Christmas Letter...Finally

Dear family and friends,

Wasn’t I just writing the 2008 Christmas letter? It seems each year goes by faster than the last. 2009 was filled with changes and blessings for our family - here’s an update!

Again this year, we welcomed a new baby into the family! Our sweet boy, Bennett Isaiah, was born on November 17 and checked in at 7 lbs, 15 oz, 20 ¾ in. He looks a lot like Cameron, but has darker hair and eyes like Elly. He is a pretty good sleeper, and “goes with the flow” like a champ – but what choice do you have with two older siblings 3 and under?! Bennett means “blessed,” and we feel his name is a perfect reflection of our feelings – he’s another precious blessing from our Heavenly Father!

Elly is our independent, energetic little girl – she’s well-prepared to hang tough with her two brothers! She goes for what she wants 100 percent – and usually what she wants is what Cameron wants, too, making for many heated “conversations” throughout the day! She loves running full speed around the house, getting tickled by Daddy, drinking big cups of chocolate milk and playing sweetly with her baby dolls – such fun to watch.

Cameron continues to amaze us with all the information he remembers and retains. He picks things up from TV shows, our conversations, trips to the store…EVERYWHERE! My mom came and gave him an H1N1 shot last week, and since then, he has been asking and asking for another “baccination” from Grandma. Cam still loves racing his cars and tractors. He got a big treat during harvest, when Grandpa Beichley gave him a couple rides in the combine to “cut the tall grass and corn,” as Cameron puts it. Both he and Elly are such loving big sibs to Bennett, giving LOTS of hugs and kisses each day.

Another big change for our family this year was our move back to central Iowa, where Caleb and I both grew up. We are renting a house right outside Reinbeck and loving it here. Having family close has been wonderful for all of us, especially as we transition to being a family of five. We’re bracing for our first rural Iowa winter in quite some time!

Caleb is currently working for Kay Jewelers as the acting manager in Cedar Rapids. This is quite a commute (2.5 hours roundtrip) for him each day, so we’re hoping he’ll be transferred a bit closer to home sometime in the new year! Still, we’re incredibly thankful for his job and for Kay’s willingness to transfer Caleb down to Iowa during the move.

I’m staying home with our three babies (they are all still babies, right?) We spend our days playing all kinds of make-believe, singing, dancing, and watching Veggie Tales. I am incredibly thankful I can be at home with my kids each day – and even though I am, the time still seems to fly by! I’m not coaching right now, but really itching for the weather to turn a bit so I can get outside and run – I’m ready to be back in 5K shape!

Luke 2: 10-11 says, “Then the angel said to them, do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born; he is Christ the Lord.” Such humble and gentle words – but words that changed the entire world. I am constantly overwhelmed by the love of my God, who sent His one and only son to be my Savior, the only true source enduring Hope and everlasting Peace!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and pray your 2010 is filled with joy, laughter, and love!