2008 Christmas Greetings.
Merry Christmas from the Green’s!!
Hmmm, a Christmas letter from the Green’s with no (okay, very few) jokes,
puns, crossword puzzles, press releases, word scrambles or rhymes. Say it
ain’t so!The past year has found us in good health and “expanding our borders” (well, expansion equally proportional to Melissa’s wonderfully growing waistline . . . more on that later). God has richly blessed us!
Here is a brief update on our family . . .
Russell: Hey, I’m writing this letter so I get to go first. I continue to manage Ruralite Services http://www.ruralite.org/ , a communications company serving electric utilities in eight states. I did a fair amount of traveling to those states, plus a few more. I was privileged to help direct a summer camp in July, and found a little time to play softball and golf – the latter usually as part of my “business” responsibilities.
Kay: My “One-of-a-kind-precious-gem-of-a-wife”
continues to amaze. Her business at www.MyPreciousKid.com , quickly outgrew
our downstairs family room. She and 3 employees moved into a downtown Hillsboro office in
June (I love to tell people that Kay moved out . . . it usually gets a
reaction). The resulting vacancy in the aforementioned family room was
quickly seized by yours truly as a media room. The remodel is nearly
complete.
In the meantime Kay continues to be Nana to Madison, mommy to Haley, and
landlord to Jordan and Katie (more on that later as well). She also
continues to mentor young moms through her “Mommy2Mommy” class.
Matt and Melissa: As if a move to a larger house
in Hillsboro wasn’t enough, they decided to take immediate steps to fill it.
The Marteney household is expecting twins in May! An early ultrasound says
they are boys. Big sister Madison is already assuming her new role. Matt
continues to work for Wells Fargo, restores his Chevelle
and looks for cool
toys for the boys (you can never plan too soon). Melissa spends her day
running the Marteney household, taking cake decorating classes, chasing
Madison and working part time for My Precious Kid.
For more on the Marteney clan, go to their blog at
http://marteneylove.blogspot.com/
Jordan and Katie: The no-longer-newlyweds have
kept busy with work, Jordan managing H&M Motorsports
www.hm-motorsports.com
and Katie at US Bank as
a commercial teller. Their own child (so far), a fuzzy poodle mix named Lyla,
provides regular entertainment. Jordan spends his free time working on the
restoration of an old Kawasaki motorcycle.
The latest event in the junior Green household was a move into our home
(please avoid the jokes about living in your parent’s basement). Actually,
we are quite proud of their decision to build up their savings in order to
purchase a home. It is fun having them around too.
Allison: Our family musician has made a few changes. This year marked the 21st anniversary of her birth, and during the year she celebrated by adorning herself with expressions of her music . . you know, tattoos. They are tasteful. I appreciate how she is her own person.
Allison continues to pursue her music, and has been recording as well. She also got a new job as an administrative assistant with the Washington County district attorney’s office. She lives in Beaverton with a long-time friend from our Vernonia days.
Haley: Our youngest version of a long line of strong, independent women continues . . . with a passion! Haley entered the third grade this fall, enjoys her gymnastics class, and participated in the Christmas drama at church http://ecc4.org/ with Kay. She had her lines (and Kay’s) memorized very quickly.
Anyone who tries to tell you there is no difference between boys and girls not only failed biology but several other “ologies” as well. If you ask Haley whether or not she needs a pair of shoes the answer will always be “yes!!!” She even notices when someone else gets new shoes! In a piece of late-breaking news, the fire safety class at school came in handy, as Haley spotted a fire outside the house next door. A quick call to the fire department probably saved the neighbor’s house.
The
Happiest Place on Earth: Disneyland was the destination for the
Green’s in April. Santa Claus purchased the trip for
everyone. Unfortunately I didn’t get his credit card number before the trip,
and he keeps telling me the reimbursement check is in the mail. We had a
great time, and I don’t care if I get reimbursed!Surf’s up dude! One of my business trips that I was forced to take this year was a trip to Kauai. I was also forced to take Kay and Haley! We spent a few extra days on the island. Kay and Haley explored the ocean’s wildlife with snorkeling. I explored the depths of my chair on the beach and a Tom Clancy novel.
Ducks game: All of us Ducks in the Green family (and a few beavers) migrated south to Eugene for a football game. The Ducks won (duh!), and Haley and Madison experienced their first Duck game with 60,000 of their closest Duck friends.
See, not many puns or jokes this year . . . just a realization there is more to life than activities or jobs. The most important part of the past year is coming to realize God’s blessing and protection, even as the signs around us try to point us to unhealthy emotions or outcomes. The fact is that God doesn’t say he will protect and prosper us only in the good times. He says I will never leave you or forsake you. He says we have a hope and a future. He says he will uphold the righteous. This righteous doesn’t mean the perfect – it means those who trust in God and seek to serve him. Our prayer for you in 2009 is that you will walk in his blessing and protection, regardless of what may happen. He is always faithful!
The most important gift we can ever receive this Christmas season is the gift of God that he provided in a most humble and innocent form – a baby. The gift of that Christmas night many centuries ago continues to give meaning to life as we try to model His love, mercy and grace. Our Christmas wish for you is that you are found well, and that you understand and embrace the real gift of Christmas.
Russell & Kay Green
Melissa (26) & Matthew/Madison, Jordan (23) & Katie, Allison (21), and Haley (8)
