Christmas Card 2008

Dear Friends and Family,

It has been a year or two since I have gotten my act together in time to do holiday greeting cards. Time just seems to fly by—as I look at my children I see how true this is. 2008 was a year of sorrows for our family and a year to reflect on the true meaning and importance of friends and family. So, as I write this letter, know that each of you hold an important role in our lives.

First to the sorrows of last year. Both of Lori’s grandmothers and one of Scott’s passed away. All of them were in their 80’s; two we watched die; while the other died totally unexpectedly. So many unanswered questions, so many things left unsaid.

The good news was that due to the sorrows, we did not want to face Christmas at home so we went to Disney World in Orlando. It was a great trip. Our children thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We were gone 10 days and flew home to Seattle on Christmas Day. What a climate change for us. Seattle with 2 feet of snow is not a pretty picture.

Now to what is going on in the day to day lives of the Cleveringa Family.
Scott is still farming. He loves it. He likes being his own boss and answering only to God and nature. As a family we have gone with a church plant. God has asked us to step up to the plate and be more involved than we have been during the past few years. It has been very good and we are seeing God work in wonderful ways both in our family and in our church family.
Lori is still teaching. She is an elementary librarian these days in the Yakima School District, which she loves. Much of her time is spent chasing children and cheering them on in their many activities.
Kirsten is already 17. She is attending Yakima Valley Community College as a Running Start student. She is swimming and playing basketball for Wapato High and seems very happy. If all goes as planned she will graduate from both Wapato High and YVCC in 2010.
Mikaela has just become a teenager—yikes another one in the house. She is in 7th grade at Riverside Christian where she plays volleyball and basketball. Much to her sister’s chagrin, she is now the same height as Kirsten. Some folks have the audacity to ask if they are twins.
Jacob is 10 and also attends Riverside Christian. He is in the 5th grade and seems to have finally begun to grow. He plays basketball pretty much year round with a wonderful group of boys from his school. He also plays soccer and baseball which make him a very busy and active boy.
All in all, we are happy and healthy. We do miss the family and friends that we see seldom. Our address is 1011 Yakima Valley Highway in Wapato. Phone (509) 877-3839. We hope you will drop in. We do have a pool now—that might get you to stop in—and you are always welcome.
May God’s blessings envelop your family during this coming year.