Merry Christmas 2008 from the Fortiers!
We're trying a new thing for our Christmas newsletter this year! You can view it via email attachment or via our family blog: http://www.40afiles.blogspot.com. Let us know how this works for you. It's been a couple of years since we've written a letter, what with 2007 being so very much to digest. Karen was simultaneously caring for her high risk pregnancy and her mother who was battling cancer. We said goodbye to Pat Kasperson (Karen's mom) in October and welcomed sweet Isabella into our lives in November of 07.
Speaking of our angel, she turned one on Thanksgiving day this year. She is a bright, inquisitive and cuddly baby who melts our hearts on a regular basis with her cute-ness factor. She is a walker and a talker now! Some of the things we love to hear from her (besides mama and dada, of course) are: uh-oh (BEFORE she throws something), hello (with her ear to mommy's cell phone), apple, pretty, any animal noises, Doel for Joel, Ahnah for Hannah, and Duh for Jake. She has 7 teeth and finally has hair.Joel is seven years old and in second grade (Joel does not understand why school has to interrupt his playtime). He still lives life large, full of emotion and energy. Although
Thomas the train still holds a special place in his heart, his allegiance now is to Pokemon and Star Wars Legos. Joel is a great big brother, always looking out for and playing with “his” baby. With his Daddy, Joel enjoys attending Cub Scouts twice a month where he has achieved the rank of Wolf. Joel also participates in our church discipleship program where he memorizes scripture, learns Bible lessons and has some wild and crazy nights with the crew.Hannah is twelve, in the sixth grade and is already acting like a teenager. She
consistently receives second honors in school, participates in the school choir and loves any opportunity to perform. She impressed the leaders and had loads of fun acting at our church drama group. Hannah's nickname has changed from “Hannah Banana” to “Hannah Montana” because of her love for the show. She is also into the High School Musical films and went to see the latest one on opening day. As for being a helpful big sister, Hannah rocks! She enjoys being second mom to Isabella.Jacob is fourteen and in high school! Where did the time go? He loves the high school he attends and spends most of his free time doing homework. So he can better concentrate on his studies,
Jacob has taken the year off from football but he did join Hannah and his dad for the acting group at our church. Jacob still enjoys comic books and art and is beginning to be conscious of what is “cool.” With Jacob being older now we have used that to our advantage by letting him babysit for Hannah and Joel (I think he enjoys the power) and he is always very attentive to Isabella's needs.
Karen is very blessed and grateful to be an at-home mommy. With 2007 being such a difficult year, she officially closed her photography business, but still takes plenty of photos of the kids, friends and family members. She also photographs for the church whenever the need arises and will head up the photography for the womens ministry next year. Although she's taken a break from UTURN (youth group) duties, she still hangs with the teenage girls on outings and helps to lead small groups. This year Karen turned 40, but she is very happy that she is the healthiest she's ever been and she beat her own time in the 5k she ran in November.Mark turned 40 this year too and still has enough energy to keep up with four kids while running a DJ business. What a Party! is still going strong and we are praying people will continue to hire DJs in these tough economic times. He enjoys the freedom of being self-employed and how
flexible hours allows him to be more available to his family. This year he has joined Karen at the PTA meetings and together they are planning and executing the family fun nights for Joel's school. Mark devotes his Wednesday nights to the teenagers in our church (which includes Jacob and Hannah), as one of the youth group leaders. He also volunteers his time on the board of the PADJ ( Professional Association of Disc Jockeys). So, with all that's going on, he doesn't have time to feel old.Gloomy headlines and economic forecasts has us all reflecting on our lives and taking note of our priorities. We would like you to know this year that YOU and your family are what we treasure in this life. Whether we see and speak often or not, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary took a 70 hour long donkey ride into Bethlehem in bad weather while 9 months pregnant (no wonder she went into labor!) and I bet she was tempted to think incredulously “THIS is God's will for me?? THIS is his plan??!!” God's ways are not our ways, BUT they are always better. We pray blessings for you and may 2009 be filled with knowledge of God's love for you.
Jeremiah 29:11 “ For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.” “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord.
