Merry Christmas 2012

Merry Christmas!

I love reading all your cards and letters, and wish we could see all of you in person, but realistically... I can barely keep my head on straight some weeks.  Any of you who are in the area are invited over for a Christmas Open House next Saturday, the 22nd., between 1 and 5.  I'll have hot and cold drinks, and treats.  Feel free to bring some cookies to share, and join us if you can.  You know what we say...  come, or we'll talk about you ;D  

We've had a big year - lots of change and growth in the house.  My boys are turning into young men, and it's a bit bittersweet, but mostly a joy to watch.  Just to catch you up, Wyatt is 16, Tate is 14, and Gunnar is 11.  How is that possible?!  I wish you could see more of them - but wait - you can!  Check the blog (here) for news and photos.  Click the button that says "home" to see what's current, or look at the dates along the right to see the past ;D













Wyatt and Tate have been thriving in the Civil Air Patrol, earning promotions, flying, working with local Search and Rescue, and graduating from a grueling week of Basic Encampment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.




















Gunnar, who will join when he turns twelve, has been taking on new responsibilities at home.

Wyatt amazes me these days.

He sounds like his uncle Dave sometimes.  We decided to split his time between homeschool and p/t classes at the local high school.  He's sustained the confidence he showed the first morning of school...






... and is currently ranked 7th in his class of 350.  He's also joined me, singing with the Lynden Choral Society, and recently learned and performed nearly all of Handel's Messiah.  He's a bass - who knew??  Also, notice my new view of him, below...









... yep.  He's driving now.  (Shock and awe.)  I love seeing the maturity he's developing.








Tate has probably seen the biggest change of any of us, this year.  As his hearing continued to deteriorate, he made the decision to get a Cochlear Implant.  My mama-heart loved seeing his wonderful maturity (and bravery) in making all the decisions and going through the surgery.








And what a blessing his CI has been already!  He has a water-proof processor, enabling him to hear in and around the water for the first time ever.  He's worked hard, through weeks of therapy, to get full advantage of his new technology - we're so proud of him.

Grandpa took him hunting in Wyoming this fall, and he bagged his first white-tail deer.  We're all enjoying the meat.  I love seeing his hard-working perseverance paying off in so many areas of is life.











Gunnar is my fun-loving, bubbly guy.  He's gotten a few bonus activities this year, since he's too young for some of the things his brothers are doing.  We spent as much time as we could at the lake this summer,







went to the fair (during Encampment week),

and Grandma treated him and Wyatt to a fun weekend at Great Wolf Lodge while Tate was off hunting.  I love seeing his tenderness and compassion to others...

... especially toward his new cousin, Naomi!  We've been happy to have her for a couple of long weekends.

And, as long as we're talking cute... 

... the boys raised bunnies this summer.  Want some?  They'd love to do it again next year ;D

Meanwhile, rejoice with us!  It's Christmas!

For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given, and His name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

the Prince of Peace!

Rejoice!