Comments? Email me. Thanks, I will respond.

Christmas '97 Newsletter

Another extremely busy year comes to an end and time once again to send our news to you all.

This year seems to have have revolved around holidays, IIt started with the usual Cub Scout camp, which Tony runs and I participate as one of the two camp cooks. The camp took place at the end of May, the weather was glorious, and it proved to be a very enjoyable and successful experience. Two weeks later we went to Cornwall for a week's holiday with my sister and her grandson who were over from the states, on holiday themselves. Kelly and her husband Tim came as well, and although the weather wasn't as kind we had a good time together.

At the end of July we went to Devon for 10 days to house and dog sit for the parents of a friend in our church in Reading. This is the second time we've been asked and were delighted at the opportunity. The cottage is a beautiful thatched cottage in a lovely village in Devon, and the dog is a real character. The day after we got back from Devon, Julian and Tony went off to church youth camp - Tony organising and being leader of this camp as well, which went very well and was very successful with 80 boys and 10 leaders attending. Julian really enjoyed it and made lots of new friends. At the end of August there was a district Scout camp to commemorate 100 years of scouting - all our boys went. This time Tony was not involved, so, leaving Eleanor with Kirstine we escaped to Cornwall for a few days all by ourselves. This was quite an experience, it took us a while to adjust to no children or indeed any responsibility at all. We ended the holiday in the glorious "Lost garden of Heligan", enjoying the beauty and sunshine and indulging in a little romance in our lives. This reminded me of our courting days, coming to the conclusion that one is never too old to be in love.

Well, you would think that would be enough for anyone, but no, in the Autumn half term holidays the Jests were off again, to spend a two day break in France, camping in Normandy. The thought was terrifying but turned out to be great fun, we met an Englishman who owned a camping and caravaning site. He was very friendly and made us very welcome, letting us sleep in a caravan of his. We fulfilled an ambition of mine to visit Mont St. Michel, which was very exciting, being great fans of St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall. In spite of the overnight boat trip going there and the 4½ hours trip back it was a successful trip.

Well, in between holidays we've had a life as well! Tony has been busy in his calling at church as Physical Facilities Representative. Our chapel has been completely refurbished and for eight months we have been meeting in a school hall. Although all of the work has been carried out by contractors, Tony had to liaise between the church Solihull office people and the Bishop and Stake President, and has been involved in many different meetings. We are now back in the chapel and enjoying a beautiful renewed building to meet in. If feels so luxurious. Tony also helps at cubs on Tuesday night and runs the Nursery on Sundays for 18 month to 3½ year olds. The little ones absolutely adore him and he loves being with them very much. He is extremely good with them.

Margaret is in her 3rd year of teaching for church seminary, having thought home study for two years. I change to Early morning this year, teaching in my home from 6:30 until 7:20. It's an amazing calling - I've adapted to getting up early and beginning the day by teaching I've grown to love the students and had some measure of success as they continue to come and want to study and participate. I've learnt to study quickly and to rely on the Spirit more as I teach. And to be able to overcome tiredness. I feel that I have moved to a different energy level which lasts longer than normal. I childmind two days a week and will be increasing to three days after Christmas. I have also been appointed to be a Parent Governor at Eleanor's school. My oldest four are now in London.

Kelly has been married to Tim for 3 years, they live at Streatham. Kelly works with adults as a speech therapist at Guy's, two days in the Hospital and three days out visiting patients. Her husband Tim, although not a church member, is working for members at their estate agency near Russell Square. He enjoys the work and recently was given a company car. He is also captain of the work sponsored football team and is a much loved member of our family.

Damion graduated from the London School of Economics with a Masters in Political History. He is now looking for his first proper job. He is "temping" to keep the wolf from the door. He serves as elder's quorum president at church, unattached and living the bachelor life with friend Alan, also from Britannia Ward, who serves on the Bishopric.

Kirstine overcame many challenges and finally achieved her next goal to go to University this September. She took an access course last year, as well working part time and being the Primary children's music leader at church. Since being at University she has been tested positively for Dyslexia and is now receiving the help that she needs. At last she feels that her problem has been recognised and identified, and she is now progressing. She was told she should continue to study and is doing well. I was sad to see her leave home but was also very happy for her.

Sam, having lived with Damion for the past 20 months has finally moved out to a friends flat. He works at a restaurant called Cheers in central London. He plans to go to Australia with the same friend and to drive from Perth to Sydney, quite an adventure. He is slowly taking more responsibility for himself and relying less on family, Damion being his final dependence. He came home recently, spending time with Eleanor before she went to school, which she enjoyed very much. Church does not feature in Sam's life, but we hope for changes.

Julian (13) otherwise known as Mr Runner Bean, has managed to grow taller than Margaret without putting on an ounce of weight. We leave you to imagine the picture. He enjoys the church youth programme, making some particularly good friends at summer camp. All the church girls think that he is a very nice boy, which is a considerable help when he moans to me about his less than perfect home haircuts, because they comment on how nice his hair looks. He made the most of a cracked ankle in August, which resulted in a half length plaster and crutches. This did not prevent him from going to school by himself on the train. He has finally settled in to his second year and is now working and training as a school pupil librarian, which he enjoys very much. A bad exam result made him slip to the middle set for Maths in September, however, he found the standard of work too easy, after discussions with some initially sceptical teachers he thumbed a nose at the system by getting 92% in an exam, 30 points ahead of the next boy's result. He was put up to the top set without further comment.

Harry (11) and Oliver benefited from a deal Margaret made, swapping childminding time for free sessions at a centre for outdoor sports run by some church members. Harry took two teenage girls sailing, which they enjoyed, urging him on with the words "Faster, little man! Faster!" However, they were not so happy when this resulted in them capsizing, Harry then discovered that they could not swim, and were no help in righting the boat, not believing that their life jackets would hold them up. In the end they had to be dragged into the rescue launch before anything could be done. He still enjoys all sports and is almost as tall as Margaret, though most of his recent growth has been in the opposite direction to Julian's.

Oliver (almost 9) works very hard at school, in fact he is the perfect child. The teachers rave over him. He has been at his new school for 4 terms without getting a minus house point, which is a significant record. His total house points must be over 1000 by now. Unfortunately he is unable to maintain this standard at home, claiming that "it is always them that start the arguments". He goes under two pseudonyms, "Bolly Boffin" at school turning into "Mr Fursy" (Fussy) at home.

Eleanor (5½) started school at Easter as a rising 5. She enjoys going to see her Nana and Gramps in Chelmsford. She had to say goodbye to Bunty when Margaret stopped Childminding her. She enjoys helping Margaret in the kitchen. She loves singing in a high warbling voice, dancing and playing imaginative games by herself. She graduated to her own bedroom in September and spends many happy hours playing with her Barbie doll and reading insatiably . She has developed the skill of being over the top "girly" whilst living in a family of boys. The situation has not prevented her from being able to hold her own with any boy regardless of age or size. She knows exactly how to treat them, first bossing them around, next shrieking at them, and if all else fails swiping at them. But if anything should happen to her she has a perfectly pitched scream.

Life in a big family is constantly changing but the closeness between us continues. We plan and look forward to times together and this Christmas we will all be together as usual. We would like to wish you a very happy and prosperous new year.