Christmas 2009 from the Haydels

Our life continues to be one interesting event after another.  We are blessed beyond measure and grateful for the richness of our lives.  Family and friends continue to be our focal points, but we also strive to challenge ourselves by staying intellectually curious and re-learning old skills. 

Trips this year included a few tranquil days in Florida visiting with dear friends, the Munys; a long week end in Boulder with Stephen and Jenny; the annual summer visit with Matt’s family at Dale Hollow Lake, Kentucky; a nostalgic trip to Holland to be with dear friends, the Feiths and Sisselaars and a fun-filled Halloween trip to Indiana for a Haydel reunion with all the children and grandchildren.   

Our family was gathered together again for Thanksgiving when Stephen and Jenny completed the feasting table.  Christmas found many of us here again for fun and excitement, good food, entertainment, games and quality conversation. What more could grandparents want than to cuddle and play with three precious angels and their parents!  Birthdays, graduations and special meals rounded out our agenda for 2009.

John and I are managing our health issues successfully, and continue to be active in the community.  Lone Star Montgomery College is the focal point for many of our interests, along with Daughters of the Republic of Texas activities, volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul, community choir, prison visitation and many happy hours babysitting.  Our two dogs, Katie and Tina, are still a joy and comfort to us and keep us moving by nudging us to take them walking several times a day.

As we move forward with hope and optimism for the next decade, we leave you with this challenge:

 "to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild nations, to bring peace among peoples and to make music with the heart."

Happy Holidays!

John and Martha

  Spencer and Lily