’Twas the Night Before Christmas…

 When all through the house not a creature was stirring except a computer mouse (the cat was sleeping again)…The girls were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of Barbie dolls danced through their heads.  The boys are excited to see what Santa delivers next… could it be a brand new cell phone with unlimited talk time and text?  With Trish at her computer and Mike turning down the lights…it’s time to settle into long winter nights. When over in the office arose such a clatter. It's surprising not everyone arose with a chatter. Over to the computer Mike flew in a flash, and was amazed  when he saw all the paper in the trash.  When what did his wondering eyes behold?  A Christmas letter finally finished in bold! 

With mention of family and good times in the report…it was very hard to keep it short! But we realize we have so much to be thankful for… great friends, good health and so much more.  So here we go to share our news, read on intently if you choose!

Ally and Ava bring us delight each day, we feel so very blessed in every way.  They enjoy their friends and awesome preschool, but love playing with their older brothers because they’re so cool!  Ally is as sweet as pie… Ava is lovely and a tiny bit shy. Our home is scattered with glittery high heels and dolls for play… but we couldn’t imagine life any other way. 

Nate spent his summer serving with our church…he went to New Orleans to fix a home in need of repair, now a family no longer lives in despair.  From installing drywall to painting a fence, he learned how to serve and did not earn pence.  And serving at kids camp from morning til night, he was a favorite third grade counselor in his own right!  Then onto camp in Florida the state, to learn about leadership and how to debate.  His time was fruitful and is now on his way to mature and hopefully someday may be an entrepreneur. 

Brad played his heart out state to state in the heat, hoping to play baseball in the future with the college elite.  His graduation is approaching soon, he is looking at universities from here to the moon!  With his delightful smile and super sweet style, it’s sad to think he will be moving on in a while.  With great potential we will send him away, as he’s prepared for a promising future we pray.

Corey continues to move along toward a degree, with visions of a career to pay off the school’s fee.  In the meantime he’s serving people at Applebee’s.  He keeps his customer’s drinks full and serves them well, no complaints for him not even a yell!  He is frequently seen with a sister on his knee, he’s a super fun big brother the girls agree!

Jason has moved to another state, as he is employed in a terrific job there is no debate.  His responsibility is to peddle Nestle’s many products and treat, the company merchandise he prepares so the shelves will not deplete.  He enjoys the work and is getting used to living away but looks forward to coming home on Christmas Day!  We miss him and know that Springfield, Illinois is a nice place to live, as a career in sales is his objective.

Mike and Trish continue to care for the crew, as many a drama is always a brew!  We go to and fro and travel a yonder, our life is sure full of surprises and wonder.  This past year…Off to Cabo San Lucas, Maui, Estes Park and Keystone we went…wow what a wonderful time as a family we spent!   Mike still works as the vice president of sales for Nestle Purina, happily dealing in the dog and cat food arena.  Trish stays at home to juggle our life and finds it rewarding to be a mother and wife!  Her volunteer hours get her out and about, leading bible study, playgroup and lunch with friends are preferred without doubt. 

This past fall we had some sorrow along with the good… Our sweet dog Rocky is now in puppy heaven, in dog years he was almost seventy seven!  Ally proclaims he now enjoys dog bones galore… more than he had ever received before! (she loved to give Rocky his daily treat)                                                          

So far this letter is just about kin, but we must share about our Lord Jesus who desires to dwell within.

There were Three Kings that came with some gifts from afar, searching for

 The new King as they followed a star.

There were several shepherds awakened by a brilliant angel, who announced the Blessed news of Jesus in a cradle.

But really, He rested in a manger on hay, with young parents weary from traveling all day.

This new babe, our Savior and King, Behold…