Greetings!

This has been a busy-crazy-happy-sad-joyous-thankful-and wonderful year for the Mathises. Most of you who are receiving this already know much of what has gone on in our lives, but just in case – here’s the recap.  

(If you read to the end you’ll be rewarded with a link to the accompanying photos.)

January – Katie (22) spends her Christmas break here in Houston to work on plans for her upcoming wedding in June. She can’t wait for the day to arrive when she officially becomes “Mrs. Josh Krebs.”

February – I decide to pursue a lifelong dream and take the Jeopardy! online contestant exam. I don’t have time to be impatient because teaching 6 PREP classes keeps me on my toes.

March – Steve continues to be challenged in his work at Baker Hughes, now managing in Education Services. (Seems our family can’t get very far away from school in one form or  another!) He takes time off in March for our spring break Texas field trip to Austin and Fredericksburg.

April – Kelsey turns 13! She is a stellar knitter, crafter, and volleyball player. This was her first year to play competitively with the local homeschool league. The Lady Eagles did quite well!

May – Steve and I celebrate our 25^th anniversary with a trip back to Fredericksburg. (Yes, we love that place!). I get a call to audition here in Houston for Jeopardy! The hardest part wasn’t memorizing world capitals, it was navigating the Houston early morning traffic to get there!

June – Oh yes…the wedding! Fairy tales do come true J All the planning and organizing and excitement came to fruition on June 16. We’re thrilled at the addition of a new son. Later that month Steve and Kevin go on a high adventure Boy Scout trip: whitewater rafting through parts of North Carolina and West Virginia.

July- After what should have been a fairly routine surgical procedure, the news for me wasn’t what I expected. Although no one wants to hear the word “cancer” spoken in a doctor’s office, I’m thrilled to report that after a second surgery, the words “we got it all” were music to my ears.

August – Kristin turns 15! She and Kelsey enjoyed a trip to Colorado to Silver Cliff Camp with a crowd of church buddies. This was their first (and they hope the first of many) summer camp experience. Kristin makes friends wherever she goes. Our social butterfly has kept busy with concerts, sleepovers, helping with children’s church, and generally living up to her middle name – Joy!

September – Kyle takes the plunge and leaves corporate America for a full time staff position at his church – Kaleo – here in Houston. As Community Life Director  he manages small groups, service projects, and various other inreach/outreach efforts.  Jaimee is still working as a full-time social worker and the two of them stay busy running after their two dogs. We’re thrilled that they live close by!

October – We take a quick trip up to Tennessee to see Katie act in Union University’s production of “The Dining Room”. She wowed everyone!

November – Jeopardy! calls and Steve and I head to Los Angeles. How did I fare? Watch on March 14, 2008 and find out!

Kevin is 17! He’s managing to stay of top of his school  work and hold down a part time job at the Starbucks in Barnes and Noble. In addition he plays drums in 2 different bands, plays chess with friends, and is still working on that Eagle Scout rank.

This was an emotional month for all of us. After struggling with a variety of health problems, Steve’s mom, Dorothy, passed away on November 20. We all miss her. Getting together with all the family to celebrate her life and gifts added a joyous note to a difficult time.

December – A new sister! My younger brother Alan marries Lee Ann on the 8^th in New Orleans. The French Quarter at Christmastime is a sight to behold. What a great reason for a family vacation. The next weekend we all head up to Tennessee to see Katie graduate, summa cum laude, with her degree in English. Then back home to decorate, bake, and get ready for the rest of the festivities.

That’s our 2007 in review. Again, thank you all for the ways in which you make our lives richer and better. During all of the events of this past year we have been prayed for and over, encouraged and uplifted, and it has made a difference!

If you’d like the illustrated version of this newsletter, go to here.

We are blessed beyond measure and count you and your love and friendship among our greatest blessings. Wishing you a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13)

Love,

Renee for the Mathises