Minnesota Christmas

The new year started off with a beautiful day. Almost everyone I have talked to are happy to say good bye to 2008. Well, regardless of all that, God has already gone before us, He already knows all about 2009, and between you and me, I am happy to place my trust in Him!

We had a wonderful Christmas! It was quite an adventure. Thanks to our good friends who loaned us their 4-wheel drive vehicle, and my wonderful husband, we travelled over 3,000 miles through wind, rain, snow, sleet and ice. We stopped in Rock Island, IL to be with Robert and Penny Jones and their family. We enjoyed our time there worshipping at the Davenport PNC and fellowshipping with everyone there. The Christmas program was so sweet.Robert and Penny

Tara and Jillayne Jones

Alissa and Brandon Jones

Davenport PNC Christmas program

We had a great time with my brother's family on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Mom and Dad and Grandma D were with us there, too. Wow! Those visits are just too short and too long in between. My brother has a super great family, and we had a fantastic time being there.

We came home through Missouri left Katelyn and Tara behind at the Truitts. Thank you, Jenn, for letting them stay! They are home now and we have wrapped up Christmas break.

God has been so good to us. We want to be careful to always show Him how grateful we are for His blessings--but most of all for His presence. We stand in awe at the ways He shows us His watch-care over us. He protected us on our travels, He showed us His love once again through our very meaningful family time together. He showed His watch-care over our souls by allowing us to experience things that drew us closer to Him. My soul has been very enriched over this Holiday season.

Moving to Tampa!

We all gathered in St. Louis for one last hurrah at the old home place. Mom and Dad are moving to Tampa, Florida, and taking Grandma D with them. The cousins had so much fun and kept everything light hearted at this bittersweet time. We're so happy for Mom and Dad and Grandma. The "Sunshine State" should take real good care of them!

Who needs Six Flags??

Katelyn and Mark 3's boys, Grant and Chip, all had their fun during the down times of moving Grandma and Grandpa Russell. A little imagination, platforms on wheels, and plastic totes can go a long ways!

Welcome to our world, Baby Jeremy!

We are so happy to announce that Baby Jeremy arrived Friday, November 16th. Mom Kimmy is doing exceptionally well; Dad David and DJ aren't doing too shabby, either! We intend to shower this one with hugs, kisses, and any other way we can spoil him absolutely rotten! Here is a picture of his beautiful self, and one with Cousin Tara and Grandma Snodgrass.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Thanks to Katelyn, our freezer will soon be bulging with good, old fashioned, cholesterol free venison! Katelyn, her Dad, and Grandpa Snodgrass took to the woods for opening day and saw so many deer that Grandpa just got tired of keeping count! This 10 point beauty stepped out, buck fever stepped in, but Katelyn soon overcame and the rest is history! Katie sends a big thank you to Uncle Bebo and Uncle David for helping to track this deer and bring it home. We're real proud of you, Katie!

Sea shells, sand castles and rain, rain, rain........

Another highlight of the year was a trip to the beach. The girls had been begging to be able to see the gulf for a long time, so between Aunt Mary Beth and I, we were able to pull off a short trip to Gulf Shores. The first day we were there, it rained cats and dogs, but Mary Beth wouldn't let us grieve over that for long. There were lots of outlets and fun places to shop, so shop we did until we dropped! We had a fun, girly day shopping, eating out, doing pedicures, you name it! The rain finally stopped the 2nd day, so we were able to enjoy the beach to the fullest. We collected so many sea shells, played in the waves, drew our names in the sand, built sand castles, and more or less "vegged" on beach chairs all day. We had an absolutely wonderful time, and we can't wait to go back! Thanks, Mary Beth, for going with us. You made the trip so worth while!