Merry Christmas from the Vernon's

We hope that everyone had a great Christmas. Ours was busy, crazy and yet very enjoyable. The worst part was trying to work around Matt having to work.
The following is the Christmas letter that we sent out (Matt is the author). If you have already read it, then you need not read any further. If you haven't read it, it is because I don't have a current address for you.


Another year has come and gone in our “swing-state” Ohio Home—we have now been here over 4 years. To celebrate, we had our 4th child, Maris, on May 2nd…….NOW we’re fillin’ up the minivan.

Maris, 7 months, now flashes a single lower tooth in her previously all-gummy smile. She loves to spend time around mommy, daddy and older siblings. She’ll cry incessantly when left out of the crowd.

Parker, now 2 ½ years old, is a stereotypical, rough ‘n tumble, little boy. He loves to jump down steps and off the couch. He has little regard for his own personal safety. His little blue eyes flash of mischief most of the day—but his ever-present smile argues a plausible alibi with every crime committed. Oddly, he loves to share food with others and help mommy in the kitchen. When sleepy, he NEEDS his binky, stuffed frog, AND frog blanket or a catastrophic tempest will ensue. Not completely used to sleeping in a big-boy bed, he is often found by mom or dad sleeping in front of his bedroom door when we check on him at night.

Nolan, 4, is in his 2nd year of pre-school. He still enjoys the bus—but rides independent of big sister this year. Nolan is speaking more and has a broad range of knowledge—he knows the upper and lower case alphabet, numbers to 100, and can tell time on a digital clock. If ever kidnapped and found by you, his identifying feature will be the wrist watch that he insists on wearing to watch each minute tick off. Brenda had to donate her old one as he wore it all the time. Nolan still is being evaluated by developmental specialists—but to this point, he has only been diagnosed with a “speech delay.” Daddy thinks there may be more to the story, but hopes he is wrong. Nolan still struggles with social interactions, but is leaps and bounds beyond where he was last year. He still loves playing outside and, like any 4-year old, hates going to bed. He’s currently making strides at getting potty-trained.

Nicole, 5, is still mother’s favorite shopping buddy. Nicole thoroughly enjoys kindergarten with her 6’ 7” teacher—Mr. Matzen. She enjoys swimming and has learned to swim for short distances without a flotation device. She enjoyed playing soccer in the spring—but was certainly one of the more timid players on the team. Nicole enjoys having books read to her and is even reading some of the words with us. She is a genuine helper and has been a godsend to her parents with her easy disposition and love and concern she gives her 3 younger siblings. She still misses her cousins who moved from Springboro to Columbus (1.5 hrs away) last year. While mother is getting used to the idea, Nicole has found a hankerin’ for things “pink.”

Brenda, 30-something, has scaled back on her projects this year; I repeat—scaled back on her projects this year. A child in May certainly has played a role in this. Nevertheless, she has found some time to refinish an old armoire, create a storage space above the garage (with pull out ceiling ladder for access), and made some final finishing touches on the master bathroom (replaced sinks and countertop, rewired some lights, and added wood trim to the mirror). Released from Primary in the spring (she works with little kids enough already, right?), Brenda now teaches the 12 and 13 year-old young women. She faithfully hosts a book club every month. Somehow, Brenda strives diligently to maintain her sanity despite 5 children in the home.

Matt, 30-something +, has been well-versed in baseball and college football current events this year. He does find time in between watching games to keep the dishwasher loaded and unloaded which is a big help to Brenda. The kids love to greet daddy with hugs and kisses when he comes home and Nicole is his favorite book reading partner. He enters his 4rd year in a four doctor private family practice in Middletown (15 minutes SW of Springboro). He works 4 ½ days per week and every 4th weekend. Matt still hasn’t gotten used to daily rounds in the local hospital. He wakes up between 5-6 am most mornings (that’s bad) and doesn’t get home until 7ish (that’s also bad). Matt discovered a magic phrase somewhere (was it “elders are overrated” or “Go Utes”) and got released as the Elder’s Quorum president in November—he currently awaits sentencing in another calling.

The Vernon’s took a much-needed vacation in July to Idaho. The drive was long (5000+ miles), but enjoyable. The kids did really well—but, man they have a lot of stuff to haul. Believe it or not, we did not visit any National Parks along the way—but we did have chocolate milk in Iowa and the UP of Michigan to bring the tally to 29 different states. Fear not, Matt and Brenda were able to add Virgin Islands National Park to the list in November as part of a romantic 5-day get-away. For those keeping score, that’s 30 of 59.

The Vernon’s feel blessed this Holiday Season—despite the loss of Matt’s mother, Helen, 1 week before Christmas in ’07 to ovarian cancer and Matt’s grandmother in September to colon cancer. Both of our father’s are well and our extended families too. Knowing God has a definite purpose for our lives—in this life and beyond—has granted great peace throughout this year. We pray the Lord finds each of you and yours well in the Christmas season and in 2009.