The Year in Review!

Did you happen to notice the postmark on our Christmas card this year? No, we haven't moved to Yosemite, but we did just take a mini-vacation there, and there was plenty of snow falling for Avery's first time in the snow.

With 2007 quickly coming to an end, we have had a little time to reflect on the happenings of the last year. It is hard to remember not having a little one around the house, even though Avery is a little less than 5 months new, it seems like she has been around forever.

The Lord blessed us with Avery Anne on July 26th, after a bit of excitement. She is growing like a weed, and is just now learning to roll-over (which is currently a one-way trip). She has also recently learned that her hands are very effective at grabbing anything within reach and stuffing it in her mouth.

Ashley is doing a great job as a mommy, which is a full time job with four "kids" to take care of at the house (Justice, Alexandria, Rudy, and Avery). She missed coaching volleyball at Cuesta for the first time since she finished playing there 10 years ago. She is continuing to help out with the book-keeping for SLO JRS, and is taking the year off of coaching there as well. Ashley is looking forward to spending some time with her sister Hayley next month as she gets ready to have their second baby, a little girl named ___ (we have been sworn to secrecy as to the name).

I am still working at Coastal Division as a network administrator (uh, computer geek with a gun, as I am so fondly named), and still spoiled by a normal work schedule and plenty of work to do. Ashley and I are still working with the high-school youth group at PRBC, it's been fun to see those kids change over the last 2 years as well.

Alexandria is rounding third base at Cuesta and should have her associates degree by this summer. She finished her second season on the soccer team, and is keeping busy working as a soccer referee for the high-school season. She is still not exactly sure what her four-year plans are, but she is leaning towards taking classes through Columbia College.

And yes, Rudy, the man of the house, is doing just fine. He is great around the baby, and would rather play with her toys than his own. Rumor has it that his 3rd calendar is in the works, though a little behind schedule due to some computer problems.

On a rather heavy note, my father Jack passed away in June. Though the circumstances surrounding his death were difficult to comprehend, we have peace in knowing that all things are under the control of a just and loving God. There was a very nice memorial at the coast in Cambria, and his remains were spread offshore. Our family is very thankful for the thoughts and prayers received during the time after his passing.

Though the saying has become cliche, it is our prayer that we all would remember the reason for the season. So often, we find ourselves running around like crazy, taking less and less time to reflect on why it is that we give gifts in the first place. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world; that all who believe in him would be forgiven for their sins have eternal life. Without faith it is impossible to please Him; our prayer is that many would have faith to believe in him, to experience the gift of life which only the Lord, Jesus Christ, can provide.

May your family be blessed this Christmas season, and through the coming new year.

With Love,
The Jones Family