healthy, content and grateful for the many mercies we have experienced at the hand of a loving Heavenly Father.
With Christmas joy and prayers, on behalf of us all,
Steve
