Dear everyone:
What the heck happened to 2010...seems it has come and gone so quickly, yet so much has happend throughout this year. 
We enjoy beautiful weather year round here in Florida. Both Mark and I make the most of it. He loves to fish and kayak and I love to fish and bike...I kayak too, but he goes out the most! We love being on the water whenever we can and have the ocean and intercoastal waterways to explore. It is simply gorgeous along our coast line...you should come and visit, finding out for yourself!
Many of you know that I lost another aunt (my mom's oldest sister) this year and then a few months later, my dad. He really struggled in his body with his muscle disease, but his spirit was always strong. He had the best home-going a person can have with my mom by his side. All of us, including our boys were able to go to Texas for the funeral and we had a wonderful time being with my mom and all my dad's family. We miss him, but we are all so grateful he's in heaven with no more suffering. When we remember that, we find deep comfort and we smile alot. He absolutely gave us so much to laugh and remember about him.
Ryan and Megan are doing great and have wonderful jobs they love. They both continue in ministry at Kansas City Baptist Temple as student ministry counselors - among many other things. Kennedy (5) and Farrell (3) are getting so tall and smart. Soon they will have another little brother or sister as we have just found out that Megan is expecting their 3rd child. The due date is in August. So exciting!! My mom and I will go and visit them in February and then all of us in August...of course!
Neal and Amy are finally together in Washington DC. Amy finished her contract with the Marine Corp in July. She packed up her and London's things and Neal moved them up with him -- they have really enjoyed being together as a family! Neal loves his work and Amy starts college after the holidays until she leaves for her training to become a federal police officer. She'll actually train in GA very close to us so we may be able to get our hands on that sweet boy of theirs a little more next year! London is two now and as busy as he can be! We are meeting them in Washington for Christmas - we plan on getting our snow fix and head back to the sun!
We pray your year was full of more joy than sorrow. We feel blessed to be alive and able to live everyday to the fullest - serving God here in Jax. We have had many visits from dear friends and enjoyed everyone. In January, we will get the chance to help a family from Ghana with some housing and love while their little boy receives medical attention here at Wolfson's Hospital. It's incredible to be able to go on mission trips but just as exciting to participate in opportunities that God brings right to your front door! We are amazed by His perfect ways and timing.
We hope to hear from you this season. Until we do, remember that we love you so much, we think of you more than you know and we pray for your safety and happiness in 2011.
Our love,
Cathy and Mark
