Dearest Family & Friends,
We hope this season finds you all doing well. Christmas is
our favorite time of year, and I’m looking forward to the slower pace the
season brings. I enjoy getting caught up with each of you – our family and
friends mean so much to us! We don’t see many of you nearly often enough.
Here’s what’s new with us:
Adyson, 7, is in the 2nd grade this year. Her
favorite activities are art, reading, running, dance and cheerleading. We are
trying to pinpoint an activity that she feels very passionate about and trying lots
of new things. It’s no surprise to us that she is a wonderful student and Big
Sister of 3. She will begin homeschooling after Christmas for a short time, and
will continue on to Metro Christian Academy again in the Fall.
Cade, 5, is in his “bonus” year in Pre-K. What a blessing
his new school and teacher have been to us. He loves school, and is very
diligent with his studies. He plays on the Knights outdoor soccer team, a TSCH
indoor team, and does Little Kickers every week. He loves playing outside with
his neighborhood friends, helping in the kitchen, and is a true
outdoorsman. Cade asked Jesus to be his
Lord and Savior this Fall – a true joy for us all to witness.
Hunter, 3, and is home with me every day. He is observant,
intuitive, shy, and extremely strong-willed. We have really enjoyed our time
together while the older kids are at school. Most days you can find him in
costume and barefoot engrossed in imaginary play. Hunter recently joined Cade’s
Little Kickers class, which is a HUGE step out of his comfort zone – it has
been so good for him, and he is excited to play outdoor soccer soon. Hunter
asked Jesus into his heart on December 2nd – there is no greater joy
as a parent.
Holden, 10 months, has been the most perfect addition to our
family. He has been so easy and so tolerant of our busy life. He is perfectly
healthy, and lights up our whole world. He absolutely ADORES his older brothers
and sister, and he has brought each of us so much joy. Even after 3 others,
those special “firsts” never lose their luster. We cherish his every growth and
progression like he’s our first baby.
Dave celebrated his 5th year with Superior
Pipeline and was promoted to Manager of Gas Supply this year. He spends his
free time teaching the boys “man things” at the deer lease, watching OSU
sports, and spoiling his girls.
As for me, I have been joyously consumed
by my family and keeping our home happy, healthy, and thriving. I don’t always
succeed, but I know this is the job made just for me. I enjoy my role as Wife,
Homeroom Mom (x2), Cheer Sponsor, and Mom of four under age seven. It’s a
challenge every, single day.
In a word, you will notice that a common theme for our year
is “JOY”. We are healthier, more content, and more blessed this year than ever
before, and my heart overflows with the JOY as we are showered with His
abundant love and grace. We know 2014 will be an even bigger year for our
family, with many exciting changes ahead.
Wishing you a Merry
Christmas and a Blessed 2014,
Dave, Allie, Adyson,
Cade, Hunter, and Holden Hodges
