Thursday, December 12, 2013

Our First Christmas Letter


A Note at Christmastime

The weather outside isn't frightful but the fire is still so delightful. And since we've no place to go - I'm sure we won't see any snow, any snow, any snow! (My Texan spin on "Let It Snow".)

We just love this time of year! Wearing slippers so the nippy mornings don't bite our toes, hot spiced cider; bone warming meals, and quilts to snuggle in when the night turns cold. And this year we have it all without snow. I can't say we miss that yet!

Josiah is three years old and has gotten so tall. He just looks more and more like a little man every day. He's very into heroes and puffs up his chest, bends his elbows and growls, "I'm so strong - just like Hulk!” He is also quite the helper! Josiah gets a kick out of feeding the chickens and gathering the eggs, sitting on mine or Jeff's lap to mow the property, watching out for ants for Jude to avoid and such. What a good big brother! This guy is a class act. He's got charisma, he's got manners, he’s got smarts, and he’s got the look... Josiah is an amazing three-year-old.

Jude is 20 months old and catching up in every way he can, to Joe. He tries to keep up and run faster, jump higher and tackle harder. He's giving Joe a run for his money! Jude is currently in a destructive stage. He likes to build toy walls or towers and then knock them down - sound effects included. Critters don't stand a chance when it comes to Jude - he stomps them silly! He is also completely convinced that he's talking - even though we only understand a fraction of what he says. -Although he does understand EVERYTHING and is a very intent listener. It's very cute. Jude has spunk and has the ability to turn anyone’s frown upside down. Jude also has no fear when it comes to rough housing... with that he's going to give his mama grey hair soon.

Both of the boys play hard but they also love hard. They are best pals! They are rowdy, like boys are, but we can already see the type of men they will become. Sweet spirits, good hearts, listeners, peacemakers, quick to reconcile, great senses of humor, compassionate, courageous, and always ready for a bear hug. Amen! We are fiercely proud of both of them. Can you tell?

Jeff is still employed with Halliburton and is doing very well there. He works 6 days on call and 3 off - which has given him quite a bit of time to work on the property, with the animals, and of course with us. He's been very fortunate to have time to spend with us at home. The boys would never have liked their dad's graveyard shifts of years past. Anyway, over the last many months, Jeff has become a master fence builder, logger, and overall handyman. It is obvious that he enjoys this setting. There are always things to tinker with or hunting to do - so Jeff's in hog heaven! (No pun intended.) What a blessing!

And then there's me. (Am I supposed to write in third person here?) Amber enjoys country life... Haha No really, being home with the boys is awesome - we do all sorts of things and they teach me to enjoy the simple ones and to relax. We laugh a lot and cry plenty haha. (Mostly about how fast they're growing up!) I'm always expanding on my cooking skills and broadening our pallets. My newest hobby is making our new house a home - the house needed a lot of TLC but it's cleaning up nicely. Have I mentioned how much I enjoy mowing the yard and blowing leaves? Because I do! I have also become very involved in our new home church with the moms group there and helping with the kids' Awana Club. Having a blast - All I need to master now is that "minivan mom" efficiency!

We are just regular people living ordinary lives but we've grown so much as a family and as people this year - I'm just in awe. Who knew? Maybe we had a change in perspective after moving from Colorado or maybe we drank the hillbilly kool-aid... whatever the case, we wish this joy and contentment on everyone!

So this is where we wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year! May you always see your cup as half full and may you always have just enough!

With love from Texas,

The Gragerts

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PS
If you don't already receive our little family "newsletter" and would like to, please email me at:a.gragert@yahoo.comWe would love to hear from you and stay in touch!

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