Christmas 2010

December 2010
Our Dear Friends & Family,

Merry, Merry Christmas!! What a joyful year this has been…Matty said to us a couple days ago, “Mommy, why does it seem like the months are going by faster now?” She’s only 6 and is already realizing this?! It’s so true. All the more reason and drive for us to live out each day to the fullest measure of what God has for us.

The latest news….We moved from Klamath Falls to Seattle (Tacoma) back in late August for one reason: the children. Over the last 6 ½ years that Chris has worked for the railroad, this time of year has always been the most difficult because he leaves us for a few months at a time due to slow traffic in Klamath. We learned just how heavily this wore on Matty as she lay in our bed crying one July evening because Daddy would be leaving in the morning. It was at that very point we decided to drop everything and move. Chris resolved that it was unacceptable to ‘raise’ his children in this way. We rented our home to some dear friends and moved. To say the least, we made many sacrifices in order to move us up here for the sake and health of our family…and we seriously cannot even begin to explain to you how much God has changed us in the last few months of us being here. Miraculous and wonderful.

The latest, latest news…we had a baby! Jonathan David was birthed at our home on October 19 at 7AM. He was a planned homebirth and came right on his due date, 8lbs 4oz. He has already added flavor to our family of women and is Daddy’s favorite little man (he can say that as long as he’s the only boy!).

In March…with Shawna 3 months pregnant, we flew to Ethiopia, Africa! After 1 ½ yrs of paperwork (and $25,000 later), we picked up our 22-month African beauty who we named Joy. Thus…we doubled our children in less than 9 months! “Cocoa-Bear”, as we like to call her, is now 2 1/2 and has proven to be remarkably intelligent. She has an amazing memory and is also the most snuggly child with an empathetic, warm heart that diffuses any pain or sadness. She eagerly looks forward to tea time with Mommy. Her favorite thing to do besides eating is coloring.

Katie, our 4yr old hippy rebel, is enjoying kindergarten with who she calls “Teacher Mommy”. She writes all her letters and numbers very well and can spell her name as well as her sisters’ names. She’s also reading sight words and always insists “Mommy, Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit, all three together are God”. Hey, she has her theology nailed down! She is a most eccentric, appreciative and sharing child, even though she’s the most vicious and short-fused!

Mataya, our disciplined, meticulous, and studious girl will be turning 7 in January (yikes) and is excelling in 3rd grade. When mommy’s busy, she takes it upon herself to teach Katie her schoolwork. She’s a huge help for Mommy, as are all our girls. A week ago, she lost her two front teeth and has the cutest smile with her gap. When she’s not doing school or playing violin, you’re guaranteed to find her either reading a chapter book or writing to one of her 13 (!) pen pals. Her and Katie are still attending Awana at a local church and we are still in search for our church home.

Shawna adores being devoted to the home and four children each God-given, grace-filled day. Chris joyfully provides for us from his office on the rails controlling the BNSF locomotive delivering yesterday’s freight tomorrow. Though we are all thriving and rejoicing in all our many blessings, we miss our friends and family ‘back home’ in Klamath. It’s our hope that someday we will return.

“For unto us is born this day in the City of David, a SAVIOR who is CHRIST THE LORD!!!” Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas!