A Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! 2008 has flown by. It has been full of many changes, challenges, and blessings. We are so thankful for all our friends and family who have offered love and support during this past year.

The year began with hot water and new floors! As many of you know, our flat in Newcastle needed many renovations after we bought it in June 2007. One thing that needed to be fixed was the hot water. It stopped working shortly after we moved in. The biggest blessing this year was being able to turn on the tap and recieve hot water. No more boiling the kettle to do the dishes! We also were able to put new flooring in a few months later...as our flat was merely floor boards and cheap flooring with holes in it. Our flat now is beautiful and we truly feel at home in it.

In April, after a trip to America to visit family and friends, Jackie started a new job at Blue Sky Trust. BST is a Christian charity that supports those affected by HIV in the North East of England. Jackie was given a job as a womens support worker, as well as an educator within their schools team. Jackie loves her job, and sees how the Lord has truly prepared her for such a position over the years.

During this year, we started attending Jesmond Parish Church. We love our church and have made some really great friends. Chris was also able to join the worship team as one of their drummers, who can regulary be seen on their web tv from their 6:30 service. Jackie also recently joined their choir, singing in the Advent and Christmas carol services.

This summer, a new addition hopped into our lives. Little Benjamin Bunny was adopted from a rabbit farm, and has grown to be just one of the family. He is a very furry grey french lop with a major attitude. Although he has destroyed a few things, eatin a few wires, and chewed through some clothes, we still love him very much!

In September we were able to celebrate our 1 year anniversary in Greece. We had a lovely time in the warm weather, staying in a villa extremely close to the beach. We loved our time their, feasting on greek food, and enjoying the scenery.

Well...thats all the news from the year. We hope you enjoy reading more about the Parry family and all that is happening.

Again, we wish you a Merry Christmas and hope 2009 is filled with much love, joy, and happyness.

Please keep in touch through email or mail at
jacquelinerosej@aol.com

95 Stamfordham Road
Fenham NE53JN
Newcastle Upon Tyne
England

With love,
Chris, Jackie and Benjamin Bunny

What a nightmare!!!

On Sunday night as Chris and I were packing for our trip to America on Thursday, we realised we couldnt find my passport. The last time either of us remembers it was when we went to Greece in September. Both of us thought the other had it. Unfortunantly that was not true. I sit here now on a train headed towards London, for the US Embassy. I will be able to get a new passport there, but, not my visa! Yeseterday morning we called everyone we knew, even Washington D.C. to see what we should do. Everyone gave us different answers. The British Embassy here told us to call the embassy in Los Angelos. That embassy told us we needed to call the british embassy,however, by that time it was closed. Like I said it was nightmare. We just figured that I could come as a tourist and then get the appropriate visas once I was back in the UK... however, at 3 in the morning I woke up with anxiety and realised that I couldnt do that because the visa I need to live and work here in the UK cannot be obtained while on a tourist visa. So, Im having to trust God. We will be able to call the British embassy at 9 am...2 hours from now, and see if they will let us drive to Sheffield and get the visa. If not, well, Im not sure what will happen. God is in control. I have realized through this more than ever what a supportive and loving husband I have, and am so thankful for Chris. Also, God has revealed just how good our friend Ian and Rebecca are...as they offered to print out loads of forms for us late last night (our printer broke), and even ran out to buy more ink when it was out. God is so faithful to provide, and I sit here with peace that whatever happens it is for the best.

Christmas with the Parrys

Today we celebrated Christmas with Chris' parents. Chris and I started the day by both getting hair cuts, then taking out first annual Christmas pictures. Then we went on to prepare the huge Christmas feast. At 4 the Parry's arrived, and we nibbled on various cheeses, chocolates, peanuts etc, while listening to music. Then came the much awaited dinner...which started with butternut squash soup, followed by melon...then onto a chicken roast dinner...complete with sticky toffee pudding. we were all stuffed by the end. We had a nice time celebrating Christmas minus Benji, as he was a bit upset because he ate some leafy veg that didn't go well with his tummy... so he spent the night in his room. All in all we had a nice time. Merry Christmas...a few weeks early.

