Christmas Letter 2008

December 6, 2008

Greetings friends and family;

Another year is upon us and the Lord has blessed us abundantly. There is never a dull moment in our house...and with six growing kids our house is full of teenage hormones and funky smells. As I was once again taking a cold bath, I thought…I guess I won’t have hot water again for the next six years…funny because I can remember thinking to myself “will I ever be able to even bathe by myself?” I can say the first day of kindergarten brought on much excitement but it is hard to believe they are now in the sixth grade.

Joshua is a junior this year. As most of you know he made it to State in cross country. I think he has reached his height potential at 6’3” and although he only weighs 145 lbs he has stated he is concerned he has gained 5 lbs since cross country ended. On Thanksgiving he ran the 8-mile Turkey Trot in Dallas finishing 136 out of 7,258.

Kenedy continues to do well in school and has expressed her wishes to become a doctor. At the end of the first six weeks Jacob, Jonah, Zachary and Aleksi were all standing in the kitchen discussing how they had done. Kenedy walked in the house, slammed her report card down and stated “Straight A’s again” and walked off……if looks could KILL.

Jacob now has bragging rights as the tallest of the five. He is a very sweet and loving boy….very tender hearted. He remains very close to Kenedy and Aleksi. He hasn’t shown much of an interest in sports and for that I am thankful since he only has one kidney. His blood pressure remains stable

Jonah has red kinky hair and he is a ball of fire. He should be a comedian. He keeps everyone laughing and is sometimes just goofy. Joshua said “Mom he is not of this family”. What we are learning with Jonah is every family should be blessed with a child with ADD. He adds more excitement in the family and you have to learn patience with him.

Zachary has decided he is going to be a traveling nurse and travel all over the country. He has already asked about how he is going to bank his vacation time and travel first to New York, Alaska, and Hawaii. He has also informed us he is going to have three sons named Charlie, Elijah, and Patrick. We will see what his wife has to say about that.

Aleksi remains attached to her dad. She is the quietest but is loud enough to be heard. Much of her shyness has left. She and Kenedy are often found together giggling. Brent’s sister tells us this won’t stop until they leave home. Aleski also has some curl to her hair. I find it very difficult to manage. In the morning’s she looks like a lion.

Brent remains at his position as a Clinical Director at Christian Care Center Home Health. He enjoys his work as it gives him an opportunity to work in his initial degree in marketing and also as a nurse. He rides his bike and often will ride along with Joshua as he runs. I remain at UT Southwestern as the manager of Staffing Services. Our schedules have given us the opportunity to spend more time together. We celebrate our 21st anniversary this year…..of course with six kids you have to add about 10 more years.

The photo was taken on our summer vacation in Estes Park, CO. If ever you can feel the beauty of God’s work, it is in those mountains. I also had the opportunity this year to take a few trips on my own for either business or pleasure purposes to Galveston. I have found sneaking away “alone” and reflecting on God’s words “Be still and know I am” as I view the beauty of HIS work, has given me a peace unknown before.

We miss you all and think of you often. GOD has truly blessed our family and given us the joy of six children unlike what few other families are able to experience. (PS-I have to tell myself this oftenJ) We pray the New Year brings good health and many blessings to each of you. Come see us if you get the opportunity.

Love, Brent, Deshonna, Joshua, Jacob, Jonah, Zachary, Kenedy and Aleksi.