The Leckey Christmas Card The Leckey’s had a wonderful 2012. Monique ran three marathons which she is very proud of, and published two articles in the local paper on parenting tips. She is looking forward to our trip to Spain next year. Eric’s leg is fully healed and he was able to run one of the marathons with Monique. He is in the best shape of his life and along with his pending promotion at work, he is coming home pain free for the first time in years. His liver problems have reversed and he is essentially 100%. Audrey is student of the year, both in Kindergarten at the end of last school year and has won it for 1st grade this year. She has mastered math and science and is already being courted by some of the best schools in the nation just like Doogie Howser. She has been graciously given her own pony at the stables in Whittier Hills, and rides almost daily. Our newest Leckey, Josephine Marie, is a perfect child, who unlike other babies DIDN’T have colic for a solid year. Instead, she emits a soothing ocean sound when upset that is quite pleasant. The best sleeper in the household, she will regularly sleep 10-12 hours nightly. She has also, not one time, been sick. The Leckey’s have been lucky enough to go to lots of concerts and events this year, as well as vacations to: Cancun, San Fran, New York, and Disneyworld. We absolutely love our new house, and are glad to finally have enough room for all our stuff as well as separate rooms for the girls and a study. Our big back yard is plenty of room for our new dog Snuggles, and the girls love to run and roughhouse with him. Along with winning a bracelet in the World Series of Poker this year, the money has really poured into the Leckey household and we consider ourselves blessed. Monique, has really enjoyed all of her free time, and has been able to do her Yoga and Pilates and running daily and it has really kept her centered. The truth is… we HATE other peoples Christmas Family Newsletters. Usually they are filled with exaggerations. The truth is… >>>>Monique has no time for herself, is constantly surrounded by kids and cleaning. She has no time to do Yoga or anything besides cramming in a run before we all wake up. She some days is stuck in the small apartment we have except for when she takes the kids to school and picks them up. Even though she has taken the best care of her teeth out of anyone I have ever known. Her teeth have cost us a few thousand dollars this year. >>>>Eric is in constant pain, his leg has not improved but is wearing down, and by the end of the day he is just simply wiped. He is definitely not in the best shape of his life and not being able to exercise on his hurt leg hasn’t helped matters. His liver hasn’t gotten better and gives him sharp pain and is still constantly monitored by doctors, for which the testing he goes through he is sick of. >>>>Audrey is doing great, and was the student of the month both in Kindergarten and 1st Grade. She loves horses but doesn’t get to see them up close. She gets bored around the apartment though. >>>>Josephine might be the cutest baby in the world, but is a feisty Italian, and loves to show it. She still doesn’t sleep through the night and has quite a temper. Money is tight and we rarely get a chance to go do stuff or for Monique and I to go out. Even with all of this and much-much more, the Leckey’s very much love each other, and are actually quite happy. Life goes on and we will only get through everything if we are together and supportive of each other. In so many ways we are blessed, even though sometimes it might not seem like it. Monique is a wonderful and loving wife and mother and the family wouldn’t run without her. Eric is a good provider and wonderful father and husband. He makes it through a lot of pain to keep the family happy and taken care of. Audrey is super smart and beautiful and is a joy to be around. Josephine is cute and has a marvelous sense of humor and really cares about her family. We are all happiest when together. We may not have a dog named Snuggles, but we did add a blue lobster to our fish tank, which is growing to be the size of a small dog (Monique is hoping for a nice surf and turf dinner in the future). Love to all. All the best for 2013. Let’s hope it only gets better and better The Leckey’s P.S.-------All of the Leckey’s (except Jo) contributed to the writing of this letter.