Merry Christmas 2009

If I failed to get a Christmas card to you this year consider it delivered now. :)

2009 has been a year filled with adventure for us.

Gabe joined us just over a year ago.  As fast as time went with Elle, we find it hard to believe that it went ever faster with Gabe.  Kyle frequently refers to Gabe as our little MacGyver.  The kid gets in to everything and seems to create things from nothing.  Overall he’s a very happy child but is definitely a momma’s boy.  He’s showing signs of walking and occasionally says some words.  We’re loving having a little boy around the house and Gabe enjoys providing the chaos for our house as well.  He’s been struggling with a double ear infection and a small case of pneumonia for Christmas, but he’s having no problems keeping up with Elle.  Gabe has been a God-send amidst the chaos he provides.  There is something in his spirit that reminds us that God is watching over us and loves us.  Luke 1:19 “…I am Gabriel.  I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and tell you this good news.”

Elle continues to amaze us with stories of dinosaurs and crocodiles and buses.  If you attempt to make conversation with her, be sure to allow plenty of time.  She amazes us every day with her observations.  We have no doubt she will cause lots of trouble…but in a good way.  We can hardly believe she is going to be three in a month and a half.  She is growing so fast and she’s so tall!  Elle loves spending time at daycare with all her friends and couldn’t be happier that her little brother is there with her.  She loves watching old movies (Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Singing In The Rain and of course Shirley Temple movies) which Mom and Dad love!  The girl’s got a style all her own and that is exactly what we love about her.  We are thoroughly enjoying watching her grow in to this little girl and can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for her.  Proverbs 31:25 & 26 “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”

Eryn continues to work at Cigna and still enjoys the company.  She went back to school at Capella University this summer working towards a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration.  She started off part-time and then plunged in full-time a month or two later.  Eryn continues to dance with an adult company group at the Dance Xchange dancing hip-hop and jazz.  She is very grateful to be able to participate with this amazing group of ladies.

Kyle still works at New Concepts as an on-site property manager 10 minutes from home.  He participated in the fall football league with Bethany Church and came home sore and muddy many nights, but it was fun!  He continues to have an interest in Community Theater and is just waiting for the right show to steal him away from his family.  We of course, can’t wait to see him on stage again!

We FINALLY became members of Bethany Church after attending for almost FIVE YEARS!  We love Bethany and have no idea why it took so long for us to join.  Bethany is one of the few things keeping us here in Minnesota.  The weather is what makes us want to leave. J  In addition to becoming members we have started with the 3:14 group at Bethany.  The basis for 3:14 is Mark 3:14-15, “He appointed twelve-designating them apostles-that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.”  It’s a study that shows us the heart of Christ and what it means to be completely reliant on him.  Jesus is our Savior and we love pressing in to him more and more each day. 

We also found out that a family member was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer.  We ask that you pray for her and the family.  In honor of her diagnosis, Eryn will be walking in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in August 2010.  Your support would be greatly appreciated.

We are thankful for the reminders this time of year brings.  Reminders of a baby that came to give us life and reminders of family and friends that we hold dear.  We pray this Christmas season finds you in Christ’s hands and are so thankful to have you as part of our lives.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Kyle           Eryn            Elle 

     &     Gabe