2017 Marino Christmas Letter

Christmas Greetings from the Marinos!

2017 was quite the year. God was faithful. God provided. God protected.

Deborah moved out on her own in February, and graduated from Paramedic school in April. She was the only female in her class that made it through. She spent some time this summer managing and teaching Lifeguards at the local city pool, somehow while working 70+ hours a week as a paramedic. Sewing is still a passion and Deb creates such beautiful items!

 Lewis is a junior in college, but also pursuing a law enforcement career. You'll just have to read next year's letter to see how that all pans out. 

Margaret got her driver's license finally. Now she can drive herself to both choirs she sings in, swim practice, and her job. She tried out for track last year and really enjoyed that, and lettered in it as well as in swimming. She sang beautifully at her brother's wedding, and might study music next year at college. You'll have to read next year's letter for more details as well.

I survived yet another camping trip. We went to PA this year in the mountains. I think the kids had fun. I enjoyed the trip home.

Jared, 14, has stuck with jujitsu, held down a summer job and is pursuing diving for the local school. He's an avid reader and tinkers with materials of all kinds and has continued challenging himself in drawing. He is now taller than I am, but has also grown up in so many other ways.

Edith, 12, swam with a local summer league this summer and absolutely loved it. She's a deep thinker and is rather quiet, but not to be underestimated. She is a faithful pen pal as some of you readers know all too well!

Natty, 9, realizing that in order to learn about military and EMS stuff, decided that he needed to start reading, and has quickly gotten up to speed. His sweet and affectionate nature blesses us all. Plus, he cleans up rather well.

Ellie, 6 is not going to be outdone by her older brother in reading, and is really progressing nicely. She loves doing her school work, especially if it means snuggling mommy, and she is doing a good job of keeping me feeling way younger than I am.

This kind of stuff happens.

And so does this...

 I'm still homeschooling the kids. Not only can they play chess, but a rousing game of poker happens often as well. You never know when that might come in handy.

This guy. I love this man with all my heart. He is so good to me. I don't know what I would do without him. We celebrated 25 years of marriage this November and look forward to many more.

So, here we all are, in one place, and most of us looking at the camera, freezing ourselves just so you can have a nice picture of us to look at. Hope you like it.

Wishing you God's peace and comfort and courage for the new year.

PC: Wedding picture- Chloe Havener
       Family picture and picture of J & K- Deb Marino