Merry Christmas From Florida!

This year we thought that we would send our greetings in a more high tech fashion, even though both of us are more on the "low techie" scale.

We were inspired to start a blog to better keep in touch with Amber, our youngest...more on that in a minute.

This has been a year of change; but then aren't they all? Our church moved last December to its new location, after being a down town church for over 100 years. We are now located on the eastern edge of Clearwater, in a new campus; happily a four minute commute from our home. While Ron still works at FMS Purchasing, and Cindy at Calvary Christian High School, the school relocated along with the church, so she enjoys new facilities AND her own office!

Amber graduated from UF in December, giving us three days notice. She learned that an arrangement to study spring semester didn't work out, so she "had" to graduate. We scurried and celebrated her graduation amidst Cindy's school move and the holidays. She received her BA in Political Science.

Cindy's mom and dad came down for the winter, renting a house in a nearby city. Unfortunately after being here a week, Mommy fell and broke her hip. After physical therapy and some rehab she was able to move back "home." The rest of the winter was a bit slower paced for them, but still enjoyable to be out of the cold Michigan weather.

In March we packed Amber up and sent her off for a two month training. She is currently in the North Africa Middle East Region for a two-year mission commitment.

After being a family member for 13 years, Jingle, our dog, died in April. Sometimes we didn't realize how much we were used to his sedentary ways until after he was gone. Once we thought we saw him in the kitchen, and it turned out to be a grocery sack on the floor! No one comes scurrying to eat stuff we drop on the floor...Now that's sad!

We had a nice family reunion in July, though not all the grand kids were able to come, many did. Sarah and Gina even came unannounced and surprised their mom and dad. Cindy's dad had been recently diagnosed with cancer, and referred to University of Michigan for testing and treatment. We were able to help with some of the transportation and "waiting."

After many tests and biopsies, Daddy was started on an experimental treatment in late August. Early in September he became dehydrated, and developed an allergic type reaction to the chemotherapy. He quickly declined, and passed away late in September.

Cindy and Ron each made two extra trips to Michigan this year, and it was a bonus to see Robyn! She is in Bowling Green, Ohio working on her dissertation in Philosophy at Bowling Green State University. In a year or so, there may well be a "Dr. Peabody" in the family!

It was a difficult autumn, but in the "storms" there were good times, when the family was together. Many tears, and much laughter. We are looking forward to being with family again at Christmas - though it will be a different assembly - Daddy won't be there, and Amber will be inabsentia. Life changes, and life goes on.

While there have been many changes for us this year, God's love is a constant. We rejoice in celebrating Jesus' birthday!

Merry Christmas!