Mary Jo and Molly have wanted a Maltese dog for some time and a new pet store "Puppy Lovin" just opened up down the street so I went out and suprised them and splurged and got them Frankie a 3lb girl..

Molly was estatic to say the least..

What a wonderful day!

Last night Mary Jo emailed me a picture of our dog Saddie taken on Christmas morning in front of the tree.

Just wanted to say thanks to God for the little things in life. Saddie was a welcome addition to our family some 3 years ago just before Christmas and she has proved to be a very faithful companion.

She generally listens. is quick to learn. After recently watching the movie "The Shooter" and seeing his dog go up, open the fridge, get him a beer and deliver it to him, I thought wow that is cool.

Being that I don’t drink beer, I wondered if Saddie might learn to fetch the morning paper which might be nice on those cold mornings.. So, I began training her about 5 days ago and she is starting to get it. She actually delivered the paper right to Mary Jo on the couch yesterday.

Oddly enough she has been a source of comfort and joy in good times and in bad.

Have a wonderful Friday!

It seems we really do have a great deal to be thankful for.

While 2007 has been one of the most challenging years in our life, it will also be looked upon as a great year of victories for God being at work in our life, protecting us, guiding us, and giving us many reasons to be thankful.

AS I write this I am about to hit the road back to Jacksonville from my parents house. We had a very typical Jaffe thanksgiving.

On the way down, MJ, the kids and I tried to goto Universal Studios for the completion of our annual pass. Last year we came and the park was fairly empty and we hit ride after ride. This year, it was packed and we actually didn’t go on even a single ride. On our way in 2 families were litterally getting in a fist fight. I wondered what could someone get in a fight about before even entering universal, but I am thankful it wasn’t us. We had a great lunch together and walked 1 circle around the park and got back on the road to my mom and dads.

We had some wonderful CHinese food and sat around the tv watching movies.

On thanksgiving morning, my dad, my brother and I got up and went out for a morning of Free Golf on the private course here where mom and dad live. I had an absolute terrible round with moments of hope intersperrsed. But I came away with the notion that it was great to hang around family and the truth that even a bad day of golf is much better than any day of work.

We got back and watched some football  and took a much needed nap as MJ and my mom toiled over what would become a wonderful thanksgiving feast.

Family began arriving around 3pm and it was awesome to be re-united with my sister, her family, my uncle who is 1 year older than I am and his 2 lovely children. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting and the coolest part was there was -0- drama which is pretty good for our family!

we woke up this morning after sleeping in till 8am.. I probably am 5 pounds heavier and looking forward to being home and seeing our church family.

Tonight I am off to a rehersal dinner for Kyle Callahan and Amy Fiber whom I will have the privelage of marrying tomorrow afternoon.

So I am thankful for the little things and reminded of the importance of family.

Well, it’s about time to hit I-95 north at which time I hope I don’t quickly lose my thankfulness as we refill the gas pump and begin to flow into holiday traffic.

Ahh you might have noticed – no Black Friday holiday shopping for us. It’s not in our DNA!

MJ – I love you!

What is a normal life? I don’t know if I have seen one yet.

The words of James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy..

Well as most of you know 2007 hasn’t necessarily been the best year on record for the Jaffe’s. but can I tell you, I am more filled with faith and joy than I have been in a long time.

The church has stepped up and come out. It has been amazing to see folks come deliver food, prayers, promises. Wow.. It is amazing to be a part of Journey Church.. We love you guys!

Holly took a great leap forward today as she got into a wheel chair for the very first time and was able to see her daughter for the first time since the accident. Mary Jo took Janna up to the hospital and was able to take Holly for a little stroll. Even got some coffee downstairs.

MJ’s mom headed back to North Carolina and Steve and Tammy are takign care of Janna..

So life is starting to return to some semblance of normalcy.

People have asked what do we need.. Prayer right now. Especially that Holly would be able to get into Brooks Rehab.. It is very important for her to get into a quality rehab soon.

– on a slightly different note –

Check out – http://bringinggabrielhome.blogspot.com/

and take action

Senators and Congressional Reps should be aware that our Department of State has urged the Guatemalan Congress to pass an adoption law which offers no plan for (1) funding adequately (2) child care (3) services to pregnant women and vulnerable children; and that the Guatemalan Congress will be discussing amendments on Tuesday Oct.9. The DOS should encourage amendments …which include a realistic funding plan, child care plan, and prenatal, natal and postnatal services as well as a realistic way for existing child care facilities to be able to care for the children in their care (funding).

Families should call and fax the Department of State directly to urge support for amendments which could make this law more functional, as well as advocate for a grandfather clause and a delayed date for the law taking effect, so that fewer children will be at risk.

Last night @ 6pm we received a call stating that Mary Jo’s sister Holly Wallace was in Shands Jacksonville. Needless to say we were shocked as she lives in South Florida. Aparently she was driving from Tallahassee back to South Florida through Jax the night before @ 6:30pm and got into an accident near 95 and 295.

She is paralyzed from the waist down and is set to undergo surgery today to stabilize her back to prevent additional damage. Mary Jo, Steve, and the entire family here in Jax are obviously in shock. Mary Jo’s mom is in route from North Carolina and should be here this evening around 10pm.

Holly’s youngest daughter Jenna age 3 arrived today with her husband.

Please be praying for the entire Wallace family during what is a very difficult time.

We will keep Bryan and Renee as well as Pam up todate on the status.

Pastor Bryan  – 514-8462