~We pray you had a Merry Christmas, and we wish you and yours a very blessed New Year in 2013.~
AJ, (16) is currently a Junior in high school. He maintains a 3.7 GPA and is currently learning what will be his 3rd language, (French). He made his high school basketball team this year, but then decided to leave the team as well as the AAU league. He has decided to fully focus on performing arts. He's writing his own songs and recording plans are currently in the works. AJ has gotten much taller over the year...last year he started out at 5'4" and now he is currently 5'10." We can't believe how fast he is growing! We always told him he still has a lot of growing to do, but he always feared he would be "short." Lol! For his 16th birthday celebration we hosted, (what he named), a "Super Swag 16" event. He and his guests had a blast and AJ was presented with his first car.
Alston, (10) is in 5th grade. We're so proud to announce that he is currently on honor roll. His favorite subjects are still math and reading and his teacher tells us he is a leader in his classroom. He also enjoys science, in fact, one of his favorite Christmas gifts was a telescope and microscope science set. Alston continues to love all sports, but especially basketball. He works on his game on a daily basis and continues to play in the AAU league. His team has won many tournaments and he has been asked to play with a second team this year. This means even more practices and games, but he feels honored to play for 2 teams and is truly dedicated to the game.
Ania, (9) is a 3rd grader. She adores her teacher this year and Art is her favorite subject. She draws, paints, and colors every chance she gets. We have seen much improvement with her grades and learning/studying habits. Still girly as ever, shopping, lunch, and playdates is how she likes to enjoy her weekends. Ania's most recent EEG and neuropsych evaluation, showed her seizures have affected the right side of her brain. We've gone through many changes with Ania having Epilepsy, but God has blessed us. We've learned a lot and so has she. Ania has requested that she stops taking her medication because she says she feels better without it and she can learn more without it. We spoke to her neurologist about this and she approved Ania's decision. If Ania can go 1-2 years without having a seizure this means she no longer has Epilepsy. So far, so good, and we all can see a better difference in Ania already.
Aniah, (5) is our little kindergartner. She's happy to be in "big school" with 2 of her siblings. However, she really misses her bestfriend, (Layla) from pre-school. Thankfully our families have become friends through many playdates, so the girls continue a close friendship. Aniah is reading and spelling very well already and knows mostly all of her sight words. Aniah is a bundle of energy and her teacher tells us she is "little miss chatterbox" of her class. Like her sister she is very girly, yet she is also athletic. Cheerleading, dance, and ballet is what she enjoys.
Alton and I celebrated 12 years of marriage in 2012. This year we rang in the New Year at our church, with our children, and lots of fireworks. We had a glorious time! We have still been re-adjusting to our life back in the States. Alton completed his degree in August and he is still pursuing his new career as a basketball coach. He is currently a volunteer basketball coach at a nearby college. We both conduct wine tasting events part time, but now on a corporate level with Gallo. I still have my own business with Wines for Humanity and I have recruited a new Wine Consultant. Its been a fun business and I've had the pleasure to meet great heartfelt wine lovers while raising funds for charity, yet providing for my family. However, in 2013, I will no longer continue the business and simply remain in the corporate world of wine and travel. Alton and I also have tv production projects in the works. We've been working on this project for years, but since his retirement we have been able to make many trips to New York and L.A. to meet with our partners and really pursue another one of our dreams. Stay tuned!
*For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Through our many changes, our family has also enjoyed traveling to visit close friends and family. We miss you all, and we appreciate you taking the time to read our holiday newsletter. Your prayers and love are very dear to us, and please know that we love and pray for you as well.
Be blessed! :)
~The Masons~
Alton, Anita, AJ, Alston, Ania, and Aniah.
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