Reflect

Christmas is a great time to reflect upon the blessings bestowed upon us. This year there certainly are not a shortage of blessings to be thankful for.

Grace and Kalei continue to light up our world day by day. I asked Cole what a few of his high lights were for the year and he simply said that each day is a high light – and he is right. As many of you know, children grow up way too fast and change by leaps and bounds daily. It has been delightful to watch them progress from babies to toddlers. It kills us not to call them babies anymore – but at heart, they will always be our babies! Lately we have noticed that Grace and Kalie repeat just about everything we say – or at least try to. They play together well, with a few token arguments here and there. They also have learned how to give hugs and kisses. It warms our hearts to see them initiate a hug with each other! They love reading books, especially anything with Elmo in it. In the basement they love their new slide and tunnel, and playing with their baby dolls. Their new game is saying, '1, 2, 3, Go' before running or zooming down the slide! At night time they get a kick out of running in their ‘unnies,’ or diapers, until bath time. This is when the silliness and giggles really come out!

 

Cole is in his eighth year of teaching PE at Indian Hills Jr. High in West Des Moines. The stories he brings home continue to bring humor to my day. He also enjoys coaching 8th grade boys and girls basketball in the winter and 10th grade baseball in the summer. He is an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan, and eagerly has shown his love for the Hawks with the girls. When they see football on TV they get excited and say, "Hawkeyes!"

I continue to stay home with the girls and am loving my new full time position as Mommy. I enjoy subbing once and awhile where I get a quick ‘fix’ of my former life as a teacher. It is a good reminder of what I will see when I re-enter the field down the road. I am also watching my friend, Emily's son this school year. Calvin has brought much joy and fun to our days playing together. The girls giggle with excitement when they get to be with ‘Cawvin and Emmy.’

Another blessing we are eagerly awaiting is the birth of our third child in June; we are thrilled! It is amazing to see God’s hand in our family’s growth. Prior to conceiving, I had my doubts about my body being able to produce a baby with zero assistance – God showed me! The girls will turn two May 22 and the baby’s due date is June 17. It will be fun to see the girls interact with their new brother or sister.

Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
    you have done wonderful things,
    things planned long ago.  – Isaiah 25:1

It is comforting to know that The Lord planned all of these wonderful blessings for us long ago, and that He still smiles when they come to fruition in the present time. It is at Christmas that we reflect upon God’s ultimate blessing to us: His son, Jesus.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

May you and yours have a happy and joy filled Christmas!

Love,

Cole, Chelsey, Grace, Kalei, and Baby