Every year at Christmas, I mail a letter to those family and friends who live away from us, so they can hear what we are up to, even if we don't get to see them often. I have shared the letter on my blog the last couple years, for my readers and for me to keep a copy separate from my computer, in case my hard drive would crash and I wouldn't have a copy of it anywhere else (which happened about 5 years ago!). I sent the letter along with this picture. For my local friends, they just got the picture, since most of them have been living life alongside of me and know most of the information in the letter anyway.
Dear friends and family,
Every year, I attempt to
think of a theme for the year. This year’s theme is mercifully
uneventful! It is not that we didn't do much or have unexpected things pop
up occasionally, but in comparison to the fairly turbulent years before it -
with our travel to Peru & Guatemala, some injury & sickness, & unexpected
deaths among family & friends - this year has been pretty calm in
comparison. I thank God for a year of uneventfulness!
We began the year, as all our
years begin, with Bella's birthday. She turned 6 this year & is a
smart, beautiful girl. She excelled in kindergarten & is continuing to
excel in 1st grade, though it was a tough transition at first. She is not
only academically smart, but she has an analytical mind that helps her to solve
problems & often gets her into trouble! She gets bored sometimes in
class & gets reprimanded for deciding to do her own thing! She loves
jewelry & dress up, but often has her own sense of style! She can be
head strong & has a bit of a temper that we’ve had to help her manage. She
loves to write and act like a teacher. Sometimes she writes on things she
shouldn't! She has mastered her father's knack for disorganized
organization. In fact, the clutter around her desk was the one thing her
teacher mentioned at her parent/teacher conference. Bella took dance in the
Spring, which she loved. She really did well in the class and she’ll probably
try it again in the future.
She and Elias both took
swimming lessons over the summer at the local pool & turned into little
fish! They both are now comfortable in the deep end and Elias learned how
to dive! He was so proud. I think
the kids spent the majority of their waking hours in water this summer. We even
capped off the summer with an impromptu trip to Ocean
City with a friend whose family lives
in Delaware.
Elias began basketball
in November. He really enjoys basketball. He thinks he’ll try soccer
again in the Spring. He loves playing sports, but he doesn't like
competition. As he gets older, competition becomes more a part of the
sports, though. He would love to try football or wrestling, but Josh and I have
held off on those, partly because of the time commitment & partly because
of the rough nature of those sports. Elias would probably do well at both sports,
because he is very strong with broad shoulders. He’s almost as tall as me &
can almost wear the same size shoes I do! He is doing well in school &
always has buddies around him. He has a big heart & is just plain fun
to be around. He always seems to have a joke or a good-hearted prank to
play. He often gets in trouble for talking in class, but his teachers always
compliment him for being kind hearted.
In the Spring, I began
substitute teaching for the county school system here. I work about 2-3
days a week on average. It is a great job to have for our phase in life
right now. I am able to be home when the kids are home, minus a half hour
at the beginning and/or end of their school day, and I don't have to call off
when they are home sick or have a day off of school. I enjoy being in the classroom
& have worked mostly in the elementary schools. It provides me with
something to put on my resume for future employment and a little extra income,
without having to be tied down to particular schedule. I am still very involved
with Compassion International and with our church. I have worked many
concerts and events this year for Compassion and I have been helping in the
children's ministry and women's ministry at our church. My life is very busy,
but it is very fulfilling to know that I am able to use my gifts and talents,
while still keeping my job as mom at the forefront.
Josh is still working at the
same job. Even though he works 40 hours a week at his job, he still
considers being a husband and dad his first priority. He coached 2 teams
both the Spring and Fall soccer season, as well as playing on a local
recreational team himself. He has been involved with the men's ministry at
our church, as well as maintaining the web site, and other technically-related
jobs. He and Elias have been enjoying having "guy time" and he takes
Bella out for daddy/daughter dates. He is baking with Bella in her new easy
bake oven, as I type this!
We want to wish each one of
you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We are thankful that we have so many
family and friends and wish there was more time to visit with and talk to each
of you.
Josh,
Jennifer, Elias and Isabella Wilson
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