Can you believe it’s almost 2009 already? It seems like this year just flew by. When I stop to think about what we’ve done this year, it’s amazing to think that all that happened in only one year. If I had to sum up this year in one word, it would be Noah. Our first son was born April 18th, and that pretty much changed everything, period. Now it’s hard to imagine what life would be like without him.

Silvia and I are doing fine. I continue to work at UCLA Medical Center, doing IT. Silvia’s is attending classes at Cerritos City College and working at Big Lots. I, along with my business partner, have done well. We’ve completed a bunch of websites and continue to have new business. We launched a new site called www.usfinances.info that we hope will become a major source of financial news and resources.

Here’s a recap of the significant events in 2008:

• March 9th: Silvia has her baby shower, and I take the guys to a BBQ in the park. We had a great time, and thanks to Monica and all those who helped put it together!
• April 18th: Noah’s born by c-section at 10:21pm Friday night. Weighing in at 8 lbs 12 ounces, he’s perfectly well and healthy. What an amazing time that was.
• June 21st: Family reunion in Pine mountain. It was great to see everyone, and to show off our new baby.
• August 30th: We visit my Dad and family in Reno. This was their first time to meet Noah, and we had a great time. We made the stop on our way up to Washington.
• September 1st – 7th: We visit friends in Sequim Washington, and have a great vacation there. We had a great time, thanks again to our Hosts Dagny and Denny Lord. We saw Seattle, Victoria Canada, Sequim, and Port Angeles. What a beautiful state, and a fantastic time!
• November 27th: We visited my Grandma and Uncles in Arizona for Thanksgiving. That was a real nice time. Relaxing, and the first time my Uncles got to meet Noah.

One goal we had for 2008 was to find a home church. Somewhere we could get involved and really feel a part of. As we sought out something close to us, we found a church called Cottonwood. We enjoyed the teaching, and felt God leading us to become a part of it. In October I went through the membership class, and became an official member. Silvia was working that day, but plans to take the membership class as well. Our next step is to become a part of one of their small groups. We really enjoy the church and look forward to the next steps God has for us there, as our family changes and grows.

Thank you all for your love and friendship. We enjoy each and every one of you, and look forward to seeing and spending time with you soon. I leave you with a verse that bring inspiration and motivation to us for 2009…

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25

With Love,

-Russ, Silvia and Noah

Silvia’s Baby shower. She had a lot of fun, and felt so blessed by the encouragement and friendships.	Noah, 10 minutes after he was born. I think that roller coaster ride, also known as birth, made him tired.
Family reunion in Pine Mountain CA. Kudos to Pam and Rex for organizing it.	Our visit to Reno. My Dad first meets Noah, and enjoys every minute.
Our friends Dagny and Denny and family in Sequim Washington.	Grandma, Uncle Bill, and our visit to Arizona for Thanksgiving.