What a year! We aren't doing a Christmas card this year so I decided I'd do a little recap of our year, our kids and a few highlights of this past year with links to some of the memories I actually posted about throughout the year.
Our oldest was in her element this year, flying high as an aerial instructor (among other things) at a circus arts studio downtown. She has since shifted her employment this past month but continues her connection with her relationships and classes at the studio. I have seen this girl mature and grow and go through some really tough things as a 19-year-old. I've learned a lot from her as I've watched her navigate her waltz into adulthood. She dove in head-first and isn't stopping. She has so many hopes and dreams for this next season of her life.
Our next kiddo is still plugging along in his pursuit of a career in cinematography and videography. He has had some really cool opportunities this year and I've really seen him take initiative as he tries to figure out how his own tip-toe into adulting. He is also an avid gym bro and takes his fitness seriously.
Our middle kid began public high school this year and is LOVING it! I know she was nervous but she is rocking life right now. She works hard in school, she works hard to foster healthy relationships and she is really maturing into such a fun girl to be around.
Next up is our other high schooler. He is always on the go with soccer, cross country, friends, practical jokes and whatever else he can find to keep himself busy. He does have a sensitive side, but man he's funny.
Last but not least is our youngest. He is still at home with me plugging away at middle school. He has a little side hustle around our small town helping mostly elderly people and widows with some small tasks they need assistance with. He has used his money to pursue his love of hockey. He just passed his learn to skate prerequisite and is signed up for his learn to play class. It is the next step of his dream of actually being able to play on some kind of rec hockey team soon.
Josh and I are hanging in there with (nearly) 5 teenagers. We are trying to adjust to the unpredictability of life with kids who have their own plans and vehicles and agendas. Life looks SO different, but when we get those glimpses of our kids, truly happy, embracing their relationships as their greatest wealth, those moments when they aren't too afraid to fail forward and try new things or go in different directions, we feel so full.
Wow, we did a lot this year.
Josh and Jude went to Guatemala
Josh and I got to help lead worship at United
Our church, Seven Marks Church, released a couple new songs this year The Greatest Victory and No Shadow of Turning
Josh ran a trail marathon and Cai CUT HIS HAIR!
Rainy competed in her first aerial competition
Twenty Two years of marriage celebrated
A trip to visit our Global Partners in Honduras
Spartan Super with my boo
But the biggest memory of the year was our roadtrip to Colorado! You can follow this link and work your way through our trip. It was a BLAST!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope this season brings you closer to the peace and joy of our great God and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ.
