Christmas 2002

 

 

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ThomasKids.com Christmas 2002 Letter 

Happy Holidays 2002!

Well, I'm getting a late start this year, it is already December 17th! Things have been a bit hectic and with Thanksgiving so late this year, I feel about a week behind. Life has been good, everyone is healthy and happy. So let's get started!

Danny did not do much traveling this year. It's been nice to have him home to help out with the kids. He did hold three one-week training classes for Telemobile in April, June, and October. He has anywhere from 15-30 customers fly in from all over the world to learn about Telemobile's products. He definitely likes this approach, having them come to him, rather than him having to travel to each country! (I kind of like it, too!) 

Danny also finished up his studies for conversion and was baptized into the Catholic faith on Easter this year. It was a very special and emotional evening. Just prior to Easter, he had laser surgery on his eyes, so no more glasses. He was very glad not to worry about glasses, as his baptism was full immersion! Danny has also taken up sailing a bit more this year, however, not on my Dad's boat, but not direct competition either - he knows better than to do that!

Shannon (7) finished up Kindergarten in the spring, and started first grade this fall. She is doing very well, and has really started reading up a storm. She has continued with her Irish dancing, and competed in her first feis (read "fesh") and received a first and second place! She started in a Brownie troop this fall, and also played t-ball and soccer this year. She is testing my "only-two-extra-curricular-activities-at-a-time" rule! Shannon also experienced her first sleepover party this fall, and made it thru the night!

Steven (4 ½) has done a lot of growing up this year. He is in his second year of preschool, and has really discovered friendship. He is constantly wanting to have a friend over to play, and really has a great time with his buddies. He has discovered Rescue Heroes and dinosaurs and plays with them constantly. Steven took "playtime" tennis this fall and swimming lessons over the summer. Definitely liked the tennis better.

Colleen, Colleen, Colleen (2). What to say about my little curly-cue? She is a joy and a handful! She has been speaking in full sentences all year and has something to say to everyone. She has even started answering the phone! She definitely wants to keep up with her siblings and expects to be included in all the "reindeer games"! She is into EVERYTHING as the lipstick on the carpet and felt pen on the shutters will attest to. But I must say, I can't imagine life without her! She says the funniest things everyday. And is always quick with a kiss and a smile for everyone. She calls herself "Nee-nee" and the nickname has stuck!

The family went on two trips this year. We took our first plane trip with all three kids to Miami, FL for the CFM convention. Danny and I are still leading the CFM section at our church and we joined our co-section leaders in Miami. We had a fantastic trip and the kids did great on the plane, even with an unplanned 2 ½ hour layover in New Mexico. The convention was fantastic, and the National CFM Board is trying diligently to recruit Danny and I. We'll see…that's for next year's letter! We also took a quick trip to Palm Desert in August. It was HOT HOT HOT - 115 degrees. But we managed some pool time, took the tram ride up to the top of the mountain and relaxed before our CFM kickoff activities started up.  

I have still been blessed to be home with the kids. Some days are more blessed than
others. I am still in MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers), am still sailing with my Dad as
often as possible, and managed two weekends away this year. My sister, Anne, and I
went to Palm Springs for Mother's Day, and I also went to Big Bear in June with the
"Kindergarten Moms". I had a ball both weekends, and was able to re-charge my
"mom battery". Besides that, my life pretty much revolves around the kids' schedules.

Quick update on family: 
Laura (Danny's sister), husband Eddie, and son Micah welcomed Sela to the family on May 29th. We are hoping to meet her this Xmas. 
My sister Brenda has lost 50 lbs. this year, and is going to be in an infomercial for Julia Havey, whose system she used to lose the weight. She looks marvelous! 
My Dad has agreed to move up the Yacht Club ladder and will be sworn in as Rear Commodore this January, with Vice Commodore and Commodore in the next two years. He and his wife Jane are enjoying retirement immensely, and also recently finished a major re-model to their home. 
Danny's parents are doing well, still working, and golfing whenever the opportunity presents itself. 
Everyone else is doing great, with nothing major to report!

** Anne's husband, John and  Shane & Kevin O'Donnell as well as David Thomas and Jim, Shelle & Vincent Thomas are all doing well. But they got cut out of the printed Christmas letter for space reasons  [;-(   **

We hope to hear from many of you in the New Year. 

Keeping in touch with friends and loved ones is what life is all about. 

Let's all pray for peace in this crazy world of ours for 2003.

    Love, 
                Noreen, Danny, Shannon, Steven and Colleen

P.S. Check out www.thomaskids.com - we got a new digital camera and computer!