2012 Christmas Card

2012 has been a season of growth for us. We grew from a two-bedroom apartment into a small house and from a sedan into a mini-van. In addition to the growth in our place of residence and mode of transportation, each of us have experienced growth in our lives.

  

Devin's Growth: Most notably, I grew from a bachelor to a master, by completing my work for my master's degree. My brain definitely felt major growing pains through out the process as I struggled to wrap my mind around abstract concepts and uncertainties. However, it was a great experience and am excited to start work on my Doctorate. I definitely could not have done it without Joslyn's support. I also grew in my public speaking, which I dread, by not only defending my thesis, but presenting my work at a conference as well. All my growth this year is a blessing from my Heavenly Father. He has given so much and asked so little.

Joslyn's Growth: I felt some incredible growing pains this year.  I learned my limits through overexertion which ultimately resulted in balancing my roles better as wife, mother, and the other hats I wear.  I also trained for and ran the Charlotte Half Marathon in April, and the Richmond Virginia Marathon in November.  Both were phenomenal accomplishments for me.  I'm so grateful to Devin for waking up with our girls frequently while I was out for an early morning run, and I'm appreciative for Cambry and Vienna for their cooperation for touring the city via double stroller.  My deepest gratitude for my Heavenly Father for the countless problems that were solved and life lessons He taught me while running.

Cambry's Growth: Cambry has grown from a todder into a little girl. She speaks in full sentences, dresses herself (well, tries really hard to), looks after Vienna, "helps" Mom and Dad, cleans, sings and takes good care of her teddy bear. Her favorite saying for the last year plus has been "Whas that?" We struggle to define everyday actions and items in response to her inquiries. Other favorites are "No, you (she means I) do it" (still working on pronouns) and "Hey, this is just my size!" She has grown to love her little sister more deeply. She is so patient with her sister's hair pulling and teasings. Cambry has grown in her playground repertoire from swings to slides, sandboxes and more, although swings still are her favorite. She's learned the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, and names of things in her surroundings mostly while on the go during our walks.

Vienna's Growth: Vienna has grown from a calm baby into a happy, energetic toddler. She walks, climbs, runs, screams and gibbers. She says "mama", "dada", "dog", "Hi" and "Mike". Most everything else is "da". She loves to tease her sister by taking her toys, blanket, and stuffed animals. She has grown to love pulling hair and uses it as her soothing mechanism. She works her way into people's hearts wherever we go by waving, smiling, and saying hi, and when she can she stands in front of people with her arms outstretched for them to snuggle her. She seems to find people that especially need a pick me up, and focuses her attention on them.  

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground...

Isa. 53:2

Christ's Growth: Over 2000 years ago, Christ was born of Mary. From a baby, "[He] grew and waxed strong in spirit." Christ grew to be able to bare our griefs, carry our sorrows and "take upon Him the sins of His people." Because of His growth and sacrifice, each of us can grow to be become "joint-heirs with Christ." It is only by His grace, mercy and love that we are able to grow and improve. Only Christ can purify our hearts, refine our minds and redeem our souls. He can't make us grow against our will. We must choose to give ourselves to Christ so that He may heal our hearts, complete our character and finish our faith. May we thank our Savior for the gift of growth and in gratitude grow closer to Him this Christmas season.