Christ is Born

Our family would like to wish you the merriest of Christmases, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This was a year of celebration and new horizons for our family. Here’s a quick update:

 

 

In January Matthew enrolled at Georgia State University and dove right into his classes, making straight A’s during the summer semester. He still works at Whole Foods, and cares for his cat Pluto. He volunteered at a farm in Westside Atlanta, digging in the dirt. Matthew still attends many concerts and shows near downtown.

 

 

Anna graduated from the University of Georgia in May. She immediately set out on a three week cross country road trip to California with roommates, passing through Austin and camping in several national parks along the way. Anna moved home to start work but often heads back to Athens to see friends. Her last spring break was with roommates in Boca Raton. Later she moved in with Will and Mary-Clayton.

 

 

Will and Mary-Clayton bought their first house, not far from downtown Atlanta in historic Mozley Park. We all spent a little time helping get the house ready for the move. They’re close to their church in West End, and the new Atlanta Beltline runs right behind their backyard – so they bought a bicycle built for two. There’s room for Okie to roam. Will started work as a Physician’s Assistant at a Fulton County hospital, and Mary-Clayton continues her work at a small firm near Cumberland.

 

 

Ceil continues to teach art in north Roswell. She makes numerous trips to Jefferson to see her mother. This year Ceil volunteered at a women’s ministry in Marietta, and spent time in a women’s small group Bible Study. Ceil also spent a weekend in Columbia SC with three friends from high school. For New Years she’s holding doors at the Passion Conference at Mercedes Benz Stadium.  

 

 

Dave had a busy year at work. He’s also in a men’s small group, and made his way over to several Braves games throughout the season – a couple with Will (they also attended some Super Bowl events). Dave tried to visit his parents in Macon more often, even attending a ball game there with his dad. He ran another Peachtree Road Race, this year with both Will and Anna. More doctor visits this year as well.

 

 

While Anna traveled many miles in 2019, Dave and Ceil stuck closer to home. In January we traveled to Greensboro North Carolina for a friend’s birthday party, and in November spent a weekend in Richmond for a lovely wedding, stopping in Durham on the way home. Though spread out, we were able to get the whole family together on a regular basis, including Thanksgiving in South Carolina.

 

Poor Barney is getting along in years, and in November tore his ACL while jumping up on our bed. He still follows Ceil into the kitchen hoping for scraps, but doesn’t bark at squirrels or the TV as much.

 

 

We pray your family has a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and a great 2020. Thanks to Anna for designing this year's Christmas card.