Christmas Letter ~ December 2013

Dear Family and friends,                                                                                  

I appreciate already that you are taking the time to catch up on our family. I have tried to blog frequently for the past few years, but any of you checking regularly will notice that I have been reminiscing about our week in San Diego this August for over 3 months now according to my posts... I guess I didn't want to face reality or something? I had goals to catch up to the present day, but I think that will be impossible. So now, it's time to welcome Christmas with me!

 The reason we celebrate~

In last year's letter, I was somewhat creative in describing our life lessons of the year in terms of juggling. Well… the juggling hasn't changed, with even more “balls” thrown into the schedule. You’d think we’d be experts at this by now, but the element of surprise as to when that next ball is thrown in keeps us off balance. No, a balanced life we do not have. But I try to avoid making that the ultimate goal, but rather strive to have Christ at the centre of the chaos, where He offers his peace, direction and comfort. So my analogy for this year’s letter? A few words come to mind… messy (literally and figuratively), tag-team football (as in parents trading off in heading out the door to work…) or insanity (defined as repeating the same thing and hoping for a different result). However I really want this letter to be positive so I will refrain from hashing out some of our tougher moments. Because let’s face it… with my current memory track record, I won’t remember most of that stuff by next year. The ones who do remember it will be able to create amazing twisted family legends in a decade or so when we’re enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with our future daughter-in-laws. :) Anyway, here is an update on the rest of the family who keep growing, unaware of any analogies that their mother may be trying to make.

 Thankful for the people in our lives...

James, turning 20 in January, continues to be a man of few words around his family (unless he is teasing...) but is quick-witted and fun with his friends. He remains focused on what he deems is important, working hard to be financially secure and independent. After his spring semester at UFV, he picked up two different summer jobs via Craigslist. (Who knew?) The first was a short-term contract creating a “living wall” at Guildford Town Centre. It was a beautification project which completely transformed the concrete mall overpass section. Not one to be afraid of heights, he spent hours in a cage hanging over the street on scaffolding, securing plants into the specially designed support system. We loved watching the progress as we drove by, and the other boys got tired of Mom exclaiming what a lovely creation James had been part of making. :) 

 Work in progress... James' "cage" parked on the left.

 View from the van of the finished east side ~June 2013.

When that was finished, he moved on to greater heights by learning how to repair tar roofs, while continuing to work part-time at McDonalds. By September, James was hired to work full-time at NCIX's head office in Richmond, where he makes 7-8 computers daily as he fills out the various orders. (And when asked if he needs instructions, he gave me quite the look…) He should likely be taking Cantonese lessons to communicate better with his co-workers there, and he just sampled seahorse and jellyfish at his company Christmas dinner this weekend. With his one hour work commute, it wasn't so easy to get to his one night school course at UFV this fall, so he's decided not to return in January. James hopes to get onto a new networking team for his company this spring, which will allow him to use the knowledge he’s gained at school, having also become CISCO certified on his own time. He and his girlfriend Kelsey are both working full-time, so see each other when they can. 

 At Kelsey's Gr. 12 Grad, June 2013

 A cheap outing, James hangs out at IKEA with friends taking goofy photos.

Charles had a busy year, with graduating from high school in June with all the excitement that brought. It's always a relief to get English 12 behind you!

 Our sharp-dressed man of the family enjoys his portrait session.

 All those taekwondo lessons paid off with having the best kicking form...

His senior year highlight was definitely his trip to Guatemala in March, and we thank you for supporting him last year in that. (It was just too bad his camera was stolen on the second day!) 

 Within a day, he understood why sunscreen and hats were a necessity there.

Upon entering the “real” world and needing a full time summer job, Charles answered an ad for students from Craigslist, located in our neighbouring industrial area. (A&W only had part-time work available, but he’s still there too.) Falcon Equipment turned out to be the employer, the closest possible place to our home for him to reach, just 10 minutes via bike. It was such an answered prayer, with Charles not having a car and our crazy schedules. He became the shop guy all summer long, cleaning and sorting out the various workspaces. The best part was that they offered “Chucky” a job once a week that he has been able to do now since starting school in September. He has attended UFV in Abbotsford twice a week this term, taking 3 courses (criminal justice and sociology) to ease into post-secondary life. 

Dirt... the new work accessory.

 Cleaned up for September.

