Christmas 2009 ~~ The Songs of Our Lives

(Songs each person chose to represent his/her year.)

John & Tricia

What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

This year John and Tricia saw a bit of the world. First, our family traveled to San Diego to see family for New Years, then John and Tricia traveled to the Canadian Rockies for a weekend getaway and to the Bahamas to celebrate their 19th wedding Anniversary. Also, the whole family traveled to the Czech Republic for our 2nd mission trip. Tricia’s shorter jaunts included California (2 more times), Idaho, Washington and Colorado. More than that, Tricia’s writing has taken her places too. She had five books release in 2010:

* Every Sunrise & Sunflower Serenade (Nebraska) ~ Guideposts
* Blue Like Play Dough (my life in California & Montana) ~ Multnomah
* Love Finds You in Lonesome Prairie, Montana (Montana 1889) ~ Summerside
* The Swiss Courier (Switzerland & Germany, 1944) ~ Revell/Baker

Yet it’s not just our travels that has made our world wonderful. We are thankful for our OWN world—our home, our family, our church, our friends!

Nathan (15)

The Best Night of Our Lives by Every Day Sunday

Nathan’s Top Three favorite things this year: going to the Czech Republic, starting his novel, and playing/creating video games with his brother. He is a homeschooling Sophomore, volunteers a lot with Media at church, and is involved in his youth group’s leadership team.

Leslie (17)

Superstar by Stephanie Smith

Leslie is finishing up her third semester at Flathead Valley Community College and she’ll graduate from college just in time to attend her high school graduation! She is still considering how/where to continue her education, but her focus will be on Biblical Studies and youth ministry. Leslie works part-time at Wendy’s, loves hanging out with her friends and boyfriend, recently took part in a theater production at college, enjoyed traveling to the Czech Republic … and greatly misses her sister Andrea (our exchange student who returned home in June). In fact, all of our family greatly misses Andrea!

Cory (20)

Life Is Beautiful by Sixx AM

Yeah! Cory finished his AA Degree at Flathead Community College. His plan is to stick around next year to get his AS Degree and to work toward his Bachelors before transferring to the University of Montana where he will be a pre-med student. His goal is to be a physical therapist. He loves God, the Czech Republic, playing sports, and hanging out with his siblings, friends, and girlfriend. He’s also looking forward to returning to the Czech Republic Summer 2010. We all are!

Grandma Dolores (80!)

This is the Day that the Lord Has Made

Grandma turned 80 this year and we had a fun surprise birthday party for her. Grandma’s favorite things are spending time with God, watching old movies, going out to lunch and shopping. She enjoyed having her daughter Linda stay with her while the rest of the family was in the Czech Republic. She wants to go to Hawaii before she gets too old … so we’ll have to plan for that!

We hope this letter finds you well. We are thankful for your friendship and your prayers!

Love,

John, Tricia, Cory, Leslie, Nathan, and Grandma