2008 Christmas Letter As we look forward to a New Year, it is time to take a moment to look back.  We are blessed to have had a safe and happy 2008.  Charlie and Marla both turned 43 in January, we celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary in March, and our precious four all turned 7 in August.  We view those increasing numbers each year as a true blessing. Our children continue to be the joy of our lives … although trying at times, as all children can be.  All four played soccer in the Spring, but they went their separate ways in the Fall.  Zachary played baseball, Jacob played flag football, and the girls were on the cheerleader squad that cheered for Jacob’s team.  Other extra activities included our precious four – together with Nozi (our au pair) – performing in our church musical this year.  Practices began early in the Fall, with the performances taking place the first Friday and Saturday nights of December.  The musical was wonderful, and our five performed beautifully! Nozi has a big year coming up.  She will be leaving us toward the end of January to finally join her husband in Germany now that he has safely completed his long tour of duty in Iraq.  We will miss her greatly, but we know that she will remain a part of our lives, just as Melanie has (our first au pair).   Our Vacations We spent a portion of our Spring Break vacation in March at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine.  If you have never been to a Great Wolf Lodge—you are missing out!.  It was loads of fun with a giant indoor water park.  The resort also offers other interactive indoor activities for the whole family.  We all had fun and would love to go back.  We also went to the Flying L Ranch in Bandera in May.  With real horse rides, an outdoor water park, campfire songs and smores in the evenings, it was fun for everyone.  Marla joined her sister and her mother for a weekend in Fredericksburg in October and truly enjoyed their annual mother/daughter time together.   School The children are in first grade, all are doing well, and all seem to be enjoying the year.  They have wonderful teachers and we value our partnership with them.  We had fun at movie night one evening, where we watched Kung Fu Panda in the cafeteria – with the children wearing P.J.’s and using their sleeping bags.  Another big event is the talent show coming up in February – and our children decided to participate.  Their tryout session was great, and if they make the final cut, they will sing “There’s No One Like Jesus” in both Zulu (a South African language) and English.   Charlie and Marla continue to be blessed with wonderful jobs (Charlie at Princeton ISD and Marla at Hillwood), and in this economy, we are extremely thankful that our employers still see our value.  We pray for all who have been affected by these very trying times … as we pray that each and every one of you enjoy a happy and safe holiday season and a wonderful year in 2009! All our love, Charlie, Marla, Sarah, Zachary, Samantha and Jacob