2008 in Review

Wow! What a year. 2008 will for us, forever be the year of celebration. First, our second son Jordon graduated from Maranatha Christian Academy. Secondly, our oldest son Brandon married Jenna in September and then our first-born daughter Brieanna married Michael in November. What a whirlwind it was. Yes, there was some stress involved but God provided a way. We also got a ton of help and support from friends and family … we love you guys!

We did a little traveling in 2008, with forays to Montana, New York City and frequent outings "up north." As for me, I continue at SunGard in business development and product management. Starr works part-time at a local dental office. Brie works part-time at our church and is finishing her MnTC credits – she plans on attending the University of Minnesota next fall. Her new husband is busy running his own outdoor servicing business. Brandon is creative director for Go Ministries, and Jenna assists him ably in these efforts. Jordon is on the road with Go Ministries as well. He’s doing a terrific job and really learning about life in the Spirit. Mariah is in the eight grade at Maranatha and just won a lead role in the spring play. We still have two dogs in the house - I'm not sure why.

We are so grateful for our children, their spouses and the extended family we’ve been blessed with. In the things that truly matter, God has given in abundance. Starr and I wish you and yours the very best in 2009.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7”

Happy Holidazzle!

One of our longest standing Christmas traditions is the annual trek to the Holidazzle parade (and my personal favorite ... the obligatory warming stop at Caribou). The parade doesn't seem to change much but the family sure does. Here are all the kids (the 2008 edition includes two new ones) after a brisk round of boot skating at the Orchestra Hall rink. Thanks again Bill and Mariann for being a part of this celebration for so many years. Let's get home and eat some miniature wieners!

Trans-Siberian Christmas

A bit of a Christmas tradition for us, we journeyed once again to the Xcel Energy Center for the phenomenon that is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Courtesy my cell phone, here is Andrew Ross belting-out the evening's first vocal selection, An Angel Came Down. The fourth-row seats were a treat (although guitar hero Al Pitrelli kept winking at Starr). It was such a delight to have Dave and Mary with us this year ... the future is bright my friends! Three hours of non-stop Beethoven hits Broadway and signs-up Metallica. This show just keeps getting bigger, better, and more bombastic every year. Fire, fire everywhere! The evening's highlight was definitely Broadway veteran Bart Shatto's rendition of Old City Bar (he had us in tears). This second photo is a promotional shot that better shows-off some of the band's hardware. Absolutely amazing! The bootleg YouTube video of Mad Russian's Christmas found below was shot on another leg of the tour but it does give you a decent feel for the event.