Quick Note & Lots of Pictures!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Today is a day to reflect on so much - on the past year, and the bright, fresh year ahead! Of course there are challenges every year, but there are also many blessings. I know for Shaun and I, we are so thankful to have such a wonderful, supportive family. Family makes all the difference in the world! We've missed our families since we moved to Essex, but we've enjoyed so much the chance to spend some quality time with them these past 2 weeks.

Secondly, we are thankful for such amazing friends! We've missed our friends in Halifax, but have made such wonderful friends in Essex, that we feel so blessed! Friends are a gift from God, that's for sure!

On another note, this past year, we lost someone very close & dear to our hearts, my grandfather, Walter Clarke. He was a man of such integrity, and such love for God. It has almost been a year since he has been with us, and though at times our hearts are still grieved with the loss of such a special person, we move on with the legacy he left behind, and determine to press on in our walks with God, as he would have. It is what he would want the most. And though we enter another year, he will not be forgotten. He will live on, in us - so much of who we are is because of all he instilled in us, and that will always remain.

Shaun's grandfather, Stan Slauenwhite, also passed away, just a few days ago, on December 30th. He too was a man of great faith, and was an amazing example to us, and many others. He battled a long fight with cancer, but is now at peace in his heavenly home. He will always be remembered, always be loved, and his legacy too will live on.

Shaun & I are looking forward to a fantastic year, with God leading the way! It is so amazing to serve a God who cares about all the little details of our lives, and who gives us fresh beginnings every day! Life is an adventure that's for sure! We hear so much about New Year's Resolutions...but we are so thankful that with God, it doesn't just have to be a "new year' when we are able to have a clean slate, but each and every day can be new!

We wish all of our family & friends a year ahead filled with God's highest and best!

S & M