Our Holiday Newsletter

In lieu of sending a lengthy holiday newsletter in the mail this is our online re-cap of 2009. This year has been quite eventful. Here are 10 things that made this year memorable.

1. In February we moved into our house that we built. Not quite with his own two hands, Erin put his blood and sweat into our house and it turned out quite well. We have been very comfortable our Midlothian house. Friendly neighborhood, bright, safe, private, and beautiful. What more could we ask for?

2. Erin got accepted into graduate school. Because of the dismal economy we have had a career detour. It seemed like the right time for Erin to go to graduate school. He applied for and was accepted to Virginia Tech's Professional MBA program. He has classes one weekend a month and he is loving it! He is even considering a PhD (we'll see).

3. Alex turned 3. This is memorable because it is "tyrannical three." Despite being three, he is a sweet, imaginative and clever boy. In August he had a Diego birthday party. Lots of fun! He loves to pretend to be a fireman or policeman. He is always busy.

4. Quinn had his surgery. In September Quinn had surgery to repair the cleft in his palate (the hole in the roof of his mouth). Ear tubes were also inserted into his eardrums. The surgery went well. As soon as we got home he started to feel much better. After about two weeks he was back to his happy, bouncy self. Hopefully this will be his first and last surgery.

5. In the summer we took a trip to Utah and Colorado. Normally Erin doesn't come with the kids and I to Utah in the summer, but this year he did. We spent time with my family and friends in Salt Lake and Moab. We also took a side to to Denver to visit some of Erin's relatives. We had a lovely time staying with Erin's grandparents.

6. Quinn turned one! Our little baby is growing up. People are always commenting on what a happy baby he is. All I can say is that is how God sent him. Contented, cheerful and smiley. He loves to play peekaboo and throw balls.

7. Potty Party! This summer we embarked on our serious attempt to potty train Alex. It took time and lots of effort but I can confidently say that he is fully potty-trained. No pull-ups or diapers. No bed wetting and very few accidents. (Can you see my pleased and proud face as I write this?)

8. New Hobbies (aka new mini-obsessions). Here are some of my new hobbies: reading food blogs, reading crafting blogs, food storage, starting a small business, making cards, and making money stretch. Whew... that actually sounds like a lot. I don't actually do them all at once.

9. Gratitude for our challenges. Even with all the wonderful things that have happened, this year will also be remembered for its challenges. We have felt the refiner's fire this year, testing our faith and patience.

10. Gratitude for miracles. The miracles this year are abundant, both obvious and hidden. Prayers are answered. Maybe not in the time-frame we are wanting, but they do get answered. We are grateful for the miracles and angels on earth that make our lives much brighter.

If you have had the patience to read this whole post, thanks. We wish all of our friends and family and a joyful and bright Christmas and a new year abundant with blessings.