I’ve since convinced him to return for a second term, even though he no longer wants to be a police officer as his teachers have emphasized that all they do is “paperwork”. Not like I will force him to be one, I’m not crazy, but it’s too late to suddenly start investigating trades programs for January. (Possibly less paperwork?!) What Charles really lives for right now is working out daily, eating a lot and seeing his girlfriend, Margarita. Life may be moving a little too slowly in his mind, but with just turning 18 in August, we try to encourage him that he a lot of time to figure things out. He just licensed a car this week, a 1997 Toyota Corolla sedan with low gas mileage. This will make life a little easier for all of us, except annoy the neighbours by adding to the cars parked in the cul-de-sac. Oh well…

 Off to the work Christmas party...

Thomas is in Grade 10, and turned 15 in November. He continues to excel at school in math and science, with doing Science 10 online this summer so he could see his favourite teacher for Chemistry 11 in the fall. He’s also in Pre-calculus 11, where he’s able to keep up with the older students. His teachers love his involvement in class, how he helps others, and the different way that he thinks. I don’t know what he’ll do with all the information and abilities he’s learning at school, but it makes for some interesting dinner conversations when he and James are competing to see how many decimal places of pi they have memorized, or physics formulas they can recite. (They are scary together, but too competitive so will not likely be able to work together to take over the world… phew.) 

Funny birthday gift ~  

 Sept. 2013

Thomas is still taking piano and plays well when he finally sits down to do so. His real love is taekwondo, and he’s become increasingly involved this year with helping Scott in class or attending more tournaments. (They attended one in Las Vegas during Spring Break.) His weapon of choice is the sword, so he spends many hours twirling it around the house, often too close to the piano or other areas where things can get broken. If you lived next door, you might often hear me yell, “THOMAS, take the sword downstairs or to your room!!!”, as well as many other directives, I suppose.  (BTW, it’s pretty much hopeless to prevent Nora from picking up a sword or playing with a lightsaber from the dress-up box…)

 Father-Son Time~

 Caught laughing in class...

Lewis, 12 in May, is in his last year of middle school, Gr. 7. With a fourth son as low-key as this one, it’s easy to just float along on auto-pilot at times as a parent, especially with the school scene. But anytime we meet with Lewis’ teachers, we are reminded of what a delight he is to so many people. That he has a very curious mind, always trying to figure out how things work and then doing it himself if possible. He’s in his third year of an enrichment class component where he is exposed to new math/science or arts projects, depending on the term. This really keeps him going, as the teacher for that is his favourite. (And she may have a soft spot for him, too. )

 Sept. 2013

 His preferred photo...

Lewis also loves any time he can spend with Grandpa in his garage, working on his latest imagined project. This year, he worked on making a digital clock of wood, a pinball machine(still in progress) and is presently making wooden gears for a grandfather type of clock. Lewis, an inventor,  makes all his plans on his own, so they don’t always work out but his ability to sustain his focus is quite remarkable. Now expounding on English paragraphs with flowery adjectives and feeling statements may not be his strong suit, but he gets pretty excited about watching his favourite shows and eating junk food. :)

 Enjoying Halloween~ Scott was representing "Obama Care"...

Still so sweet...

 ...but always growing up.

Lewis is very helpful with Nora, and has sort of taken over the babysitting role for her even when the other boys might be around. She may not always be acting like the sister he’s always wanted, but you wouldn’t know that when they are hanging out together, which is the sweetest thing. He takes piano lessons (but prefers playing by ear) and taekwondo, getting his black belt this summer, but is not easy to get out the door for that.  I have a feeling that adolescence is on its way… but I think he’ll still always be my baby boy. :)

 Nora likes her Dora card from Lewis.

Nora turned 4 in November, and is enjoying her second year of preschool. Attending three mornings a week, this gives me a little downtime at home which I cherish. (I've still managed to keep naptime going, so I'm loving that quiet time too!) As Nora is used to "directing" older boys and spending time with my girlfriends, she is surprisingly more quiet with her peers and I suspect that she plays more with the boys. Her favourite schoolmate is a little guy with Down's syndrome, and Nora is naturally nurturing so I think this is why. We really notice how different she is from our sons when younger, as to how she follows up with asking you how things were at work, is so-and-so still sick, how are you feeling, how was your day?! Just so concerned and focused on you... such a girl-thing I guess. Being involved at your side, helping when possible is also a pleasant surprise (generally). The highlights of our year were field trips, an adoption reunion weekend in Kamloops, as well as visiting Auntie Ann and family in Winnipeg this past May. (Especially the garter snakes of Narcisse!)