Thanksgiving 08

Last night, some of our friends and chris' parents celebrated Thanksgiving with us. The night before I made a few pumpkin cheesecakes and pies, then I spent the day preparing for the feast. There was a minor problem with the turkey though. When I took it out of the fridge and took it out of the packaging yesterday, there was a black spot on the leg and a green marking on it. So, I called the store where I bought it from, and they said not to eat it...and that they only had a few fresh turkey crowns (which is just the breast meat) available. However, in order to get these, I had to bring the turkey back to the store... so, I put it in a big black bin bag, hulled the huge thing (it was 9.80kg, an extra large turkey), and took it to Asda. To my dismay, they made me take the turkey out of the bag to show them what i was talking about. Gross! But, in the end I got 2 huge turkey crowns. I tried a new recipe using white wine, chicken stock, and bay leaves; you had to cook the turkey upside down. All I can say is...yum yum yum! The turkey was super moist and Delicious! I will definitely do this again; I am so thankful for all recipes! Anyways, we had a nice time, played a few games, and ate ate ate! Benji even dressed up as a little Indian. I love thanksgiving!!! I am so thankful for last night, but still miss my family back in America! I cant wait for 2 more weeks when I will get to see them!

SNOW!!!!

Today we woke up and our neighborhood was covered in snow! I am so excited, as I sit here nice and warm in our flat, with some music playing, snuggled up in my warm blanket! Snow is nice too look at when your indoors and warm = ). It makes me really excited for Christmas... and I'm sure by then I will be glad I'm far away from the snow and am in sunny southern California. But for now, I am enjoying the beautiful picture that my window is displaying.

Pumpkin Pie Candle.

Chris brought me home a surprise the other day... A pumpkin pie candle! I was so excited to light it, as it filled the whole room with a lovely smell of freshly made pumpkin pie. I cant wait till Thanksgiving! We also received a sweet pumpkin in our veg box. We kept it on display for awhile before turning it into curried pumpkin soup. Yum Yum. However, our new favorite is homemade butternut squash soup. It is so nice with a bit of cinnamon. I love fall, and all the colors and smells it brings!

Cute Photos

I just wanted to add a few photos I found on my computer of Benji. Enjoy.

Weekend Away...

This weekend, Chris, Benji and I headed down to Bishop Aukland for a lovely visit with Chris' parents. Chris had purchased some fireworks, so we were able to have watch a firework display, which both him and his dad prepared for us all to enjoy. On Saturday we all went for a short shop in town, purchased some eggs from a local free hold, and watched a matinee performance at the Sage called Prom Praise. The female vocalist and harp were some of our favorite moments of the performance. Later that night we enjoyed a much appreciated curry dinner...yummy. We were sad to leave this morning, but were able to enjoy lunch at some new friends of ours, Will and Jenny. Rebecka Joy was able to join us as well. We had a great time getting to know all of them better and was glad to be invited. What a great weekend.

Chocolate Beetroot Cake

I know, from the title of this, it sounds disgusting. I was a bit scared making it, as I pureed the beetroot and poured it into the mix of nice dark chocolate. However, I must admit this cake was YUMMY. With white chocolate on top and a dark chocolate ganache, which I whipped up minutes before I had to serve the cake...it was great. The cake was super moist, and you couldn't even tell there was beetroot in it. I was inspired by the addition of beetroot in my organic veg box the other week. So, I found this recipe and am glad to add it to my collection. Maybe next time you visit the Parry home for a meal, you might get surprised by this wonderful cake = ).

Charity Quiz Night

Last night Blue Sky Trust had a charity quiz night. I was responsible for the decorations, which were in fall colors, with a fall theme. Everyone said they loved it. I also baked some lemon drizzle cake, chocolate fudge cookies, chocolate cake with gnache, and spice cake with cream cheese icing. It sold so fast, I should have baked more. It was such a fun night, with the smell of hot apple cider in the air. Everyone was in such a good mood, and you could feel the support for Blue Sky Trust. About 130 tickets were sold, which was well over what we ever could have imagined. Even Clive, the quiz master, asked to volunteer. In all, we raised over 1,000£ for Blue Sky Trust! What a great night!

Organic Veg Box

This is my second week receiving my organic veg box. I love it. It is so exciting to see what is in it. Basically, it is vegetables from different farmers grown locally and delivered to my door each Thursday. Benji is always excited to see it because he gets loads of the tops from the carrots. Its always full of dirt too...as it is literally picked and then thrown into the box. I guess the longer the dirt is on the vegetables the better, as when they are washed by power washers from super markets, sometimes the good stuff gets washed off as well (according to our veg supplier). Last week I met the main supplier, who was very nice. His wife often posts yummy recipes on their website for us to try. Today, Jim delivered the box. Its nice trying out new recipes because each week something new is in the box. I am super excited to cook some yummy vegetable risotto tonight.

Thank you for being my friend...

