Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!
When I think about this year, I’m overwhelmed by the time slipping through my grasp. Our children are growing, our days are full.
Jeff and I both turned forty this year and we get celebrate our 20th anniversary in January! What a blessing it is to spend more than half my life with my best friend. I don’t take it for granted and I’m thankful everyday for this crazy, chaotic, lovely life we’ve been given.
Jeff still works at Schomburg as a project manager/estimator. We are so thankful for his job and work environment. And even more thankful we get to see him everyday! He’s still leading worship every chance he gets and he’s always eager to coach (or play) soccer with the kids.
I am thankful to be able to still be home with the kids. This year of homeschooling has been different since we started a co-op. It’s busy, but fun! I try to squeeze in a little writing between things but I stay pretty busy with the house, kids, animals and school!
Thao would have been a senior this year. I can only imagine the things we would be celebrating or dreaming of with him. I just cannot go a year without mentioning how much we miss our sweet boy and how much, even 12 years later, it grieves our hearts to live this life without him. One day closer, sweet boy.
Ava (15) is practicing her driving skills, her art and baking skills and keeping a very busy social schedule (as always). She has a regular babysitting job now and although I’m thankful, I miss having her home everyday. Ava loves spending time with our cousin Erin and learning new techniques in art. She’s doing amazing!
Crusoe (14) may have finally passed Jeff up in height (but it could also be the hair). Cru finished his last season of DSA soccer in the fall having Jeff as a coach for the last several years. He’s putting a lot of effort into his school and learning bass guitar. He still plays drums at church as much as he can. We’re pretty proud!
Isa (12) has been using all her creativity in the arts as well. While Ava loves painting, Isa is spending a lot of her day crafting. She’s perfecting her crocheting and making cute little gifts for friends. She’s always practicing her French and solving new puzzles and Rubik’s cubes! This girl is always busy creating. She was also in her first play this year and rocked it!
Liam (12) spends a lot of time on the soccer fields these days. Liam’s playing on the indoor soccer league with games every weekend. It’s been fun for the boys and Jeff to get to still play and I love watching Liam develop these relationships with friends. He’s practicing piano and plays at church with Jeff whenever he gets the chance. We love watching him excel in things he loves!
Luca (5) has grown a lot this year. He’s doing great with school, playing soccer and learning chess. He’s learning the chores that the big kids do and always loves to work. All the kids are great in the kitchen but Luca has started doing some things on his own. He spends a lot of time building legos and playing soccer with the big boys. He is such a joy to watch grow!
Oliver (2) runs the place. Ollie became a Nardoni officially and forever in October. He is truly a delight! He wants to keep up with the big kids but he also likes being the baby. He loves to snuggle and he’s a daddy’s boy for sure. He’s quite the helper. We are very thankful for this little miracle!
While all these accomplishments and efforts are great, the things I’m truly thankful for aren’t listed above. I’m thankful for the hope of heaven and seeing Thao again, Ava’s creativity and heart for the left out, for Crusoe’s compassion for the hurting, for Isa’s ingenuity and imaginative games when leading the littles, for Liam’s gentleness and patience, for Luca’s inquisitive and kind nature, for Ollie’s sweetness. I’m thankful for Jeff’s faith in leading our family and constantly reminding me to trust the Lord and point me back to him.
I’m thankful for the Lord’s faithfulness and his abundant blessings in our family’s life. My prayer is for more of Jesus, contented hearts, light in the darkness. My hope is that your prayer is the same and your new year holds abundant blessings from our Lord and Savior.
