More often than not, people are so kind to us.  We have experienced more generosity and kindness from a greater percentage of people than most.  Most times, we never get a chance to be as generous back.  We usually say a heartfelt, blown away "Thank you!" and that's about as good as we can do.  This year, that will be different.  We can feel it.  We get to start with Abigail Maynard.

Here's why we should be thankful to her….since she was a pre-teen, she has been giving us her time, love and help.  She is gifted with children and her parents would lend her to us for weeks at a time, to serve us.  She gave us her spring breaks.  She toured with us in an overpacked minivan.  She held, fed and rocked babies for countless hours.  She played toys and played toys and played toys.
  She stayed home when we played out.  She came out one Thanksgiving to help us pack up and move out of our home.  She spent a good portion of her teen years giving to us and living with us. (She is, BTW, one of 3 Maynard girls that have given to us this way – how did we score this?!)

Even though we are in denial about it, Abigail is all grown up.  She has been singing and writing songs for a few years now and has rapidly progressed as an artist.  We have been listening to her for the last couple of years and wanting to encourage her.  We love her voice and writing and believe in her abilities.

Finally, we have a chance!  She is here with us in the snowy woods for about 10 days to record her debut cd. 
We want you to get a chance to hear her so check this one out…g.l.u.e.  Thank you Abby and we are so excited to see you launched!  We'll keep you updated on Abby's cd release date.

On a sadder note, we have walked with close friends through some serious grief in the last weeks.  Our friends, Tony Vilgiate and Joy Oram lost their mother, Carol DePasquale after about a year long battle with a brain tumor and surgery repercussions.  Carol was Elliott's Cubbies teacher at AWANA's.  She also reached out to Michelle is a really personal way when Michelle's mom was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of summers ago.  Carol invited Michelle over to spend some time with her, since she had been through breast cancer recently.  She gave Michelle peace of mind and heart as she explained the whole process and reassured her that is wouldn't be nearly as scary as Michelle thought. That visit was a gift.  We lost Carol on New Year's Day.  The memorial was one of the hardest events we have ever sung at, but it pushed our hearts towards our own families with new attention and love.  Tony, Christina, Joy, Ben, Timmy, Dominick, Christopher, Lily, Alex & Steve, we honor your Carol and pray for your grieving hearts.