It has been a crazy last couple months and we hope that your holidays were as crazy and fun as ours was. In this blog, I am putting our family newsletter for those that would like to read it. I will follow the blog a little later with our adventure to Michigan to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Hope you enjoy it:
Merry Chirstmas!
What is Christmas to you? Is it the tree, lights, maybe
the Christmas music in the stores or in your home? What does this mean for you?
For our family, Christmas means a time of giving and
sharing and celebrating the birth of Jesus. It's not the gifts or Santa that
brings cheer, its knowing that you can give a little more and spend more time
doing the things that bring you together as a family. Sure! This should be done
all year round, but in reality, our lives are too busy, our schedules too full,
and our days too short we tend to miss out on the things that matter. So why
not take this Christmas and the Christmas' to come to share it with the people
you love and care about? Make the holidays shine with the joy that God gave
each one of us. Have a Merry Christmas from our little family to yours.
New Home!
As many of you know our little home on Sweetgrass was just
that, little. With two growing girls and not a lot of storage space, we needed
a bigger place to live. In May of this year we moved into our new home on AA
Deakins. We have been so blessed to be able to move into a bigger space with
additional room to grow. We plan on finishing the basement sometime next year,
which will add an additional family room, full bath, and bedroom. Plenty of
room for guests, so come by and visit us sometime.
Blessings
Our family has been blessed with so many things, nothing
can compare to the blessings we have with friends. Throughout our trials and
celebrations there has always been a friend by our side encouraging us,
strengthening us, or laughing with us.
Without these people, our lives would be incomplete. These people are
special blessings given to us as a gift from God to make this world a little
better. Thank you to all of our friends. You mean the world to us and we wish
you a blessed Christmas.
Christmas Spirit
Do you remember when you were a kid? What was Christmas
like for you? This year we made a couple traditions.
1) A train around the tree.
2) Picking out a real Christmas tree. (Tree in picture is not actual size of family
tree.)
Adventures with J&O
It has been another amazing year with our identical twin
girls, Juliana and Olivia. They are growing quickly and have just recently
turned 32 months (2 1/2 years + 2 months.) As everyday passes they are talking
more, moving more and absorbing everything.
While Daddy is at work, Mama and the girls spend lots of
time together, playing, learning, cooking, and shopping, which all little girls
should learn to do. Some of the girls favorite things to do are: eat, cook with
Mama, play with puzzles, trains, and buckles.
Our world would not be this fulfilled without our angels.
They have brought us so much joy and love. What a true blessing they are.
We tell our girls how much we love them several times out
of the day. It is really amazing to see how this transfers back to us when we
least expect it. A kiss, a hug, an "I Love You", lets us know what
real love is.
What's Going On?!
While Jenn enjoys staying home with the girls, she has
also started her running up again. As of 4 months ago, she started running with
Juliana and Olivia. The family just did their first 5K race together this
December. In May/June of 2013, Jenn will begin to train for her first classic
triathlon (1/2 mile swim, 18 mile bike, and 4 mile run.)
Mike is doing well as a Financial Representative for
Northwestern Mutual. His business has kept him active in the community. He just
recently hired on staff to help him continue to be productive and was also featured
in the Columns business magazine for his success with Northwestern. He enjoys
working closely with his clients and their families.
Remembrances
This is the time of year that brings great happiness, but
a sadness too as we miss those that are no longer here with us. Jenn's mom was
a special part of our lives and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
As every Christmas, our tree is decorated in angels in memory of her. Please
take time in your busy lives to think about those that have passed away, but
remain in our hearts. Remember how they made a difference and hold on to those
memories this holiday season.