December 23, 2012, Nashville, Tennessee~

Dear Friends~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year's from Casa Sandusky!

This year, 2012, has been one of our better years.  No serious illness or injury in our family; for that we can be truly grateful.  I pray this continues.  My son Johnathon and daughters Steffi and Ronee' all faced hospital stays this year, but thankfully, none of what they faced was serious; for that I can consider myself blessed.  I pray that continues.

We have gained several family members: we have adopted three children:  six year olds Sebastian Alex from Arizona and Bastienne Camille from Haiti, as well as three-year-old Akihiko Kenji from Japan.  They are all beautiful.  All three have special needs: Akihiko has autism; Camille has Down syndrome and heart issues; and Sebastian has fetal alcohol syndrome.  They are a handful at times, but we wouldn't have it any other way: we are used to chaos.  LOL

We now have 65 children: 2 biological and 63 adopted!!

I have gained a son in law: Michael Stinkowitz, who married my daughter, Ronee' Le-Anne, back in September; what a wonderful young man he is!  He treats my daughter very well; we could not be more pleased!  He is everything we could possibly want in a son-in-law!  They live in Louisiana (but are here now for Christmas; they got in two days ago, on the 21st).  Both are attending college at Louisiana State University-Lafayette (GEAUX, Ragin' Cajuns!!).

I am happy to say that my son, Johnathon Irwin-Allen Denver, has been married to his sweetie now for a year.  He married a beautiful young Jewish girl named Rebekka Rachel Cohen (now Sandusky) who, like Johnny, has been through her own set of health challenges, but somehow, through God's grace and mercy, both continue to do quite well for themselves, even in light of all they have faced.  I am extremely grateful to God for allowing Himself to work in their lives ... and in ours.  I couldn't be more blessed.

I gained a granddaughter nearly one year ago: a little girl named Bella Thu Grace (first child of eldest son, Anh Kim Van, and his wife, Thu).  They live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Anh is continuing his studies to become a pastor; he and Thu both attend Oral Roberts University.  Little Bella is walking and talking up a storm; she has really grown up into a beautiful little toddler! 

I am due to become a grandmother (AGAIN!) any day now: my son, Michael, and his wife, Stella, are due to be parents to their first, a little boy they plan on naming Stetson Michael.  He is due next week, as a matter of fact: poor Stella is about ready to POP!!  They live in Norfolk, Virginia; they moved there this summer and love it.  After the baby is born, Michael is joining the United States Marine Corps.   He is another one who has done extremely well for himself.

Most of my friends are doing well, but some have had problems that threaten to disrupt their lives, but I keep telling them to trust in God and pray about what they are going through.  They appreciate the prayers.  I know prayer has worked in our own lives; I can't imagine not having God in our daily lives; our lives would be remarkably different.

Today at church was the annual Christmas Cantata; it went very well.  I sang along with the worship team (I sing with them every other week; we alternate), and we sang special music, as well as the more traditional Christmas fare.  Daughter Ronee' sang "O Holy Night", which can send shivers down the spines of people who hear her sing; it was very well done.  Son Johnathon signed for the deaf members of our congregation and as always did a super job; he is extremely gifted at helping others. 

Last week was the children's Christmas program; quite a few of my own kids were well represented and did a great job, too.  So hard to believe how big the kids have gotten; seems like only yesterday they were in diapers or were starting pre-school!  *Sigh!!*

The church will be having the Cantata again tomorrow for Christmas Eve services; they will be holding two "candle light" services, one at 7 and the other at 11:30 in the evening.  I expect both will be well attended; all the special Christmas services usually are.  And on Christmas Day, Christ Community Assembly of God will be feeding the Veterans/enlisted members as well as the homeless or poor of our community; there is always a huge turnout and people are so appreciative.  It is a wonderful time; we truly do enjoy it!

Unfortunately, I won't be there Christmas Day, as I have to work; but my family will.  I can be there in spirit, though! :)  We can also have Christmas later on in the day, when I get off from work.  This is how we usually do it on the Christmases I have to work at the hospital.

The weather is perfect for Christmas: cold and snowy.  In fact, as I type this, it is snowing now: big, fat flakes floating gently down in the streetlights; very pretty and peaceful to look at.  Our tree is lit (as are the outside lights), and everything looks so festive and cheery.  The children are in the kitchen, in the livingroom, or in their bedrooms, probably thinking of last minute Christmas gift ideas or planning Christmas surprises that won't be revealed til Christmas morn.

Well, I hope and pray each and every one of y'all have the merriest of Christmases and the happiest, healthiest of New Yeaers ever.  I pray God blesses each and every one of you over and beyond what y'all can ever imagine, and I pray that "2013" will be YOUR year!  Again, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Sandusky Family!!

~Love, your friends in Nashville, Tennessee, Louisiana, Bill, and all the kiddos (human AND furry!).  :)