A Record of Rose: Christmas Letter 2018

Merry Christmas!

It has been a whirlwind year and it is sad to have another year almost in the books for our family. Everyone is happy and healthy and we have much to be thankful for.

Brynn, 4

Anna, 4

The girls turned FOUR this year. We can hardly believe it and they remind us daily that they are definitely no longer babies but big girls. They are enjoying school; learning to write and say their letters and they love to listen to stories. Making up songs and dances are a favorite and they love to play with each other and big brother (the game master). They just started sleeping in twin beds and we officially moved their cribs to storage. It feels pretty official that their baby chapter is now closed. They are looking forward to their Christmas program at church and Santa visiting. We are so thankful to have them in our lives!

Brynn

Anna

Michael turned nine this year and is loving third grade. He often comes home telling us he had "the best day ever!". He is learning lots, reading well, and having fun with friends. We finally finished reading the Harry Potter series this fall and watched all the movies. It was great fun and we are looking forward to our next series to dive into. Michael still loves all things LEGO, making up his own games, playing minecraft, and watching his favorite youtubers on the ipad. Piano lessons began for Michael this fall and we found a wonderful teacher who lives right down the street. She is so impressed with his fast start and we have fun practicing his music together. He also started playing real hockey this year with practices and games each week. He is turning into a good skater and is getting close to being able to stop on the ice. :) His happy spirit is always contagious and he brings lots of fun and imagination into our life.

Work is going well for both Scott and I. I'm in year fourteen of teaching and it seems like it is the busiest year yet. I am thankful for the large number of students I get to teach and it is fun to hear them improve daily. I'm still working on my masters in music education through the University of Northern Iowa through online classes and I'm on schedule to graduate next December. I was not entirely sure what I was getting into when I signed up last fall but we are doing it as a whole family, especially thanks to Scott who takes over for me on class nights and homework nights. Going back to school has helped me realize how much I truly love learning and it has been invigorating in my personal and professional life.

I am still playing in the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble (also going on 14 years!) and the Boone Municipal Band in the summer. I'm enjoying helping Michael with his piano and Scott and I are trying to work our way through a learn to play guitar series on fender.com. I'm trying to learn but I appreciate Scott's help! :)

Scott is still at State Farm in Johnston and recently achieved some big goals of his. I am excited for him to keep helping his customers protect their life. He is still playing hockey on Wednesday nights in his adult league and is having fun helping Michael as well.

In terms of family fun, we enjoyed a trip to Memphis last December for the Cyclone bowl game. It was a quick trip down but we enjoyed the visit with Scott's aunt and especially enjoyed the Cyclone victory. It was the most fun I had in a long time in a game and I was happy those feelings translated into this fall's seasons....what a great time to be a Cyclone! :)

We also traveled to South Dakota in the summer for Scott's 20th high school class reunion and out to the Black Hills. It was a fun time catching up with friends and spending time with nature. I enjoyed a trip back to Moville to visit my parent's new house in town (!!) and spend time at the Woodbury County Fair. We enjoyed having Scott's sisters family down for a day at the state fair in August.

We celebrated Christmas early with my family, attending the kids' Christmas program at church. It was the girls' first time performing and they did great (just a little bit naughty). Michael did well, too and I'm glad we could share the day with our family.

Scott's family was here for Christmas Eve and Day and had a lovely time with all of us under one roof. We are thankful for everyone and glad we all got together.

We have visited the cemetery several times this season and wish with all our hearts that Trace could be here celebrating with us. We miss him every day but he is still a part of our family and our lives. I can't wait to see what our heavenly future holds.