Complete Christmas Card Collection

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Christmas Card and Year in Review 2022

2022 Christmas Card and Year in Review


This year’s card photo is a nod to the classic movie “A Christmas Story” in which Ralphie wants a BB gun more than anything—despite multiple warnings that “you’ll shoot your eye out!” Classic as that movie is, it’s not the ORIGINAL, classic Christmas story. 

That one is found in the Bible, Luke chapter 2. Shepherds in fields, baby in manger and all that. But that baby Jesus grew up and had some powerful things to say about His *second* coming. Those words are in Luke also, chapter 17:24 Luke 17:24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

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Merry Christmas!! Happy New Year!!

Not going to lie, some of this year has been really tough. But in general, we are so thankful for the many blessings that God has granted us. 

We took two different ocean-centric vacations this year: Sanibel, Island, Fla., during spring break, and Maui to kick off summer vacation. We also visited family in California in July. We also went to Pigeon Forge, TN for vacation and work with Gelerie's sister Ivy and family. We also love spending time in Grand Lake when we try to play in addition to working on the rentals.

Gelerie is working three days a week, no call, no weekends, and with a four-day weekend most weeks. She’s enjoying her part-time status and also spending time on real estate. Erik is maintaining his real estate license primarily for the purpose of being a smarter investor and occasionally helping someone find an agent in a new market. 

Aubrey (Stenbakken) Sutherland is now married and living in Chattanooga, Tenn. Finn is in 8th grade and doing well. Most weeks he does three days at school, one at home-school-ish (normal school week is only four days). 

Below are the year's highlights. We continue to look to the promise of His second coming when all things are new again. And for those times when life does get tough, we are thankful that he hold us in His hands. Matthew 6:25-34 

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Love Boat Ice Cream, Sanibel


Sanibel shells we found

Feast at Lele, Maui with Grandma Arafiles


Jungle Ziplining



With Grandma and Cousins in California



30th Anniversary in August

Finn making Pretzels

Our Newest Vacation Rental--Water Bear, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Sold the 1986 Vanagon! In with the new 2022 Ford Transit that Erik is converting.