Happy New Years!

Gratitude and Blessings, that in those 2 short words could sum up our year. With our Big move from Marysville, CA to Queen Creek, AZ in the first part of January. We were so blessed to have good friends that were wanting and willing to rent their home to us for the majority of this year. The move created a snow ball effect of positive changes and habits into our life.

Mark- Enjoys his new office colleagues and the new environment. He feels more valued and appreciated, thus a Happier Husband after work. His company was bought out, which ended up benefiting us, but didn’t help in his long drudging 100 mile a day commute. Mark’s parent’s got their mission call to Guatemala City, and left in mid Aug. Emotional, but thanks to Skype, its bare able.

Maren- Started out the year finishing her last class online, and finally earned her Associates. Waiting to get residency to finish AZ requirements to continue the RN courses and get her certificate. Worked on being a Mom, Cooking more, started working out for over 2 months, eating better, budgeting, things that we should have been doing our whole marriage.

Aimee- Had a few months off the first half of the year from school. Started Kindergarten in July, and loves it. Lost her first 2 teeth. She loves being a big Sister to her ever growing little sisters, or like we tend to nickname the younger girls “young padawans”.

Emily- Has finally become Potty trained, after a year of trying and several attempts. It finally happened. (Oddly enough, same age as her older sister) Loved having her alone time with Mom and her baby sister “Cady”. Loves to play with the dog, outside and talk to anyone.

Cadyn- “Cady” Turned 1 in June and loves being mobile. She is such a ham, loves making everyone smile. She Loves mega blocks. She can already build with Lego’s and she was barely a year. Sleeps and eats great. We are very blessed so far to have the last child be such an angel, let’s see how long that lasts (daddy already is seeing it slip away).

Rico- Loved having a friend for 6 months. And became a house dog, due to the long lasting AZ heat, ( 8 months).
We wish all of you a great New years. We really didn’t get a chance to really get into the holiday spirit this year, due to the move, but we know the Lord loves us and is always ready to assist and bless our lives, when we are ready to ask. We wish you all the best. We can be contacted by email, blog, facebook, or phone.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Years
Mark, Maren, Aimee, Emily, and Cady Graff

P.S. I am very aware of My eyes and How scary they look, but its the only pic where I was in it, smiling and looking decent. Sorry for the nightmares, in advance.

P.S. S. This is our Yearly Newsletter, just incase anyone was interested.