For those of you who did not receive our Christmas letter.
Merry Christmas from the Vernon’s
Our 5th year in Ohio has come and almost gone. Brenda and Matt strive diligently to watch lots of late-night sports programs and eat extra garlic to keep the kid count stuck on 4. Unless anyone can convince Brenda otherwise, that’s where it will stay. But, the one’s we got, we love:
Maris, 19 months, has quite the personality. Music almost always sends her into a reflexive dance—shifting weight from one foot to the other and wrapped in a gentle spin. Maris babbles a lot and only says a few intelligible words. It’s her tone that gets her point across—truly she rules the others with her “Quack, quack, quack.” She’s quick to smile and flirt with her eyes with most adults.
Parker, now 3 ½ years old, has gotten through an eventful year. He broke his arm early this year and had to wear a cast for 8 weeks. When taken off at the doctor’s office, he kissed his arm and said, “All Better!” He also saw his binky float away with 3 helium balloons at the “Big-Boy Summer Festival” in our driveway in June. Nolan was the one who cried watching it drift over the tree line. Parker is getting better with potty training; however, he still gets “pee” and “poop” mixed up—despite mom and dad explaining it 3,653 times….and counting.
Nolan, 5, is in his 3rd year of pre-school—this year with a new teacher. We’re thinking about keeping him there the rest of his life—he’s really kicking the other kid’s tails when it comes to identifying colors and shapes. Actually, his September birthday made him just miss the kindergarten cut-off. Perhaps another year in pre-school is beneficial as Nolan was diagnosed this summer with PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder)—a grab-bag diagnosis for kids who have autistic tendencies, but not enough to characterize as autistic or Asberger’s. Nolan has been on medicine for months that has helped his overall mood. He truly is a sweet boy. Exploring beyond the fence of our yard, “reading” books, and playing video games are common pastimes. He still loves numbers and letters and anything “Veggie Tales.” His social tact and etiquette has also greatly improved.
Nicole, 6, loves her siblings and is the quintessential oldest sister. She mothers and protects the other siblings, loves to help mom around the house, and is quick to do what is right. Sticking with the theme of tall school teachers, she has a 6-ft tall 1st grade teacher named Ms. Bates (last year was 6-ft 7-inch Mr. Matzen). Yes, 6 feet is the minimum height for Ohio teachers—non-gregarious specimens need not apply. Nicole has also started piano lessons and is enjoying it. She loves cats, homework, and reading “puzzle books” with Daddy once a week.
Brenda, still 30-something, is a gentle blend of Martha Stewart, Norm Abrams, and General Patton. It takes a lot to direct traffic and keep-the-peace in Vernonville. Brenda continues to teach the 12 and 13 year-old young women at church—and really enjoys it. She still hosts a book club every month or two. Projects continue to “fall” below her ever-sweeping scythe: a 3-layered wall by our backyard fire pit complete with stepping stones and drainage pipes, 2 glass-enclosed bookcases getting refinished, and changing bathroom fixtures complete with soldering. At a recent church “service auction,” Brenda’s “helping with a home project” went for top dollar. She has a growing reputation. She can even be hired to close associates for a “special” price—just visit her website or call the toll-free number to set up a consultation.
Matt, 37 (and not ashamed of it), continues to try to maintain sanity despite long days at the office. He enters his 5th year in a four doctor private family practice in Middletown (15 minutes SW of Springboro). He works 4 ½ days per week and every 3rd to 4th weekend. With a partner out much of the year with cancer treatments, the busy workload got busier—but in today’s economy, his mumblings fall on deafer ears. Ironically, Matt works with the 11-yr-old scouts at church. A Scouting dropout himself, Matt does feel somewhat capable of getting the boys advanced to Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st Class Scouts—since that’s about where he left his scouting career. Matt’s the “Safe Auto” scout leader……..minimum coverage to get you passed.
The Vernon’s took a much-needed vacation in August to the beach at Outer Banks, North Carolina. Many members of Brenda’s family shared in the experience of staying a week in a beach front home with direct access to the beach. We had to get there using a 4x4 vehicle…and if Brenda is driving (Matt + sand + stuck x 2 = angry Brenda). The days went by too quickly. Brenda and Matt took a brief trip to Colorado in Oct and did some hiking and a Milwaukee Brewers trip in the summer. We’ll host Matt’s family for Thanksgiving and will go on a brief ski trip in Idaho in December. No National Parks this year for the Vernon’s—stuck on 30 of 59.
The Vernon’s feel blessed this Holiday Season—despite the loss of Brenda’s oldest brother, Justin, in September. His unexpected passing has reminded us of our fragility, but also of the blessings of resurrection and eternity. May you and yours be blessed by our kind and gracious Heavenly Father as we reflect on his perfect Son this Holiday Season.