 Sept. 2013

 Second of many school trips here...

 Marketing TKD-wear for Scott

 Our free-spirited "butterfly girl".

This past year was harder than some, as January began with a wage reduction at Scott’s job at the church as associate pastor. I was feeling stressed about the need to pick up extra shifts to make up the difference but looking back, I can see that God has been faithful to provide for us. I always had enough work and gradually Scott had more students signing up at his second school in Langley. Working as a casual RN (on-call/ vacation relief) means no guaranteed work, but I have been able to increase my seniority in order to get called first. However, the reality to more work = less time at home, less time with the children… especially Nora. Thankfully, kids are really forgiving and generally helpful but it does take a toll on Nora, as noted by some of her behaviour. This has been the most difficult part of the past year. Even if I was home 100%, Nora would still have her challenging moments. Why? She is strong-willed, stubborn, and seems to have some missing links in understanding choices and consequences. Is it related to being a girl, her personality, or attachment issues from being adopted after 10 months in an orphanage with caring but limited staff? I am becoming more convinced that it is the third reason most of all, and that I need to take time in 2014 to investigate what’s going on more deeply. Too many rough mornings take their toll on everyone eventually. We are hopeful that she will grow out of some of these behaviours with time, and that we will have the patience and wisdom to make the journey as good as it can be for everyone. :)

 A warped photo by her brothers... sometimes
Nora has a huge voice for such a little girl!

Of course Nora is charming, beautiful, intelligent and loving… she is amazing and we love her very much. So many proud moments we've experienced as her language has blossomed, sh'se displayed thoughtfulness for others and how thrilled she was to attend "grown-up" appointments like her first haircut and dental visit. Given the right circumstances, she it totally "out there" and a lot of fun. No matter what, our lives will never be the same with this girl of ours.

 Dec. 2013

 Always reaching for the next thing~

Scott has likely had the busiest year of his life, with teaching at and managing two taekwondo schools, working part-time at the church, while picking up kids in between my shifts and his. Or maybe, as he is approaching 50 in January, he is just feeling it more! ;) A big change for Master Karpiuk this summer was moving his Newton school to a new location after 18 years. Things are getting settled there now, and being in a strip mall is very helpful for marketing. Another taekwondo achievement this year was Scott testing successfully for his seventh degree black belt in July. We celebrated that along with the new school opening in September. 

  Relaxing on Canada Day.

 With Senior Master Tony Isaacs, his instructor.

In the midst of the school renovation, we did take a much needed family vacation to San Diego that kept us busy every day exploring and touring theme parks. It is definitely a beautiful part of the world.

 Seeing the pandas from China was exciting for Nora.

 Scott's girl of 22 years~

Daddy's girl!

As for me, everything referenced here is part of my life whether directly or not. Mothering is still my primary role, supporting my husband an attempted second, and showing up on time at work is my third. It's definitely a busy stage of life, and I hope for some quieter, more reflective moments in 2014. My wish list would be to have more time: to visit, make music, cook better meals, read my Bible more, make quilts not related to graduation, and go for walks with my dog. :) One can dream... As for gardening, I'm afraid the weeds have won the battle of the yard permanently. 

 Priceless moments of laughter with Ann in Winnipeg.

I have averaged about 14 shifts/month at the Alzheimer's facility where I've been since 2010. I'm thankful for great co-workers, residents and their families who make work seem like an extended family at times. I just need to fight the growing paranoia I have that I am developing cognitive impairment myself.

 Enjoying a quick weekend in Parksville this November.

 Started in 2001, I finally finished this Prairie Christmas tree skirt.
 I had been caught up in perfecting the 60 degree angles, but with time I
have relaxed my standards. "Done" is better than not, life is too short! :)

Looking back, we're thankful for the blessings of the past year, like good health for our family and our parents. It is great to have them living close by, to call on when we need a hand especially. :)

 Donalda and Walter

 Art and Wendy

Please know that we are thinking of you especially at this time of year, wishing you a Merry Christmas, with time to contemplate the greatest gift ever given to you... A Saviour, Christ the Lord!  (Luke 2:11). Please give us a call  if you are in town, or email (skarpiuk@shaw.ca) as to your goings-on. God's blessings to you and your family in 2014! Love, the Karpiuks                                                            

 A group "selfie", during our -10 degree C cold snap... that's harsh for us!!