I have to admit this letter almost didn’t make it this year. Too much stuff to do, not enough time or money to make it all happen. But the thing about this letter that I love – is that it gives me a chance to sit and reflect on the year God has written for us. The chapters we’ve begun and the chapters that have come to a close. And every year as I remember our story, I’m left with such thankfulness at all that God has done. So let me share it with you…
Lizzie has had a big year this year. In February, she turned 5 and finished up preschool in May. In the fall, my little girl started Kindergarten!! WOW!! She has done so well and really enjoys her class. She rides the bus home every day and has started a Daisy troop with the Girl Scouts. So if you need cookies, you know who to call! She has lost 2 teeth and the top two are loose. She is growing up so fast and is becoming a beautiful young lady. We are so thankful for her in our family and I miss my time with her during the day so, so much. Mark takes her to school each morning, so he is really happy with the new daddy/daughter time that he gets with her.
Charlie turned 3 in June. In the fall, he started preschool for the first time at First Foundations. He goes two days a week and is having a lot of fun. He refuses to wear long sleeves or pants, and will only wear a few tops – monster truck, Lightning McQueen, or helicopter. (sigh) God help me when those tops become too small as this boy grows. He has a great attitude at school and is helpful and a good friend. We are so proud of him!
Last year, we were battling chronic ear infections, which led to putting tubes in his ears. This year, we battled a chronic cough and have learned through a series of tests and doctor appointments that he has asthma and every season’s worth of allergies. He tested positive for everything they tested except dogs, cats, and roaches. Yes, I know. So I vacuum constantly (think furniture, blinds, curtains, floors) and wash his bedding on sanitize to kill dust mites. It has been such a blessing to have Mark’s brother, Scott, who is an allergist, available to answer our questions and help us figure out what will help our son the most. Charlie takes a LOT of allergy medicine and an asthma inhaler everyday – but is truly improving and we are so glad to have this question answered.
Owen turned one in June. He is 18 months old now, and is walking, running, climbing, jumping, dancing, laughing, talking, wrestling, tackling, eating, ALL. THE. TIME. He is happy and snuggly and keeps me dashing around the house to see what new madness he’s gotten into today. He is a joy, and I thank God for giving me such a loving baby boy to spend my days with. He loves to wrestle with Lizzie, Charlie, and Mark and we all have a big time with our family dance parties in the living room.
Mark is still working at National Oilwell Varco and I am still at home with the kids. We consider every day that I am home with our kids and Mark has a job that enables me to be there a blessing. We are so thankful God has provided for so many of our wants – well beyond our needs.
We’ve spent our year making memories with our family – trips to Houston to see Scott & Stephanie and the kids, family trips to Sea World where I cry each time baby Shamu swims alongside mommy Shamu, the kids first airshow in Burnet with my dad, and our 11 year wedding anniversary.
Have a Merry Christmas and find a moment to remember Your story – we’d love to hear it.
Love,
The Oberhoffs
