“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (II Cor. 9:15)

Dear family & friends, Christmastime, 2008

We hope this letter comes when you are all well and happy. We wonder how many of you “missed” our letter last year, as there was not one sent out. Oh, the intentions were there, but I guess the busyness of getting ready for the end of the year and planning to leave for a week-long vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, took its toll on me, the letter-writer. By the way, the vacation in January of 2008 was wonderful! Most of it was paid for by one of our venders, Sioux Steel, mother company of Koyker Manufacturing (we sell their loaders). We were able to walk on beautiful beaches, parasail, swim and snorkel in the Atlantic as well as the Caribbean Sea, go on an Outback Safari, sail on a catamaran, eat at quite a variety of places within the all-inclusive Iberostar Bavaro Resort, visit with other dealers, and relax! This is the first time we’ve been out of the United States as a couple. We would both be willing to do it, again, if we had the chance. If you would like to see pictures, and have time to do so, come by and we’ll show you our albums.
After we got back from Punta Cana, I (Esther) flew out to Alabama to visit with Anna and her newborn son, Zachary Bryce Parker, and family. He was born December 20, 2007 (Sadly, we didn’t get to meet his twin, Zoey Anna, who didn’t quite make it through the pregnancy. We’ll have to see her in heaven someday.). One of the highlights of the trip was to go to Chucky Cheese Pizza.
In June, Malcham and I flew out to visit with Sarah’s family and their newest addition, Kiersten Joy. We had a great time, though much of it was spent working. We did mowing, painting, sorting, and cleaning, as well as help with the little ones. Tolerating very hot and humid weather, we learned later on that that week was the hottest they had seen all year! We were able to help Tim & Sarah celebrate their 5th wedding anniversary by eating out at their favorite Italian restuarant.
July found us doing many camp-related activities. Malcham worked hard as a leader, later going as a camper. I helped cook for two different weeks at the same camp, Singing Valley Camp. Zephaniah was able to go his second year as a camper, at the same camp. This year, Mary volunteered to help cook for one week at Camp Salvation, where Tim directed for two different weeks and Joy also helped cook. Richard opted to stay home and take care of our business, which has been very prosperous. Praise the Lord!
On August 15th, Michael and Jenny added to our number of grandchildren with the birth of Evan Gilead. They were trying to have a yard sale that day, and ended up being able to home birth their little one. Jenny and baby recovered much quicker than when she had Aaron in the hospital with C-section.
Anna and Tom are still ministering at Wall Highway Baptist Church in Alabama, living at 149 Little Road, Madison, AL 35757. Tom has been taking classes towards his master’s degree at Liberty University Online. Besides playing piano at church, Anna teaches piano lessons and home schools Christian (11 years old). Karissa (7 years old) attends public school, and Zachery Bryce enjoys being the center of attention in his family. In July, the Parkers were able to come to Colorado for an all school reunion for Ordway Baptist Christian School. It was a good time for Anna to visit and play volleyball with many of her old school friends. We also enjoyed having them here.
Tim and Joy continue to live in La Junta, serving the Lord as youth pastor and Awana Commander of our church and working for his dad, here at Muth Welding Service. Joy home schools Mark (7 years old) in his second grade studies and Stephanie (5 years old) in kindergarten. This picture was taken in front of the baptistry; the background was painted by Joy. Mark was baptized this past Sunday after the morning service. We are all very happy for him.
Sarah and Tim Valiante continue to serve the Lord at Lighthouse Baptist Church, while Sarah has been a stay-at-home wife, continuing an art correspondence course. Since we wrote two years ago, they have been blessed with two children. Micah Joel was born February 15, 2007, and Kiersten Joy joined their family April 30, 2008. They are both lovely children. They are also living in a different place at 115 N. Edgewood, Elkton, MD 21921. Tim has been keeping very busy this last year attending seminary at Calvary Baptist Seminary in Lansdale, PA, as well as being youth pastor at church.
Mary continues to be a blessing to our family. Besides taking care of our household, she teaches children’s church, Sunday School, picks up extra kids for our midweek service (children’s ministry), and helps in the Cubbies Club of our Awana program at church. Zephaniah (soon to be 12) is now in 6th grade at Swink School; Austin (8 years old) is in 2nd grade, and Ethan (6 years old, on the 12th) attends kindergarten in the afternoon. They all enjoy building forts, riding bikes, playing video games, and watching movies.
Michael and Jenny have made much progress in their remodeling of 1402 Corrinne, Midland, MI 48642. They keep busy doing many of the same things they have been doing all along, only now they get to play with two little boys, Aaron Carter and Evan Gilead. Jenny keeps the world informed of their family’s activities on their blog (http://mjmuth.blogspot.com).
Malcham is now sixteen years old. He is in the eleventh grade of his home-schooling experience. He works on Bible, Chemistry, and United States History with Pastor Brandt at our church. At home, he learns English and Consumer. He is the game leader for the Awana Sparks Club for the fifth year, and takes care of the Awana Store and participates in the weekly skits. He has been working more for his dad, helping Tim in the equipment yard. This past year he taken up a hobby of riding his bicycle, but still enjoys playing video games and going online.
We are very thankful for the blessings which God has brought into our lives. We hope and pray that each of you will have a relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ, for it is in Him that we have hope of eternal life.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Richard, Esther, and Malcham Muth; and Mary and her boys, too!

(You can visit our blog at http://mwscolorado.blogspot.com.)