Merry Christmas!

First off, we hope you enjoy the new version of our Christmas letter, we call it the “green” edition, not because of the color but because you know... “going green”... the ever popular phrase that everyone is using. As cliche as it has become, we have made some changes to be more environmentally conscious this year and this is just one of those ways. As for our big “life change” this year... well of course it was adding Isaiah, who came to us in a way we weren’t quite expecting or planning in the end it was true account of God’s provision and providing a path for us to follow. We did so, blindly, boldly and comfortably. The whole story is quite a miracle really and you can read about it on our blog. But to sum it up... in a matter of a couple of months Joni and I went from talking about adoption, to adopting Isaiah. The ramifications meant a month in Michigan for us, it meant humbling ourselves to ask friends and family for financial help, as well as asking our places of employment for time away to get our son for who knew how long. In the end we came home with a precious baby boy, that instantly melted our hearts. With great joy I tell you that for this rather expensive endeavor, the generous donations from many of our friends, family and co-workers, allowed us to take on zero debt. It truly... deeply blessed us... thank you each and everyone of you! I can’t say it in words how much love and support we felt, everyone had a part in this wonderful miracle. Miya turned five! Yes... five. That seems just crazy, but she is growing like a weed. She’s been a joy to watch as a big sister. She loves her baby brother and has much compassion for him, as fussy as he can be. She is finishing up her last semester in preschool at Cotton Tail Creek Montessori. She’s been working on reading this year. She is one smart cookie, and she loves school. For Halloween she was Miya Poppins, it may have been the greatest costume of all time, thanks to the work of her mom and nanna. She loves spending time with her family and on Daddy-Miya dates once a month. She’s definitely daddy’s little girl. Joni is still working for Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg - America’s Family Coaches. It’s been a busy year for her, but she loves the work, their mission to save marriages, and especially her coworkers. She still enjoys Friday’s off where she can spend time with the kiddo’s. Joni is also involved in a mom's group, small group and sings at The Ridge (our church). Believe it or not she is still married to me after 7 years. She puts up with a lot, this year’s been a growing experience for us introducing kid number two. We are pushing through little sleep and high emotions at times... you know what I mean if you've had or have kids. But in that we are happily in love. I (Derek) love my job at Flynn Wright. It’s been a year-and-a-half since I moved here and I have not lost the passion for the work I do. More than that... I love being dad, raising kids is the toughest most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I'm also reminded of some solid friendships this year and look forward to building those in 2009. I look forward to the semi-annual man-days/nights, they’re a great chance for us guys to be guys. And of course I keep busy laying down the beats (playing drums) twice a month for our church. Joni and I both turn the big 3-0 in 2009. Parties are in the making. Mine is my “golden” birthday. 30 on the 30th of April. I got to be honest... I want a big party. Joni's will be on the 15th of March, and she wants to go roller-skating. That is an injury just waiting to happen for me ;). Miya will begin Kindergarten in the fall. But before that she will be a fish through summer. She loves swimming and she is incredible at it. I think it’s something she is gifted at that will bring her some success. Isaiah will be turning one on May 1st. Big goals for him are to sleep through the night (please, this has taken way to long), putting on a few pounds (he’s our little dude), crawling then walking and producing his first words. Thank you for enjoying our “green” Christmas letter. We hope it finds you in the midst of a blessed holiday season. Sincerely, Photographs were taken by Tori's Eye