Merry Christmas 2011 & Happy New Year 2012

Merry Christmas 2011 & Happy New Year 2012

We started out 2011 on a trip to Disney World with part of Christine’s family.  The last night in Disney Christine was taken by ambulance to the hospital in severe pain. After 4 hours in the ER, the diagnosis was kidney stones.  We guess all the jostling from the Rockin’ Roller Coaster bounced a sharp little stone out of her kidney.  Thankfully the pain meds allowed her to sit on the plane comfortably the next day, but also caused her to be nauseous and use 3 airplane sick bags.  Yuck!

The rest of our year has been busy with church activities.  We had another busy summer with kid’s camp and vacation Bible school.  Christine keeps busy with lots of crafts, enjoying turning Goodwill & garage sale finds into new treasures.  Michael has been busy working multiple part-time and temp jobs this year.  In October he started school, going for a one-year Accounting certificate.  As we reach the 2-year mark of his unemployment, we got the news that in January he starts a permanent part-time job at church as the maintenance/janitor.  He’ll also continue a part-time evening job through community ed, while attending school.   When Michael isn’t running all over, he’s done some great work on our house, updating and painting a few things.  He’s currently helping with childcare a couple mornings a month and coaching a Bible quiz team at church too.

Christine became licensed as a pastor this summer and has 8 classes to take in the next year for her ministry degree.  She loves working with the kids and planning all the awesome outreach events.  Christine also spent a week in northern MN on a mini-mission trip with the Joni & Friends organization for their Family Retreat. 

Labor day weekend Christine’s 103-year-old-grandma Clara passed away.  We had a great service for her in Glenwood, MN and buried her at Fort Snelling with Grandpa Sigurd.  She lived a long, amazing life and we’re so happy she’s in Heaven with Jesus.

We look forward to a great 2012.  Christine will perform her first wedding, marrying her brother Steven and her friend Kenyari in April.

We hope this year ahead is filled with all the blessings you can hold!

Blessings,

Michael & Christine