An excerpt from the Christmas letter 2007
As we share this wonderful Christmas season, we are well aware of the many blessings we have been given and how fast time is passing by. Rebecca attended her last Notre Dame Football game as a student, John is getting too big for our laps, and now I can’t even call my mother to tell her I got home safely. So we are savoring this precious time together. We are savoring each bite of Mom Jakubisin’s nut roll shared with Mom and Dad J over a pot of tea. We are treasuring each meal that all the kids are here at the table. We are even delighting in Monica’s singing of the Christmas carols and Gabe’s and Dan’s long legs taking up the whole living room when the boys are playing Monopoly.
Our children have continued to fill our lives with adventure. Monica began 2007 with our first broken bone. She taught us a lot about compassion and cheerfulness through the winter on crutches and through the summer with a palate expander and braces on her teeth.
Gregory is a great brother to Monica and John and has starting doing some babysitting since he took the Red Cross course last spring. It won’t be long before he is also taller than Mary Ellen. John has taken off with his reading and now, like his siblings, often has his nose in a book. He had his First Reconciliation this month and now begins preparation for First Holy Communion in May. He is also playing basketball and helping Monica with her homework.
Monica loves 8th grade and the social events like the pep rallies, bake sales and school dances. Her education continues to challenge us to pay attention and make sure she is getting what she needs, but she loves her teachers and they love her. She has been on Thyroid medication for a few months now and we know it was right because she is so much more alert and involved. She is preparing for Confirmation now and has asked Rebecca to be her sponsor.
A Sample Note from Monica’s aide:
Monica had a great day. She has been telling us about your upcoming trip to Florida and Grandma. She did a great job on her current event. She is quite a star. She was very proud to show everyone her merit award. Mr. K took the class to the Gym and Monica shot 31 baskets. She knew her spelling words today. A + + She was ready!
monicajakubisin 