2008 in Review – Mike style

I would like to say the private company I work for was purchased and the generous severance package enabled me to travel with my family around the U.S. In fact, I'm writing you parked outside Sarah Palin's driveway inside our gigantic RV (which gets less than 5 MPG). We spent the beautiful day hunting – she is truly one incredible mom. Now, now..why did I start with more political propaganda when we have had enough to last a lifetime? I don't know. I was dreaming…

Back to reality – Mike remains gainfully employed.

We started 2008 on a very happy note! We were expecting our third child in August. After we put our condo for sale in February, the market quickly nosedived. Only by the grace of God were we able to sell and make a marginal profit! With no back-up plan and a quick settlement, we moved into Alicia's parents' basement and have been there for the last 15 years. Actually, we lasted there 6 months – in December we bought a beautiful townhouse in Ashburn, VA. All the while, our precious Ashley Jocelyn came into the world. At 4 months, she is truly a gem, a precious baby to hold. If this moment could be frozen in time.

Alicia is a full-time housewife, domestic goddess, chef extraordinaire, wife, best friend and the woman who never stops working. Annemarie is our oldest, she turned 4. She talks more than her mother and dresses better than anyone in the house. Speaking of dress, she wears a DRESS everyday! Her heart for her siblings astonishes me, because all I wanted to do as a young boy was steal my brothers' G. I. Joe figures and blow them up with bottle rockets. Annie's favorite things include dressing up, ballet, art, talking, laughing and entertaining her parents. She also loves to get up every morning at 6:00 am! Joshua is 2; he is a studly man, takes after his fathers' jaw-dropping good looks, arm-pit sweating, hairy chest, incredible biceps and inherits his mothers' intelligence (whew). He charms you with his smile and tender affection, yet seems very resistant to listening to concrete instruction – "Joshua, please do not touch that" means nothing to him.

The most charming, personal event in 2008 for me, yours truly, was the activation of my second implant. Now I'm hearing in stereo! Re-discovering new sound has become a daily treasure for me – there is always something new to hear or discover. All the while I thought I was content hearing out of one ear via a cochlear implant for the last 4 years – it has become an entirely new "life" hearing bilaterally.

In summary, 2008 turned out to be a very eventful year for Alicia and I. I learned that in a millisecond, you can die – Alicia nearly did soon after Ashley was born. When the real estate market nose-dived I honestly thought my place would sell for ½ less than what I purchased it for. Anxiety, anxiety anxiety. Through all the trials (I don't want to make you sleepy), I learned that our God is a sovereign God, he holds us in the palm of his hand. His truth is the same yesterday, today and forever. It does not matter what issue is or isn't on the ballot - He loves us all the same and regardless who is living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue; HE REIGNS OVER ALL.

May God watch over and protect you and your family in 2009.