So yet another year comes to a close. It’s hard to believe that time is going by so fast. On the other hand, because life is so full (in a good way), we have no regrets about missed opportunities or wasted time. Of course, it’s most difficult to be away from our families and friends back in the South. But, with plenty of visits (filled with plenty of snow!), we’re doing our best to maintain intimacy.
All three kids are now enrolled at our neighborhood school, which is pretty fun. Jason gets to walk them the four blocks every morning, and Meredith walks them home every afternoon! It seems not many people get to experience this simple pleasure, so we count it a huge gift. Cassie’s likely going to attend our neighborhood middle school next year as well, which is a bit further from home. But, we’ll likely ride bikes in the warmer weather, attempting to preserve that rootsy lifestyle.
Abbey’s turning into quite the imaginative and engaging storyteller. Here’s a clip from a recent dinnertime story. We’re trying to figure out how to bottle and keep this, if you have any ideas… Jayce is still functioning as “the mayor” of our block. We’re not certain that politics is in his future. But he’s a “man of the people,” for sure.
With the house quiet during the day, Meredith’s recently picked up more hours at her job, and is enjoying the adult interaction and contributing in significant ways. Jason’s also been doing some freelance writing and project management with a few organizations, and is considering ramping up those hours in the coming months.
In the past few weeks, the snow’s begun to fall, which means ski season’s around the corner. We’re expecting the kids will transition from “learners” to “skiers” this season, and hope they won’t mind waiting up for us from time to time… With Cassie turning 11 in a few months, we know the day’s coming when she’ll leave us in the dust. Of course, that’ll happen on the slopes. But it’s also beginning to take shape in life as well. Watching our kids become adolescents is exciting. Of course, we’ll miss their “kiddiness,” but we love being able to relate to them on a different, more mature level. God-willing, they’ll continue to appreciate spending time with us so we can learn and grow with them… We’ll see if we make the cut. 
A few months ago, we began our third small group here, and it’s been great. It’s a large group – around 18 – of very diverse people, both demographically and spiritually. That makes it tons of fun. In the first few months, we’ve been telling our stories, and serving in the community. We’re excited to continue connecting and learning with these neighbors and friends in the coming months.
For our second year in a row, we’re staying put for the holidays. Of course, we’ll miss visits with family and friends. But there’s something special to waking up in your own bed on Christmas morning, sipping coffee by the fire, reading Luke’s Christmas story, all while the kids consider their strategy for gift opening. (Though they’re required to pay attention to the biblical narrative, I’m certain they’ve never heard a word of it… )
Anyway, we hope this holiday season gives you a sense of peace and hope. Thank you for your friendship, your support, and your love.
