In September Sean turned 12. His birthday always falls on the first day of school and this year was no different. What was different was the school. Sean has left elementary things behind. He is now going to high school. (Here the middle school and high school are combined). He used to walk to school, now he bikes – in wind and weather, rain and sun. Thankfully he travels with some friends and we know that Stephan has survived this trip for the last four years.
- Off to school -
On his birthday Sean got his “gsm” (a mobile phone) that he had been wanting for a while. This one has a camera and ringtones and all those nice things. He is not allowed to use it while at school (from the school rules), but enjoys looking at it with his friends. He pays for the calls and is already aware of how quickly your bell credit can disappear.
- Sean's gsm -
In October Stephan celebrated his 16th birthday. Everyone who calls our home has long noticed his voice change. Recently one of our friends was wondering which strange man was calling for her daughter – but it was Stephan. His braces have come off and we are at times astonished by his brilliant smile.
- Stephan's guitar arrives! -
While Stephan has a variety of interests, he has most recently been working on learning to play guitar. One of his school friends plays electric guitar and Stephan wanted to get started. So with some birthday money and working hard he was able to get a guitar and amp for a great deal. It arrived after his birthday but still during the vacation (we have a week of vacation the first week of November). Although we all enjoy hearing him play, we are also glad that he can plug it into headphones to play – keep the neighbors happy.
- Jammin' -
I loved looking at this. We enjoy your monthly newsletter--but this has pictures! Your boys have grown so much. It's been too long since we've seen you. It was neat to see some pictures of your home, since we've never seen it. We're all busy with work and school. Caleb just finished high school football, and Benjamin flag football. Benjamin is playing trombone this year, and Abbie has been taking piano lessons for about eight months. I'm learning along with her. Caleb has an acoustic guitar with an electric hook up. (We're also thankful for ear phones!) Benjamin really wants a bass guitar. I think our boys would have a good time together. We finally have a dog. The kids have wanted one for years. It's a chihauhau named Lucy.
ReplyDeleteTake care! Love, Tonita
Greg,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and encouragement. Neat to hear from you. Took me a while to figure out your nomer (I had "stoogle over" sounded like stumble, figured that couldn't be right and then remembered the stooges).
I look forward to the times listening to Stephan and even (when he allows it) playing with him. I learned guitar because my dad was learning. Neat that Stephan has picked it up too.
Scott
Aaaah, theyre growing up without me! Of course they are. I wouldnt expect anything different. I just really miss being there and seeing these things happen! Man, I cant wait to come home to a hootenanny with Stephan playing his guitar along with you guys! Thanks for posting this news! I love to here whats going on in your lives!
ReplyDeleteI love you all and I'm getting really excited to see you over Xmas break. Have you heard that we are all coming home?
well, love ya!
in Him,
Miranda B.