Christmas Letter 2016

Hello friends & family, as you can see after this entry, I haven't done any blogging over the year so obviously have overcompensated once again by the length of my Christmas letter. However, you can visit the newest blog, From Home to Roam, that covers the trip we took in October. (Also listed along right blog column.)

This year I took on the challenge of writing verses as limericks. It works overall although is not exactly true to form as limericks are generally humourous... but I had fun just the same. I recommend you read it first, and then come back and view the pictures. (Also, you can click on photos to enlarge them if you like.) We look forward to hearing from you in the coming Season! :)

There once was a fam’ly of seven

Who wanted their home to be heaven.

But it just didn’t work

As each one had a quirk,

Yet were thankful for each day given.

Lewis is missing from here, as he made this... one of his hobbies!

Thinking back on this past year of life

There were gen’rally blessings, not strife.

Scott and Susan were thrilled;

Twenty-five years now filled-

Wed together as husband and wife.

 August 24th, 2016 ~ Parksville, Vancouver Island

Two weeks in October they travelled;

Four days in Rome, many roads gravelled.

A cruise ship they embarked.

For nine nights cares were parked,

Each day ‘way their stress unravelled.

 Palatine Hill & Circus Maximus in the background, Rome

 Villa d'Este, Tivoli

 Leaving Civitavecchia on "The Jewel of the Seas"

 Exploring windy Mykonos, Greece 

Cherished time, like a sweet honeymoon;

Seeing beauty in ancient ruin.  

Sailing on the blue sea,

Up to Santorini,
Gelato or baklava by noon.

 Views of amazing Oia in Santorini, Greece

 Taormina, Sicily

Treasures of white marble, each column;

Once of mighty nations, now fallen.

Feeling small but cared for-

God’s plan is so much more;

At work then and now, truth so solemn.

 Lunch in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Greek theatre in Ephesus town;

Paul preached of Christ, but they shut him down.

Such moments to ponder

As in life men wander;

That all may know Him of such renown.

 Ruins of Ephesus near Kusadasi, Turkey

Such a break from real life was pure bliss.

Scott and Susan did not even miss

The events back at home.

They were happy to roam;

To find on return, nothing amiss.

Now Scott's schedule has been a fast pace;

'Twas time to make life less of a race.

The Langley school he sold;

An instructor less "old"

Is happy to takeover the place.

On-call Susan works, shifts rotating.

Yet some days she's by the phone waiting.

Still there's work to be done

And fun projects begun;

Never enough time for creating.

 The only quilt this year, for Thomas' graduation.

James moved out on his own in April.

Finding lodging was not such a thrill.

He was happy to find

A one-bedroom to sign

For a lease of one year; all is chill.

 A bedroom, bathroom and very small kitchen! 

In New West, James is central for work. 

To install cable for ev’ry network.

Whether at the new mall

Or office towers tall,

Less bridge tolls are a definite perk.

On free weekends he tends to come by

To add to his own Kleenex supply.

Folks so glad to visit,

If just for one minute;

He now hugs them hello and goodbye.

 Gifts for moving out...

Though he is missed, Mom’s nerves are less frayed.

As on his bike, less risks are displayed.

Tho’ in winter he’s out,

Snowboarding no doubt;

Crazy stunts still; that’s not what Mom prayed!

 

James still faithfully goes to the gym.

Pumping iron, he’s working each limb.

Chicken breasts and raw eggs,

Have now bulked up his legs;

Younger brothers are teased that they’re slim.

Next is Charles, the second-born son;

His Diploma will next Spring be done.

In Criminal Justice,

It requires toughness-

Yet to find his place under the sun.

 Just one more semester to drive to UFV.

He has started a new part-time job;

Watching cars to prevent a quick rob;

By those desp’rate to steal

To buy their next hot meal;

The mall’s a place of Les Miserables.

There’s so much despair down in Whalley.

He just met a gang from Somali;

When asked why he smiled,

With his response so mild;

They left the parkade feeling jolly.

This August, Charles made up his mind.

