Happy New Year!

 

and this is Christmas.........

What a year! 
2012 was quite a year! I know I say that every year, or so it seems, but really, 2012 was it. Here is a highlight of the year...

In January we went on a weekend staycation in Vancouver, celebrating our years together. We love Vancouver and enjoyed a weekend in the city, taking in the sights and sounds, celebrating our 8th unofficial anniversary.

February brought the news that my step-father Paul was rapidly declining. He had a severe stroke leaving him totally unaware of everything around him. He went into a coma for a few days and then slipped away peacefully to meet the Lord. He was 88 years old. He was my Moms husband for 13 years. A warm, kind, loving man, he is missed.

And then came March. Just a week after we had wished my oldest nephew Derek a Happy 35th Birthday, we got the terrible news that he was dead. It came as a complete shock and it still is hard to say. We had seen Derek at Christmas and all seemed to be well with him. Losing Derek was one of the hardest things we have walked through. There were 2 services to honour him. His friends came by the dozens to pay tribute to him as he was well known in the downtown scene. I miss him so much. We all miss him.

April brought sunshine and a week on the Oregon Coast, a time away from the sadness of the spring. Being at the seashore brings healing to the soul and we soaked up our time there.

We celebrated our birthdays in May, sharing special moments with my mom.



The summer was busy with wedding plans as time quickly marched on. Its good to be organized when planning a wedding and we were happy that we had planned so many things well in advance. Days flew by as details took place.

Sept 9 was the Big Day! And what a day it was. We had unexpected blessings when people showed up to help set up and worked hard to make our day special. It was a fabulous day and we were both blessed to have our parents there. Our attendants were wonderful and put up with us making them work so hard.

We took off for Europe and the Mediterranean. What a fabulous trip! My cousins in Holland were so hospitable and we enjoyed our time with them. I have alot of cousins but only saw a few this trip. I really wanted to see my sweet auntie and my cousins made it happen. It was the greatest gift anyone could have ever given me.

We flew to Barcelona and then embarked on the Splendida! Wow, it was pretty spectacular. We had so much fun and saw so many sights in so little time. One week sure flies by fast! Tunisia, Malta, 3 stops in Italy and back to Barcelona.

And now its Christmas. We wish all of you a Merry Christmas and all of Gods blessings in 2013. Celebrate the love of a Savior born in a stable. Hug your loved ones, hold them close. Life is short, tell someone you love them. Make every day count. Much love from our house to yours,

Joan and Chris







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