OK, so I am not the best at blogging every day.  Sorry!  But I just had to sit down and congratulate you Ashley.  I am just bursting with proudness for you!  You will land an awesome job and you are going to be the kind of teacher that makes a life impact on lots of kids.  Not, and I repeat...Not a lot of teachers can say that or can it be said about them.  Leon and I can name ONE.  Really just one in all his years of school that made a difference for him.  So many just don't have their heart into it like you do.  God has blessed you with unmeasurable love for this path, He is going to continue to bless you,  and your going to bless so many!  I love you so much!  

Question?

Well I hope Christmas was all you had hoped it would be! I had a great Christmas with friends and family. As usual, we went to have tamales on Christmas Eve and spend some quality time with the some pretty great people. And on Christmas day we started a new tradition and went to The Williams home for Prime Rib. Amazing time with Tom and Darra, Kellee and Leon!

My question is...Why do so many families fight and do hateful things to each other during the Christmas season? I don't understand this function. I'm guessing that they have a lot of underlying issues that they don't know how to deal with, and somehow they find it constructive to be destructive to the people that they love. I've heard of more spewing of garbage from the mouths of nice people to the ones they love. There is something seriously wrong with this picture!!! It disturbs me! Anyway! Speak nicely and be loving to your family and if you find that you just can't do it, then SHUT UP! And get therapy! Life is short so make the best of it.

Cancer

I know it is a ugly subject, but I need to get it off my chest and talk about it! In the last nine months we have had 4 people we know diagnosed with Cancer. I was devastated at first at the thought of it, as I found out about 2 in literally one day. One person has gone ahead of us to be with the Lord. The other three are doing well with their Chemo and recovering from surgeries. God has really helped me through this strange and unknown territory. I have really turned to him for knowledge and encouragement so I can help lift up these people in prayers and support. I don't know if you know anyone personally struck by this and actually gone through their phases with them. It is quite an ordeal. Not for sissies. Marilyn is a dear friend that I have known for quite a handful of years. Amazing person, she continues to have the strongest faith in God and smiles through her tears every time we visit. She is scared, yet knows how blessed she is and won't let you forget it! I try to visit her each week, and send her verses of encouraging words in the mail! She has no idea the blessing that she is to me and many, many other people that are praying for her sweet spirit! Life is short people. Trust in the Lord and do not lean on your own understanding....because you won't get it if you try it yourself!

M. Knobbe

Well, today Mike gets to come home for 2 weeks/a Christmas break! Christin is probably picking him up at the airport as I am typing this. He has been training in various states to go to Iraq with the 56th Stryker Bridgade. He leaves for Iraq January 2nd. There he will be for 7 months. We love you mike so much and are so proud of you. Christin and Mike will be visiting us in Fresno for some pictures for their ENGAGMENT! We are so excited that they will be getting married in November 2009...Thanksgiving week end. Plans are in the making for the beautiful enchanted evening, which I will be the Matron of Honor, along with our great friend Rosanna who will be the Maid of Honor. We are truely so proud to stand up there for Mike and Christin on that exciting magical day! God has blessed our family with many trials and difficult things to get through, but we are all stronger in the Lord and know that He is in control. We are praying for Michael each day, for his safety and his quick return. We trust in the Lord as he goes to Iraq that he will be of help and encouragement to his team with a strong heart for God. It is a rough job, we know Mike is just the strong heart to do it!! And Christin is the strong woman of Faith to stand by Mike and encourage him, pray for him and be a testimony to the Lord!