Friday, December 25, 2009

Hello Family and friends!




I pray that this letter finds you well, and full of joy this Christmas. It has been a tough year for a lot of us, but I’m sure we can all find something to be thankful for.

It’s hard to believe that we have been in our house for two full years now. God has blessed us mightily in answering our prayers for a home of our own. Being homeowners is hard work! We had to replace our hot water heater, and the back patio doors to name a few projects that needed to be done. We hope to do something with our back patio this spring, and put pipes underground to help with the stream we have running through our side yard. Although, Bailey dog likes to dig in the mud over there and come out with a brown nose, and a brown body too!

Many of you have come to visit us in our new home, and we are always happy to receive visitors. Give us a call, and come see our house if you haven’t been here in a while. We put out Christmas lights for the first time this year, and Shawn says I started something that I can’t take back now. It’s a challenge for an electrician who likes to make it like day outside when it’s night.

Shawn is busy keeping the business going. We had some rough patches there, but God has been faithful to us. Shawn, Blaine, and Brandon have been busy here in Pennsylvania, but they also travel to New Jersey and Delaware doing work for Genuardi’s. Praise the Lord that he opened new doors, and helped Shawn pass
those difficult exams for licenses.

Jessie is growing like a weed. She is in the 4th grade now, and is an excellent student. She loves to read, and especially loves to read bible stories and chapter books. She is finding her own style, and likes to wear fashion scarves and legwarmers. She is discovering that having her nails painted is fun!

Jessica is in her 5th year of dance. This year the theme of their performance is “The ugly duckling”. She has scored a duet with a fellow student which is a high honor. Although, she would rather not be a rooster! Along with being a rooster, she is a beautiful goose, a duckling that hatches out of an egg (which she is so excited about), and dancing a jazz dance to “double dutch bus”.

Stephanie keeps busy volunteering at church and at Jessica’s school as homeroom mom. I have been running the women’s ministry at church for a few years now which includes leading the women’s bible study, and leading a team to do a one day retreat in the spring. I also lead our “circle of joy” which started out as a crafting circle, and has evolved into teas, luaus, game nights and all sorts of events. I have recently learned how to knit, and have been knitting all kinds of gifts. You never know, you might be my next giftee!

Our lives are full and blessed. Our biggest blessing is the love of our family and friends. Come visit us soon!

Much love to you all!

Steph, Shawn, and Jess