Matthew's Eighth Year Letter

January 18, 2009

Dear Matthew,

         This year you started it off going to your grandparents to celebrate Christmas and your birthday. You were in Mrs. Maggie Grzieak's first grade class. Things were somewhat different that what you were used to last year in Mrs. Sessler's class.

          Instead of getting "Oops" notes, students receive "Blue"Notes for discipline. You have received a few of these and we have had to go rounds about them. There is a bully in your class named Nicholas Burns. This kid has a lot of problems. It seems as if he loves getting you in trouble.

          You wrote out your Valentines, but didn't do the Leprechaun Run in Bay City. You misbehaved and that is why you didn't go. Easter was spent with your grandparents again. This time, we celebrated my birthday. You went to the Easter egg hunts at church and at the park in Bay City. You did ok with the candy.

          The weather warmed up and that meant getting ready for baseball season. You would still be in Coach-Pitch, but Dad was relegated to grounds crew. You, Dad, and Shadow went on your annual camping trip in last June. You're growing so fast that I can't believe it. Helping Dad with phone books and also Dad starting a new job-delivering papers for the Saginaw news on June 1.

          His hours at Sears have steadily declined so that is the reason for seeking a supplemental job. We made weekend trips to the park and I enjoyed that. The free weekend concerts were very good. There were a couple I didn't particularly care for. There was a Wildlife Festival and it was interesting. You made your own duck caller. It's too bad your great grandfather isn't here. He would have really loved that. Before summer's end, we went to your grandparents' lake house for some R&R.

          You were promoted to the second grade without any problem. Your teacher is Mrs. Tracy Kuhn. I wrote a not to Mrs. Sandy Gelko, the principal, specifically asking for Mrs. Kuhn and also asking that Nicholas Burns NOT be in your class. Those requests were honored.

          This year the Summer Olympics were happening . They were in Bejing, China. The biggest news was a swimmer named Micheal Phelps. He was to win eight Gold Medals for his sport. He did accomplish this monstrous feat. You watched most of them and I watched them all. You took an interest in this sport and it made me glad. You like to swim and are like a fish in water.

          This school year you started something new-Cub Scouts. I really pushed for this for you. I felt that it would be another way for you to make friends. Another new aspect of your daily life is going to GIFT class. You did this last year, but this year is different. You are now in second grade and you will be preparing to make your First Holy Communion and Confirmation. This means we will be planning a family party in May, 2009 for you.

          Halloween brought more of what you like best-candy. The costumes you went as were: Jeff Gordon {your favorite NASCAR driver} and the Grim Reaper. The reason for the two costumes: You went to Aunt Laurie's neighborhood and made out like a bandit again. You also wore a costume for a party you were invited to by one of your classmates. Hopefully, they will still fit next year. You wore the Grim Reaper costume to Aunt Laurie's and scared her half to death.

          This year was an election year for a new president. This is the first time in history when a person of color could be elected to the highest office in the United States. That person's name is Barack Obama. On November 4, 2009, he was elected. I voted for him. I hope he makes some serious changes for our country that are for the better.

          Thanksgiving was quiet. Just family and we watched movies and talked. One of the topics on the table for discussion was you trying new foods once a week. Another chore that you helped in was weeding out your closet and drawers to get rid of what didn't fit and put other clothes that a lady from church was kind enough to give you.

          Christmas was somewhat sparse this year due to the lack of finances. The big toy you wanted was the Leap Frog Didj. It is a video game that has cartridges to teach math, language arts, and spelling skills. Grandma and Grandpa got the system for you and Uncle Dave got a cartridge for it. The one thing we found out was that the system won't work with our computer. Our system is too old. You can still play the game; just not with the computer.

          Some of the kids who you are friends with are Gabe, Vinnie, Tyler, Breaden, and Brandon. You haven't mentioned any girls this year. Maybe you and girls are not on a likable plane right now. We will see. I am sorry this letter is so late. Next year's letter will explain why.

I love you,
Mom