Christmas Letter from The Gants

December 2007

Dear Family & Friends,

Not many days past in the New Year before we became convinced that this would be another year that would grow & stretch our faith. On January 4th we learned that Cory's job with Santa Clara Church of Christ would end; the elders decided they wanted to move in a new direction. It was a big surprise to us, but we both felt confident that this was part of God's plan and that our family would be blessed despite the stressful & uncomfortable circumstances. The next chapter of our lives we refer to as our sabbatical. The boys and I greatly enjoyed having Cory home and he was provided the opportunity and time to dream & pray about what he would like to do with his future. Cory decided, for the time being, not to pursue paid ministry and is considering other avenues of employment. He finished classes to become a Real Estate Appraiser & is hoping to find an Assistant position (hard to do when the housing market is slow). In May, Cory went to work for a friend in the construction business. He enjoys learning how to build houses. The boys & I go to visit him on the job site usually every week.

Zane, who will be six in February, started Kindergarten at home this year. He is a good student and we enjoy watching him learn. Zane has a great imagination. When he isn't making plans for the house that he will someday build (which includes a rocket & restaurant), then he is perfecting his plan to build "safety pipes" in our house. This idea involves tunnels & rooms that will be under our home. The "pipes" are for fun (there will be toys, tv, and food) and also provide a hiding place for the boys in case a "bad guy" comes. Zane is enrolled in a Saturday basketball program during the month of January. We aren't concerned much about his basketball skills, but we are hoping this will give him more opportunity to socialize. It should be lots of fun to watch!

Luke turned four in October. He likes playing with Zane and spending time with his Dad (especially outside). He still enjoys snuggling with me and his hugs are hard to beat. He loves to be silly & tease. You should hear his adorable laugh! Luke is brave and often paves the way for Zane in social settings. He doesn't like it when his brothers are sad and does his best to fix their problems. He also wants me to mention that he loves spending time with his grandparents.

Cade is very expressive and full of character. He has a blanket (Bubba) and an alligator (Buzz) that he loves. He doesn't talk a lot, but he does great communicating what he wants/needs one or two words at a time. He loves his big brothers & cousin Lolly. He is getting close to 2 ½ and Cory and I are beginning to envision a time in the near future without diapers to buy or change!!

I have often prayed for patience and asked that God teach me gently. I think having three boys in 3 ½ years is the answer to my prayers. These precious boys are such a great motivation for me to daily work on being more patient! And, the situation with Cory's job helps too. I am learning to wait for God to show us His plan. Of course, my thankfulness does kind of ebb and flow, but I'm learning. My sister, Joy, and I went to Sisters in September to participate in a 10k walk. We took along our little ones, Lolly & Cade. It was so beautiful and fun that we plan to make it an annual "sisters" event. Also in September, the three boys & I went to Bend to visit Grandpa Bruce & Grandma Marsha at the Seventh Mountain Resort. We had a wonderful time swimming, boating and playing miniature golf.

I leave you with the following blessing from Numbers 6:24-26, "The Lord bless you and take good care of you. The Lord smile on you, and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with favor and give you his peace."

With love, LORI

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