Some friendships are only for a season. While others are for many seasons, which join together, and become a lifetime. Nicci is one of those friends. We have certanily had our fare share of ups and downs...but through them all, one consistent theme was there...we truly are kindered spirits. The other day, as I was struggling with the fact I feel quite alone here in England, I recieved a card from Nicci. Tears flooded my eyes as I read the heart felt card. I really miss my Nicci, but I am comforted by the fact that she is only a phone call away. And so, I sing, 'Thank you for being my friend, for being the one on whom I depend'.

Thank You Nicci for always being there for me!

Missing the kids...

Jeanine, my older sister, sent me pictures of Chloe and Hudson today. They are getting so big! I really miss those kids. Its times like these that I really miss being close to my family. They were at Rilleys farm, picking pumpkins for the harvest season. With Halloween coming up, and those cute little ones are going to be Max and Rubey (bunnies), and Thanksgiving right around the corner, I really wish I could be there. I cant wait to see them in a few months... Chloe is going to be a flower in the Christmas play at church. She was really upset because Chris and I werent going to be there. But now I think things are looking like we will be. I cant wait to surprise her. I am still sad over missing her dance recital where she was a little sailor and danced to a Shirley Temple song, the Cod Fish Ball. Anyways, I cant wait to see them!

Carols

Last night Chris and I went to music group at church. It was the first practice for the Christmas Carols, which will be happening in December. While Chris went to band practice, I had my first choir rehearsal. It reminded me of the old times as a Silver Note in show choir. I dont think we are going to be wearing any costumes, especially not silver sequence dresses, but I have put in a request to be Suzy Snow Flake. Ian, the choir instructer and one of our friends, said this may or may not happen. I guess its one of those things I just have to get over, you can only be Suzy Snow Flake when you are a child...unfortunantly I had to be the elf in the Christmas play when I was 5. I guess somethings you just cant get over. But that aside, it was a really fun night and we met loads of new people. I cant wait till next week.

The Case of the Missing Rings

(Above: Jess and I at Cherish 2007)
Last night our dear friend Jess came over for dinner. It was a yummy meal of pasta with pesto and mascarpone cheese. I also made some homemade bread sticks...all gluten free of course. While kneading the dough, I slipped off my rings so that they didn't get included in the mixture. After we had devoured the meal, and were sitting in the living room enjoying a nice cup of tea and chatting, I noticed my rings were gone. So, I jumped up to get them, and to my surprise they weren't there. After 3 hours of taking apart our entire kitchen (literally taking the cabinets off the walls and moving the oven), we found the beloved rings in the trash can, covered in dough. I am so thankful for my loving husband who took up the awful task of going through the trash with his bare hands, and for putting up with my crying as I thought about my irreplaceable Tiffany's Engagement ring he so lovingly bought a few years ago. I am also thankful for Jess, for being by our side and supporting us during our mini crisis. Just another night at the Parrys house.

Greece

Chris and I had a great time in Greece. We stayed in a small village, called Old Alykanas, which is outside the larger resort, Alykanas. Villa Thea, our villa, was pink with green shutters. We loved it. The beach was a minute away, which was very nice. Villa Thea had a veranda in the front which we would sit on each day and read books, drink coffee, and relax. I read 3 books while away, which was nice, since I ususally have no time to read. One day we rented a boat, whcih we drove to a smaller island off the coast of Laguanas beach. Unfortunantly our boat broke down when we got there, and our 1 hour boat ride turned into a few hours waiting for help. But we had a good laugh. Greece was amazing, and we loved being able to go to all the yummy restaraunts. We were especially blessed to spend our 1 year wedding anniversary with beautiful surroundings, and being with one another. We are very thankful that the Lord has strengthened us through this year, and look forward to many more years together.

"Happy Birthday"

Today we celebrated Chris' dads birthday. His parents came over for a yummy stir fry created by Chris, followed by a chocolate pie sort of thing. Instead of putting it in a pie tin, I put it in martinee glasses....it was yummmy, and will have to make it again sometime soon. We all wore hats (even Benji) and played with the balloons. It was a really nice night. Later we played the Game of Life Twist and Turns, which Chris one by a landslide. I dont think we will be playing that game anytime soon, as we have played it way too many times. As usual, Benji was the highlight of the night. However, he has a slight limp in his right front paw which is concerning us all. He may have to go to the vets in the morning if it doesnt get any better.

Tired...

