Greetings to friends and family from the Lovestead in North Idaho’s Selle Valley.

We hope this holiday season finds you staying above water, counting blessings and filled with hope that our national and world scene will improve. It’s been a tough year for everyone---family and friend losses, financial losses, employment losses, and, in some cases, home losses.

Hardly a situation to fill one’s heart with much “Ho, Ho, Ho.” Nonetheless, I’m sure we’ve all observed many, many reasons to be joyful in spite of the various challenges we face. In the midst of these personal calamities, we still witness ongoing acts of kindness, caring, thoughtfulness, generosity, and love, and for that we can feel a sense of gratitude. While supporting/applauding the efforts of those we love, those we know and even those we know only through images on TV or in the newspaper---we experience countless moments of exhilaration and joy.

Also, in spite of how we may neglect it at times, our planet Earth still reaps endless moments of appreciation within our souls, through magnificent sights, sounds and the sheer beauty of living things. Thankfully, all of the above remain invaluable and abundant in helping us sustain ourselves when times get tough. Our Love family enjoyed many moments of simple but meaningful sustenance this past year.

For Annie, a highlight was that last step up the mountain---Rainier, that is. After six months of training and general preparation, she summited Mount Rainier with a guided group of climbers around 6 a.m., Friday, July 25. The moment provided a lifetime thrill for Annie and especially for all who made the journey vicariously through her wonderful photographic and written documentation. Of course, when Mom and Dad Love saw the picture of the snowball she threw to us from the top, we were especially moved.

For Willie, one of his key moments honored his grandmother. He knows how much Grandma Tibbs loves the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Willie covered an event in Boise this summer recognizing Gonzaga coach Mark Few and his wife for their extensive humanitarian activities. A moment came when Willie could approach the coach, tell him about his grandmother’s love for the Zags and ask for a personal autograph. That moment has been reflected many times over as Grandma Tibbs shows off her framed Mark Few autograph to everyone entering her home.

For Debbie, a two-week trip to Ecuador and the Amazon jungle with a group of Girl Scouts left a lasting impact on the group of travelers and especially on all whom they visited within the country while volunteering in villages and immersing themselves in the culture. Both Willie and Debbie have also experienced many happy moments with Todd and Brooke, their Border Collies, whom we call the grandpuppies. The Boise Loves and their two dogs spent nearly a week in July with the Sandpoint Loves and their three dogs. A good time was had by all---dogs and humans. At this writing, Brooke is struggling with a case of juvenile cellulits/strangles, and we’re all keeping her in our prayers.

For Bill, memorable moments included conquering a few more peaks in the Selkirk Mountains, stashing and finding more geocaches, and researching more Humbird Lumber Co. history, including some old logging campsites. Oh yeah, he also brought home a rooster pheasant the day he and his forester buddy T.J. and T.J.’s dog Hildy roamed the grain fields near the Canadian border in search of birds. Through all seasons, Bill thrives on the peaceful, quiet work within his forest while dogs, always accompanying him, stare hopefully at noisy squirrels perched in limbs far above their reach.

My moments of joy came through my gardening and with goals set for horses. After a tough, long winter, my gardens and fruit trees yielded abundantly. In late spring, my horses went to school and then moved on to show rings where their education and beauty netted several thrilling moments in the winners’ circle. As always, daily joys on this lovely farm, with all its fun challenges, still cause me to pinch myself. And, of course, all who visited us at the Lovestead this past year added to our precious memories book.

Many of our most cherished moments of 2008 did not cost a cent---well, except maybe for all that gas---but their impact on us is invaluable and everlasting. As we struggle at times in the future, may we all be uplifted by the “little things” and unique moments that remind us that God’s grace always continues to brighten the darkness, and that all living things serve as instruments of his love. Merry Christmas, and may you have some wonderful “Ho, Ho, Ho” moments in 2009.

The Love Family

Bill, Marianne, Willie, Debbie, Annie, Lily, Lefty, Heather, Annie Dog, Kiwi, Kea, Todd, Brooke, Festus, Fuzzy Wuzzy, Licker, Lonesome Love and a whole lot of birds.