On a trip, the right moment to find;

Of his sweetheart to ask-

Her love ever to bask.

Margarita, she did not decline.

Part of the family vacation to Parksville.

Next July is their wedding now set.

Plans in tow, no one in a cold sweat.

After dating three years,

With both laughter and tears;

Such a day they will never regret.

Now the parents perceive time will fly;

Are they ready yet? Can they get by?

As he leaves; letting go.

Young together, they’ll grow.

But first, there’ll be a dress and bow tie.

 These two will miss each other!

So by 22, two sons will’ve left.

Yet the others will stay in the nest.

There can be a spare room,

Hobbies soon to resume;

And the groc’ry bill less of a theft.

Father's Day together... 

Thomas finished Gr.12 this past June;

Of high school stress he seemed so immune.

With a gigantic grin,

None got under his skin;

Studying hard while playing a tune.

 

 On the Senior Band trip to Germany, Austria and  Venice, Italy.

Taking chemistry at SFU,

He’s been bussing, with routines all new.

The labs aren’t such a thrill

As school does not fulfill

His love of music, his at-home go-to.

Trying to focus with "help".

He’s plays bass or piano at church.

Smiling down at his Mom from his “perch”.

All spare time is now spent

Over his guitar bent,

Or his cellphone for new songs to search.

 Surprising family with a song at his grad banquet. 

Their last band concert together.

Soon Sophia will be home from school.

Apart each term for them is cruel.

But their romance will thrive

‘Specially now he can drive;

With his license, no need to carpool.

 

Son Lewis is ever creating

His own projects; never frustrating.

3D printing is fun,

Fresh ideas to run;

Always busy, he’s calculating.

 

With his hair growing upwards and thick,

To wear solid t-shirts is his pick.

It’s the age of fifteen,

How ev’ry boy has been;

To not nag him and fuss is the trick.

 Gr. 10, Sept. 2016

When Lew’s left on his own, he’s not bored.

Varied int'rests are always explored.

Often helpful in class,

He has wit, but no sass;

A bright student that can’t be ignored.

 Still loving K'nex

 Cementing Grandpa's garage ramp.

At school and church, he helps out with sound; 

Learning sax for jazz band, less homebound.

Still playing piano,

He’s not a soprano;

Being bashful, he’s in the background.

Yet still in the forefront is Nora;

She’s not one that others ignor-a.

She will never be lost

As she’s always the boss.

So feisty, yet full of amor-a.

Gr. 2, Sept. 2016

 Turned 7 in November.

Days at home ebb and flow with each mood,

Which can rub off on the fam’ly brood.

It is hard to relate

When she can’t clean her plate;

Giving empathy if she is rude.

Another creation by Lewis... Thomas' face.
It's not easy having big brothers, either!

 On a bad day...

 ... or a good one. 

Yet each year, she is growing up well.

If given time, there’s so much to tell.

Nora’s doing ballet.

The piano to play,

And herself through each book to propel.
.

 Check here for Nora's  recital online... she's in the middle. 

Full of energy, bouncing and zip;

Parents try hard to keep up each trip.

Sandcastles in Parksville,

Bike riding fast downhill;

The challenges of loos’ning their grip.

 

So steady on, if smooth seas or rough.

God’s faithful, bringing calm when it’s tough.

Juggling fam’ly and work              

Without going berserk;            

Trusting His grace is more than enough.  

 Scott's parents are in good health,
travelling to Arizona when it's cold.

Susan's Dad's leg is healing well
 since his last surgery in June,  

In this Season, may all loved ones find;

As each focuses heart, soul and mind;

The greatest gift of joy

Of Christ, a baby boy;

Has brought peace and hope to all mankind.

 Proof that sometimes there can be Peace on Earth...

The Karpiuk wish for this next year;

Is for time to slow down with those dear.

For health to be good;

To enjoy childhood,

To others daily giving good cheer.

Studies show petting a dog can lower your blood pressure! ;)

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

               Love, the Karpiuk family.

 Our best attempt on a rainy day!