"Hymas Holiday Greetings"
by Chad Hymas

December 1, 2007

2007~What a tremendous year! Much to be grateful for in our home and looking forward to what challenges and blessings lie ahead in 2008. Here is an update :

Christian (Ace) in now in 4th grade and approaching size 10 in his shoes. His feet are huge! He is growing way too fast for Shondell and I to keep up. He started traveling a bit with Dad this past year to a few 'fun' places where I was speaking. Sure made things easy on me. Maybe I can hire him full time if Shondell will allow him to drop out of school! Speaking of which-straight A student! He is on a traveling soccer team, and will be starting center this year in basketball (earned the position with size 10 feet!). He is active in Boy Scouts and is now a Bear. Ace is an honor to raise!

Kyler, 2nd grade, is also an honor to raise! He is on the same traveling soccer team as Ace and will be on the same B-ball team as well (guard-size 4 shoe). He's a great student and Mrs. Diedericksen ranks him as "A true leader in her class!" Kyler will turn 8 just two days before Christmas. I've tried to combine his birthday celebration with Christmas the last few years thinking it would save me some $; Plus Kyler doesn't need presents two days in one week. My idea hasn't passed yet. Shondell is on Kyler's side of this ongoing battle! Enough said there. Kyler will also be baptized December 29th. We are excited for him!

Little Gracee is not so little anymore as you can see by the pictures. Now 3, she is non stop with talk, talk, and more talk! She should be a speaker- and probably will be! She loves horses. Hence we have added to our family with two small miniature ponies (29" tall) named Pepsi and Shadow. Gracee would sleep with them if she could! They seem to be where she spends most of her time. She also picked up on fishing this year and has out-fished her brothers on two separate occasions. Not a good way to win them over. Soon she'll have to worm her own hook!

Shondell is as busy as ever with involvement in the kids school. This is her last year as PTA President. She is at the school 3 days a week. She is also serving as the young women's president in our church. Now that she is a black belt (that's right- she wears da pants!) she teaches a self-defense class to other women in the community once a week. She ran 1 marathon this last year, a few half marathons, and she purchased a bike and embarked on her first triathalon. Man, just thinking about her schedule makes me tired! Through all of this she keeps the house fire burning, the kids to practice, laundry clean, meals made, prayers said, and dad dressed nice! We love her!

And me, I just sit back and am amazed at how this whole family thing works! I sure am blessed! Love traveling still and spending time with organizations of all sorts. The boys are getting old enough where Shondell lets them go with me once in a while. And when the entire family gets to go, it's even better!

We are grateful for our association with each of you. We pray that this Holiday Season will hold for you much peace and joy.

The

Family