Dear Grammie & Grampa,

I just wanted to thank you again for having us at the Ranch in January! We had a great time and really enjoyed the cold, winter weather. It looks like that's the only winter weather we'll get to experience this year because we've had pretty warm weather here. Brian especially liked the close community feel of Hunters and was surprised that a teacher who didn't know us called your home and gave a road update on the day we went home. That was a very thoughtful gesture. In a bigger city, I don't think we rely on one another like that as often.

We felt welcome at your church, people remembered us, and that felt great too. Our church has that same feel too, fortunately. When we come again in August with my parents, I'd like to bring my violin and play some of the hymns. I'm not volunteering a solo, but it'd be fun to add another layer to the music team...

I've been reading The Purpose Driven Life this past week. I really have enjoyed it. I told my Bible Study group that I'd been feeling as though I was in a spiritual funk. Not sure exactly how to describe it lately, but I guess I haven't really had a "thank you, Jesus" moment in quite awhile. Things are going pretty well at the moment and I am grateful to God for that!

One of the things that has come to my attention after reading the book lately is the idea of "eternity." The author made me realize that I spend a lot of time thinking about the here and now...goals for me and my family, this lifetime, instead of focusing on the next life, getting excited about it even! I know it's hard to comprehend what it'll be like exactly. My brain doesn't always like to think in abstract terms, but I know God has put a desire in my heart to see heaven some day and so I want to focus on that rather than all the joys and struggles of this life.

Well, I know I've rambled on for quite awhile, but I've been wanting to share some of those thoughts with you both recently, so I finally did it!!!!

We have been using the exercise bike! It's loud, but we're able to read the tv subtitles during our exercise to pass the time. Thank you again for that gift too!

Claire is having her 1 year old birthday party at my parents' house on Friday. It's amazing that she's one, walking and saying more words every day! We enjoy her so much! I'm so glad I get to stay home with her and my love for her grows each day!

Brian is very busy at his work. Recently he learned that the retirement system is going to cost the city a lot more money this coming year so he's not looking forward to sharing the news that the police can't hire or buy as much as they'd anticipated. He doesn't like to be the bearer of bad news even though it isn't his fault!

I pray that both of you will have a great day, month, few months. We're looking forward to seeing you again this summer. My mom sounded intrigued about the ferry ride so maybe we'll have to go back to Mary's and treat you this time!

We love you very much!

Sarah
  ¶ 8:34 AM