2012 in Review
After spending much of last year ensconced in all things medical either
at home or UCI, 2012 has been a time of enjoyment for our family as
Dennis’ progressive recovery has allowed us to get out more and do
things together.
We began the year with both kids playing soccer with CYAA (Christian Youth Athletic Association). This was a first for both of them and they managed to do fairly well out on the field. It was a very positive experience for all of us.
In March we celebrated Josh’s 7th birthday. He continues to keep us entertained with his constant chatter - telling jokes, commenting on all that is going on around him, and sharing things he has read about or from his favorite Phineas and Ferb episodes. He loves all things Lego and seems to build something new daily. He is an electronic enthusiast and wants to play on the Wii, computer, iPad or iPod - whatever is currently available to him. Thankfully he is an avid reader as well, and can often be found engrossed in a book.
April was not only the anniversary of Dennis’ first surgery and the
report that he was cancer free, but it was also our 20th wedding
anniversary. We squeezed in a dinner out on the actual day amongst many
other activities including visiting my dad in the hospital after his hip
replacement surgery. My dad gave us a bit of a scare, but finally made
it home and continues to recover.
In May Dennis had his “anniversary” colonoscopy. The doctor said everything looked good. His surgery site especially had healed nicely and we were reminded that Dr. Pigazzi is one of the top surgeons in the country. We enjoyed an afternoon seeing Jungle Jack Hanna thanks to Dennis‘ mom. We love it when a family outing counts as a field trip for school!
June marked the end of the school year for all of us. Carolyn and the kids had a good year of home schooling together. The kids made friends in their new home school group, enjoyed their co-op classes and park days, and had some great field trip opportunities. After Ellie’s initial adjustment, she finished 3rd grade well and Josh had no problem with 1st grade. It was decided they would continue with it in the fall. We enjoyed a last hurrah at Disneyland before our passes expired by closing both parks down on two different days. We also got to see Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan at the La Mirada Performing Arts Theater. It was a nice evening with both our moms and niece.
We spent most of the summer at the local theater seeing the summer movies or at the library for the summer reading program activities. Carolyn and the kids enjoyed a week at VBS with Carolyn leading the craft area again.. At the end of July we took a somewhat last minute vacation to Phoenix, Arizona. It was HOT, but we enjoyed the pool and several indoor activities. It was just nice to be away together as we hadn’t been anywhere for two years.
At the beginning of August, Dennis had surgery to repair a hernia he developed at his ostomy site. It was a bit of a drag to end the summer this way, but he needed to have it done. We all began school the later part of August. Dennis is happy to be teaching the same subjects again this year - AP Government, Economics and US History. His schedule has been very busy with a variety of new activities planned by the new administration, but good things are happening at ACA overall. Ellie is in 4th grade (Carolyn is thrilled to be teaching this subject once again) and Josh is in 2nd grade. They’ve had their struggles this year, but all agree homeschooling is still their preferred choice of schooling.
Ellie loved soccer so much, she wanted to give volleyball a try. She played in the fall with CYAA again. She learned quickly, improving her skills and becoming one of the more active players. We were very pleased that her coach chose her to receive the Most Christlike award at the end of the season. We celebrated Ellie’s 10th birthday in November. We can hardly believe she is in the double digits now. Ellie makes us very proud. She has begun to take on more responsibility at home, has shown courage by taking on new activities, and has developed a heart of gratitude. We were also blessed this fall to pray with her to receive Christ as her Savior. She always has a book in hand, loves watching “I Love Lucy”, enjoys drawing, and has taken on a flair for drama by acting out skits at home and earning a part in our church’s Christmas program.
As we come to the end of 2012, we are so grateful for all that the Lord has done and continues to do in our lives. Dennis remains cancer free; and although he still has recovery issues, his troubles are improving ever so gradually. We continue to keep our hearts and minds focused on the Lord; basking in His unfailing love, compassion and provision for us. May you too experience His hope in your lives in the New Year.
With love,
The Henrys
We began the year with both kids playing soccer with CYAA (Christian Youth Athletic Association). This was a first for both of them and they managed to do fairly well out on the field. It was a very positive experience for all of us.
In March we celebrated Josh’s 7th birthday. He continues to keep us entertained with his constant chatter - telling jokes, commenting on all that is going on around him, and sharing things he has read about or from his favorite Phineas and Ferb episodes. He loves all things Lego and seems to build something new daily. He is an electronic enthusiast and wants to play on the Wii, computer, iPad or iPod - whatever is currently available to him. Thankfully he is an avid reader as well, and can often be found engrossed in a book.
June marked the end of the school year for all of us. Carolyn and the kids had a good year of home schooling together. The kids made friends in their new home school group, enjoyed their co-op classes and park days, and had some great field trip opportunities. After Ellie’s initial adjustment, she finished 3rd grade well and Josh had no problem with 1st grade. It was decided they would continue with it in the fall. We enjoyed a last hurrah at Disneyland before our passes expired by closing both parks down on two different days. We also got to see Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan at the La Mirada Performing Arts Theater. It was a nice evening with both our moms and niece.
We spent most of the summer at the local theater seeing the summer movies or at the library for the summer reading program activities. Carolyn and the kids enjoyed a week at VBS with Carolyn leading the craft area again.. At the end of July we took a somewhat last minute vacation to Phoenix, Arizona. It was HOT, but we enjoyed the pool and several indoor activities. It was just nice to be away together as we hadn’t been anywhere for two years.
Ellie loved soccer so much, she wanted to give volleyball a try. She played in the fall with CYAA again. She learned quickly, improving her skills and becoming one of the more active players. We were very pleased that her coach chose her to receive the Most Christlike award at the end of the season. We celebrated Ellie’s 10th birthday in November. We can hardly believe she is in the double digits now. Ellie makes us very proud. She has begun to take on more responsibility at home, has shown courage by taking on new activities, and has developed a heart of gratitude. We were also blessed this fall to pray with her to receive Christ as her Savior. She always has a book in hand, loves watching “I Love Lucy”, enjoys drawing, and has taken on a flair for drama by acting out skits at home and earning a part in our church’s Christmas program.
With love,
The Henrys
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