December 19, 2011
Dear Family and Friends,
| M |
erry Christmas! We hope that this letter finds you well and looking forward to a wonderful holiday season! Madeline remembered the excitement of Christmas but for Joseph, this is all new and wonderful. It is so fun to watch our kids eagerly wait for Christmas day.
This year has been a rollercoaster of events. The year started out calm and it seemed as though things were falling in to place for us. Matthew was enjoying his job and became a deacon at our church. He and I both teach a Sunday school class. At church also, he is in the men’s ensemble (and choir) and I am in the ladies ensemble. Madeline was happy in her class at preschool and Joseph was turning 2. Things were good.
Then we took a turn in another direction. As many of you know, Matthew was let go from his job at the end of July. It was hard to take at first being that Matthew loves to work and that he loved where he was working. As with any heartache, time heals and you have to move on. Unfortunately, it is a very slow job market right now, but we have not let that stop us. Along with actively looking for another job, Matthew and I have had 3 yard sales, sold things on Craigslist and EBay, and have made cornhole games to sell; all to try to fill in the gaps where unemployment doesn’t. Matthew started his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree at Midway College. I also decided to go back to college to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship (at Midway College online). Also, since Matthew is such a work-o-holic, he thought it would be best to stay busy volunteering at our church’s Christian school by teaching World Geography, Math, and Science to the High School. It seems as though our schedule is busier now than before. God has been so good to us. We have had so many people encourage us through this. Our main concern is our health. Things are too tight to cover any healthcare premiums, so please pray for God’s protection and please pray that a job opportunity will quickly present itself.
Madeline is already 5 years old. She has lost that toddler look and has grown into a beautiful young lady. I cannot believe how quickly time as flown. We are currently looking at schools for her to attend next year for kindergarten. She was blessed to have a great preschool the last two years and we are sad that PK-4 is the last year they offer. The thing I hear most from other parents of children who are in her class is “I have heard so much about Madeline from [such and so].” She is very social and loves her friends. Her interests right now tend to be art and crafts. She is such a good sister to Joseph and seems to enjoy teaching him new things.
Speaking of Joseph, he is 2 years old now. He looks just as handsome as his daddy but is as stubborn as him too. HA! It is amazing how well he gets along with Madeline and he will often say that he misses her as soon as I drop her off at preschool. He loves the movie Cars 2 and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story. He likes matchbox cars and Thomas the Train. I have never seen him get as excited as he has seeing outside Christmas lights this year. He will go on and on about them. When he is on point, he is quite a charmer.
The thing that has gotten us through this year is our faith in Jesus Christ. There have been so many times that we could have been so depressed and just given up hope, but our faith has given us a reason to keep going and a peace that it will all be ok. Our hope for you and your family is that you know Christ as your Savior. He offers everlasting life to those who will accept Him. Romans 3:23. Romans 6:23. Romans 5:8. I John 1:9. Romans 10:9-13.
We love you all so much! Have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
When I reflect on 2011, I have found that God has proved Himself to do what He has promised. He commands us to do our part and He will take care of His part. God has came through for us.I pray that 2012 brings many bright beginnings for you and your family. I hope He will do the same for us. And if not, we will keep trusting God, doing our part, and keep on going.
Best wishes in 2012
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