






Merry Christmas!
We just got back from celebrating our two year anniversary on the Mendocino Coast. It was very quiet and relaxing. We enjoyed our own little cottage with a private hot tub and wood burning stove. We hiked 7 miles through the Redwood forest, and scoured a beach full of sea glass. We enjoyed amazing breakfasts each morning over-looking the ocean. WE also found Scott the perfect pair of shoes. Throughout the weekend we went to four different stores, and must have tried on 30 pairs of shoes. Finally we foudnd the perfect pair of Keens (our favorite brand!)- quite a celebration since he desperately needed a new pair of shoes and it is so hard to find them. The weekend was a great time to reflect on our marriage, and God's goodness in our lives. It has been a very busy two years indeed, but full of great blessings and God's faithfullness!
Scott has been working at General Petroleum as the Wherehouse Manager for over 6 months now. He has faced many challenges, and is still in the process of implementing an inventory management system. We are both very thankful for his job, and the opportunities for growth.
I am still working at Allstate for my brother, Bill, selling insurance. I will be starting a new job in January, taking over a Nanny position for a friend who is having her first baby. When first approached with the opportunity, I wasn't sure that it was something that I would enjoy. But after Scott and I met the family, and spent time with the kids, we knew that it is absolutely the right position for me! There are four children, three of whom are in school. I will be watching the two year old during the day at my house, and then at 3pm I will pick up the other kids from school and take them all to their house. They are a wonderful family, and the kids are a joy to be around! Scott and I both feel like we are already a part of their extended family, and we are looking forward to what we can learn from them, as well as the fun it will be to work with the kids. I will continue working for my brother a couple days a week since the Nanny position is three days.
Our wonderful puppy Kona is growing. He just turned one year, and he is VERY tall! He is a continual joy to us! He has been a great dog, although he did get into a couple presents under the tree. They are still partially wrapped though, so that is good! We walk him a few times a day, and he is always so happy to see us! Scott wrestles with him every night. Jake, the fluffy cat, is outside more than inside - except when it rains. We usually find him curled up at the foot of the bed in the early mornings. We finally put in a "doggy" door, so they are both free to come and go into the back yard when they need.
We will be spending the Christmas weekend at my parents. The entire Doberneck side of the family will be there for Christmas Eve. It will be the first time we have all been together for Christmas in quite a while.
We both wish we could be in Michigan for Christmas again this year... especially since there is actually snow there this year! (My father-in-law has promised me an ice-fishing trip for next time we are there!) Unfortunately Scott couldn't get the time off (he even is working part of the day Christmas Eve). We miss all our family and extended family in Michigan very much, and send our love and warm hugs!
Many blessings to you all this Christmas! We would love to hear from you all!