Shad Point Scotts: December 2008

Since the last time I blogged was Thanksgiving, I figured I better catch up with the Christmas blog since we've been preparing for this holiday for the last 4 weeks!

We had a wonderful Christmas. We gathered according to our Christmas Eve tradition at Uncle Joe's and Aunt Marge's with all our extended Andrews family which always includes the Willey's who are part of this family! We attended our Christmas Eve candlelight service at church and then went to my brother, David's home to enjoy Christmas gifts with both families of David and Brian. It was a great time as we enjoyed watching our nephew, Landon who is 5 yrs old open his gifts.

Brian and his daughter, Chelsey spent the night with us on Christmas Eve, and on Christmas morning, Randy and Jamie joined us for some more giving of gifts and a scrumptious breakfast casserole which Jamie and Randy baked! We were also able to web cam with Chris in Iraq and watch him open a few gifts. Min and the boys were at her parent's in Illinois.

Then we had 10 join us for Christmas dinner which was also delicious. It was a busy but fun day to be with our dear ones.

On Friday, the day after Christmas, Min, Luke and Will returned home and we had some more Christmas. It was great to be reunited with them after 10 days. Luke was so excited about Christmas and we were just as excited for him. Chris joined us on the web cam and watched everyone open their gifts and we watched as he opened his presents. Since we couldn't have our first wish to be physically together, this was the next best thing!

I wasn't able to send Christmas cards or a letter this year but since I did write one I thought I'd share it (If you follow our blog, none of this is news to you!):

Christmas Blessings from the Shad Point Scotts;

Merry Christmas to all! 2008 has been an eventful year for the Scotts at Shad Point It began in mid January when Judy took her first trip to a foreign country across the Atlantic- Germany. She spent 4 weeks with Chris and Min and the boys in Baumholder, Germany where Chris is stationed in the US Army. Sweet William Stephen was born on January 24 and Guka Steve came over to join in the fun. We had a wonderful time together and celebrated Chris’ 30th birthday before we left on Saturday, February 9.

While Judy was in Germany playing with her grandchildren, Steve remodeled the main bathroom at Shad Point. If you’ve been to our house, you know this was not an easy undertaking. But Judy’s Dad would be very proud of the great job he did. Steve also tried out his carpentry and plumbing skills on Randy and Jamie’s bathroom in early summer.

Chris left for Iraq in April and Judy took a second trip to Germany for 2 ½ weeks to help Mindy and the boys. The weather was beautiful and in between sicknesses, we actually ventured out and enjoyed the countryside together. It was great fun!

When Judy returned from Germany at the end of May, Randy and Jamie moved in for a month while Steve remodeled their bathroom. It was fun to have them living with us for a few weeks but I think Jamie, especially, was happy to return to her own home. She’s not too fond of Randy’s mom spoiling him!

Steve and Judy took a long weekend trip to Colorado Springs, CO to reunite with the Scott brothers and wives. We had a great time, climbed Pike’s Peak by rail, enjoyed the beauty of the Rockies and attending the church where Alan pastors. Alan and Beth were wonderful hosts and we are thinking about making our reunions a must for future years!

In mid August, Randy and Jamie shared their news that they are expecting in March of 2009. Wow, what a great surprise- we can’t wait and its exciting being close to them and watching them as they anticipate this life changing event in their lives.

Through a lot of military red tape, Mindy and the boys finally were released to come back to the states at the end of August. We picked them up at BWI and our home hasn’t been the same since. We love having them with us and are missing them while Min and the boys are visiting her parents for Christmas.

We are praying for Chris’ safe return from Iraq in July 2009 or sooner. (He also will be visiting for a couple weeks at the end of January, 2009). Please continue to pray for him as he has been separated from his family since April.

God has been faithful in all things and we are very thankful for our family and friends. We cherish each and every one of you. We wish you a blessed Christmas season and a year ahead that is filled with the Lord’s presence.