As we celebrate this special season, we think about you, our friends and family! We pray that this Christmas letter finds you in good health and enjoying the wonderful Christmas season. Here's the update on us:)
Speaking of seasons, Brian has had a busy season at our local Community College this year. He is serving in a new role as Interim Dean of Academic Affairs. He continues to fulfill some of the duties of his previous position, Director of Student Services, and to teach online Humanities classes. He is still enjoys spending a little of his free time trying to “tame” our property—four acres that surround our one and a half year old home. He also earned “father of the year” by hosting a paintball party in our backyard for Chris’ 8th birthday… truly a brave dad:)
Kelly has been busy home schooling the kids, staying active in the local home school group, and participating in a ladies Bible study. At church, she can be found in the classroom with Nate or filling in for other teachers (which is something she enjoys!). At night she is usually found hunting for activities for the kids (for future lessons), finding good deals to help fill the cupboard and bookshelves, or instructing online classes.
The kids have stayed busy, too!! All love their Sunday School and RA/GA classes with their teachers and friends at church. Anna, Chris, and Lydia also played soccer on the same team this fall—very convenient and exciting! They are excelling at school work, too, studying all sorts of world history topics, science, and becoming good little readers and writers! When school is not in session, they have an interest in all things LEGO and being outside or with friends!
Anna (9) began taking piano lessons this year and cares for her super sweet rabbit, Mr. Darcy. Chris (8) continues to love anything art related, and for his birthday he received paintball guns and an archery set which are now hobbies. Lydia (6), our bookworm, desires to begin horseback riding this year and can be found outside climbing through the woods or helping Kelly in the gardens. Nate (3) is our resident mischief maker but can proudly write his name, recite the ABCs and John 3:16! He loves the outdoors and candy! And Jack, our dog, continues to add to the craziness of the house with his puppy antics and desire to be in the middle of everything!
During the 1st half of the year we spent a lot of time traveling to spend time with Pey before he passed away with cancer in April. It was a bittersweet time knowing that soon he was going to leave us but sweet in that we had lots of precious moments with him before that time came. We miss him dearly.
In July, we took a memorable road trip to Mississippi and the Space & Rocket Center in Alabama with Grandma and Grandaddy! The kids were able to meet Grandma’s extended family, to see where Grandma grew up, and to see the places Brian visited as a child! We had a wonderful field trip in that rented 12 passenger van. (It was nine hours—one way!) The kids were making plans to go back to MS as soon as we left!
We look back on our year with gratefulness as we have seen God’s goodness and mercy during all of the good and hard times. And as we enjoy this Christmas season, we are thankful for the greatest gift of Jesus, our Savior.
I bring you good news of great joy
which will be for all the people;
for today in the city of David
there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
Brian, Kelly, Anna, Chris, Lydia, Nate
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