So . . . two days ago I thought, "You know, we're a 'real' family now, we should probably send out Christmas cards or a Christmas letter or something." And then I thought, "Should have thought of that sooner..." SO . . . here it is. Our family newsletter!I could write a whole bunch about all the changes in our lives in the past year. But I think I'll write less and give you a picture tour, interspersed with brief commentary.
Right after Christmas last year, we moved into my parents' house to wait for a job. In February, Nels accepted a fantastic job back in Idaho Falls and we moved into this cute little rental.
We found out that we are expecting our THIRD baby girl . . .
Just starting to show . . .
Really showing.
A nine hour trip to northern Idaho to hang out with a bunch of pirates.Three days later ---
A NEW HOME!!! (by the way, this picture is after 2 months of work...)Two weeks after moving - at the farm boating and having fun with family.
Settling into life with a new home.
Happy Birthday to Elsie
(Just kidding about that whole - bypass the long schpiel thing)This year has been a year of change and growth for all of us in the Chick family. We are so blessed!
Nels has been blessed with a spectacular job that he loves and that loves him! :) He is the best dad and my very best friend. Each day I am astounded at the patience that he shows for both me and my girls. He is such a good partner, always willing to help out. He teaches me so much and even after 5 1/2 years of being married, still enjoys staying up into the wee hours of the morning blabbing with me.
Hazel turned 4 this year! She is so happy and so bright! She loves helping and teaches me daily what it means to be a good mom. She loves to paint and draw and pretty much do anything messy. :) Last night the girls stayed up late painting crafts with me and she just kept on saying over and over, "I'm just so HAPPY, mom!" She writes her own name, Lilie's name, and recently started learning how to spell out other things, such as mom, cat, dad, etc. She walks around most of the day telling me what every word she can think of (which is a LOT) starts with. I'm sure she'll be ready to start reading any day now!
Lilie is nearly 3 now and is probably the most precocious child you've ever met! LOL! She is such a spicy little girl and keeps us laughing constantly. She is still a Kitty (she refers to herself as "Pink Gertie") about 50% of the time. She writes her own name REALLY well - as long as she remembers to not write her "L"s upside down! :) She is still our little MONKEY, but has gotten much more agile over the past year - which, thankfully, has helped us avoid many more bruises -- but she was rewarded with her first set of stitches this year!
Elsie was created this year! :) She is already growing and changing so much, but one thing has remained very constant - She is the most content little baby! Thank the Lord, right? She brings such a calming influence into our home and is such a joy to all of us! (Especially since she's started sleeping in her own room and sleeps for about 6 hours straight every night) She holds her head up, tries to sit up, smiles every time you look at her, and is going to love the Bumbo Santa Claus is bringing for her!
As for ME? I am constantly learning to love more perfectly. I have learned that charity is more than giving to others - it's a character trait. It's who our Savior is and what we all should strive to BE. I'm learning to simplify and relax - or at least trying. I've learned to love and hate the power that a mother has in the home . . . if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy, right? However, how could any woman ever be happy with anyone else having that kind of power over her family??? I've learned that true change takes a lot of time and a lot of effort and is probably a lifetime endeavor.
I am so thankful for the love that my Savior has given to me and have truly felt his love along the windy road our lives have taken. I also have felt his love through the family he has blessed me with. My own little family, my parents, brothers, sisters, my in-laws, and my extended family. I couldn't ask for better! I have also been reflecting on the fantastic friends he has blessed me with! Most of our close friends have been scattered throughout the country over the past few years, but it's amazing how true friendship transcends miles and time.
Thank you all for all you give and teach us! Thank you for the love that you pour out on our little family. I know that our Savior lives. I know HE loves us all.
His love is apparent in all around us! I know that as we live the commandments, strengthen our families, and continually work to be more like Him, we have nothing to fear. He will strengthen us to meet any challenge that is placed before us. I am so thankful for this time of year, for the birth of our Savior, and for the promise that we can see him again.
His love is apparent in all around us! I know that as we live the commandments, strengthen our families, and continually work to be more like Him, we have nothing to fear. He will strengthen us to meet any challenge that is placed before us. I am so thankful for this time of year, for the birth of our Savior, and for the promise that we can see him again.
We love you all!
Glory to God for his precious Son and his beautiful Plan!
Merry Christmas!
Glory to God for his precious Son and his beautiful Plan!
Merry Christmas!
