Dear Family and Friends,
While it doesn’t seem possible, another year has come and (almost) gone so quickly!
Hannah turned 8 years old in April, and is just so grown up! She is in the third grade this year, and says that science is her favorite subject, because she loves studying God’s creation – especially animals. She has the most amazing imagination, and loves doing anything creative…writing stories, drawing pictures, putting together new Lego creations, and most recently learning to cook. She is such a sweet big sister. She can often be found playing blocks, reading stories, and building blanket forts with Titus, or holding her baby sister. She has been such a great help over the past year, and especially in the last few weeks!
Titus has grown and changed so much this year. He turned one on February 7th, and he is definitely all boy! He is silly, stubborn, and full of energy. His vocabulary seems to expand almost daily, and he constantly surprises us with new words. His favorite thing to do is to watch the trash trucks collect the garbage each week. “Trash Day†is quite the event in our home, and often finds us standing outside waiting for the trash truck, and waving to the garbage men. His big sister is his best friend, and he loves to be wherever she is. He has also become a wonderful big brother. He adores his new baby sister. He is surprisingly gentle with her, and loves to hold her and give her kisses. And, yes. You read that right. In January, we were happily surprised with the news that our family would be growing once again!
Rebekah Ann was born on October 10, 2013 at 3:12 p.m. She weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. After a bit of a concerning start to this pregnancy, we are so very thankful to be holding this little girl in our arms! She is now 2 months old, and such a joy! Her sweet, calm personality has made the transition to life with 3 children an extremely easy and enjoyable one!
My days are blessedly busy…homeschooling Hannah, snuggling with Rebekah, and trying to keep Titus from climbing the bookshelves. And, I love it! There is no other way I would rather spend my time!
Jason continued teaching through the book of Proverbs in Sunday School this year, and is currently teaching an Introduction to Biblical Counseling class on Wednesday nights. He and our pastor have been working to establish an extension campus for Shepherds Seminary at our church. They have spent the year taking turns moderating seminary classes on Sunday afternoons, and they traveled to North Carolina in April to present their plans to the board. (We are hoping to hear that the site has been approved soon!) In September, he organized our church’s annual Bible conference. He also had the opportunity to perform his first wedding this summer…and his second just a few weeks ago!
Our days and weeks are definitely full. But, we have been able to spend some wonderful time together as a family this year as well.
As we reflect on the blessings and joys that this year has held for our family, we are reminded of the greatest gift we have been given.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ~Isaiah 9:6
We pray that you also know the joy and hope that comes from our Savior this Christmas and in the year to come.
By His Grace,
Jason, Veronica, Hannah, Titus, and Rebekah