May the JOY of HIS season fill you with PEACE and JOY all throughout 2009!

As we look back over 2008, this blog gives a reflection of some of our year under LINKS: ARCHIVES

Darin in CHINA

Jasmine's Prom and Graduation

College Beginnings

Sarah's new job

Trip to Canada

FLL days

Other highlights are:

             Darin has stocked our freezer with wonderfully delicious bass, trout, crappie, bluegill and lots of Coho and Chinook Salmon. He is perfecting his smoker skills and we enjoy his delicious experiments on ribs, roasts, bacon, and soon a turkey.

             Sarah received a long-awaited answer to prayer. She was diagnosed with TMD in March and received a retainer/splint in April. There has been no vertigo and very few migraines since she began wearing it daily. She is feeling almost back to normal most days. The Thoraxic Outlet Syndrome still bothers her if she stresses too much or overdoes the heavy lifting. She still struggles with insomnia at times.

             Jasmine's milestones were life changing this year. Colleges classes, prom, graduation, getting accepted to colleges, receiving a scholarship to her favorite one, moving away from home plus balancing friends, extra curriculars, and 17 college credits while maintaining a high GPA.

             Ben got his braces off, grew taller than Mom and sister, shaved for the first time, and started piano lessons. He is writing his own music too. He still loves to draw but he now loves to read novels. He really enjoys his time with FLL - FIRST LEGO League (www.firstlegoleague.org). His team won the TEAM SPIRIT award at regional tournament in Nov. Darin and I are the team coaches so it was a family sport every week from Sept. 5 through Nov. 16th.

             Kenny is our new no-stop talker now that Jas has moved away. He is always in motion - his feet and his mouth.   He joined the FLL team this year and did a great job in the research presentation, but decided at the end of the season, that FLL is not "his" thing. He loves Star Wars of every kind and shape. He could watch the 6 videos every day if we let him. This summer with Mom working, he matured into becoming a big help around the house.

           Our church just celebrated 20 years and it was wonderful to remember all of GOD's goodness and blessings. HE is Jehovah Jireh - our provider and HIS grace is sufficient for all of us each day.

            As I review this year, I remember all of GOD's blessings that HE has so graciously given to us. Even the difficult times give us pause to acknowledge our great need for HIM and His grace and love. May you find HIS love to be real in your hearts this year. HE is the reason we celebrate this season.

Blessings to you from the 5K's.