Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Merry Christmas 2011

photos taken by Billy Waller

We would like to wish each of you the merriest Christmas.  This year has flown by, as many of them do.  We rang in the new year in Nashville with my sister, brother-in-law, the Collier's, and the Loewen's.  A few weeks into January, and I ran my second half marathon with my sister-in-law.  We also celebrated (and hosted) Sam's grandmother's 80th birthday party.  We enjoyed the Florida winter and were very thankful that B began enjoying his time in the stroller. 

March came and we celebrated B's 1st birthday with our friends and family.  It was a blessing to host my sister, brother-in-law, and nephew during this time, but by week's end B had a raging ear infection, we had a flea infestation, and I was a major stress ball.

In April we celebrated B's first steps and took full advantage of the beautiful weather by spending several days at the beach.

May brought much sadness as I traveled to Kentucky to visit my grandmothers who were both in the hospital fighting for their lives.  Upon arriving home, I received the call that my paternal grandmother passed, so B and I were on a flight home the next day.  May (and the few months leading up) were some of the hardest times of my life, as my paternal grandmother did not have an easy passing.

June was hot, hot, hot, but we began spending our Friday night family dinners at the pool which was both entertaining and refreshing.  B really loves the water, as do his cousins.

July was another month of heartbreak as my maternal grandmother went to be with Jesus.  We traveled to Kentucky to celebrate her life.  It was wonderful to see my family again, but not under these circumstances.

August began with our Hilton Head vacation which was a much needed break for our family.  B loves the ocean, so it was fun to be able to go out and play each day.  The Goad's joined us for the second half of our vacation which was a lot of fun.

September brought some cooler weather, which is not normal for Florida, but welcomed.  

October brought another visit from my sister and her family.  This go around, everyone was well and we didn't have any crazy flea infestation.  We had a wonderful time at the beach, the aquarium, and the children's museum.  

November, we were on the road again to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family in Nashville.  It was great to have my immediate family under one roof for several days.  B really bonded with them and found a new love for Thomas the Train.  We ran the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning and cooked our first turkey.  We also celebrated the birth of our niece Kyrie!!!!!!

We are now in December, which began with Sam competing in the Tough Mudder with several friends.  We are staying in Florida for Christmas, which I am very excited about.  I am looking forward to seeing B's expression on Christmas morning.  

As the year comes to end, we focus on the reason for the season.......JESUS CHRIST and His entrance into a broken world.  The babe that transformed the world and gave His life that we might experience forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.  I pray the joy of Christ rests on you this season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

4 comments:

Mrs. England said...

You did some great things in 2011 with you cute family. Great idea to post your Christmas Card (btw it's so cute) and reflect. I'll copy;). Merry Christmas!

Ashley Sisk said...

What a year my friend - hope 2012 is just as awesome for you. Merry Christmas!

Our Little Bubble said...

beautiful family pictures! great post!! can't wait to join your 11 of 11 link-up fun :)

Unknown said...

Love your card! You know, it is too funny... I used to always write a Christmas letter, and now that we actually have exciting stuff to write about I don't do it anymore ;)