Happy New Year 2002! Wishing you all the best for the year. I was asked by International Programs if I would do a European program again. I told them that I was waiting to take the kids of the true Heidelbergers. The person laughed and said, “that could be dangerous.” Also, because many of you continue to “go forth and multiply,” picking a year that would have the most number of candidates isn’t entirely clear. So it gose.
Carlos and Gladys are now living in Houston. They’ve now been married two years. They opened a company called LAB Sports and Entertainment. They have a web site called soccerbest.com. It is soccer information for all Latin American countries. They started a Latin Wrestling Tour for the U.S. Hispanic market called, “Lucha Libre Latina.” They did 11 events this year and plan 22 next year and are working on a tv deal. And they became partners in a professional soccer team in Costa Rica called the Santa Barbara. Carlos reports he’s trying to stay out of trouble most of the time.
Got a photo Christmas card from Kim, Dana, Jennifer and Kenzie Ellis. Kenzie was born in March (and is also Monica’s goddaughter). Can’t tell whether Kenzie looks like Kim or Dana, but is the only one without a Santa hat under the Hawaiian palm trees. Kim says they only have six months left in Hawaii.
Shannon, Sheldon, Brady and Ian are still in Korea, but will returning to the U.S. next summer, probably D.C. Shannon is still teaching aerobic three times a week and attending a weekly ladies bible study. Sheldon was a soccer coach and Brady, 6, played for the second season. Brady and Ian are both TykwonDo (martial arts) students…Shannon’s Christmas letters says, “please know you have a place to stay if you happen to find your self in Korea.” As partial repayment for all the joy she brought me in Heidelberg, I’m inviting all of you to take her up on that offer.
Jonathan, Camille, Madeline and Abigail are expecting a brother in March/April. Jon is still at Salem. Jonathan has started teaching 1st grade at Sunday school. Would love to be a fly on the wall and observe him. He reports he pitched a ten-man tent in the classroom, dressed up as Moses and marched the kids around the room eating manna. You can well imagine that Camille is exceedingly busy with all of this. I will put the picture of Madeline and Abigail, as well as all of the pictures you have all sent me this year, on our web page (as soon as my t.a. can get to it). Madeline is in 1st grade, going to theater classes, playing the piano. Abigail is a pre-schooler.
Kathy and Danny are now the proud parents of Benjamin Bristow Smith, born October 3rd, a perfectly healthy 5.8 pounds. Look for pictures on my web site shortly. Kathy was working in Century City at a technology start up doing project management and product development. But she has “retired” to become a full time mom at least for now. Danny is producing reality TV shows for Fox Family.
Char reports that she (and her partner, Jim) has realized her vision to put a cloud scene on a yoga mat. Check it out at www.ImagineThatYogaMats.com (and tell your friends and neighbors). She is still working full-time as a Nurse Practitioner at the VA, teaches 6 yoga classes a week, and enjoying as much time as possible with Jim (5 years together). Monica, Jesus, Jordan, Brandon write that both Monica and Jesus have new jobs. After a year’s leave of absence from teaching, she is now part-time faculty for CSU Northridge, working as a supervisor of student teachers and interns through the Channel Islands campus. Jesus began the year teaching Spanish and coaching girls’ soccer (League Coach of the Year) and then became the administrative dean at Rio del Valle Jr. High in Rio. Jordan turned 3 in April and participated in his first soccer class (no surprise there); Brandon’s now 1 ½ and is described as a “charmer.”
Janille’s Christmas letter was done on an original painting of Janille depicting Janille, John, and Christopher dragging a Christmas tree through the snow with Joshua pointing the way. Janille “remains the steadfast chauffeur, caterer and referee for the boys.” Joshua is 7 and in second grade, is a Wolf Cub and plays basketball. Christopher is 4, in pre-school and is described as a “social butterfly.”
Carolyn writes that Christmas seems “to come around faster and faster each year.” (How do you think it feels at a newly turned 55 years of age? I’m going to put this letter in the mail and feel like I need to start writing next year’s letter already.) She reports that she decided to make the move from being a theoretical engineer to being a practical, applied one. So she took a class at CU, worked hard, and went to work with a startup company. She’s also back to full strength on her horn playing, did lots of hiking, mountain biking, and backpacking over the summer, and hopes to do a biking trip in New Zealand. And reports that her cats are fine.
Jeff, Shelley, and Kelley are in a new house. “Kaylee grew a ton” but the bigger news is that they are expecting a girl in May. Jeff’s still in the Realty Business, but selling homes.
Tom wrote me, and I’ll quote, “I just wanted to let you all know that I am now a very proud papa. My wife, Catherine, gave birth to our first child Sunday afternoon, November 11th. We have a beautiful girl that we named Clara Jane. She weighted 8 lbs. 14 oz and was 21 ½ inches long. Mother and daughter are doing well.” They are in Lakewood, Illinois. Brett and Karen are still in Newport, but Brett works for an Oklahoma City based venture capital firm doing finance and CTO work for three of their portfolio companies. He reports he’s in contact with Steve, Dane, Paul and Cindy.
Danielle and John report that “all is well with the Haffners.” They are homeschooling three of their four kids (Camille, 8, Tim, 6, and Bennett, 5, Jacob will be 3 this month). Danielle taught a unit on “solids, liquids, and gases” for a homeschool co-op group—I wonder how “hands-on” that unit was? John continues to work with Merit Resource Group and sing in the choir at church. Danielle is still part of the Day Camp (VBS) ministry.
Cristina Hamilton Montgomery gave birth to a son, Ryan, in early November.
Kevin and Michelle became the proud parents of Brooke Ellen on July 10th. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. And 21 inches. Kevin is still enjoying his job at Amgen. Michelle was able to quit her job a few weeks before Brooke was born. Kevin’s latest hobby is “discount grocery shopping.” Somehow he managed to get $80 worth of groceries for $5. Michelle credits such success with his business school acumen. I’m concerned that it shows he continues to be warped by his scarcity experiences in Heidelberg.
Mark, Michelle, Miles and Zachary didn’t write a lot, but how they signed their Christmas card had great portent. “Love, Mark, Michelle, Miles, Zachary and The ‘Lil Princess Due in April.
Stephanie, Kevin, Connor, Drew and Katie report that Stephanie saw the complete Wagner “Ring” opera cycle in Seattle this summer. I’d like to be reminded exactly how many hours that is? Kevin went to his 20 year high school reunion, which reminds me to remind you that our twenty year reunion is now only four years away. Connor, 8 ½, is in third grade, Drew is almost 5, and Katie is 1 ½. Harry Potter is a big favorite in the family.
Cindy, Arno, Annika and Andalyn send messages that make me, as something of a former authority figure, smirk. “Andalyn is now one a quite mobile. She began walking early and is now difficult to keep track of.” Annika is now four and is “all grown up.” She enjoys pre-school, ballet, and karate where she begins each class by asking the teacher, “Can I hit ya?” Must be more than a little karma involved here? Cindy left Torrey Pines High School after a twelve-year assignment and is now teaching at Carmel Valley Middle School. She continues to teach on a part time contract which includes three periods of seventh grade World History and Geography. Arno continues to work at Westin and enjoys his outings with the girls on his days off.
Kim, Scott, Luke, Micah and Isaac I at least see visually quite often on our trips up and down Baxter Drive. Kim continues to work part time for Let’s Start Talking and is a home-schooling mom. Scott continues as a minister here and is also teaching a graduate level class this semester. Luke started piano and chorus, catches on his baseball team, and plays basketball. Micah’s new delight in life is soccer. Isaac is into Lego and has started pre-school.
