Dear friends and family,

Each year I start a letter to send out and never get it completed. I also usually have a photo to attach and even that doesn’t get sent out. I plan on sending it via email, even though it’s much more fun to get mail… so this year I’m starting earlier than normal and REALLY hoping it actually gets sent!

So here is a little update from each member of the family

Brian – What a year! Lots of love and lots of fun. I spent this year climbing lots of trees. I thank God that I have had more business this year and I am still busy as I write this email. I am still serving as a Sunday school teacher for the 3’s in our church (same class that Aisling is in). Kiddos have grown so much in this past year. I love seeing how much they are learning, the discoveries they are making, and how independent they are becoming. Thank goodness they still need hugs and snuggle time. This past year has shown me again how amazing my wife is!!! Not only is she homeschooling Tonchi and Koa, she has Aisling and Xanthie running around at the same time!!! Bethanie does this while she is pregnant!!!

Bethanie – God has richly blessed our lives this year! There has been a continuation of much and also new starts and exciting growth! Life has been busy for me here on the home front, and I love every moment! I thrive on busy! I’ve continued to blog about twice weekly, which I still enjoy and I’ve started a few new businesses as well. I’m now selling Kombucha which is a fermented probiotic drink. Sales are increasing and it’s only been word of mouth. I’m not sure if this will grow into something bigger or not, but it’s something I enjoy! I also enjoy crafting and this summer opened an Etsy shop to sell some of the extra crafts I’ve started to accumulate! AND… to add one more thing I’m now also selling doTERRA essential oils which is exciting and rapidly growing as well! These oils have really helped the health of our family and it brings me so much joy to be able to share these with friends and family alike!

We’ve continued to homeschool this year with Tonchi and Koa just started! They both are doing well and it’s so exciting to watch them learn and grown. I’m so blessed to be a part of the process! I’m sure they will tell you more! For part of our homeschooling we participate in Community Bible Study and attend once a week. Tonchi and I have daily homework to complete and the younger kids also have classes with crafts, songs and stories! It’s been a lot of fun to study the Bible together with Tonchi and we both are learning a lot! This in particular has been a very special and blessed time of our schooling! Growing in God and deepening our relationships with Him are of utmost importance!

Tonchi – “I really like to read books and I’m getting better and better! I’m excited that it’s Christmas time! I like to play with dinosaurs and legos. In school I really like history because there are a lot of Romans and fighting. We are studying ancient Roman history and it’s a lot of fun!”

 

 

 

Koa – “I really liked it when Lita (Grandma Pitts) and Tonchi and us played a game (kids scrabble – go Mom!) I really like sleep over nights at Lita and Pops’s (Pitts Grandparents). And I like the Christmas tree and decorating it. In school I really like science because we learn more about seals and dolphins and killer whales and sword fish and sharks. I learned that dolphins and sharks and killer whales have dorsal fins.”

 

 

Aisling – “I went to friends houses this year. We go to see the big big Christmas tree (National Tree), and Pops (Grandpa Pitts) and I getted a Christmas tree. I like our friends to come visit. I like to play babies, and play house, and dress up. I like pockets in my pants! (very true, doesn’t like to wear pants that don’t have pockets!)”

 

 

 

Xanthie – Not much for her to say, except “Mama, Papa and soo (shoe)” She doesn’t talk very much but she does use a lot of her sign language which is super helpful! She can say please and thank you, more, help and all done. All of which are necessities at the age of 16 months! She adors her older siblings and they her. The highest status symbol around here seems to be based on whether Xanthie will give you a hug and kiss or not!

Baby #5 – Not too much to say about this one yet! He/she is due to arrive in mid May. Mama had a bit of tummy upset in the beginning and just didn’t feel great, but really not much to complain about! We are currently in the 18th week and feeling much better! Seems to be smooth sailing at the moment! Stay tuned for his or her arrival!

Blessings to you and your family! We hope you have a blessed Christmas season with friends and family! We love visitors and company, so stop by whether you have an invitation or not! We always have extra food and friendship to go around! We’d love to see you!

“I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2: 10b – 14

All photos were taken this summer by our dear and talented friend Alyssa