The Papp Family 2011

The Papp Family 2011

Rather than be over ambitious and create Christmas cards I am doing a blog (let's face it, I'm not very good at the whole Christmas Card thing, heck, I'm lucky to remember my own birthday every year!)

2011 proved to be very challenging for our family. However, we are very grateful to have come through another year still healthy, happy, and fortunate enough to enjoy many comforts that others do not.

Troy had the opportunity to move to a new position within his organization, The Ridgehouse. He is now responsible for the outpatient drug and alcohol treatment program, primarily working with the prison population. He is continuing to go to school and we are now one more year closer to his completion of his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services.

Dawn is beginning her 5th year with Henry Schein, Inc. as a Sales Manager. She also had the opportunity to be the Team Manager for Shane’s pee-wee football team from May until November and loved every minute of it. Life is a constant balancing act, as for most moms. This year was no exception.

Three very active children keep us both very busy. They are all within different phases of their lives, all of which come with a lot of fun and different challenges.

Tyler turned 16 in June and began his junior year at Reno High School. Tyler took on quite a heavy school load this year with 2 AP classes and he was made one of the Editors for his school paper and has maintained his B Average GPA. He also got his driving permit this year. Adulthood is quickly coming and it has been quite an interesting time to watch him begin that transition into adulthood.

Bailey turned 11 in June and began 6th grade, which is her last year of elementary school. She is barely staying ahead of Shane in height but she is at the forefront of her teenage years. She is in that interesting phase between little girl and young woman. She has been very eager to start learning to cook and bake, which is fun for me because it is something I love to do. She was also involved in cheerleading and girl scouts again this year while getting straight A’s. Busy girl!

Shane is now 7 years old and he is eating us out of house and home. He started 1st grade this year, our first experience for him at a public school. We were fortunate enough to have an angel brought down from heaven to be his teacher. He is quite a handful for most people, but very bright. He got his first report card and got all A’s and B’s. He is reading beautifully and is my little math whiz. He played football again this year and began wrestling as well. With all of his behavioral challenges this year, it is nice to see him enjoy some positive experiences while watching him overcome his own personal challenges.

With all of the challenges we have had this year, we have had many fortunate experiences as well. For this we are truly grateful and recognize that every day we have is a gift. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Love,
Troy, Dawn, Tyler, Bailey, Shane