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2016 Christmas Letter

Christmas 2016
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I honestly thought we wouldn’t make it this far this year as 2016 was really rough for us. Between replacing the hot water heater, my family getting stuck in Percy, Arkansas, the car dying twice, the basement being torn up because of water damage, and the fun adventures with a new dishwasher I cannot wait to say goodbye to twenty-sixteen. I am reminded though that although we can be in the midst of trials there are always things to be thankful for.

This year started out with Eric being let go of his job at Bill Jacobs. A huge blow to us because he was really enjoying his new position. The company though had decided to get rid of the entire department so multiple people were out of work. He finally found a new position at Zimmerman Ford in St. Charles. The pace was a lot slower than his previous job but it was easy work. As time went on old co-workers tried to get Eric to leave his job and come work for them, but he stuck it out and he ended up being promoted to Service Advisor. A huge blessing! He works Monday through Friday with weekends off. Another huge blessing! Not to mention he loves his new position. Extra huge blessing!

I am still at the ULTA Beauty Corporate office and I love my work and co-workers. I am also a wedding planner. My website is up, the business cards are made, and the emails have started coming in. This past May was the busiest yet as I had two brides get married one week from each other. The double job is tough but watching dreams come true is more than worth it. And as if I didn’t have enough to do already, I am back in school getting certified in Event Planning. I’m hoping to be done with classes by the New Year.

This past October we took a drive down to Branson, MO stopping in St. Louis along the way. It was a welcomed break. We strolled around the St. Louis Zoo, went up in The Arch, played mini golf, rode the Branson Ferris Wheel (old Navy Pier Ferris Wheel), walked through the Titanic Museum (amazing! Do this if you get a chance), and made our way through Ripley’s Believe it or Not! It is so nice to be able to get away with my husband for a week.

It is easy for us to sit here and complain but Paul says to rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! I’m reminded of the hymn Thanks to God for my Redeemer, “Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, thanks for what Thou dost deny! Thanks for storms that I have weathered, thanks for all Thou dost supply! Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, thanks for comfort in despair! Thanks for grace that none can measure, thanks for love beyond compare!” While I cannot sing it without crying I know that the Lord is working in our lives for His good. During this Christmas season I am learning to be more thankful. I am thankful for Christ coming as a baby. I am thankful for my parents who provide for us a warm place to stay. I am thankful for the special relationship I have with my in laws and the love they share. I am thankful for our extended families and wonderful friends. And I am thank that I have you to send these Christmas letters to.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year. May the Lord continue to bless each one of you and I cannot wait to see what the Lord brings our way next year.

Love,

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