Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Since I Can't Send a Card

What I really want to do is send each of you a Christmas card.  But, seeing as that might not sit well with your (and my) privacy issues, this post will have to do.

I love getting Christmas cards and Christmas letters.  We have been sending out a Christmas letter every year now (at least since Sam was born) and I treasure the extra copies I've kept.  A dear friend whom I used to work with told me that she has kept all her family Christmas letters since her (now adult) children were small.  She keeps them tucked away in the clear sleeves of a binder, handy at Christmastime to leaf through and reminisce over.


And, so, even though you all may be plumb sick and tired of reading about my life, I'm going to go out on a limb and publish our little Christmas letter right here.  Because I want to and because you all are a special kind of friends and family to me.

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2011

Dear Friends & Family,


Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! We hope that you and your family are well and enjoying this Advent season as we celebrate God coming down to earth through His Son, Jesus. This past year we've experienced the transition from academic life to the working world and we are thankful that the school-leg of the journey is complete.



In May, Jamey graduated with a doctorate in pharmacy. In an answer to prayer, he was hired on as staff pharmacist at a local hospital right after gradation. It's taken some getting used to his schedule as his shifts are different every day, but thankfully most are during the day with some evenings and every fourth weekend. He loves it and we are so thankful for that and the job itself!  God was with us on the four-year journey and we praise Him for taking such good care of us.



Sam is almost 9 years old and in the fourth grade at home. He's taking mandolin lessons from Jamey and he loves it. Sadie is almost 6 and is doing kindergarten at home. She lost her first tooth recently- the first when I pulled her sweatshirt off over her head. We can't believe she's old enough to be losing teeth! Miriam is two and a half and quite the character. This fall, she potty trained, stopped sucking her two fingers (two major hurdles!), and learned to climb out of her crib. Hence, I got a crib tent as an early Christmas present :-). Thankfully, when she can't get out, she takes great, long naps.



I spend most of the day doing school with the kids with laundry and meal prep in between. As taxing as it is some days, I wouldn't trade any of it. My extended family is blossoming as my parents expect their 11th grandchild this July. The little people seem to be taking over!



We continue to pray for God's leading and guidance in our lives. It's not about us, it's about Him and we are excited to see how He will use us in the months and years ahead. May you experience His love and care this season.



With Love,

Jane & Family



And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:12-13).

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I'm taking my usual Christmas break from blogging and will be back in a couple weeks.  I'll see you in the New Year! Pin It

14 comments:

  1. Hopefully we will get to see you guys when we are home! Merry Christmas!

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  2. What a wonderful Christmas letter! Merry Christmas to you and your family. I hope you know what a blessing your blog is to me (and to many others I'm sure!).

    P.S. - I've never written a family Christmas letter, but I might have to start. I love the idea your friend had to save them all in a binder so they are easy to go back and look at. I'm sure it's quite a walk down memory lane for them!

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  3. Merry Christmas!

    (I love how the Christmas tree lights shine on the old hardwood floor.)

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  4. Thank you for the lovely Christmas letter and for the great blog- love your practical,Godly wisdom,recipes and have passed on to my adult daughters who love the soap I have made for them, and they have tried other recipes too.
    Granndma of 5-PTL!!

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  5. that was beautiful,merry Christmas to a friend that deserves to put her feet up [ for at least one evening! Jammy,will you watch the kiddo's?

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  6. Thank you for sharing your lovely Christmas letter with us. Sending best wishes for peace, joy and love during this holiday season. See you next year!

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  7. Merry Christmas to you and blessings for a wonderful 2012!

    Marilyn

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  8. Thankyou for sharing your lovely letter. I love your Christmas tree- so full of light.
    Have a lovely Christmas.x

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  9. What a beautiful Christmas letter...a very Merry Christmas to you and your family. I so enjoy reading your blog and look forward to future posts.

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  10. Merry Christmas Jane. And family. :)

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  11. I stumbled across your blog and spent about an hour reading, reflecting, and being blessed by your words. I just wanted to say "thank you" for all that you share...

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  12. How beautiful Jane! You write it out in such a lovely way. (I've read my share of l.e.n.g.t.h.y. Christmas letters in my day...suffice it to say yours was *just right*). I've taken some time off blogging too...it's a good thing to do! I trust yours was a blessed and joy-filled time of rejoicing in our Precious Saviour! May HIS joy be with you all in the coming year. Many blessings to you!

    In HIS Love,
    Camille

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  13. Hi - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May the worst of 2012 be from the best of 2011.
    I'm visiting from somewhere I can't remember and am at a much different stage of life than you. Your blog is an inspiration and the quote from Exodus something I needed to read and memorize. "The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still." Bless His name!
    This side of the veil, we don't know each other, but if we did, I'd wangle an invitation to dinner...meaning lunch...just so I could eat those pickled beets! -smile-
    God's blessings on you, yours and the work of your hands and heart from Sandra at
    Thistle Cove Farm

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Just a friendly reminder, if you know me personally please try to refrain from using my name. There are those who may try to locate me, break into my pantry and steal my pickled beets. Thanks:-).

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