Dane writes on behalf of Maya and Lisa, “our precious little Lisa turned 3 on September 11th. I really do not know how to tell her about this day and what it means to millions of people around the world.” I’m sure that thought speaks for all of us. He also says, that they moved into a new apartment in Frankfurt, that he is still with General Electric Global eXchange Service (GXS) and staying in the software consulting biz. Maya is still with Hyperion and working in HR. He is also glad his own travel is cut back because he gets to spend more time with Lisa.
Michaelann, Curtis, Brock, Thomas, Augustine, MariAnna, Philip, and Joshua report that their college Catholic ministry, Focus, is going great and that they have 32 missionaries that have given two years to campus ministry. They still love Colorado; their three oldest are in Christian schools, and that Michaelann is currently writing a manuscript to publish by the end of the year 2002. She says that she “hopes to give hope and actual helpful information to other parents that are searching to heal and save their special needs kids” (their Philip is autistic, “but you would never know it”). And she asks me, and I will ask all of you to “keep this in your prayers.”
Steve writes, “things are going great for me.” Last August he left eAssist where he was Senior Director of Client Operations (and worked a bit with Tim Misuradze) and has become an independent consultant. He works with emerging technologies, IT strategy, and some organizational management consulting. Fred is still at WebMD.
Kowanda, Ron, Derek, Doug and Karina moved to American Fork, Utah, in late August. Ron was able to make that transfer with State Farm. Kowanda writes, “every day I wake up an am amazed at the beauty of the mountains (especially after living near corn fields for the past 4 ½ years)”. Ha. Kowanda is in a small ladies Bible study at their new Church. Derek (5th grade) did wrestling this fall, Doug (2nd grade) is taking karate, Karina (kindergarten) started piano lessons. Ron scaled Glacier Peak!
Cara, Mike, Bryce and Brent sent a Christmas card, and Cara even sent me an e-mail, and not to complain…but her only family update was a request for me to send an updated address list. But it’s probably a good idea, Cara. I’m a little sensitive about privacy issues, but here’s my take on it, “if my list is up to date, you will get this letter. If it’s not, it presumably doesn’t matter. So, if you do NOT want to be included in my updating an address list, write or e-mail be soon, otherwise I will feel that it is within my prerogative to reassemble such a public list and forward it on to you all next letter.
Don, Kim, Jordan, Corinne, and Elise reported in their Christmas letter that “the kids are diligently practicing their instruments (Jordan-violin, Elise-violin, Corinne-cello) to prepare for the Christmas recital; truly a highlight of our year!” and shared a verse that they had read just minutes before learning of the September 11th events. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house: yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7: 24-25.
Karin writes, “all is well in Athletics...moved up to ‘director of athletic operations!” Just means I’m in charge of problem-solving. She also reminds us that Pepperdine did beat UCLA and USC in basketball this year. (And as I said about the game at UCLA, “I’d have gone to UCLA for the game if I’d had any idea we’d win.”)
Debbie and Tracy (and Alexa, 8, Kylie, 5) added Sydni Diane to the family on March 30th. Debbie writes that “the pregnancy was a lot harder than the other two and I was bedridden for 2 ½ months…needed intravenous medication for 6 weeks.” Personally remembering that Debbie was the only one physically tough enough to beat in the race back to the bus in Prague, I can hardly imagine such a physical ordeal. And mom and Sydni are doing fine! Debbie did get to teach part time last year in a 2nd grade class and got to teach her oldest for part of the time. ..and they are expecting to move to a new home this year!
Julie writes that she is still living in the Dallas area and working for VarTec Telecom. She was promoted to Market Analyst II, has done some web development, and has traveled to Ireland and taken a Western Caribbean cruise this past year…and “had a great time on both trips.”
Kim, Kevin, Luke and Kyle report that they are “under construction again.” They are once again adding on to their house, but more to the point is the expectation of a baby in June! Kim says that she became a workout machine last Spring, lost all of her pregnancy weight, “just in time to get pregnant again.” She’s involved in the Moms group at their church and volunteers weekly in Luke’s Awana club. Kevin became licensed in March and is involved in private practice and at Biola. Luke attends preschool and has been taking swimming lessons, is already a computer whiz. Kyle is 1 ½ and is “constantly busy, not one to sit still too long.”
