Annual Christmas Thingy

Dear _________________(fill in the blank),

This past year has flown by! It seems to go faster for every year I get older. Which IS every year, so I guess it evens out! (although....I don't think it's quite fair...)

Along the tradition of a light and airy Christmas letter, I submit this for your approval:

I don't know what to write.

I guess I could tell you about how it's been a roller coaster of a year. Let's start with the girls.

Hillary:
Excelling at being a mom. Reya is excelling at being an only child and being the boss. Jeremy (bless his heart) got Hillary a puppy for her birthday. Lily is quite the....um....let's just go with "Um".
Jeremy is going through the job corps program and Hillary is working part time at Target. I get to watch Reyasunshine. I am quickly teaching her the word "NO". She's a joy!

Emily:
Currently attending U of I for her second year. Dating a nice boy....we'll see how long. Has a pretty good friend at college. Said friend brought her fish home for Thanksgiving. I admire her dedication. Em continues to be an adventure in our lives....how boring life would be without her!

Chellsei:
Currently attending BSU. We are a divided house. (not really) AND...she's DATING! I know, I know! He's a great kid, one we've known for about ever. He really seems to honor her heart. C loves her classes at BSU and has decided to feature ASL prominently in her life, hoping she can use it on the mission field! My only complaint? I can't get a good picture of her and her other! Stay STILL, Chellsei!

Kaily:
A Senior! Holy Cow! We let her attend a "mainstream" high school this year because she has friends there. Currently, she is dating a sweet young man who just left a week ago for Air Force basic training. We're hoping to attend his graduation in January. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical school. We'll see what God's goals are.

Savannah:
Believe it or not, this 'punny' girl just became our 5th TEENAGER. She hit the big 13 in November. You'd think we'd have this all figured out. Nope, not at ALL. She excels in school and continues to be the student every teacher wishes they could clone. She enjoys the small charter school that her and Harley attend. Currently, she is all about the puns. What makes them so funny is her reaction to them! She has an infectious laugh and smile!

Harley:
Our sweet "Little Bit". She is officially a tween. She consistently tells other about God. I hope she never loses that, even if she loses friends. (which she has) She is such a sweet heart and I can't wait to see what God has in store for our girl!

Now, on to us grown ups:

Matty:
Went to school to become a CNA or CAP as they're called now. And he did it! He moved into his new position at the hospital in November. He has better days, better hours and of course, better pay. He seems to really enjoy it! He's good with people. I never could do that, I think I'm too mean!

Me:
Well. I've tried very hard this year to look on the bright side. It hasn't worked. There have been bright spots, but also some down right mucky parts. I'm praying hard to improve that about me. My grandpa passed away in August.....that was hard. Money has been tight, but our needs have been provided for. I just tend to forget. I'm working on my memory. All in all, it's been a good year.

Pets:

Whisper:
Um

Murphy:
Got hurt, nearly died. Better now, but is a grumpy old man dog.

The Others: (you know who you are)

What a blessing to be called Mom by other kids than my own. I've seen them grow up and can only hope that as they continue to get older they still come see me! I hope they remember the fun times here. We were even mentioned in a wedding toast this year....that was exciting! Numerous movie nights, dance parties and late night chats pepper this past year....what a joy!

I hope this letter finds you well. More than that, I hope it finds you in the midst of great adventure. I hope you remember what this season is truly about. Remember that He loves you, His grace is sufficient and He never lets go of your hand. Remember, He is the way , the truth and the life. There is no way but through Him. I may have had a hard time this year, but that's all on me. He is here, with me....holding tight. He loves me much.

Merry Christmas _______________________(fill in the blank) You are much loved by the King of Kings.