Delay in update

Hi, we know that it's been a while since our last update.  We've taken pictures of Ella and other activities; so don't worry, we'll put some up later.  We've been crazy busy trying to train Ella, and I've had some writing deadlines lately.  And, I think I've developed dropsy in my old age, as I feel a deep, intense need to sleep a lot--no matter where I'm at.  

Just a quick verbal update:

I love my new job and am thoroughly enjoying my writing assignments and learning how to be a better writer.  Stephen is continually learning and improving his IT skills.  We had a nice Christmas but are tiring of the frustrations that accompany living away from family and friends at the holidays.  It was really nice to get home last night and take a long stroll with our puppy in the moonlight around the lake.  Christmas hasn't felt like "Christmas" to us in a long time.  A lot of times it just seems like a time that we are guilted into seeing people who we really don't like and who leave Jesus out of the center of Christmas, not to mention life.  We attended my mom's Christmas choir cantata at our home church on Sunday night.  That church is not too "contemporary" by any means, but our hearts love it so much.  Anyway, we were so blessed to attend such a simple service.  By the end, I could hardly hold back the tears welling up in my eyes.  My heart just overflowed with humility in the presence of my Savior.  Christmas--what is it really about?  Sitting there in that service, I couldn't help but want to worship Him because of His faithfulness.  He has utterly shown Himself faithful to me this year in ways that I cannot even fathom; truthfully, I think we haven't even seen the half of it yet, despite the difficulties we are experiencing.  I thought about His faithfulness to me personally and His faithfulness to humanity in sending His Son as He promised centuries before.  Christmas--a faithfully fulfilled promise.  Amazing!  Perhaps next year I can get a grasp on what it really means and have a Christmas like He deserves.

Well, I know y'all don't like to read too much on blogs, so I tried to keep it to a minimum.  We'll be back later.