Mom's Christmas Letter

My mom did a really nice christmas letter, so I wanted to share it with you just in case you didn't get it. ( she didn't mail it this year, it was on her blog this year.
"08 - 09"

I didn't do a Christmas letter, so I thought I would do a New Year's letter of the past year.

Jan 08' Started off with Sarah very sick , and in and out of the ER, until they finally found out that an antibiotic given to her, worked against her system, and caused her to be very sick, lose weight, and be in lots of pain. Now their are only 2 antibiotics that will work for her if she does get sick.In January I also lost my job at the chiroprators office which was a blessing from God, I knew it was coming, He closed a door and opened a new one.

In February, We lost Joey and on Valentine's day, I still have a hard time with his loss, I was the one who had him put asleep, I know he was sick, and probably would of had the same problems, but it has been hard on my heart. I wonder how I am going to make it this Valentines day, but I know God will get me through, His Grace "IS" enough. In Feb I also started working for Bashas, they graciously took me in as one of their own, I am cashiering about 15 hours a week.

In March our lovely daughter Sarah married a wonderful Christian man, Joel, we had over 260 guest, and some from all over the country, Pennsylvania, Detroit, Hawaii and Texas, we had a wonderful wedding, that went off without a hitch, we had lots of help, from our family , friends and the whole EVBC body. What a great day. Thanks to everyone of you !

April was probably the first incline of the gas prices, and did we ever think we would see the price of gas go to $4.00, yeah..........NO. But we sure did. Thank God it is where it is today, $1.47 here in Mesa !

May , Sarah had a birthday, 20 !

June , Russ, Joel and Sarah went with our church to Point Loma in San Diego for Summer Camp 08, that they attend every year, Russ is a crew dad, and Joel and Sarah both are High school ministry leaders , over 500 jr high and high school kids attend !

in August , Russ's family all got together for his parents 50th wedding anniversary, Cheryle, and Rachel came down from Canada, and Kimmy and Brian from Cottonwood and we all went out for a wonderful meal to celebrate Russ and Wilma's big day !

In Sept Russ and I put our home on the market , 2 days before the 1st market crash the big -777, what did we know ? hehe. We will see what the Lord brings , if we are to sell , we will sell, if we are to stay for a while ,we will stay. We will Trust, in what He brings. We are ready to live simpler.

In Nov, Russ , Joel and Sarah went to Mexico to build homes , East valley sent over 160 people that built 6 homes in 3 days!In Nov. I got a call from Hallmark! I put a resume online a couple months back and they called me , I went on a interview and was hired on the spot. I am merchandising for them in a Walmart store, 3 days a week , 10 - 15 hours a week, on my own time, perfect ! So I was able to tell Bashas I could work just 2 nights if needed a week . It has been working , although , during the Christmas season, there was a little more hours for Hallmark :)

Dec , Russ and I have been staying busy, trying not to let satan distract us from what Christmas is all about, JESUS , in all the craziness of this wonderful season. Our Savior born on this amazing Christmas day. I love how our series at church the last 4 weeks, on "Recovering Christmas" was about giving relational gifts, from making things, to getting together, instead of gift card/ restaurant gifts, and taking money not spent this Christmas , and giving it to people in need, for water, that we have every day, for resources, supplies, food, homes to be built, and physical therapy supplies in Morrocco. A place where EVBC has been, has worked, has people in place right now! What an exciting project, we are called to "BE" God's people ,right here on earth, to reach out to the needy, to feed the hungry and to clothe the naked. We are called to "BE the Church" ! We are excited to be a small part in this mission.Oh yeah and one more thing, Christmas day, we opened gifts from Joel and Sarah which included a book, entitled "Extreme Grandparenting " by Dr. Tim Kimmel, along with a ultrasound picture and a picture of the pregnancy test! Yes, Russ and I are going to be grandparents !What a Gift ! Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year to you all !From His Love Above, Russ and Debbie !