Carrie, Andy, Jenna, Jessica, Michaela sent a quiz instead of a traditional Christmas letter this year. I did pretty well. For example, I correctly guess that “getting carsick on long road trips” was not one of Jessica’s highlights this past year. The Walls report that they have settled in to life in Oak Park and are putting down roots at the Conejo Valley Church of Christ where Andy is minister. Carrie is Community Bible Study core leader; room mom; soccer mom; math tutor; and Bible Class teacher. Jenna is in second grade and involved in Brownies, Piano lessons, Drama and soccer. Michaela, a pre-schooler, can already recite the Pledge of Allegiance and say the books of the Bible.
Kristy, Brad, Toby and Westyn are doing well. Kristy and Brad were at the seventh game of the World Series. Kristy and I agree that the key hit in that fateful ninth inning was the first hit, the single my Mark Grace.
Eric, Jennifer, Marc and Julia didn’t send me an update, but I can hardly complain because they sent me a picture card of the kids. Check it out once it’s on my web site. Marc has Eric’s mischievous grin and Julia, fortunately, takes after Jennifer.
David and Gayle send greetings from Fremont. They moved there in August to begin a year of internship after seminary. They report that their “internship involves getting a core group together in order to plant a Chinese church.” Their next big event will be ordination, which takes place in August. Gayle is the webmaster at the church, so www.popfremont.org will have an update on them.
I see Tanja regularly since she continues to teach Economics here. I saw Caroline at Jeff’s graduate (Masters) from Pepperdine in December, it was great to see their four kids and find that they have further “expectations.” I have traded phone calls with Erin and continue to work on my idea of “church with Erin” on the web. Shayne’s last e-mail was that he continues to be over the hill (literally, not figuratively) working in law. Ran into newly Doctor Patrick Manyak on State Street in Santa Barbara. He was buying gifts for his groomsmen. He and Ann Margaret were marrying two days later and headed to a professorship, but I was so glib on whether it was Wyoming or Montana, I can’t remember which now. Todd and I had no luck connecting while we were both on campus at the same time, but tells me by phone that “it’s been a good year!” (even if he has less hair). I’ve been waiting to send this for Tim and Nicole to have had their first child. They are living in Malibu now as well. And right on cue as this letter is still on my computer screen Tim called and Nicole gave birth today, January 13th, 2:35 pm, to Aiden Jordan, 7 lbs. 12 oz, 21 ½ inches! Mother and father are doing well! Brian (aka Sweetness) and Ronda are expecting a brother for Elias (turns 4 in April) in May. Midori, Bill, and Christopher have just finished the “re” job on their home—remodeled, refinished, restored. They are really involved in their church. Midori is doing lots of volunteer work; Bill has left hi-tech and plans to work with the Church or in another service capacity. Christopher is in Kindergarten and his favorite game is Monopoly. Clearly another HD child prodigy. Kim tells me that Janet and Gary and the two kids are still doing well in Oklahoma. Connie and Rick had their fourth a girl born in November. Brad and family are still in Colorado, he’s still coaching, and now that his parents have retired from Pepperdine I’m less likely to run into him. Brett and Dane tell me that Steve is doing well in San Francisco and still enjoying his new place there.
It’s always a joy to hear from any and all of you! Keep those cards and letters (and e-mails) coming. I regret any mistakes or oversights in the letter and that I am short a few people.
As for us, Creedance has been working for the Disney film marketing firm, Initiative, on the Burbank lot; we traded our northern California place for one in Santa Barbara and Janice has been improving it greatly; and I continue mostly to teach Great Books and Film (and successfully had a new film minor approved for next year).
I will leave you with the words of wisdom from former baseball player and manager, Whitey Herzog: “Be on time. Bust your butt. Play smart. And have some laughs along the way.” Wishing you the best in this New Year!
The Goses