Christmas update 2013

Here we are again! Another year come and gone! I was almost going to wait to do this in January or February....because there will be big news then!! But decided to at least give you a Merry Christmas and a brief "how we are doing"

Our year has been busy, but would you expect anything different!? Being busy means you are alive and kicking!

Kevin and I both had ER visits that required a stay in the hospital. Kevin's was in February; having sharp, odd pains in his head. They ruled out anything serious, but kept him overnight for observation. Decided it was inner ear! While in the ER, Rachel and Thomas came by, they had just received the news that she was miscarrying her first pregnancy. Very sad, but Glad we were close by.

In June I headed to the ER for arm/chest pain. My visit ended up being more than over night....as each test said they needed to do more. Ended up in Burlington for heart catheterization on day 3. Thinking they were going to find blockage and a tear in my artery. They found a very small amount of plaque (didn't need to do anything about it), just enough to now say I have Coronary Artery Disease....so I am on medication. My cholesterol levels were actually still in normal range...but they now want them cut in half. I actually found out I am pretty healthy! Did over 100% on the treadmill, blood pressure is excellent! Though it wouldn't hurt to walk more and loose some excess weight. People would ask if this meant I was going to slow down...my answer to that "God has placed me on this earth to serve, and as long as I am here...that is what I will do! and now I know I am good to go!"
While I was in the hospital Rachel, Thomas, his family, Kevin and kids were there, and Rachel and Thomas told us that they were expecting again! VERY JOYOUS! So now are grandbaby is due February 3rd!

The week after I got home from the hospital, Luke proposed to Talitha....and she said yes!! A September 27th, 2014 wedding is planned! We couldn't be happier!

In July Kevin and I went back to Maine...and took the whole family along! What a great time!
There were 13 of us there for some of the time! Aunt Linda (Mom's sister) and her grandson met us there. Leah (my sister) and Tim met us there as well! We did as much as we could. Lobster Boating with a pregnant lady isn't probably the best idea! But Rachel is a trooper, and after getting sick over the side of the boat, we continued our plans for the day!
It was a great trip! We all enjoyed!

In August Leah ended up being airlifted to Rochester with what they believed to be a perforation!
They did emergency surgery, and found the had had a perforation, but it had sealed itself ove, but had and infection. She had 2 drain tubes put in. One she left the hospital with which was removed in 6 weeks. They opened her up right on the same scar! The pain wasn't managed to well at first. But the came through good, and was told by her doctor that he saw no signs of any cancer! PRAISE GOD!

This September a very good, long time family friend decided to move to Maryland and sold Rachel and Thomas her home! 18.9 acres! The location is perfect, about equal distance from both sets of parents, off the main road, in our school district. The house is a 3 bedroom double wide in good shape but Thomas and Rachel (and parents, siblings, friends grandparents!) redid the whole place...new flooring through out, painted all the walls! Even redid courter tops! It is gorgeous! They are tucked snuggly in the woods! Baby's room is waiting!
Dad Mom and I actually took a trip to Maryland with Nancie's belongings!

Also in September Rachel got done at her job at the elderly housing facility and came to work with Marah and I! We have several babies and another set of loving hands is great! it is working out well!
Marah is still DJing and building the business.
Rachel has had some photo shoots! And even has some portrait stuff set up in a spare room!

Luke has finished 3rd semester with a 3.7 GPA! one more semester to go! He and Talitha talk wedding some wedding plans...mostly Talitha! Speaking of Talitha, in October her family suffered a house fire! They have been displaced for now, as insurance decides if they can rebuild or repair. A lot of their stuff was not salvageable, some has been taken by professional cleaners and is in storage until they can use it. Our churches parsonage was empty, so they are able to stay there for the duration. Keep them in your prayers, as this is a long process. Talitha's brother lost basically everything as his room was affected the worst. A lot of smoke and soot damage to the rest of the house...and heat...the heat destroyed some things. Talitha had gotten her wedding dress already :( She is looking for a new one! Probably one of the hardest things was loosing some of their pets. We are grateful no one was injured (no one was home, a neighbor called it in). And that God is providing for them, even now!

On Mom's side we lost Terun, my cousin this year, and Mom's oldest sister my Aunt Marge.
Sad times.
Kevin is still working as a nurse, and flying with Life Flight when he can! Always projects going on!!

The rest of my family and Kevin's are doing well.
Leah is in good health.
Donald, Jamey and Allan good, Allan is in PreK!
Kevin's sister Bobby has bought a house. His niece Alix is married and has been deployed over seas.

God is GOOD! Even in times of struggle and difficulty, HE IS LORD!

This Christmas season we need to continue to remember the reason we celebrate! The birth of Christ....but the story doesn't end there! He came to save you and me from our wretched state! God's story includes us! and an amazing story it is!

Merry Christmas