Hi all and welcome to version 2.012 of the Miller Christmas letter.
You may recall that last year we bought a new home due to our relocation to the Des Moines area. This year we undertook the project of finishing the basement. After some planning we decided to swallow our (i.e. Brian’s) pride and hire it out. With a 6 week estimate the dust started to fly and 6 months latter we wrapped the project up (blame the doors). We now have a wonderful new living area that we use to host movie nights or band rehearsals.
Since 2012 was the hottest year on record for Des Moines, we decided to beat the heat this summer and took a trip to Iceland and Greenland. While our friends and neighbors were back at home in 100˚+ degree weather we were enjoying 11˚ weather….that’s ˚C by the way. We got to experience lots of glaciers, waterfalls, lava, and magnificent scenery on our trip.
Living in the Des Moines metro provides for great fun. We have season tickets to the Civic Center and regularly attend performances. We enjoy the local restaurants, seeing what the farmer’s market has to offer, exploring local attractions, and enjoying the many trails.
We began attending Cornerstone Church of Ames about this time last year. This year we participated in the launch of Cornerstone Church of Ankeny. We’ve enjoyed being in on the ground floor and getting to know so many great people. Brian participates in the band, Jodi on the hospitality team, and we co-lead a small group with another couple.
This year John Deere celebrated its 175th anniversary. We both enjoy the roles we play for the company; Jodi as Project Manager for John Deere’s SAP (business software) group, and as a Manager of Supply Management for John Deere’s Des Moines Works.
Jodi had the opportunity to visit Singapore this year and visit a friend who is living there as an ex-pat. She enjoys volunteering her time for local charities as well.
Brian enjoys bike riding and drumming for Driven Existence. After playing some shows this summer the band has entered a reformation stage and is looking for new members as it begins to write music for the next album.
We hope that this letter finds you in good health and good spirits. Remember to take some time to pause in this season of hectic schedules to reflect and celebrate His birth!
Happy 2013!
Brian and Jodi
