Well, Its December 23.
Every year, right about now (that’s the day before Christmas Eve) I begin to feel terribly guilty because I didn’t mail Christmas cards. I do not create a fancy Christmas letter to send with yuletide greetings or a lovely photo of my family wearing matching christmas sweaters.
This year, in the midst of my guilt-laden disappointment, I realized I could blog instead. (what a novel idea, right?) And so, I give you the cheater’s version of a Christmas card!
You know, 2015 has been a fairly eventful year for us around here.
Let’s see: the kids are growing up far more quickly than I’d like. Emily began playing drums about a year ago, and she is becoming quite the musician. Her love for drumming may only be equaled to her love for science. She is loving the high school biology course she is taking this year! I couldn’t be more proud of the young woman she is.
Isaac is nine and a half – and loves all things wii, nintendo 3ds and other technology related stuff – which he understands more than I do, and with half the effort! He has an amazing mind for math and I love watching him grow and learn every day. His name was no mistake – he keeps us all laughing daily!
Mackenzie is my feisty little girl – she’s 6 and most of the time she’s in charge, or at least believes she is. We began piano lessons this fall and she seems to be a natural. She is becoming all things artsy and creative! She loves to surprise me with little notes and hand drawn pictures around the house that say things like, “I love mom.” melts. my. heart.
As for Michael and I – we both turned 40 this fall. So far we don’t mind it too much. We’ve changed up a few habits so we can be healthier and enjoy the life we’ve been given. I ran my first 10K race in June, and I’m hoping to run another in 2016! Who knows? Michael may join me!
Of course, we continue all kinds of musical endeavors: I enjoy teaching lessons, accompanying and directing the children’s choir at our church. Michael has had opportunities to travel and play different gigs which he always finds rejuvinating. You may be wondering about Michael’s shop… he is close to the finish line! A little drywall mudding and sanding, maybe some paint, a little flooring and he’ll be on the way to making his first guitar!
One of the high points of the year was my folks relocating from Grand Rapids to Chattanooga. They now live just 5 miles from us! What a wonderful time it has been including them in our life here and sharing with them important Chattanooga experiences (like Champy’s – fried chicken is very important)!
It is my prayer that you will experience the presence of Immanuel, God with us this Christmas and in the coming year.
Merry Christmas!
Melody
daily portion 
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Keep blogging in 2016. I so enjoy. p.s. thank you for allowing us to help Ken and Rose make Chattanooga home again.
Merry Christmas, Carol! And thanks for all of your help – you made my folks’ transition to Chattanooga a breeze! 🙂