Christmas Card 2009

Merry Christmas 2009!

This year has been one that stretched us, thats for sure! In January we moved in with Jessie's great grandparents to provide in-home care. By the end of January Nanny passed away, leaving us to care for Great Grandpa who followed her in September. We are so thankful for the time we had to spend with and love on them, and for the peace we have in knowing we'll see them again one day in heaven! To see pictures of and information on their lives check out this great page Jessie's dad, Steve, put together: www.the1buba.com/blog/2009/09/grandpa/

Jessie's parents and brother, Steve, Denise, and Anthony Cox moved to Alaska this year, as they felt God's calling them there to share the life saving love of Jesus Christ. They are loving their new life, and new home! You can follow them on their great adventure at: http://www.the1buba.com/

Mark's parents, Ed and Debra Nichols are still living in FiddleTown and still proud owners of Ed Nichols Drywall. Mark's brother, Matthew, works for them, and he and his wife Katy are living in Sacramento doing well!

Jessie's sister Angie was reciently engaged to her sweetie, Manuel, and they have set their wedding date for May 15, 2010! We are so excited for them and very happy to welcome Manuel into the family! I'll add Angie's blog address when I get my hands on it, but for now, you can follow their journey on Manuel's blog at: http://www.manuelcoelhogpm.blogspot.com/

After Nanny and Poppy passed on, we were blessed to be able to make their house our own, and we LOVE it! We enjoy living next door to Jessie's grandparents, Darold and Janet, playing on the farm, and loving all the space! :)

Caleb is getting so big! He turned two in October and is talking all the time! He loves living on the farm, riding the gator, feeding and playing with all the animals! He's such a busy boy! When he's not outside, he's taking a bath, watching a movie, playing with his toys, or reading a book. He can count to ten, sing some songs, label a few colors, and is beginning learning letters and potty training! We can't believe how smart he is, or how quickly he is growing!

Mark is still working for BelAir. With all the cutbacks, Mark's hours have deminished this year, but God has been so good to us and he still has a job, and is getting more hours than most in this economy.

Jessie is still a stay-at-home mommy and is loving every minute of it! She and Mark are getting ready to start their last semester of School of Ministry through Solid Rock Faith Center and are both enjoying it very much!

We truly hope your 2009 was blessed, and pray 2010 finds you in God's will, and His saving grace. We pray durring this season you will take time to remember why we celebrate: Jesus birth! It's because of Him we live and breathe, and have our being. Take this opportunity to accept His free gift to you this Christmas, His gift of salvation!

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Love,

Mark, Jessie, and Caleb Dickinson

P.S. Feel free to check out our blog anytime for fun pictures and recent updates!