The Christmas Letter

The past few years, we have sent a Christmas letter and picture updating family and friends on our year. I always enjoy getting Christmas letters, but writing my own is something I tend to over-think. This year, the Christmas letter was not to be. I had it written, but didn't get it printed in time to send with our picture cards. God has done some pretty major things in our life this year, so I feel it's important to share it somewhere. So, I choose here. Here is the Christmas letter I intended to send:

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord

Psalm 27: 13-14

A year ago, we didn't know how tightly we would cling to that verse. A year ago, we were expecting our second child, a girl. We didn't know that in just a month and a half, at 21 weeks pregnant, we would receive the news that our baby no longer had a heartbeat. In the weeks that followed that heart-wrenching news, we grieved, yes, but we also experienced the love and care of our Heavenly Father in a way we never had before. He met needs we didn't even know we had through our amazing family and church. Though our hearts were broken, we clung to the promise that we would "see His goodness in the land of the living." In April, we found our we were expecting again. As we write this letter, we are 36 weeks pregnant with a baby boy. Throughout this pregnancy, we have had to "wait on the Lord." Every pregnancy is a lesson in trusting God with the life of the baby, but for us, this has felt a bit like an advanced course! Through each stage, even when we allowed worry to creep in, God has been faithful to grant us peace. We anxiously await the arrival of our little boy. Our due date is January 18th.

A two and a half years-old, Addison is excited to be a big sister. She will often hug Karie's belly and ask if her brother can come out. She is full of personality and brings such joy. Probably the best descriptor of Addison is that she's two. She is loving and sweet with her babies and is always happy to "make lunch" in her play kitchen. Her imaginary play is really starting to ramp up and she loves to carry on a conversation. Though she has her boundary-testing moments, we love watching her change and grow and count it a blessing and privilege to be her parents.

Kyle has had a busy year of working on projects around the house. His set of home improvement skills continues to grow! He painted the exterior of the house last spring. He tackled our main floor bathroom this fall. He is currently finishing painting and preparing the nursery. When he isn't working on house projects, he still works as a dental hygienist and loves to sneak in a round of golf when he can.

Karie continues to work as a part-time 4th grade teacher. She enjoys the balance of staying at home with Addison and being a part of the education field. She is also leading a women's small group Bible study and loves spending time with the women in her group.

As we reflect on life, we are humbled and thankful. We have been so blessed to be a part of our church. We are continually challenged to live whole-heartedly for Jesus. Our family has been such a support and joy to us. We are thankful for the gift of health and the joy of time spent with them. One of our greatest joys is having sweet friends to tackle life with. What a priceless gift it is to be able to walk through the good and hard times together.

We pray this letter finds you well. May you make the time to reflect on the year and how God has grown and blessed you. We pray, regardless of your circumstances, that you will find hope and peace with Jesus. We love you!

Merry Christmas,

Kyle, Karie, and Addison