Christmas greetings from the family

"Yep it's that time again. I think someone must have cancelled a least 3 months in this year and didn't tell us. It just went by so fast.

Well as you know we recently moved back to 3 Kawaroa Close(by the sea) as it hadn't sold, and put 42 Shelter Grove on the market. It turns out that after 3-4 months on the market it also hasn't sold. We loved it down at Kawaroa Close but unless we engaged in some major extensions we couldn't cater for all the people we seem to have visiting and staying as well as special events(James & Michelle recent engagement party being the last), then Christmas day with some of the Butler clan, some of the Cummings(Nicki's side) and a number of friends who had no where else to go or just wanted to join us.

So here we are back at 42 Shelter Grove and ready for anything. Nicki will do a little interior painting at Kawaroa Close and that will be back on the market in Jan.

Thomas is off to Excel School of Performing Arts. He has been learning the bass guitar this year and we are proud to see him on stage at church playing in the band. He has been very involved in the media presentation at church on the sound desk in between. Thomas has taken a break from BB while concentrating on his bass lessons.

Andrew continues to grow as a young man of 18yrs on the 19th Dec. He and I played summer league Basketball together and his height 6' 2" is a certain advantage. He is currently working at a Cafe Bar in town as a waiter but is currently looking for a more permanent and more hours per week job. He still seems to always have a number of friends around home or he is out visiting them, skateboarding etc.

Evie has been in Auckland for a couple of years now and was working with JPNZ(Japanese to English interpretation Company) until recently. She is currently working on going out on her own and has her own website. She will also be home for Christmas bringing a couple of her friends.

Nicki continues to be a major family supporter and keeps the family ticking along, oiling the squeaky joints. She has a lot of energy for helping others and is always on the go. We have a 1600sqm section with 400spm home so 1200spm of lawns are mowed by Nicki as one of the jobs she enjoys. The boys occasional help out but only with Nick's permission. She has moved us(house) twice this year with a little help from the boys.

We have been enjoying church life back at citywestchurch(AOG) and have a Life Group on Wed's night each week in our home. Nicki is involved with the children's ministry as well as looking after our grand children.

Little Charlotte and new born Isaac keep Nathan & Nic busy but we enjoy their company when they need a break. We often have Ethan and Eli visit us on Sunday mornings when Justin is rostered on the music for the service, both boys getting big with Ethan just turning 7 and Eli is 4 1/2.

Uncle Ray continues to visit for tea on Thursday nights and play with me on his old 3/4 size slate top pool table. We bought it from him when we moved. He is a great character coming up 87yrs this year and still driving all over the country with his friend Alison.

Cassie is 12-13yrs old this year but continues to be a lively little dog, a hit with adults and children alike. She is always ready to greet guest with her tail wagging, waiting for them to sit down so she can hop onto their lap.

This year in business has been tough with all the changes in our industry as well as the financial state of the world but with God's help we will succeed and look forward to a prosperous new year. I am hoping for a change in direction to give me some time off this coming year do to a few things with Nicki. Later in the year we are joining with David & Lurline to ride a trail down south on our mountain bikes.

All our love and God bless.
Paul, Nicki, Thomas, Andrew"

I hope everyone has a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Things are getting a little chocca-block for me atm with Christmas productions at church (might upload some of the show for you), new years camping trips then Parachute and well after that I'm moving to Auckland, man this time of the year goes too fast...

Anyway I best be out and help get the house ready for the festivities tomorrow.

God bless
Merry Christmas
Thomas