Christmas cards arrive in the mail each day with photos and messages from friends far away and near to us. It is a joy to see the changes in families we have known for years: new babies and grandbabies, sons/daughters-in-law added to the crowding photo, or maybe friends living in new surroundings. We also observe those precious faces that are missing in the annual picture of change, and we grieve with you. We are missing people dear to us at our annual dinner too.
James' dad Richard is living in a care center in Fort Worth. He has limited mobility, but he can still play a mean game of dominoes at age 90. James, Becky, and I try to see him once a week for lunch and a game of dominoes. He is usually the winner! It is amazing how he cannot remember what happened a few minutes ago, but he can tell you the count on the board!
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| James and Becky with their dad. |
James finished his three year commitment to the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects. On December 2, we traveled to Washington DC for the final meeting. He has donated many hours to the Institute, and he was ready to wind-up his service. As a representative from Texas, the meetings included state meetings as well as national meetings so we have traveled all over the US and Texas. This year the TX architects met in Midland, Austin, and Dallas. The national meetings were held in Atlanta, Pasadena, New Orleans (which we missed because we were in Tybee Is.), and Washington DC. We had a drink at the Old Ebbitt Grill to celebrate his service!
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| AIA Gala at the National Portrait Gallery |
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| Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington D.C. |
In addition to completing his AIA commitment, James also rotated off the national board for Partners for Sacred Places, a nonprofit that helps historic churches stay open in neighborhoods. He will remain active in the organization and stay connected with the Texas office, but his quarterly meetings to Philadelphia will be limited.
The Nader Nation is growing. We added a seventh precious grandchild to our family. Eliana Faye was born on October 19, 2015, to Jordan and Jen and big brother Emmett. She is beautiful and growing fast - at her two month check up she weighed 13 lb. - a six pound gain in two months!
Some other highlights of the year: John was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church! (see earlier post), we traveled to Tybee Island and rented a beach house for a summer family trip, we played golf at Lady Bird Golf Course in Fredricksburg, the Hide Out in Brownwood, and stayed with friends Sylvia and Curtis in Brady. We play golf often at the course in our backyard too.
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| Emmett and Grumpy building a sand castle at Tybee Island 2015 |
As we examine the year 2015, we recognize the many ways we are blessed. When your 65th birthday is approaching, you consider your health a huge blessing. James and I pray we are also staying healthy spiritually, drawing closer to our Lord in study, contemplation, and prayer.
May you be filled with thanksgiving for the blessings in your life, and join us in drawing closer to the Lord in the new year.
Love to you and yours from the Naders!
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