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Dear Friends and Family,
2008 was yet another year of change and adventure for the
Groses.
Alex is now in 11th grade and his focus is still everything
computer. His junior year in high school is even better than
last year and he is looking forward to making the final move
to Seattle next year to once again be near family. He is driving
now and has yet to cause major traffic snarls nor has he been
on the news or police blotter so we are thankful.
Stephanie,
now 14, is flourishing in her teenage years. With many close
friends, a phone that gets daily voice and texting
workouts, and her own computer, she is the modern teenage poster
child. She is still playing piano, pulling down awesome grades
in school, and if I do say so myself, drop-dead gorgeous like
her mother so we couldn’t ask for more.
Carrie is holding down the fort and still volunteers for the
Semper Fi Fund (donated funds for injured Marines). She is
amazing; maintaining a house with two teenagers alone and missing
her deployed Marine, she keeps herself busy taking care of
a scattered family, both here and from afar.
Buster,
our dog, is still around, although getting a grey beard and
slowing down a bit. But aren’t we all? He still
thinks Carrie is his biological mother and follows her everywhere.
He celebrated his 8th birthday this year with a steak but since
he’s Buster, he didn’t remember it the next day.
In June, I deployed to Saudi Arabia for a year-long, unaccompanied
tour. I managed to come home for a month over Christmas and
New Year but will be returning for another 6 months at the
first of the year. After that, I will be retiring back up to
Seattle. The year has been a bit rough with all the stress
leading up to the deployment and then dealing with the separation
but with half of it over with, I only have another 6 months
to go. Carrie and the kids have handled it well and our love
as a family has sustained us through this trying period.
As
a family, we’ve only had half of it together. We
were able to keep in contact over the phone and email but I
think I speak for all of us when I say we are eager to have
this behind us. There’s nothing like a separation to
make you realize what family and America really means and how
valuable both really are.
We want to wish you happy holidays. Family and friends have
been such a vital part of our lives this past year and we are
indescribably thankful for all your support.
Merry
Christmas, Happy Holidays, and God Bless You all.
Love,
The Groses (http://www.grose.us)
Jason,
Carrie, Alex, Stephanie, and Buster
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