1998

GREETINGS FRIENDS,

Praise the Lord and may the peace and love of Jesus Christ find you healthy and calm during the days of high stress shopping days. I’m changing the content of our letters a little bit; I found out the kids could read and they get embarrassed at too much truth. So, this year I’m trying to be a little more flattering you know.

Nicole is now 10 and in fifth grade. She went to two horse camps this summer and partially worked horses out of her system. However, it seems a whole cabin of boys were fighting over her; I understand why boys are attracted to her, but there better not be a winner. Anyway, she was quite amused at the fight and ready to deck the winner if he had the nerve to approach her. She also got braces this year; still as pretty as a button but a little less angelic when she laughs. She stays busy annoying her big brother, singing, creating things, riding the dog, playing soccer, talking to mom and dad, and dreaming about horses.

Joseph (formerly known as José) started high school with a somewhat tame year - no concussions. He is still quite busy and involved in the Christian youth group, football, baseball, girls, his freinds, fish, a paper route, disciplining his sister and wrestling. In his spare time he cleans his room or does his homework. He hasn’t had much spare time yet this year. He was confirmed and Baptized in the icy cold waters of Puget Sound. During his confirmation he announced to the entire church that when he found Jesus he stopped shoplifting and lying - we were delighted he stopped - didn’t know he started! Joseph likes to talk with his hands. Unfortunately he uses his hands to punch, push, poke, squeeze and generally irritate you. I usually have to pin him on the floor before I can talk him.

Michael, a junior in high school is a lot like the energizer bunny - he keeps growing and growing. At 6’2” he is now taller than me, however, Joseph is the only one he can take in a fight (sometimes he can take Nicole). He has given up his computer business and spends most of his time with his girlfreind Marika. In addition to Marika his interests seem to be driving cars and being cool. After showing some interest in boxing, we had great hopes for his future. Then unfortunately he lost a fight to an inanimate object and all our dreams were dashed. Michael spent a week in Mexico on a mission trip during the peak of the heat wave. Regardless he figured out how to be cool in 120 degree temperatures. He is now the envy of his peer group as he owns his own car - a 1979 Datson B210 $150 special which was abused by its previous owners.

We see less of Derrick as he becomes more and more established in his own life at college. He is really amazed at how much Mom and I have learned since he went to college. He is now majoring in journalism and minoring in internet and Elizabeth. He likes college so much that he gets bored while home and can’t wait to get back to college - what a life. He is still taking classes on ancient Greek and history which really makes it hard to understand why he likes school so much. He again spent his summer on a mission in a remote area on Vancouver Island. We visited him for a few days and managed to escape with no injuries or losses.

Bobette is the number one target in the Seattle area for anyone seeking a volunteer. She is always busy getting the best deal on craft parts for her next charity craft project. She organized the second annual craft bazaar at our house, and thousands of people came; we even had two buses stop with about 50 people each - now you know why they call it a Bazaar. Bobette is taking some new vitamins and is also like the energizer bunny - she keeps going and going, one craft project after another - she has gone from the bazaar to the absurd.

I’m retired from the Coast Guard now and enjoying every minute - well some minutes anyway. We had a great retirement ceremony, the highlight of which was Derrick and Joseph speaking; Derrick said some really nice things while Joseph brought up everything he could think of which was embarassing. Since retirement I have found more time to get even with Joseph, spend time with the family and become very involved with the church. I’ve decided to become a full time investor; will probably be either rich or in the poor house within a year. This new career may only last as long as the savings.

God bless you all and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and the word of God dwell richly within you.

THE SCHEIDS, 1998