Since I Can't Send a Card

What I really want to do is send each of you a Christmas card.  But, seeing as that might not sit well with your (and my) privacy issues, this post will have to do.

I love getting Christmas cards and Christmas letters.  We have been sending out a Christmas letter every year now (at least since Sam was born) and I treasure the extra copies I've kept.  A dear friend whom I used to work with told me that she has kept all her family Christmas letters since her (now adult) children were small.  She keeps them tucked away in the clear sleeves of a binder, handy at Christmastime to leaf through and reminisce over.

And, so, even though you all may be plumb sick and tired of reading about my life, I'm going to go out on a limb and publish our little Christmas letter right here.  Because I want to and because you all are a special kind of friends and family to me.

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2011

Dear Friends & Family,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! We hope that you and your family are well and enjoying this Advent season as we celebrate God coming down to earth through His Son, Jesus. This past year we've experienced the transition from academic life to the working world and we are thankful that the school-leg of the journey is complete.

In May, Jamey graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy. In an answer to prayer, he was hired on as staff pharmacist at a local hospital right after gradation. It's taken some getting used to his schedule as his shifts are different every day, but thankfully most are during the day with some evenings and every fourth weekend. He loves it and we are so thankful for that and the job itself!  God was with us on the four-year journey and we praise Him for taking such good care of us.

Sam is almost 9 years old and in the fourth grade at home. He's taking mandolin lessons from Jamey and he loves it. Sadie is almost 6 and is doing kindergarten at home. She lost her first tooth recently- the first when I pulled her sweatshirt off over her head. We can't believe she's old enough to be losing teeth! Miriam is two and a half and quite the character. This fall, she potty trained, stopped sucking her two fingers (two major hurdles!), and learned to climb out of her crib. Hence, I got a crib tent as an early Christmas present :-). Thankfully, when she can't get out, she takes great, long naps.

I spend most of the day doing school with the kids with laundry and meal prep in between. As taxing as it is some days, I wouldn't trade any of it. My extended family is blossoming as my parents expect their 11^th grandchild this July. The little people seem to be taking over!

We continue to pray for God's leading and guidance in our lives. It's not about us, it's about Him and we are excited to see how He will use us in the months and years ahead. May you experience His love and care this season.

With Love,

Jane & Family

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:12-13).

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I'm taking my usual Christmas break from blogging and will be back in a couple weeks.  I'll see you in the New Year! Pin It