1986

GREETINGS,

It looks like we'll have a White Christmas this year. Now if we could only do away with all the cold weather that goes along with it. We moved among the Hooisers in August and Kevin started school right away, so we haven't played with him much since. We'll only be here until July so only pencil us in.

We are renting a nice big home built in 1914, on the Purdue U. campus. The house has alot of class. Lots of dark oak woodwork and old plumbing fixtures. The kids love the laundry shoot the best I like the 12'X14' rooms and beveled glass windows.

Living on campus has its drawbacks like the noise and litter along the front but I think it's pretty exciting. We have a fraternity next door and a sorority across the street. The guys keep us entertained by skating on snow down the street hanging onto the bumpers of cars or with their loud music. The girls sing to guests and parade down the street wearing night gowns. Kevin's favorite is when they have their party on our front yard under his study window.

The boys love it here. We have a huge back yard with lots of trees to climb and wooded areas for forts. Our highlights were the football games.

Derrick made a popcorn stand from an old stove box and sold popcorn to people going to the game. He averaged about $20 which is pretty good for someone only four feet tall. Michael paraded up and down the streets advertising their popcorn. One time we caught him trying to sell used soda cans to people coming home from the game.
Joseph listens for the band then screams until someone takes him down to the parade. At the games the kids go along with the spirit of yelling and throwing marshmellows and plastic cups.

Derrick is 7 years old now and is in 2nd grade. He's doing really well. He spends most of his time playing with his friends. He's learning to play chess, babysit and impress the girls. He is still intent on becoming a baseball player when he grows up.

Michael is 4 years old. He's learned to swim in a Gym and Swim program taught by the Purdue students. He talks incessantly and is very good at making up stories; we think that he'll be a fiction writer or a politician. Michael is really excited about Christmas. We had to decorate early this year because he bugged us so much.

Joseph is 1 1/2 years of pure activity. He wants to do things for himself like pouring his cereal (only it ends up being the whole box) or dishing out his own food on his plate, (he covers his food with salad that he dosen't like). His older brothers are always on the alert when Joseph enters the room because he usually tackles anyone on the floor or throws toys to get attention. If you still don't notice him he'll turn off the TV and run in hopes you'll chase him.

Kevin is always in his cave(the study) with his nose in a book or his face against the computer. I don't know how he gets the determination to study and go to school from 7am to 10:30pm. We see him at meal times and sometimes for an hour at break times. He's coming home with A's and B's so it's worth it.

I manage to get things done. Maybe not the right way but it works. You should see how I got the Christmas tree to stand up straight. It hasn't fallen yet. I've got a couple neighbors who stay home also so they're around to help babysit or hear my crys for help. I got myself interested in quilting and also joined a good bible study.

We all hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Years,

THE SCHEIDS