Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas 2008!

I didn't send out a letter this year with my Christmas card so I thought I would do a post instead. As most of you know our year didn't have a very good start and because of that, writing a letter this year wasn't something I was looking forward to doing. Christmas letters are supposed to be filled with fun and exciting events from the year. However, God uses all of our experiences to teach us and make us stronger and no matter how tough the situation is that we face we know he is there with us. The most difficult part of 2008 for our family was the loss of our nephew Alex Slaymaker. It is hard to believe he has been gone for 11 months. Yesterday we had Dale's family at our house and it was very hard knowing that the last time Alex was with our family was Christmas last year. Not a day goes by that we don't think about him and miss him dearly. We struggle with understanding and wish somehow the pain wasn't so great. You go through life hearing everyone say that life is short and to treasure every minute. I have learned that lesson more this past year. Although it can be hard during the "frustrations" of parenthood and daily life. I treasure my children and my family and know they are God's gift to me.

With that said 2008 has been a challenging year but we are thankful for all that we have and try each day not to take those things for granted. So from our family to yours we wish you a great new year and pray that you to can treasure each moment, as the gift that it is. A quote that I came across this year and really like "There will come a day when I can no longer do this, today is not that day."