Tammy, my award-winning sweetheart!!!
Annual Christmas Quiz...
John, Winner of the Quiz...and his prize!
Kristy and Candy...Tied for 2nd Place!
Intense ping-pong games...
Check out Eric's competitive form!!
Jonathan & Myric
Bride & Groom and part of the Andreasen Clan
December is one of the great months of the year. This one is no exception. Plus, it has been highlighted with several great moments thus far as well.
First of all, I am very proud of my awesome wife Tammy! On December 2nd she was presented with the
Professional of the Year Award by the Arc of Bartholomew County. The Professional of the Year Award is presented to an individual employed in the field of serving individuals with developmental disabilities and whose work has resulted in improvement in supports and services for people with disabilities and their families. Tammy was honored for positively influencing the attitudes and thinking of other professionals as well as the general public.
My wife is the Autism Coordinator Assistant for BCSC and has worked in this position for the past 3 years. These comments were included by the staff and students that Tammy works with and was included in the presentation of the award:
- She was described as "an amazing individual. She truly implements person-centered supports to achieve the most inclusive outcome possible for all BCSC students she works with."
- "The students call her Mrs. A and smile every single time they see her."
- "Tammy can think and act on the spot like nobody you have ever seen...the hours spent on planning are endless, but she NEVER complains...her ability to remain calm in all situations is invaluable."
- "Tammy's professionalism rises above all issues...she inspires me to want to be better at my job and to be a better person!"
As you probably have already guessed, I married "up" when I married Tammy back in August of 1987. She is one of a kind and I am so happy to be her husband...even after 22+ years!!
I love you babe!December is also the month Tammy and I host my
"Staff & Board Christmas Party." This past Friday night we welcomed all of our staff members and their spouses, plus our board members and their wives too! What a wonderful night we enjoyed together! There was awesome food, lots of laughter, great times of fellowship, loads of fun with my annual Christmas games, plus the Annual Pastor's Scavenger Hunt (you gotta ask who won this year!)...and Tammy's custom-created gift for every member too.
Since we've recently finished our basement off it was also great to enjoy some competitive ping pong games as well (and no, I wasn't on the winning doubles team either...you'll have to ask who won that too!). I'm blessed to have some great leaders working with me. Only 12 more months until we host the next Christmas Party...
Lastly, we just returned from attending our nephew's wedding in Lincoln, Illinois. This is the first wedding on the Andreasen side for one of the grandkids. Jonathan is the oldest Andreasen child and he married Myric this past Saturday @ 4 pm. My mother was escorted down to the front pew for her first "grandmother's seating"...many more will follow, I'm sure!
Another special moment was to sit next to one of "my boys" in church this morning. No, I'm not referring to Devon...even though it was a special joy to sit with him and my family today. As a pastor it is a rarity to be sitting in the congregation instead of preaching behind the pulpit.
I miss only a few Sunday's every year. But one of "my boys" is Ethan Jones who is attending college there in Lincoln and attends Faith Assembly where my brother pastors. Ethan was 7 years old when I left the pastorate in St. Elmo, Illinois (now he is 20 years old!). He and my oldest son Jordon were buddies there growing up when we lived and served in that community. Great to see him and learn that he is adjusting well to the college life.
There are several more "special moments" to finish out this month and this year of 2009. Hope to share many of them with you!
Love to all!
Author and Pastor, Mark Batterson
