christmas 2009 letter

Dearest Family and Friends

This year is ending on a much better note compared to its beginning with much celebratory anticipation for 2010. We had a white Christmas this year.

My mother, who moved in with me in the Fall of 2008 for caregiving, and  I made a move by March to a newer home that was more accommodating for her although it was difficult to move from the family home after 17 years. It was, however, good therapy for me to go through the accumulation of stuff acquired. As time progressed in the new home, which is big enough to accommodate some overnight family and friends, mother’s aged condition declined such that I ended up placing her in a nursing home about 3 miles away. She’s not thrilled with the idea but she is safer and receives good care. Not to mention I’m not as worried about her as much when I’m not by her side.

E  and L  (and grandbabies visited the first of June) which was loads of fun. L got engaged to  TC at the time. L plans to marry June 19, 2010 in Leavenworth. After her engagement, she then set off for the summer to Nantucket to perform opera “light” summer stock productions. Then B safely returned from Iraq (woo hoo!) in September and his nuptials are full speed ahead for March 20, 2010 to JT. That wedding is in Northern Virginia. B came out for a quick visit in early November to see me. He is currently job hunting after his tour of duty and is going to finish off his degree. And believe it or not, one more wedding may occur between D and AKr, long time college sweeties! D works with the ROTC cadre at Missouri State for the time being mainly in charge of the PT programs. No wedding date set but I think it may be in the fall so that could mean 3 weddings but only one I have to contend (L's) with in greater detail! How exciting to get three more bonus kids out of the deal along with E's husband T. What’s great is I love them all. We celebrated D's engagement with a small intimate party on Dec. 23 in Leavenworth. E’s family will come in this holiday season for a three day stay then are off to Des Moines to spend Christmas Day with her in-laws. L came home December 15 from NYC for winter school break. It’s always good to have my chicks under the roof again, not to mention the growing grandbabies, even if it is a little wild and crazy!

I now work as the Director of Christian Outreach for my church since finishing my internship and studies. Still have a bit more to go to complete my M.A. in same field of study. I should get certified/credentialed from the church at large after the first of the year which “rosters” me as a commissioned minister. Along with continually coordinating the annual Christmas Market for the church/school plus a few other events in outreach, I have taken on another aspect of my job which is managing Kids Connection, an afterschool mentoring program for high risk elementary kids. I love it and am greatly blessed with the 22 some kids (not necessarily the same ones daily) who walk through our open doors and the volunteers that donate their time to help. I love my church family for all their prayers and support in church’s ministries and over all in my personal life. It’s how the church family is meant to be!

Well I have stepped out this year and started dating, it is as awful and funny as you can imagine at my age. However after a few months, I met someone: M, who is wonderfully delightful and a keeper. He’s of Jewish descent so I encouraged we celebrate Hanukkah together this year (8 crazy nights of presents!). Seriously, it’s been enjoyable/interesting getting in touch with my Jewish roots. I look forward to our developing relationship in the coming year.

As always, I hope this finds you happy, healthy and well. I love labeling each envelope with names/addresses, praying over them for a memorable Christmas and Happy New Year!