2008 in Review

What a year it has been for us. Many ups and downs but with God’s help we made it through the year and are prepared for what’s in store for us in 2009.

There were some tough times in 2008. In February we lost my mother 1 week before her 68th birthday. She died from MSA which took 3.5 years for the disease to destroy her body. Her mind was very sharp up to the end but the body couldn’t last. Then in September we lost my Aunt Drew, my father’s older sister. This leaves my dad with a older sister and younger brother still living from his family. A week later we received news that Beth’s Uncle Dick passed away from a long battle with cancer. This was her dad’s older brother and leaving him as the sole survivor in his family.

There were many blessings in 2008. The first great grandchild on Beth’s side of the family was born in February. Audrey was born 3 days after my mom passed away. In May we became grandparents when Andrew was born. Then in August Jamie married Amanda adding another to the family. I’ve even heard rumors there may have been some engagements over the Christmas season so there is the potential of more additions to the family. Also, even with the economic turn down everybody is still working.

As we look forward to 2009 we ask God for His guidance and strength for all of us. Everything from the economy, our christian believes, our health and our families will challenge us this year but only God can get us through it. God has a plan for every one of us and we pray His Will will be done.

Jamie and Amanda’s Wedding

Beth, Cori and I just got back last night from Annapolis, Maryland after Jamie and Amanda’s wedding. We flew in on Friday and met David & Barb at the hotel. Friday afternoon we went to St. Mary’s church for the wedding rehearsal. It is a beautiful church. Then we ate dinner at a seafood restaurant near the marina. The food was excellent.

Saturday was the wedding. When we arrived at the church Bryan and Megan were there. It was nice to see them again. The ceremony was beautiful with a lot of emotions. Jamie got teary eyed when he saw Amanda come through the door in the back of the church. After the service it was off to the reception. They introduced the whole wedding party and then the dancing started. Later Jamie and Amanda cut the wedding cake with a little bit of extra activity when they each offered the other a bite. You’ll need to see the pictures. After the reception we all gathered at Amanda’s parents house to finish the celebration. Here’s a photo of the new couple.

Sunday everybody started heading home. David, Barb, Dave, Matthew, Britanni and Nikki drove back to West Virginia. Later in the afternoon we flew back to Michigan. Jamie and Amanda will be heading out for their honeymoon before settling in West Virginia for the rest of the year.

We just want to say welcome to the family Amanda. The family is getting bigger all the time. I lost my mother this year but gained a grandson Andrew James, a great niece Audrey and a niece Amanda. Check out the family photos for all the pictures.