Chris and I are leaving on our holiday next Friday, after a stop over at his parents house to drop of Benji Bunny. We are really excited for our holiday, and cant wait!!! I think we are both just exhausted and in need of a break. I cant wait to go to Greece, as I have never been. Up until next week, we are having a few friends over for dinner on various nights, and have a small celebration for Chris' dads birthday. It will be a busy next couple of days. Hopefully we will be able to get some rest so that we arent too tired for our trip.

Craigside

Today Chris and I went on a day trip to Craigside. It is a beautiful home near Morpeth in Northumberland, dating back to the 1800's. We had a nice time exploring the grounds, gardens, and of course the house. We started off with some tea and scones, as it started to rain as soon as we got there (typical British weather). I had a cream tea, which I absolutely love. For those of you who dont know what that is, its a scone with jam and cream on it. Yum Yum. Chris had a chease scone with coffee. After the rain stopped, chris and I took off down the winding paths to the formal gardens. They were beautiful, with a lovely rock garden. We sat by a fountain and enjoyed a picnic lunch of homemade hummus and chili sauce wraps, which I made earlier that morning. We then took off towards the main house. It was huge, and had loads of different rooms you could explore and read about the different things which happened there. After that we took off for home. When we arrived back at our house, we discovered that Benji wasnt too impressed with us leaving him for the day and had decided to tear up a piece of carpet in the office. what a naughty bunny! Chris and I wanted to do a bit more walking and so we ventured off to the Jesmond Dene for an hour, which was lovely. After that, we needed a rest before dinner, so we sat outside in the garden with Benji for a cup of tea. What a lovely day it was!

The Game of Life

Tonight Dr. Elleanor came over to play the game of life. Chris and I purchased this new game, Twist and Turns, and were very excited to play it. Elle loves to play board games, so we thought she would enjoy hanging out with us. Chris won and I came in last. I couldnt help but wonder when playing a board game turned into a fun night for me. But hey, if this is what getting old is like, then Im looking forward to it.

Today

Today I spent most of the morning in the back garden with Benji. He posed for a few photos which were super cute. It was such a sunny, warm day here in Newcastle. I did the laundry, baked some yummy chocolate cookies (because Matt was coming over to hang out with Chris tonight), and prepared dinner. I decided to take Benji with me to work, which was sortof a disaster. I dont think he liked it very much. By the time we got home from seeing one of my service users, it was pouring down rain! So I prepared dinner and waited for Chris to come home. I cant wait for another nice day tomorrow with Benji.

Settlers night

Tonight Chris and I went to Elleanors for dinner and to play settlers of Catan. It was an intense game, as all three of us were into it. In the end Chris won. We are so glad to have Elleanor part of our family. She is such a lovely friend! And she makes amazing chicken mexican soup!!!

waiting till he comes home...

Today is one of those days that I cant wait for Chris to come home. I have had a nice day relaxing with Benji. I went to work for a few hours, then came home and took Benji out to the garden. Becci came over for a bit, and we watched Miss Potter and ate pancakes. Now I sit here waiting for Chris. Dinner is in the oven, and I cant help but feel a bit excited by the fact that in 30 minutes he will come through the door. I think Benji and I will go back out to the garden and wait for him there...

Ross and Sallys Wedding

Today Chris and I went to Ross and Sallys wedding. It was at a beautiful castle, called Loumley Castle. I had never been to a wedding in an actual castle, which was very extravagant. Everyone seemed to have a great time. Chris was Ross' best man, and so he gave a very funny speech. I was proud of him = ). I think the best part of the entire day was taking a stroll around the castle grounds with Chris, and having drinks in the courtyard. When we got home, which was rather late, little Benji was so excited to see us. He really gets lonely when we are away.

A nice day out

Yesterday Chris, Benji and I all headed down to bishop Auckland for a bbq at Chris' parents house. Benji had the best time skipping around the yard. It was his first day outside on the grass, which i was afraid about. But he was great and loved it! The food prepared by Chris' mom and dad was amazing. However, as you can see, it took two Parrys to season the chicken. All in all we had a wonderful day!

A great weekend

Chris and I ventured to Congelton near Manchester with Steph and Simon this weekend. We had such a great time getting to know them both as a couple better. On Friday night we all sat around and chatted wtih Stephs close friends from the area. Then on Saturday we woke up and went to a carnival in the town. Steph and I went on a really fast ride, which was a bit scary. Later that day Stephs mom threw a reception in honor of Steph and Simon, where Steph put on her wedding dress again. All her friends and family came to the event, and there even was a guitarist. We had such a lovely time...we were sad to come back to Newcastle on Sunday. Becci watched the bunny all weekend, which she enjoyed. When we got back, she had prepared a lovely sunday roast for us.