Marino Natale Lettera 2023

            Christmas Greetings from the Marinos!

A few news items from our house:

Deb officially adopted Gypsy and works at the barn for her room and board when she is not doing her paramedic job or making beautiful quilts. Sometimes she is working on our side of town and crashes at our place and then hangs out with us for a while. I love it when she does that!

Lewis and Kaitlynn tied the knot just this month! We are all so happy for the newly wedded couple and thankful Kaitlynn is a part of our family.

Margie and James and their passel of cats continue to live in warm, sunny AZ. Margie traveled to San Diego and also conquered her fear of flying alone and came to Cleveland for the wedding.

Jared is working steadily toward his associates degree and continues to write, create, make music and entertain his siblings. He recently taught himself how to bind books, and he is becoming conversational in Italian.

                                          

                                                                   As I said, entertaining!

Edith graduated high school, got baptized on a summer mission trip to Milwaukee, and started working in fashion at Talbot's, while taking a full load of classes at the local community college. She is loving school, but loves work more!

Some things never change!

Nathanael went on the Milwaukee mission trip with Edith, still enjoys Civil Air Patrol, where he was recognized as the Most Improved Cadet, worked at the city pool this summer, and ran Cross Country for the local high school. He is an avid reader of mostly fiction and non fiction books about wars. He is counting down the days until he can get his driving permit.

Ellie got braces and is writing several stories as well as a grammar primer for children (be still, my heart). She is teaching herself to sew clothes for her Barbie dolls and loves to sing.

The three younger kids did a fantastic job at their piano recital this past spring!

 I had all my kids in one place this year (in church, no less) and all gussied up!

                                          Lewis used to look so tall to them. Not so much anymore.

Our sweet pup Mattis continues to be a source of comfort and companionship and a willing eater of table scraps.

Jay has been the same as ever and has taken the "in sickness and health" part of his vows very seriously, as I work through some chronic and acute lower back and hip issues. He had a great garden this summer, and enjoys roasting coffee, making hot sauce from his peppers, and serves on the security team at church. I am down to only two kids that I am homeschooling- something I have not experienced for many years. I truly love what I do.

We wish you joy and peace as we celebrate the greatest gift of all- the incarnation of our Savior!