Marino Christmas 2018

By autodidact December 16, 2018

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the Marinos!

Alas, another year has passed; we hope this finds all of you well and at peace. A few notes about the family:

Ellie, 7, is asking deep, theological and philosophical questions- usually as she is dropping off to sleep, leaving me wide awake, pondering. She rocked the missing front teeth thing with such style. She is such a sweet snuggler and keeps me feeling young-ish.

Natty, 10, swam this summer, builds extravagantly with Legos, reads voraciously, and is destined to wear a green uniform someday. He had his adenoids removed and came down with strep throat all at the same time, which meant a week of video games with his older brothers.

Edith, 13, seeks after God earnestly, quietly observes everything, swam for the summer, and delves into a wide variety of music genres. She's serious and thoughtful, and could easily cut you with her razor-sharp wit. She and Ellie have a very sweet sister bond, and I'm so grateful for that.

Jared, 15, creates and builds every spare minute, worked as a lifeguard for the summer, self-teaches and eagerly shares what he is learning, questions most things, and is swimming for the local high school, while taking a break from jujitsu.

Margaret, 18, worked as a lifeguard for the summer, is building up a babysitting business, and is hoping to attend college in the fall. She had an opportunity to sing at a friend's art gallery last spring and also sang with the Cleveland Messiah Choir. She is returning to the Western Reserve Chorale after a short hiatus.

Lewis, 21, is closer to clinching a job in law enforcement, worked at the pool as a manager for the summer, serves his country and stops by quite often to eat, play, and visit. A lot of backyard baseball games sprung up this summer and fall.

Debbie, 23, is still working as a paramedic, worked at the pool teaching lifeguards this summer (and Jared was one of her students!), sews beautiful quilts and makes sea-glass wind chimes, and visits when she can. She did some travelling this year- camping alone for a week, then off to St. Thomas for a week with friends.

Jay, ageless, is such a blessing in my life. His company was one of 7 recognized as an Elite Supplier for Lockheed Martin for 2018- out of 16,000 suppliers! I am so proud of him! His vegetable garden was a success, not just because he has a green thumb, but also because he cleverly outwitted the numerous deer in the area.

26 years with this guy, and I love him even more.

I am soaking up the time I get to spend with my kids- I absolutely love homeschooling and getting to be with my kids as they grow up. I would have it no other way. In fact, if I had to do it all over again, I'd do it all over again.