Dear YourHub.com readers and staff,

Happy holidays! I know it is fashionable again to say "Merry Christmas." I still prefer "happy holidays" as more inclusive, encompassing New Year's and Valentine's Day, which is about the time I get all the Christmas stuff done (excluding bills).

Over the years, I have received many missives condensing a family's annual life, but this is my first State of the Household address.

Hope all is well with you and yours. We are in good health, unless you count one son's bout with shingles. He tolerated the itching and burning, but suffered mortification about having an "old man's disease." Also, there was that genetic connective tissue disorder diagnosis on the boys. All these years they complained about popping joints and I told them to quit acting like old ladies. I feel kind of bad about that.

One son declined to cut his hair this year, which serves as both disguise and attention-getter. Not only is his mane a popular topic among friends, relatives, and teachers, but strangers comment on his head regularly, as if a shaggy appearance is a matter of public concern. Just for the record, he does shower and change his clothes daily. At least most days.

One son got his driving permit the same week another had his first car accident, exemplifying that life marches on and, as parents, you are doomed one way or the other.

Our high school senior is considering CU Boulder or the University of Sydney, Australia, narrowing it down to two different hemispheres.

Our last elementary school student was once again in the school theater production, playing a villain. He was remarkably good, employing method acting and often remaining in character at home with his brothers.

This year the family traveled to Minnesota and London. I thought we might stand out as Ugly Americans abroad, but what made us conspicuous was our family size. The birth rate has been below replacement level there since 1973, coincidentally the year that Britain's National Health Service started covering the cost of contraceptives.

My husband's work is going well, which is good, considering we are approaching ten years of college expenses (two at a time, starting 2009.) He actually may do some business in London in the coming year, which will allow him to tour the city without a complaining entourage.

I continue to write, volunteer, cook, do laundry, read and participate in most activities that produce no income or have any lasting impact on the world. It's better for the world that way.

Here's wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year. If it isn't, contact me earlier in the year, when I'm more likely to have time to respond.

As Ever,

Karin