May God grant you and yours Peace and Wisdom in 2005

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2004 Christmas pictures, part 1

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Roger's

Dorene's

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LOVED ONES AND MEMORIES

We are very sad that my grandmother went to heaven on New Years Eve, 2003. It is hard to believe. We miss her very much.

We had our first pet for a very short time in November. Patch, who was supposed to be a male, quickly became a part of our lives as she came home, delivered babies, and then they all ran into trouble and passed away. Needless to say we thought we had a male, and were quite surprised at the turn of events. We shall soon fill Patch's cage -- with a boy hamster this time.

Time keeps going, and the children get older, it's hard to believe. We've posted some older pictures on our picture pages of our children - it's amazing!

COLLEEN

is in 5th grade, and Colleen made merit roll and good citizenship last 9 weeks! We have been attending ice skating again, and Colleen is taking her art classes still as well as participating in her school's Art club . She is also participating in YMCA volleyball and swimming.

Colleen enjoyed our pet last month very much, and is looking forward to a new hamster joining our family. Also, Colleen has many pets at Grandma's! In addition to numerous fish and snails, she now has six guinea pigs, three of which are a mom and her daughters! She still loves to sleep overnight at her grandparents' and friends' houses. Reading and drawing are two of her favorite pastimes.

"My guinea pigs Reese and Benji are in love."

CHRIS

Many of you know the story already of his health challenges in 2004; Chris endured 3 surgeries last year, two on his right ear and also a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. He also had a med-adjustment hospitalization. From March through July this kept us running, nervous, scared, and sleepless, and much relief was wrought in July as Chris most often sleeps through the night now and is much more cheerful and healthy. We so appreciate all the prayers you gave and know Chris' improvement is something for which we will forever thank the Lord.

Chris is in 7th grade, and is having a very good year so far, is healthier, and is more able to learn! He is enjoying ice skating again, and Chris is attending a class on Saturdays 2x a month for swimming, cooking, and other activities. We have had 2 aides in 2004, the first of which, Vikki, we got to know very well and Chris loved her! She unfortunately had to move but we are still keeping in touch. Chris is learning to know a new aide, and she is very sweet as well. Her name surprisingly is Doreen! We also had our assistant Ron for part of the year, who helped us last year with Chris's swimming classes. Ron also had to begin working out of this area and we miss him as well!

RYAN

is speaking much more, and we're waiting for 3-word phrases now. He is dancing more than ever and has self-initiated potty training! (though we're still working on it ...) Ryan is gathering words and says "more" with them consistently (especially for more food!). Ryan also attends a gym and swim when I can get him there! We do plan to cut back a bit next session as it's been a little too hectic!

Ryan had his first haircut recently and has definitely inherited my curly locks! He is a Barney fan and also likes the Wiggles, Dora, Blue, and Bear in the Blue House. He is just being introduced to the Pooh Bear, and he also enjoys puzzles and looking through books. Outside play such as throwing and kicking balls, sliding down slides and climbing monkey bars on the playground, as well as running all over, are favorites as well. Ryan will most likely start preschool in February at age 3. Naps have been abandoned, though we still enforce a daily quiet time, and Ryan just moved into his sister's room in November.

GOALS

MOVING. After 7 years, we still dream of Charlotte, North Carolina, area, as our prime location, somewhere near Gastonia, possibly. The Lord would have to make all the pieces fit for this to happen, if it is meant to be. We also still like the Summit, Medina, and Portage County areas of Ohio. With the Ohio economy continuing to flounder, the new great job with benefits has not been found but the search is not over. The job hunt continues and may begin soon in North Carolina. Rog is continuing to work at the same job and handles his cleaning account as well. Dorene and Roger both still hope to go back to school sometime in the near future. Roger is not sure of the exact major for his bachelor's, though it will most likely involve business and/or psychology; Dorene is planning on Music Therapy.

This past year with the help of family and friends we ripped out most of the carpeting in our house and replaced with wood-type tile! The kitchen is the exception - it has a pretty marble-beige tile. The walls are all painted as well - it is BEAUTIFUL! Our bedroom is still to be done, hopefully right after Christmas.

US

Dorene has had one year so far of being HOME and has absolutely loved it! Being at home does provide more time to take care of the children's needs, get shopping done, and keep laundry from taking over the house (though just barely!). We were also blessed this year to finally take a vacation! We went with our friends Rick and Nancy and their children Nick and Ashleigh and camped for 2 nights at Port Clinton, having a day at Put-in-Bay as well. It was lovely weather, beautiful scenery, and one of the best times we had in a long time.

Rog and Dorene each lost about 15 pounds this year on a modified version of the South Beach Diet. With the holidays, it's been a challenge to lose more, but we hope to lose in the New Year and begin exercising at the Y.

Dorene also attended ANOTHER high school reunion this year, which was very fun! A friend came home from living in Germany. Rog teases about our yearly reunions. See here for my newly updated (but still under construction) reunion, etc. page.

All in all, 2004 has been an interesting, challenging, thought-provoking year. It has been a year of change and improvements, as well as a year that shook us to our toes at times. Through many peaks and valleys we have learned that God is always there. What will 2005 hold?

YOU RAISE ME UP, Josh Groban, also Selah

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up: To more than I can be.
There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be.
You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up: To more than I can be

HEIRLOOMS,
Amy Grant

Up in the attic,
Down on my knees.
Lifetimes of boxes,
Timeless to me.
Letters and photographs,
Yellowed with years,
Some bringing laughter,

Some bringing tears.
Time never changes,
The memories, the faces
Of loved ones, who bring to me,
All that I come from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I'm going to be.
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me.

Wisemen and shepherds,
Down on their knees,
Bringing their treasures
To lay at His feet.
Who was this wonder,
Baby yet King?
Living and dying;
He gave life to me.

Time never changes,
The memory, the moment
His love first pierced through me,

Telling all that I came from,
And all that I live for,
And all that I'm going to be.
My precious Savior
Is more than an heirloom to me.

My precious Jesus
Is more than an heirloom to me