What a year!

What a crazy year! We started out 2008 in Hermitage and finished it in Pittsburgh! The only thing that has not changed is how busy we all are. JoLyn is in 8th grade and loving her new found "popularity," LOL! She has been invited to Christmas parties and sleepovers since coming to Pittsburgh. She is involoved in youth group and has made many friends. She does miss her friends from Re:volution alot though! She is about to begin a new year of Fine Arts. Thanks to Susie Yusko and Sherie Urey, JoLyn ,made it along with 12 others from First Assembly to the National level last year. She has already earned college scholarships. She was also involved in baton and is missing that. She finished her final year of slow pitch softball. Last year, she assisted in coaching preschool soccer and is assisting her father in coaching Jacki's basketball team. Jacki has had a rougher time adjusting to her new home but has also made many friends. She does however, miss being a Hickory Hornet! For those of you who know Jacki, you know that her hugs and loving approach to life is welcomed everywhere though. She continues to do well in school and in church as well. Jacki played soccer last year and has just begun playing basketball. She is thrilled that her dad and sister are her coaches. She also was involved in baton but we are taking a break for now. Today was her Christmas play. She was adorible! Rich and I are just trying adjust both in our ministry and in our family. I was working 9 to 3 Monday through Friday. I loved my job because I loved the people I worked with, (I miss my FBF's). They are awesome! Now, I work 4, 10 hour days a week, beginning at 6:45AM. It means that Rich gets everyone out the door in the morning and JoLyn helps in the afternoon as well as my mom. My parents chose to take this leap of faith with us. Thank God for them. It gives our children the extra stability they need right now. Just going to work has been tough enough (I don't like morning) but leaving my motherly duties behind is the hardest! I feel guilty most of the time. Rich has been AWESOME! For now it is what we need to do. Rich of course has been through the most change. For 20 years he ate, slept and breathed youth ministry. Now, that all is changing. The church plant has been very exciting. Check out PR's Rant to see all of the exciting updates. We are involved with Allison Park Church. We help with the Young Adult program on Tuesdays. Millvale Matters is on Thursdays. I love both of these groups because I get to be a part of a small group and learn as well. For the last twenty years, I have been a leader of teenagers. I loved that but now I am focusing on a new adventure in my life. I miss my freinds from... well lots of places, but I am ready to do this! 2009 will be a great year with many challenges and many successes.