Season's Greetings....

We are very thankful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us this past year. This Christmas means a lot more to us than in previous years. We've had more "God stuff" happen in our lives this year than ever before. We are closer to Christ this Christmas and that means everything to us. We have also established some wonderful new friendships this year, and that is priceless. To all of our friends and family, please remember that Christmas led to the cross. Christ truly is the reason for the season.

The house update....

We began construction nearly 14 months ago. We have been at a standstill (again) since the end of September. Our builder had both knees replaced on October 2 and progress came to a stop. The one year mark has come and gone, and we have now passed the grace period. We are working on paperwork related to refinancing the house - meaning another appraisal and everything. Thankfully the mortgage company has been very understanding.

We have met with a new general contractor from our church that has agreed to finish our house once the all the paperwork is complete. He has assured us that once he begins he will "run with it!" We are hoping that everything will begin to come together after the holidays.

Although construction is at a standstill, there are other major changes going on in our lives. The biggest one of all is that (out of the blue) I was offered a job at our church in the Grade School Ministry. After MUCH thought and prayer, we decided that maybe this was the direction that God wants us to take. So we decided to put the boys into public school. Initially we intended to put them in after the holidays, but when I met with the Principal he suggested we let them start during the holiday festivities. So they had two weeks of school before getting out for Christmas. Although I was very nervous about it, it went well. I don't think the transition could have been any smoother. Both boys are fitting right in and enjoying themselves. Camden was even awarded a speaking part in the Christmas program!

Although my job at the church doesn't start until January, I was asked to help out some at Wade's office with administrative stuff. I worked some while the boys were in school and will do more over the holiday break, and maybe a few hours once I begin my new job. My hours at church are the same hours that the boys are in school, so it works out perfectly! The grade school should also be moving into our new youth building soon, so it will be very exciting being a part of that.

Please keep us in your prayers. We believe that God has something tremendous in store for us...

God bless and Merry Christmas!