Christmas Letter 2008

In an effort to GO GREEN, we will be reducing paper this year and posting our Christmas letter on our blog. If this is your first visit to our (Amy's actually, Scott is "boring" and about taxes according to Makenna) blog - Welcome to the documentation of life in the Kregel home:)

It has been a crazy year filled with a new child, new challenges, and many blessings. Though the content may be ho-hum to others, I find value in the writing of the annual Christmas letter because it necessitates reflection - something we don't often make time for.

Our kids continue to provide us with entertainment and late night discussion topics of how to navigate parenthood. On Saturday, Owen will turned ONE which just doesn't seem possible. We have decided that he won't ever speak, but instead he will be a master of sound effects. He can be most accurately defined as funny and round! He loves food, sucking his thumb, dogs and daddy (probably in that order!).

Ella turned SIX last month and has fully embraced kindergarten. She is our little author. Most afternoons she can be found writing notes and drawing pictures. Her life accomplishment was giving up sucking her fingers in exchange for pierced ears. We didn't think we would ever find something motivating enough for her to give up her beloved habit.

Makenna is our very responsible EIGHT year old. We are spoiled by her innate desire to plan and organize. She is an avid reader who loves third grade. She continues to do well with piano. What would a year be without surgery... she had her 6th set of ear tubes in October. This time she refused the pre-op sedation meds - she walked herself back to the OR, shook the surgeon's hand and hopped up on the table! Recently, she donated 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love so she is sporting a cute short hair cut.

Scott was able to achieve his goal of running in the Boston Marathon this year. With his personal record time of 3hr. 6 min., he is qualified to run again in 2009. After five years at Calvary Church, he will be leaving his position in June to pursue other opportunites. We are grateful for the time we have been able to serve in full-time ministry. We are trusting God as we enter this new season. And let me take the opportunity to make a shameless plug for my husband... he is an outstanding CPA if you find yourself in the market!

I have enjoyed the past year at home with the kids. Although I do miss seeing my work friends, I love being able to be involved in the girl's school. This tax season I will be doing some work for Scott's business. Otherwise, I can be found scrapbooking or reading the occasional novel.

Our family travels included a road trip to Illinois for my niece's wedding. She was our flower girl... and our girls were hers! We enjoyed our annual trip to the cabin in Minnesota to spend time with my brother's family. While there, my brother dedicated Owen at the church where he serves as lead pastor. Although Uncle & Nephew had just met 12 hours early, they bonded instantly over prayer and a microphone. In October, we headed back to Taylor this year for our 15 year reunion. We took the girls with us (never too early to start the college visits!) and had a great time with dear friends.

At the end of this month Scott and I will celebrate 15 years of marriage. With 3 kids on earth, 3 babies in heaven, a loyal dog, and multiple job changes it seems like a whirlwind to think back on all that we have witnessed. I amazed at God's faithfulness and mercy. And, I am thankful to serve a King who knows far greater than my mind can comprehend.

May your family know the peace that passes understanding this Christmas season and find contentment in the Nativity.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE KREGELS!