The most joyful time of year is upon us once again. A time to reconnect to those we hold so dear. A time of reflection as another year comes to an end. If we have to sum up this year in one word, besides GRATITUDE for all the blessings, the defining word would have to be...RENEWED.

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength...-Isaiah 40:31

Renewed strength from the Lord allowed us to accomplish major things this year. We sold our home in Sloan Way (despite the slow market), renovated and moved back to our rental property in Ojai Loop, and purchased a property in Pismo Beach. These accomplished tasks did not come about without much needed Divine guidance.

The year started in a state of financial instability. A difficulty that later on manifested itself as a blessing. This state allowed us to redefine what is important to us. It allowed us to embark on a spiritual journey. There were no major travels this year (except for visits to Pismo Beach, trip to Disneyland in May and trips to Lake Tahoe). But the journey we took surpasses all and is far more uplifting than any other journey. This journey enabled us to redefine what truly matters.

In redefining what is important to us, we decided to relocate to Pismo Beach where Phil presently resides. He commutes approx. 15 minutes to Cal Poly in his sporty Toyota Scion TC. He continues to be in the dean’s list in his second year in Computer Engineering. Immanuel will remain in Union City with dad and finish senior year at James Logan High. He is actively involved in the youth group at St. Paul’s where he met his girlfriend, Krystal, this same time last year. He also discovered a passion for dancing. Ian will continue freshman year at Arroyo Grande High School while Isabella continues 2nd grade at Shell Beach Elementary, beginning January 8, 2007, when our actual relocation occurs.

Russ spent part of the year contracting for the American Express account for IBM, traveling to Phoenix, Toronto, and Sydney, Australia. He is now fully engaged locally for BEA Systems as his company (Lema Phillips Inc.) also has five full-time employees consulting at Cisco Systems. After sitting on the bench most of 2005, his business has also been renewed and shows signs of thriving growth.

Russ adds that Imelda continues to demonstrate the inner strength and resolution that forms the backbone of the family's closeness.

Our family’s closeness is a blessing indeed that we are most grateful for and truly matters to us.
May your family be blessed with closeness, health, and contentment. And most of all may you be RENEWED.