Our Christmas Letter (in case you missed it)

This year has been an amazing journey for our family. We’ve taken part in some highs and lows in the extreme. As you probably know, Dave nearly lost his life this last July while he was riding his bike up the canyon and a delivery truck struck him from behind. After being life-flighted to the hospital, he spent the next two weeks in intensive care and successive weeks in rehabilitation. It was a real celebration when he finally got to come home—though we kept it low key—and we all took turns caring for him in the weeks that followed.
Dave had a lot of pain and struggle, but worked admirably hard to first relearn how to breathe and swallow on his own, on to caring for himself, and at this point trying to walk normally again (he’s been off crutches for 2 weeks!) and going back to work on a limited basis. Dave has had immense faith and unstoppable optimism that has helped him endure what he’s gone through and come close to his pre-accident abilities. Right now his challenge is to build up his energy reserves despite constant pain.
Stephanie has had to go back to basics in caring for family and home, sacrificing some of her valued discretionary time. Blogs, quilting, and writing have had to be put aside hopefully on a temporary basis. Wonderful children and help from so many different people are what has gotten her through the last five months. She is continually amazed at the outpouring of prayers and service the family has received.
Jameson is 13 and in eighth grade. He’s stepped it up this year in grades and help around the house. He’s been a great support to his mom, since he’s home most of the time except for scout campouts occasionally. He amazes us almost everyday with his kitchen creations and has become a good cook.
Sarah is 10 and growing fast, even though she says she wants to stay 10 forever. She’s very social and a fabulous piano player; not to mention a great big sister and very nurturing to her mom and dad, too, by anticipating everyone’s needs.
Nathan is 8 and got baptized this year. His creativity is overwhelming when he starts telling a story and can’t stop, even when his mom has to leave the room. He is super-responsible with his homework and enjoys practicing piano. He is a joy to have around.
Aidan is 5 and is always busy. If he’s not contemplating the universe, he’s asking us impossible questions. He loves preschool, but accosts his mother everyday about when he can start kindergarten. He’s unique and we feel lucky to have him in our family.
Alexander is almost 2 and the perfect toddler—complete with sticky kisses and the occasional tantrum. He loves animals and babies, is starting to speak English (instead of sign-language) and constantly gets comments over his cuteness wherever we go. Thanks to his demand, we just changed our status to that of first-time-dog-owners. We have an 11-week shih-tzu puppy named Pirate.
We feel so blessed by the Lord to still be together as a family. He has lifted us up through this process, as has the outpouring of love by all of you. Thank you, and have a Merry Christmas!

(Written a week before Christmas. The picture is from last June.)