We enjoy writing to all of you (and hearing from many of you) at the end of the year because it gives us a chance to review the Lord’s blessings in our lives and reconnect with friends over the miles. Here are some snapshots from each of our lives in 2006:

Joel’s life has been filled to the brim as he continues his study of the classics at Thomas Aquinas College in southern California and expands his musical involvements to include his work as a church organist, choir director, leader of a choristers group, local piano teacher, and Therese's friend. We don’t know how he fits it all in!

In addition to being Zoya’s mom, Johanna is completing her Masters Degree studies in Art Therapy at Nazareth College while living with us in Rochester. This fall she’s doing a fascinating internship at Strong with pediatric and adolescent inpatients. Zoya – or “The Big Z” as Grampy likes to call her – is delighting us all with her sharp mind, artist’s eye, and delightful sense of humor. Three mornings a week she’s off at preschool but spends much of her time with Nana while Mom is away at college.

Nate and new bride Kari are enjoying nest-building together in Tempe, AZ. Kari remains deeply invested in the ecological work she’s doing at the Salt River Indian Reservation, while Nate completes his PhD in Biology at ASU, doing a fascinating study of butterfly coloration. We had a delightful time with them when they visited “out East” this fall.

Sarah’s expanding work as an Art Director at Mirrorshow Management has taken her on a number of cross-continental and international trips this year helping the company grow and managing the design of the trade show accounts she oversees. We’re appreciating having her living close enough to join in family celebrations and just stop by when she’s in the neighborhood.

Susan continues to grow as a harpist when she’s not being Nana at home with Zoya, playing an increasing number of engagements in the surrounding area. This year one of her most rewarding involvements has been leading a new block association in our neighborhood and overseeing the conversion of an abandoned corner lot right down the street from us into “The Arnett Bird and Butterfly Garden.”

Bill is still up to his eyeballs in patient care, often arriving home well after supper… This year has been a big one for His Branches as our Board prepares to take over Grace Family Medicine and operate it as a newly licensed Community Health Center. When he’s not working and being Spouse, Dad, and Grampy, he often finds himself caught up in jousting at windmills (the giant wind turbines proposed for Cohocton).

As the years go by we are more and more grateful for our family and friends, our health, the Life we have in Christ, and our spiritual family at Joy Community Church. We’d love to hear from you and spend some time together! In the meantime, stop out and visit us online at www.harpsongs.com, www.hisbranches.org, or www.cohoctonfree.com.