Trials and Blessings !

"Trials and Blessings"
Seems to be the motto we've carried through this past year. January started off with a bang, as we found out last Christmas day that we were going to become grandparents! The big G word as in "Grand" after all, it was the next season that we were about to enter !
We took our home off the market in February, didn't look like this was the time to sell. And we thought we had it all figured out. Gonna sell ,find a smaller home, live a little simpler, yadda, yadda, yadda. But God, had something else in mind. Remember, sometimes when things don't go exactly the way you want them too and prayers aren't answered, there is a reason. And we trust, that we are exactly where God wants us.

Russell has been working very hard and very long hours.He has been with Bashas now for over 15 years. We continue to be thankful these days that he is still working. There have been a lot of people this last year who have lost their jobs, what a crazy year. As most of you know here in Arizona, Bashas filed for bankrupcy back in July, and closed quite a few stores, and some of Russell's colleagues from other stores were let go.We continue to that God for His provision. For we know how fortunate we are to both be working. We never know what is going to happen with Russ's company, but we do Know that God IS in control and He will see us through regardless of the circumstance.

Sarah had a pretty easy pregnancy up untill the end, where she had to go to the ER a couple of times. Lilly was just a tossin- and a turnin in there and she was on some nerves a couple of times, with Sarah so tiny there was no room for that little baby to go .Sarah had a really easy delivery, thank God ! When she came to full dilation it was only like 15 min. Seriously !! Sarah is doing great she is a stay at home mom and she wouldn't have it any other way. She loves being a mom, and we are so proud of her. We always knew her talent was singing, and now we are certain of her God-given gift, she is a wonderful mother,we are proud of both Joel and Sarah they are wonderful parents!

Joel works very hard. We couldn't of asked for a better man for our daughter. He takes care of our baby and now our gandbaby! He works long hours, full-time at our church East Valley Bible . He leads the Worship for Jr. High High School Ministry in the week, and plays guitar and sometimes leads in all 4 services in the conference center on sundays. He also helps out with the college ministry. Whatever they need, Joel's the man, (ok I'm a little biast !) but it's true :)

Lilly ! Lilly is now here, hard to believe that a year ago she wasn't here and now she is and it's her first Christmas ! God is so good! She is on a tight schedule, thanks to mom ! (Sarah) She is a mover and a shaker ! I love to sing to her, just about anything, and everything! I love to get her to smile and to tell her how big she is. I just started reading to her and trying to get her to wave ! She has the most beautiful blue eyes and longest lashes. I love being able to be there. What a Joy she is!
We just love and adore her.

As for me, I am just working for Hallmark now, yeah !! I left Bashas in May. As God continues to provide for our family. It is such a blessing to be able to work my own hours. Right now it is busy for us, I am working about 20 hours a week, But normally I work 12-15 hours a week. It's nice that I can help Sarah out if needed, or just go have lunch with her and the baby, whatever. I had some trials this past year being sick a couple different times. I had to give it up to God and let Him take it, I was spent . I needed to trust in Him to see me through, and He did. Russ and Sarah and my girlfriends were all there for me, praying for me, but I needed to rely on Him. I am thankful for every day that He's given me. I love to be in God's word. Seeing the next thing He is going to teach me. Knowing whole-heartedly that I have "Never" arrived, I am on a constant journey, a journey that He is orchestrating !
We want to wish you all a Blessed year in 2010.
"From His Love Above", The Kubli's !