It has been an eventful year for us. I guess every year is eventful in some regards. I pray that your family’s year has been eventful, too. I’ve enjoyed reading your letters and/or seeing your pictures.

Most of our events flow around my Dad. Actually, it started in the summer of 2005. Dad was diagnosed with inoperable cancer (renal cell carcinoma). It turned out that it was operable. In August of 2005 Dad had his right kidney removed as well as both adrenal glands. You probably don’t know what your adrenal glands do. Believe me… they do a lot!!!

He recovered well. He was released for University of Iowa hospitals on their 39th anniversary, August 28, 2005. His type of cancer is known to spread to the brain. We had a good Thanksgiving in 2005. Just yesterday I saw a picture of Dad coloring with the grandkids. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving Dad had a tumor hemorrhage. He was air lifted from Oskaloosa to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. We didn’t know if he’d make it through the surgery. However, he did.

This time recovery was harder. The tumor was in the part of the brain that affected his balance. He had some ups and downs. However, his life was pretty good.

In March of 2006 we helped Dad celebrate his 60th birthday. We had a soup dinner, then a Gospel concert with a group called the “Marshalls”. All of this was at Mom & Dad’s church.

In August 2006 we helped Mom & Dad celebrate their 40th anniversary. Mom had always wanted to have a big celebration. However, when it came time, she just wanted us kids there.

Shortly after that Dad began failing at a quicker pace. He & Mom did come over for Joelle & Gabby’s birthday (6th) in October.

Dad went to Heaven to be with Jesus on November 19, 2006. I still miss him a lot. However, I’m so thankful for Christmas, the birth of Christ. Without Christ I wouldn’t have the assurance that Dad is, in fact, in heaven.

Well, this letter was going to be short. Moving in to our family.

Ward continues to work for the State of Iowa. His work responsibilities have changed. He’s out of the gaming (Gambling boats) unit. He now works in the Intelligence Bureau.

I continue to stay at home. Although Mom usually calls me on my cell phone. She says that I never answer my home phone. I do teach some computer classes at our local community college.

Faith is almost 8 and in 2nd grade. She takes piano and dance lessons.

Joelle & Gabby are 6 and in Kindergarten. They also take piano lessons. This year they’ve lost a lot of teeth. The Tooth Fairy has done her duty several times.