In these recessionary and environmentally-conscious times we too have sought to reduce our carbon footprint (not to mention the fact that stamps are $0.42 per). We've halved traditional snail mail delivery of our newsletter this year. Since most of you throw it out anyway (hopefully after you read it), we hope you don't mind receiving it electronically.
Family & Friends,
Christmas comes on the same day each year, yet it still has a way of sneaking
up on us. In the midst of 2008 it seemed like the year would never end, so it's
hard to believe it's now coming to a close, and time for another newsletter.
Ryan (3) started preschool this year. He was looking forward to it all
summer but was a little apprehensive on the first day. After Jeff and I dropped
him off, I called my mom for support. I told her I planned on staying close to
the school; you know, in case Ryan needed me. She laughed as I (tearfully) told
her I was still in the school parking lot. Fortunately, we adjusted to the
arrangement. He loves school and his teachers, and I have become fond of having
a couple of "free" weekdays to myself.
Ryan is quite a little character. He can (and will) talk your ears off and
takes great joy in being contrary. He enjoys antagonizing his big sister almost
as much as he loves her. Every night after we tuck him in bed, he comes down
stairs (many times) to say, "Mom, you're great and God loves you!"
Needless to say, that pretty much makes up for anything he's done during the
day.
Salem (6) is in
the first grade this year and is doing very well in spite of the fact it has
not been "fun" like Kindergarten. Recently she told us,
"School’s okay, but I am SICK of all these tests." It's beginning to
dawn on her that school will be her lot in life for many years to come... and
she's none too happy about it.
Extracurricularly, Salem
is busy with dance class and swim. Her favorite thing in the world is going on
dates with her Daddy. Her second favorite thing is wrestling with him and
learning how to throw punches. So, Jeff is teaching how she deserves to be
treated on a date and how to handle any boy that fails to measure up.
Jeff re-injured his back early in the year and was either immobile or in great
pain over several weeks. Regardless, I went on a girl's shopping weekend,
leaving him to "watch" the kids. I know, it was cold, but don't feel
too bad for him... I inadvertently left my credit card at home!
Jeff and I took an anniversary trip to Austin.
We stayed at a nice hotel on Town
Lake and were having a
wonderful time... Until that fateful evening returning from dinner on Lake Travis, a
deer hit our car. Yes, IT hit US, not the other way around. The damage to the
car was significant, but fixable. We were shaken up quite a bit, but were not
injured. That put a damper on the remainder of our trip, but we praise God for
having kept us from harm as it could have easily been much worse.
A few weeks later, Hurricane Ike hit the Texas Gulf Coast. After a long, tense night we
awoke to see fences down, roof damage, and neighborhood trees splintered and
strewn all over the street. We were without power for only a few days, but it
seemed like much longer. Salem
said it best when she woke up and assessed the damage: "Well, we did it.
Now we never have to do that again." I agree. One hurricane is enough...
next time we're out of here!
During this same time, Jeff's grandmother passed away. Her health had been in
decline for some time, but still she is missed. We rest in the knowledge that
she is rejoicing in the presence of our Father. She was a strong, Godly woman and
the Heritage of Faith she left behind serves as inspiration to us as parents.
All these events, along with many others not mentioned on this page, culminated
to make this an emotionally exhausting year. Yet, Christmas brings with it a
chance to reflect; with reflection, thanksgiving. For in every moment... big
and small... whether in joy or in pain, God is faithful.
So this Christmas, perhaps even more than in years past, we celebrate the
simplicity of Jesus' birth and the magnitude of His purpose. For what that
midnight made so clear - Jesus is God's promise fulfilled!
Merry Christmas,
The Price Family
