JillDiana

THANKSGIVING 2001

To our friends and family,

Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate those who make a difference in our lives. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for being you.

Throughout the ups and downs in our busy lives, you have all managed to check in on us, send us an email or give us a friendly call. We appreciate your love and concern.

The tragedy of September 11th has made us all realize the things that truly are important in life. This Thanksgiving, we'd like to share that with you. Thank you for making our lives special.

Blessings for a safe and healthy holiday.

Love,

Jason and Jill

Holiday 2002

"I find the greatest thing in this world not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port ... we must sail sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it, but we sail, and not drift, nor live at anchor." - O. W. Holmes -

Oh what a year it has been! We're writing to you from the southwest this holiday season . . . yippee kay ay, y'all! Our move to Oklahoma went smoothly last January.

In February we were married in a small ceremony in OK. We have been able to share our special day with our loved ones through pictures, but we still hope to have a vow renewal ceremony sometime in the future, so we can celebrate with the rest of our friends and family on the East Coast.

In April we purchased our first home. Although we miss the northeast, we are happy to have such a beautiful house with wonderful neighbors.

In May, our daughter was born. Arielle June was a beautiful little blue eyed, brown haired baby girl. She was fond of her daddy's music and her mommy's hair (grasp, tug, tug ). One day in June, Arielle fell asleep and never woke up. Her death has been classified as "natural causes". We are still quite heartbroken, but have reached the point of accepting her death and celebrating her life.

Jason began law school this past August. He is deep into studying, but emerges from his realm for the same activities we've always enjoyed, mainly skiing, tennis, and biking. We even throw the ball around a little with our duck, Maverick, who's gotten quite big since Jason bought her for a mother's day present.

Jill is now the director of a child development center and is working on writing the curriculum to focus on emotional and cognitive development, something the program did not have previously. Her center is across the street from the law school, which makes life much more convenient for these busy east coasters in a cowboy world.

As 2003 becomes visible on the horizon, we both hope to continue with the positive outlook we've adopted. Life may give us lemons, but we've learned to make lemon chiffon pie. We wish the same positive outlook to all those we love, and pray for a happy holiday season.

Love, Jason, Jill Chasse (and Arielle in heaven)

Holiday 2003

"Change has a considerable psychological impact on

the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening

because it means that things may get worse. To the

hopeful it is encouraging because things may get

better. To the confident it is inspiring because the

challenge exists to make things better."

-King Whitney Jr.

Welcome to another year, another adventure, other chance.

We have taken our relocation to another level this year and moved to Canada! This year abroad has been full of new and exciting experiences albeit chilly weather, even in the fall! We are learning French, rediscovering coffee, truly experiencing hockey, and counting our tooneys and looneys!

Jason finished his summer program at McGill and now has a new perspective on international law and commerce. Jill is still chipping away at her PhD program and headed to an International Perinatal Psychology Conference in California this December. We appreciate the support and love our friends and

family have given to us as we deal with the trials and tribulations of our own family. We are learning more about the world and each other as we are faced with miscellaneous ordeals and changes, but it continues to bring us closer, as we hope your cloudy days will do for you, and bring brighter and warmer

sunshine for the days ahead.

Love and blessings,

Jason and Jill Chasse

HOLIDAY 2004

Okay, we’ve made a full circle back to DC, - but not without worlds of experience and constructive peril. In March we left Montreal and started new jobs back in the fecund capital region. We miss the cafes and sunny terraces, but are happy to have strong career paths, voting rights and health insurance. We’re anxious to go back to visit friends this winter, including our good buddies Mont Tremblant and Mont Blanc.

With Jill’s ‘Birthing the Future’ conference in Taos this year, we have a February ski trip planned for New Mexico and Colorado. We know how to cram several states in one trip. After our 6 state 3 province trip last year, we’ve become road trip gurus.

We’re excited to announce the purchase of our new home in Maryland. Stay tuned for the housewarming party. No big lawn this time (our overused lawnmower and wheezing lungs thank us) but we do have a great porch . . . and a pool table (the sellers twisted our arms ). We also have an extra bedroom if anyone is so inclined to make a little trip to DC and be blessed with our smiling faces.

Our jobs have moved us to bigger ponds- Jason is now a program manager for NOAA. He’s leading a team and taking on some major projects. Jill’s is a lead program analyst and training coordinator for the US Postal Service. She’s also working on an internship with NICHD (NIH) in maternal/child health and neuropsychology.

Well, another year, another tear, another cheer. We wish you, our friends and family, love, happiness and understanding as we face the horizons ahead.

-Jason and Jill Chassé

“I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending.”

- Mister “Fred” Rogers