Well it's been Another Interesting Year,
I suppose Katelin wins the prize for the most significant life changes this year. In March, Katelin visited the University of Rochester to interview for a position in their graduate program in Psychology. She was very surprised when they called the next day and offered her a full-time research assistantship. In May, she graduated Magna Cum Laud from Marietta College with a BA in Psychology, and in August we moved Katelin into her first apartment in Rochester, NY where she then started classes at the end of August. Her new address is: 84D Clintwood Court, Rochester, NY 14620. We got to see her again over fall break and Thanksgiving and are looking forward to a long Christmas break. Classes, I am told, are going well and thanks to her boyfriend Taylor, she is getting out and exploring the Great Lakes region of New York and Buffalo.
Alex has been very busy this year. He participated in a state-wide weekend youth leadership retreat sponsored by the Rotary Club at Jackson's Mill, WV. Alex was nominated by the Williamstown High School teachers to represent the school at the retreat, and although Linette and I knew this would be a good experience for Alex, we still had to really force him to attend. At the end of the retreat, Alex was awarded the outstanding student leader by the other teacher who attended the retreat from across the state. Because of the award, Alex was invited to return next year as a counselor and to mentor the other students.
Alex participated in soccer last spring and fall and is now involved in swimming. Alex is also a certified grade 8 referee in soccer and last spring and fall officiated local recreation games to pick up some spending money. He is doing well in school and currently is interested in toxicology, although that is subject to change.
Abbie is coming to the end of the fall semester of her second year at Marietta College. Her major is Graphic Design but she is doing very well in Communication and now exploring career options in this as well. Abbie works in the local Mall in a clothing store called Rue 21. So between taking care of Rylan, school, sorority and working, Abbie stays very busy. Sometimes she says hi when passing through.
Steve started Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY in the fall of 2000 and finished in May of 2010 with an MDiv. That's got to be some kind of record, but one I never wanted. I was approved the United Methodist Church and commissioned at Annual Conference as a provisional Elder in June. I also referee soccer games for High School teams in the fall and recreation teams with Alex on weekends. You may be surprised to learn that with soccer and birthday money I bought a kayak which I use to paddle around on the Ohio River. I guess that's one advantage of living so close to a river. If you choose to visit, we'll borrow a friend's kayak and paddle on the Ohio just like George Washington. (Well sort of.) Needless to say, church keeps me very busy.
Linette continues to work at her jewelry business, attends training and conferences. Last spring she worked in the church's Learning Center as a teacher but in the fall gave that up for Bible Study Fellowship. We got Linette a Kindle for Mother's day and she is never very far from it. She is reading constantly.
Rylan – Well what can I say? This year we must have watched Shrek, Shrek 2, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Muppet's Treasure Island a least 100 times each. He loves those movies and after his bath we watch a movie before bed. His language skills are remarkable and he seems to brighten up every room with joy and smiles. Right now he loves anything that has to do with Woody and Buzz from Toy Story. Linette bought him tiny plastic figurines which he carries with him everywhere. Rylan attends the church's Learning Center three days a week and Bible Study fellowship with Linette on Thursday. If you want to see all the phases of his growth and adventures I suggest you checkout the photos I've uploaded at: www.gedonfamily.shutterfly.com
We are all very thankful for our friends and family and for a healthy love filled year that was full of milestones and new chapters in our lives. What 2011 will be, God only knows but we are certain that the Best is Yet to Be. Merry Christmas to you and your family from all of us here in West Virginia.
Steve, Linette, Katelin, Abbie, Alex and Rylan