Christmas Letter 2009

It's official. I will not be writing a traditional Christmas letter on printed paper to be mailed via the USPS. I thought about it... for a few minutes... and decided that I did not have the capacity to make it happen. We're in a "no news is good news" phase of life....

Steve - is in the midst of his 7th year at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Our move to MV was a monumental life change, and we are marveling at how quickly 7 years have past. Within the next 7 years, we will be nearing the empty-nest phase of life - OH MY! So, Steve is busy investing in the lives of our 2 boys. He is either coaching or monitoring their sports teams, managing the PTO monies for the elementary school, helping with all math homework, playing various ball games inside and out, and having some in-depth conversations about the meaning of life and having Christ as Lord of one's life. Steve was honored with East Elementary's "Volunteer of the Year" in May. He is a fabulous dad!!!

Heidi - is in her 5th year of work in Academic Support at MVNU. She has found her professional niche in life, and loves administering programs that directly impact students for the good in their studies. In February, Heidi began teaching at MVNU in addition to her administrative duties. In June, with much anticipation, she completed her Master of Science degree in General Psychology with a specialization in Educational Psychology. Heidi's nine month schedule allows her to enjoy the best of both worlds - in terms of a career and motherhood. She and the boys look forward to time off in order to play, and simply bask in a slower pace of life. Heidi continues to volunteer at East Elementary, and now at the MV Middle School, as well. She is cooking more regularly - much to dismay of the kids, who love to eat out as much as she does. Heidi also coordinates an annual women's event at MVNU. In March 2010, the Women's Auxiliary will host Lysa TerKuerst.


Tanner - will turn 12 this month! He is becoming quite a social young man as a Middle Schooler. While our expectations for his academics surpass his own, Tanner is doing well and will even occasionally admit that he likes school. The transition to Middle School came at a perfect time for Tanner, and we have all adjusted to the new environment (complete with school dances and an occasional party). Tanner has a fun sense of humor - that we must continually help him control. His teachers also appreciate his humor, but join with us in helping him define appropriate timing. From his mom's perspective, who clearly remembers a 5 year old boy who rarely cracked a smile throughout his entire Kindergarten year, a few disciplinary issues related to classroom disruptions are actually a relief! Tanner plays soccer and basketball, but is obsessed with football. Going against his mother's hopes and dreams, Tanner plans to play on a football team for the first time in 2010.


Tyler - is 9 years old, and in the 4th grade. We decided to pursue surgery in March 2009 for his toe-walking (he inherited a neurological disease from his mom causing him to exclusively toe-walk). The surgery went well, and after 6 weeks of double walking casts, he learned to walk again - even playing soccer this fall. School is a joy for Tyler because of gym class, lunch, and recess. We often hear the phrase, "Everyone loves Tyler!" He is outgoing, funny, and quite personable. Younger kids, in particular, are drawn to him! Tyler plays soccer and basketball, and has caught the NFL bug - the Arizona Cardinals are his team of choice (we don't know why?!?). In his class's upcoming Ohio Wax Museum presentation, Tyler will portray Thomas Edison. He tells us that the Ohio governor is coming to visit the presentation. We're not sure if he is confusing the Mount Vernon mayor for the state governor. Regardless, he's already memorized the biography that he will recite.

Mandy - is our 2 year old Miniature Schnauzer. She brings warmth and personality to our home. We recently bought Mandy her first sweater - it is gray with pink argyles. Steve says, "She looks ridiculous." The rest of us thinks she is simply precious!

From our house to yours, may Christ touch your heart this Christmas. May you be drawn into a closer relationship with Him in 2010. May you allow Him to personally reveal Himself to you in our turbulent, confusing culture. Christ desires to be found by you as you search for Him with all your heart. It is our prayer that you will engage in the search in order to find the fear and the knowledge of the Lord. His wisdom, provision, and purpose surpass everything that this world has to offer!

The Tracht Family