A Long Dry Spell!

Greetings Readers!

It's been a very long time since I posted something on this blog. Sorry about the long dry spell. In fact, I have been trying for the last 10 min. to post a couple of pictures and it's just not working. I'll try again after I type the text of this post!

Here are some highlights to share: We had a wonderful trip to Ecuador in September with Compassion International. We got to meet the girl, Vanessa, whom we have supported for 11 years! She turned 15 in December! We also added a new girl to support, Karina, and we were thrilled to meet her as well. The trip to Ecuador is one we will always cherish. We've made some new friends who were also on the trip.

In November we found out that Nolan's cancer is back for a third time. This time, however, there can be no treatment. The tumor in his lung cannot be opperated on, and no chemo is being given. Nolan's prognosis is terminal. He is now 5 years old and attends Kindergarten. I write on January 23 and he is still doing OK, but some signs are beginning. Hospice is already involved and will be there to make him comfortable in his last days. We don't know when that will be, but Jim and I, as well as all of Nolan's loved ones from near and far, have spent as much time with Nolan as they can. We are thankful to have a home in Albuquerque so we can go over there often and spend long periods of time near Nolan, Eric, and sweet sister Claire! ( 16 mos) Jim is able to work from that location, which is an added blessing.

Jim's work: Going very well. He was so very busy and traveling most of 2009 and was the leader of launching the mines as an IPO. Rio Tinto mines are now available for individual investors to purchase shares under the code: CLD ( Cloud Peak Energy) There is one mine that was not 'spun off' and Jim is the president/CEO of this mine located in Colorado. We enjoyed going to Craig, CO, for the company Christmas party!

A blessing to see the following dear family of ours during the months of November and December: Jim's parents, Carole and Dwight. Jim's sister, Peg, and husband,Dennis; Ingrid, Drew and his wife Lindsey, Sarah ( all the way from Ukraine!) and Eric, Nolan, and Claire. Also a wonderful Christmas Eve service at Christ the Ray of Hope where Nolan was a shepherd and many family members from Harold and Sherry's gang were there! 19 folks in Nolan's family photo that night! Truly a celebration of the salvation we have which began in the birth of the Christ child. And Nolan knows his Savior! Therefore, all is well.

Finally, the training which began in Aug. and ended 6 days ago on Jan. 18th with Team Diabetes. Our 4th year to train and fundraise for the American Diabetes Association. This year I was the top fundraiser with $7,200.00 and Jim was second with $4,100.00. All going for ADA! And our races....PFChang Rock N Roll...Jim did a great job on the full marathon and was pleased with his outcome, and I was SUPER excited that I set a personal record, my fastest half marathon out of 6 of them! My time was 2:37:19 and that's an achievement for me.

So, on this rainy Saturday in Scottsdale AZ I will sign off now, try to attach a photo or two before I hit the publish post button, and send you my love and the love of the Lord Jesus!

All is well.
Sue