Dear Family and Friends,
We have had quite an exciting year!
Stephen: Stephen celebrated his 12th Anniversary working at Saint Paul VI Institute. This also marks his 5th year as an Education Coordinator at the Institute. He enjoys daily Mass before work and Adoration on his lunch break in the Chapel on the third floor. He sprained his ankle in January while playing basketball. After months of physical therapy, the sprain became a fracture, and surgery was involved. He hopes to return to basketball and Tai Chi in the New Year. Stephen also had his gallbladder removed. It has been a rough year for Stephen. On a lighter note, Stephen performed for the Holy Family Shrine 20th Anniversary celebrations through the Month of October. He performed at Stories Coffee Company and was reunited with many old friends.
Nancy: Nancy has been teaching the children and moving through several different curricula. Every child learns differently, and Nancy has been trying to open their minds to a life of enjoyment in learning. Nancy has been taking adult ballet and will test for her green belt in Taekwondo in the New Year. Nancy has been writing her book. A fellow artist shared information on a publisher who specializes in her genre and is always looking for new talent. Nancy launched a page on the family website to debut her chapters and invited constructive critique. One bonus is that the music written as poetry featured in the story now has mp3s attached so the readers can listen to the music they read about. Nancy also featured selections of her book at the Holy Family Shrine 20th Anniversary celebrations.
Simon: Simon is a Junior this year. He tested for his learners permit and has practiced driving. He participated in the Nebraska Junior Classical League Certamen costume competition as Cerberus. Simon is a red belt in weapons and will test for his red belt in Taekwondo in the New Year. Simon helped pioneer a puppet show and sing along program for the Catholic Homeschool three-to-six-year-olds. He joined his Dad in performing for the Holy Family Shrine 20th Anniversary celebrations as well as at Stories Coffee Company. Simon has stepped into the role of director during weekly film sessions through the summer with friends. Many of their projects can be seen on the family website and family YouTube pages. Simon has parleyed his love of music into composing original pieces for his video projects. He has also added cajon and ukulele to his music repertoire.
Billy: Billy is a Sophomore this year. He received the Serra Award for Serving. He tested for his learners permit and has practiced driving. He participated in the Nebraska Junior Classical League Certamen costume competition as Caron. Billy is a red belt in weapons and will be testing for his red belt in Taekwondo in the New Year. Billy helped pioneer a puppet show and sing along program for the Catholic Homeschool three-to-six-year-olds. He joined his Dad in performing for the Holy Family Shrine 20th Anniversary celebrations as well as at Stories Coffee Company. Billy stepped into the role of prop and costume master as well as camera man during weekly film sessions through the summer with friends. These projects can be found at www.youtube.com/@CorSanctum1/videos and www.abitaskew.com Billy designed our latest t-shirt available on the family website. His “Kazoinks” has gotten a lot of attention! Billy has been composing music for quite some time. He enjoys traditional piano, synth sounds, and musical spoons.
Henry: Henry became a server this year at St. Peter Catholic Church. He usually is assigned candle when Billy is Cross or boat when Billy is incense. Simon is always MC. Henry has been filling notebooks with his drawings. He has spent his time watching “How to Draw” videos and practicing their techniques. Henry began ballet this year, and he will test for his camo belt in Taekwondo in the New Year. He loves music. Henry will go to the piano and pick out notes from songs he has heard from movies he has watched or songs his brothers have played. He loves telling stories with Lego© and Imaginext©. He joined his brothers in their puppet show and sing along for the Catholic Homeschool community. He joined his Dad and Brothers in performing tambourine at their Stories Coffee Company concert.
Hildi: Hildi is preparing for her sacraments this year. Children must be seven to received First Confession. In March Hildi will turn seven, have her interview with Fr. Broheimer, receive First Confession, and take the First Communion Exam. She already has her dress and veil. Hildi is in her fourth year of ballet. She will test for her yellow belt, orange stripe in Taekwondo in the new year. She loves practicing her Monster puppet skills and joining her brothers’ rehearsal for their Tefft Bros Puppet Show. She also enjoys guest appearances in her brothers' many projects. She loves tea parties and playing dress-up.