MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

This is a time of year that we look back over 2,000 years and remember that God sent His only Son the Lord Jesus Christ to be the Savior of the world. The wise men searched for the Savior and when they found Him they bowed and worshipped Him.  He alone is worthy of our worship. It is a joy to know that He is the Sovereign One and is ruling and reigning and cares for His own.  More important is recognizing that He has redeemed you by dying on the cross for your sins, that your sins have been forgiven, and when you have put your faith and trust in Him you know that you have eternal life. 

1631 Karlee Dr.

jross152@gmail.com

Lincoln, NE 68527

December 01, 2009

 Our summer was cool, nice rains at the right time.  Although we were short on the amount of rain, the lower temperatures and coming at the right time was nice.  Our fall was also lovely, even with cold weather and lots of fog in October.  We have only had one inch snowfall, and most of it melted right away. 

Bill is having more difficulty seeing; each month he can notice a change.  He gave up taking the newspaper when he could no longer see to read any of it. He can see a person if you are in front of him, but he may not recognize who you are.  I am learning to remember to tell him who people are if we stop and see someone in the grocery store or someplace.  He also went to the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually impaired for some training.  They said it is better to go before you go blind then after you are blind.  It has given him more confidence.  Some of the things he learned were on computer programs, walking with a long cane and a regular cane at the same time, cooking, and getting on and off an escalator. The group cooked a meal for guests. Karen, Sandy, and I were guests of Bill.  The VA has purchased Zoom Text which helps him on the computer. The doctor said other than his eye sight he is in good health for his age. Bill’s garden was smaller this year; he planted potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and squash.  He decided this was the last year for a garden so he has put it all into grass except for a small asparagus patch. He did the rototilling and planting the grass. 

My role hasn’t changed much.  My cleaning is getting less as the economy has caused people to have to cut back, and some of the older ones have died or have gone to the assisted living. I am not taking any more new ones. In October as I came down a hill, I thought, “This sure looks like deer territory.” I slowed down very slow, I looked and saw 2 deer across the road in the trees. One of them jumped out of the trees and hit our car. It damaged the outside of the car, but my friend, her son and I were not injured or shook up which was a blessing from the Lord. The insurance man and repair man said it was very minor damage for being hit by a deer. Our insurance paid the $4500. My hearing is getting worse, and I haven’t adjusted very well to hearing aids. Bill and I also made two trips to Kansas this year. That has been the extent of our traveling.

Bill’s cousins, Walt & Pat Ross, from Michigan visited us in March. Gloria, Sandy & Jim were home in May.  After Sandy saw how bad Bill’s eyes were, she and Gloria decided that Kathy should come home, and they arranged it for all 5 kids to be here for Father’s Day. Melanie and Courtney ( Kathy’s girls) came too from California.  This was the first since 2002 that all 5 kids had been together at the same time.  We would like to have any of you stop and visit us. 

Karen is still working at University of NE. Abby works decorating cakes at a local grocery store.  Brian is still working at Seward, NE for a welding company. He got his deer this year.  Karen gets to keep Brian’s son Nolan quite often. In August when Gloria and Jakob-Daniel came down from Minnesota Karen, Gloria, and I took Nolan and Jakob-Daniel to the Omaha Zoo.  We all loved it and Nolan said, “Maybe our Grandmas will take us back!

Gloria and Dan have their cabin finished and when possible spend some time there.  Erika goes up when she can.  Gloria has really enjoyed her year of teaching; it has been one of the best. 

Sandy & Jim recently purchased a motor home.  Their oldest son, Aaron, returned from a one year tour to Afghanistan.  Shortly after his return he and his wife Rachel moved from Fort Hood, TX to Fort Knox, KY.  They are expecting their first child in June 2010.  Greg and Bibi are still stationed in San Antonio, TX.

Bill and Lisa’s shop is keeping them busy.  Tyler is at Southeast Community College and works at Valentinos Restaurant.  Caleb, a senior, was the kicker for Waverly football and can kick the football quite far.  Caleb works some at a HY-Vee store.  Zach, a sophomore, also plays football and he plays defense and is the punter in some of the games. However his favorite position is lineman.  I attended most of the boys games this fall. Zach kept our lawn mowed this summer.  He turned 16 and was delighted to get to “drive his own car.” 

Kathy has transferred to a different library in LA  and likes it better.  She has moved and is closer to where Melanie and Courtney are working.  She took a cruise to Greece in the fall. 

Bill and I have tickets to go to  Orlando, Florida January 4, and will return to Lincoln on February 2. We will be staying with Sandy and Jim.   You can still E-mail us.  We like hearing from you and I like getting the news of your family at Christmas time.

Blessings,

Joyce & Bill Ross