Merry Christmas to All!

Dear Family and Friends, I hope even in these dark times that you are rejoicing in what God has provided for you. I know that I am very grateful for my job and the stability that it provides. Keeping a positive attitude at work is more of a challenge this year, but still doable and I enjoy working with my crew. Retirement is drawing near for me and I am looking forward to it. I have been in the fire dept. for over 28 years now. I am also staying busy with things around the house and I have tried to pick up some of the load to keep Linda from pulling her hair out. Linda is working a 1/2 time job this year. She took a position as transition coach (helping students transition from high school to post-secondary) and is back at Bijou School where she had retired. She is enjoying working with her old boss and some other colleagues that she once worked with. She discovered that her certifications will expire in May, so she has also been taking classes. One of those was 'Reality Spanish'. Her graduation exercise was ordering a meal, in Spanish, at a local Mexican restaurant. She said the food was delicious. We’ve joined Villa Sports recently. Linda wants to lose some weight and get back in shape. I enjoy having more equipment available to me than I had at work. Working part-time has allowed Linda to be able to upgrade the kitchen with granite counter tops and a new back splash. We really like how it turned out. Jasmine is busy adjusting to 6th grade, playing soccer, taking piano lessons and participating in church youth activities. She will turn 12 in March and is definitely in the pre-teen stage. She has started doing some babysitting this year to earn money. Jason & Kristen are still in the Boston area. Jaden is in 1st, Jacob is in preschool, and Jude is keeping Mom & Dad busy at home. They are in the final stages of an addition to their home. They have added a two car garage and a master bedroom above and a family/dining area below. Jason continues to work for Brocade and Kristen is in school working on her nursing degree. Joel & Tiawna are in Pueblo. Alejandra is in 1st and Ben attends preschool. Joel is finishing his basement when he is not working as a fire fighter. The construction is done, drywall up and awaiting taping and texture. So, they are not too far from completion. Tiawna has started working in a chiropractor's office and loves it. Joy & John reside here in the Springs. Terrell is in 6th grade and active in wrestling and playing his violin. Mariah is in 2nd. Joy is expecting another girl in March. John is one of many that are struggling in the job market. Janelle & Jeremy are still in Fountain. Janelle is attending college in Pueblo to complete her bachelor’s in biology and Jeremy still works for Carnival. Baileigh is attending kindergarten this year and likes being in school. This summer we went to Oklahoma for the Kirk family reunion and enjoyed spending tim e with Linda’s family and boating. In August, Linda’s brother, Edd came to visit and then right after, Jason, Kristen and the boys came. It was great seeing everyone. In October, Linda went to her girl’s weekend in Hot Springs, Arkansas and had a good time. We continue running the Coffee Café at church, which keeps us busy and we are also involved in a Wednesday night Bible study. All in all, we keep pretty busy. We are very thankful for God’s strength and blessings. Merry Christmas to you, Brian, Linda & Jasmine