Family Comments and Photos
Christmas Note from Jennifer-Rockford, Illinois:
We enjoyed our first full year in our new home and feel so blessed to have our health and our peace. Chris was promoted to a new position in R&D and is enjoying his work, which is awesome! As Jasmine becomes a young lady and Marina counts down the months until she's 4 years old, Solomon is taking the family to a new level, with an active and thoroughly fun approach to life. Our children are each such a blessing - what more is there to say?
Jennifer, Jasmine, Chris,
Solomon, and Marina 2006
Christmas Note from Lori-Anchor Point, Alaska:
I have learned so much this year. No matter how much life
changes, things basically stay the same: the astounding power and strength with
which I love my family, the ideals and morals that make me the person I am, the
drive I am bestowed with to live life and to give every waking moment my best
effort. But life sure does change! My children grow and become such amazing
people. Some of my best efforts sometimes seem to add up to not much at all,
while what began as a passing idea can develop into a huge new path of growth
and destiny.
It is such a blessing to live in Alaska. We are constantly awed by the beauty
surrounding us and the connection with the planet and the energy of life in
general. Very powerful. It occurs to me regularly that I am able to live life in
an environment which most others only see on postcards and pictures. What a
gift!
A close brush with my own vulnerability in a huge spin out on a cold, dark, icy
and isolated stretch of road early one morning this winter served as a great
reality check. Life is just so short--even when you get to live a long, healthy
one. I am reminded to try to choose my battles, to give all the love I can give
at every opportunity, to take care of myself so I can be my very best and to
savor each experience Life deals me--good and 'bad', both in the living of it as
well as the learning from it. I am a big fan of the "Random Acts of Kindness"
philosophy; it is central to my core beliefs.
I am thankful for the education my parents made sure I received; it has made my
quality of life and my quality of understanding so great. I am thankful for my
children and my new husband; they are my greatest gift. And I am thankful and
blessed to be living my life on my terms. I wish you all a very safe and blessed
holiday season, wherever you are on this planet or in your life journey. I am
thinking of you and sending my love across the miles...Lori
Justin Graduates in Anchorage Cum Laude - Stephanie Graduates from 6th Grade Click for Stephanie's New Story
Congratulations!!!~
Jay and Stephanie with Salmon
Lori Harvesting in Anchor Point, Alaska
Christmas Note from Andy-Alpine, California:
Suzie and Andy, Alpine, California 2006
Christmas Note from Gary Jr. Costa Rica:
2006 was an exciting year for me. In March Tanya came home
from Iraq with her fiance Eddie. They spent a few weeks with us before
returning to San Diego to active duty on board the USS Tarawa. In April I
finally retired from pipefitting and started planning for the future. I went to
Costa Rica in June and July to find a home. I returned in August to the states,
to pack. Irene and I went to visit Tanya and Eddie in San Diego. While we were
there we went skydiving and visited with Andy. When I returned I went on a
family trip to Canada with my parents to visit family.
I went back to Costa Rica in September and started a new company. In December I
returned to the states for the holidays with Irene and the children. I am
preparing to return home to Costa Rica in January to start my new beach bar!
Gary, Costa Rica
Beach in Front of My House
