Merry Christmas 2018

The lights are hung with care and the tree is trimmed with colorful decorations so it must be Christmas. After a year off in 2017 from sending out our typical family greetings, a little Christmas cheer was much needed this holiday season.

Let us start by saying thank you. A year ago we were a family of five: Julie, Theodore, Oscar, myself, and of course Chuck. Oscar was with us only 28 days. There will be an empty place in our hearts until we are able to hold him again with our Lord and Savior in Heaven. It is hard to find the words to express our gratitude for the love, prayers and support that our family and friends have blessed us with over this past year. It will be cherished forever. Without that love and support I’m not sure I would be able to write this letter. The cards, messages, meals, emotional support and especially the prayers that so many of you have given our family will never be forgotten. Please know that you were God’s hands and feet to us when we needed it most. We are now beginning to be able to look back and smile through the memories and love we shared during that short time with Oscar.

Theodore is your typical high energy, always-on-the-go 4 year old. He seems especially happy to have Julie home with him this year as she took a year off from teaching. They both greatly enjoy being with 2 of our nephews a few days a week and Theodore is constantly wondering, “what are our plans for today?” They are frequent flyers at our local libraries and Julie is fantastic at finding fun things to do around our community. Theodore is always up for a good adventure. I have moved into school administration this year, taking a position as the attendance specialist for the same school district I

have been working for the last several years. It is a new and exciting opportunity and I am really enjoying the experience and challenges I am faced with on a daily basis.

A last piece of joyful news to leave with you... Our family is expecting a summer addition! We just found out that Julie is pregnant and due in mid-July. Our first ultrasounds have shown a growing, healthy baby. It is a hopeful reminder for this season: Our God is good, all of the time.

We pray this holiday season brings you good tidings of great joy and you find yourself surrounded by family and loved ones.

Merry Christmas, Brian, Julie, Theodore, & Chuck

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Oscar's Odyssey/Stella's Story

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