Christmas Letter 2013

Another year has gone by and the Christmas season is upon us once again.  I love this time of year but have been reflecting about Christmas and what it has become.  As I decorate the house, buy Christmas gifts, do Christmas activities with the kids as part of our Advent calendar, and even write this Christmas letter, I feel that Christmas has lost it's meaning to many.  Christmas is no longer to celebrate Jesus' birth but has become commercial.  It seemed appropriate that I recently picked up a copy of "The Purpose of Christmas" by Rick Warren.  In the book, he explains how God designed Christmas to meet our needs of love, salvation,  grace, and peace.  Warren reminds us that on the first Christmas night, the angel announced three purposes of the birth of Jesus being a time for celebration, a time for salvation, and a time for reconciliation.  I am grateful for the gift of Jesus being born over two thousand years ago on that quiet night in Bethlehem.  Praying that you and your loved ones are able to celebrate the reason for the season this Christmas. 

This past year...

We spent a couple of weeks in Maui in January where we met Terry's brother, Kim, and his wife Jackie.  It was a wonderful vacation as we enjoyed lots of sun, sand, and surf.  The only bad thing about Maui is having to leave. Our children agree as they are hoping that we will be able to go again this winter but the jury is still out on that decision.

Mid-way through the year, we made the decision to move back to Saskatoon after eight years of life in Calgary.  Terry accepted a position as CFO at the University of Saskatchewan.  We are making the most of our time here but don't see this as a permanent move and may be back closer to the mountains again soon.

Aside from spending our summer preparing for the move, we spent time in Regina with my family and a week in Waskesiu.  It had been over five years since we had been to the lake.  We may have had a more enjoyable time had it not been for the mosquitoes that were as big as birds.  Maybe it wasn't the best idea to visit at the peak if mosquito season - summer in SK!

Jaret enjoyed some skiing in the winter and coach pitch in the spring; he is almost ready for the majors!  He is currently taking gymnastics and swimming.  He is in Grade Two at Saskatoon Christian School.  He loves his teacher and likes that she does lots of science experiments.  He has made some good friends since moving here, especially in our neighbourhood.

Kirra had some struggles at the beginning of the year that involved three months of separation anxiety. It was a difficult time for her and for mom but we thankfully overcame it. She is enjoying Pre-School and is also taking gymnastics and swimming lessons.  She is growing up fast; she is 4 going on 12.  Kirra loves babies and enjoys "taking care" of them whether at Bible study or in the daycare at the gym.  She can't wait to be a babysitter and in her mind already is.

Terry is in a dreamland where he imagines he runs a shave ice stand on the beaches of Maui.  That is how much he loves Maui and wishes he never had to leave.  He also loves Seattle and the Seahawks. He spent a weekend there with his brother Kim and nephew, Justin this fall to take in a game.

Jenn is not working at the moment but is enjoying her time at home.  It gives her time to spend with the kids and be involved with volunteering at their schools. She has been attending a women's Bible study and has also been working out and running regularly.  Jenn had a couple of trips to BC this fall, one for her Uncle Rein's funeral and the other for Lindsey and Brent's wedding.  

Christmas this year will be spent with Terry's family in Humboldt before Christmas and then with Jenn's family in Regina for Christmas. 

We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and many blessings for the year ahead!

Love,

Terry, Jenn, Jaret, and Kirra