Our year was full of transitions...
I (Megan) am so thankful to be on the other side of a bit of uncertainty and lack of control...
In March, the entire coaching staff was released from Cathedral High School when my head coach got fired. I did not know what the future held, which was quite stressful! Joey was all set to go to Cathedral in the Fall, and s staff, I received a small tuition remission for him to go there...and most concerning to me was the risk of not getting to coach those girls again.
Thankfully, by the hand of God, the administration encouraged the new hire (Alan Vickrey) to keep me on the staff. It was a rough couple months waiting to see if there was still a place for me, but by June, I was back on staff. and back coaching the girls.
Then, 6 weeks into our new staff, Coach Vickrey resigned. It was a rough couple hours, but the new Head Coach, Lisa Finn, kept me on staff too.
I am the Varsity Assistant coach at Cathedral HS and I absolutely love it! Another new addition to my role at Cathedral is that Lisa and I are co-Permament Sub which means I teach every Tuesday and Thursday and she covers every Monday and Wednesday - then we trade Fridays. I am on Salary at Cathedral!
I continue to train at Butler University in the Health and Recreation Center (HRC). I teach First Aid and CPR and continue to oversee the entire program. I'm officially called the Risk Management Coordinator. But, I no longer teach classes at Butler.
I have had the gift of witnessing the Hand of God intervene through the prayer and petition. I am thankful for everything I have and hold tightly to the many blessings that surround me. I appreciate the gracious servants who care for our kids, check up on me and ask about my Dad, love my family well and continue to pray for his full recovery. It has been a good year, and continues to be FULL of God's Presence.
Joe is best described as BUSY. Finishing his 14th year at IMPA, he has taken on some big projects and excels at everything he does there. He is Vice President of IMPA Service Corp (ISC) and it has brought many challenges and opportunities that Joe thrives at.
His sings with Circle City Sound barbershop chorus and has had opportunities to sing, perform and practice throughout the year - he and Joey greatly enjoy their Monday nights together.
Besides Chorus, he was a part of an International qualifying quartet! Ken, Chad, Kurt and Joe have named themselves Seventh Degree. It was an enormous feat to get that 76 they needed to qualify and this year they did! Unfortunately, following the competition, the quartet disbanded. But it was a awesome experience and we are so thankful it lead us to Utah this summer!
If Joe isn't working or singing - he's spending every minute with his kids while fixing, digging, moving or burning something around the house - in the name of Home Improvement!
Joey (14 years old) is a Freshman at Cathedral High School...remember that mention of Transition? There is nothing bigger in his 14 years on earth than starting high school in a brand new place. Thankfully, he was landed softly at Cathedral and is THRIVING! He LOVES school. He excels in reading, science and math. He is now a solid 6'3!!!! He is one of the tallest kids in his school! He loves being in high school and is active in Cross Country and Choir. He even had a solo at the Sept. 11th Memorial Mass - which is a really big deal for a Freshman!
His favorite things are being on Instagram with his friends, running, and singing. His favorite TV shows are Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He is very social and has already created quite a "tribe" at Cathedral where they often find fun things to do on the weekends like football games, bowling, Skyzone and hanging at a friends house.
Morgan (12 years old) is in Seventh Grade at The Oaks. She likes school - but more so because she gets to play, organize, lead, talk, and hang out with her many, many friends. She is doing well with her reading, spelling, writing, and LOVES Spanish and Math.
She is an avid reader, finishing multiple books a week. She also LOVES Hamilton! I surprised her and took her to the Chicago Broadway Show this October. She is passionate in her story telling, and concerned and involved in the friendships and relationships in her life. She loves to create, cut with scissors, color, paint, play in mud, play in water and get messy. She loves being outside, barefoot, hair everywhere, gathering leaves, potting soil, digging in dirt and collecting rocks, feathers, tumbleweeds and shells.
She played Volleyball this Fall and has really found her sport. She made a U12 non-travel volleyball team at a Club called The Academy last winter into spring and just recently made the U13 Irish Juniors Team - which is a Club team right here at Cathedral! We are excited to see how she grows in her skills and love for the game of Volleyball.
She is growing like crazy and is already in size 12 (women's) shoes and is one of the tallest girls in her school.
Jameson (10 years old) is in Fifth Grade at The Oaks Academy. This sweet, tender-hearted boy is doing GREAT with his wonderful class and amazing teachers. He is rough and tumble, yet sweet and sensitive. He is a servant - always listening for ways to help others and provide whatever is needed before even being asked.
He LOVES sports - He plays basketball. He is often my "assistant" when he comes to my practices and Open Gyms. You should see his follow through!
This year he really took to baseball. He played in Broad Ripple Haverford Little League and even played pitcher a few times. He is quite a hitter and really has a knack for the game. It is so fun to spend our summer days sitting on the bleachers watching him play! He made the All-Stars too!
He also played soccer this fall for the Oaks and THEY WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP - went undefeated!!
He is always shooting hoops, playing football, playing catch or kicking a soccer ball every time he is outside.
Jackson (just turned 9 in November) is our silly, noisy, funny, playful cuddle bug.
He is just a joy and we are so thankful our family is complete with our JackJack. He is in Third Grade at the Oaks. He enjoys his teachers and classmates.
He also played Broad Ripple Haverford baseball this Spring and Tab Soccer in the Fall. He is playing basketball this winter through First Baptist too. He made the All-stars for baseball!
He is a strong student and great classmate. He LOVES nerf guns and legos and Juventes soccer.
Sammy (91 in dog years) has been with us for a few years now. We are happy to have him and having a pet has brought our family great joy. He is such a sweet and easy dog. It's a blessing to care for him.
Our greatest highlight of the year was UTAH! Just look at our photos from July!
We hope this letter finds you well!
Here's wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Visit this blog or become "friends" of Joe or I on Facebook!
http://jandmschmidt.blogspot.com/
Or check out stuff we're a part of:
www.theoaksacademy.org
www.butler.edu
www.impa.com
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