Memorial Weekend in West Virginia

Beth and I spent Memorial weekend in West Virginia visiting her family. Her dad is struggling with cancer but he is holding his own at this time. He is walking out to get the mail everyday and we pushed him around the park in his wheelchair on Saturday. We celebrated Whitney’s birthday Sunday afternoon and took many family pictures. When we got back to Beth’s parent’s house Uncle Eddie and Aunt Thelma were there to spend the night before heading back home on Monday. John is still out of work since January when he lost his truck driving job. We pray for John, Becca and AJ as they struggle through their financial problems.

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.

Watoga State Park 2008

Just back from a week in West Virginia visiting Beth’s family. We enjoyed our time at Watoga State Park for the 5th year in a row. It was a fun and relaxing time being with family. No cell phones, TV or internet just family, love and conversation. Every night we gathered after dinner for some devotional time, singing and glorifying God. John spent the whole week bonding with AJ since he never had the chance because of his job. You could see his love growing for his son everyday. We met our great niece Audrey for the first time. It was very special to have both great grandchildren with Beth’s parents. Below is our family photo missing Dave, Jamie, Mathew, Brittany & Nathan which couldn’t make the trip and Cori who left the previous day. Check out the family photos for more pictures from the week.

4 generations of Wood men

Last night our family got together for dinner in Frankenmuth. This was the first time great grandpa, grandpa, dad and son were together. It was an enjoyable time see everybody together laughing and joking with each other. I couldn’t help thinking about mom missing this special occasion but I know she was looking down on us from heaven. Click on the family photos link to see more pictures from dinner.