Happy New Year!

 

We want to send new year greetings to all our friends and family!  It's hard to believe that another year has passed. The year 2012 brought many challenges, but also many blessings. Our little church purchased an old New England-style church building that was built in the late 1800's.  Owning our own property has been a prayer and a dream since we moved to Branford and planted the church. We had many challenges to overcome as we moved in and remodeled the basement. The remodel project turned out beautifully, though, and it was quite sobering to finally see the auditorium full on our Grand Opening Service in September.
Tim continues to stay healthy and strong and runs circles around all of us!  He has an exciting project in the works - he has written a book about his cancer and the many emotional and spiritual battles that it brought to our lives.  The book is in the editing process right now, and we hope to have the first copy in our hands by the spring. Very exciting!
Michael is now 15!  He made a lot of gains in the therapy that he received last year. We  have really noticed a difference in his ability to communicate and in several areas of his school work. Currently, we are working on placing him in a school for kids with his special needs.   He is pretty excited at the possiblity of getting to go to 'real' school - as if homeschool isn't 'real!' Trust me, it is! :) We still have many meetings to attend and hoops to jump through before it can happen, but we are praying for the Lord's leading and provision in this area.
McKayla turned 9 this year.  She is taking piano and flute lessons and really enjoys both. She is in the 4th grade and loves reading and spelling. She has a sweet spirit and a tender heart for the things of the Lord. She also enjoys singing and has sung a few times in church with her BFF, Abigail.  They do a great job and just love to be together!  Her Aunt Sheryl calls them the Giggle-Goofy Girls!
Mark turned 8 and is our 'Little Einstein.'  He is working on some 3rd grade work and some 4th grade work.  He keeps me busy trying to keep him stimulated and interested in what he is doing.  He asks a lot of questions and loves to learn.  He is also taking piano lessons and got a guitar for Christmas, so he is going to learn guitar.  He has become a Lego-maniac, and also loves to tell jokes to make people --and himself-- laugh! 
We continue to pray for our oldest son, Matthew.  The details of his life right now are too long, too personal and somewhat painful for us to share.  He is 19 and out on his own.  He is in the Lord's hands and we love him and pray earnestly for him.
Stacie stays very busy with homeschooling, church ministry and family responsibilities.  There doesn't seem to be time for much more than that, but this time in my life shall pass... much too quickly for sure.
We appreciate each one who prays for us and have enjoyed the many Christmas cards and letters we received this year.  It's always great to hear from everyone and catch up on what is going on in your lives.  May God bless you with a new year filled with His goodness and blessings.