With the holidays fast approaching, we want to take this opportunity to wish you a “MERRY CHRISTMAS” from our family to yours.

The years seem to go way too fast, and 2008 was no exception. Our biggest adventure of the year was the birth of our son, Josiah John Paul, on April 4th. He was born 3 weeks early, spent a few extra days in the hospital due to jaundice and finally came home a happy and healthy little boy. He has been another easy baby and boy do his mom and dad appreciate that! It is hard to believe that our little boy is now 8 months old and is sitting up, rolling everywhere and not so little anymore! Jason & I enjoy watching him grow and change every day and look forward to seeing what he will learn next.

Anya turned 3 in July and is busy being busy. She has quite the independent streak and imagination–both seem to keep us on our toes most days! She has started preschool while at daycare and is always telling us something new she has learned. She has adjusted well to being a big sister and is a great mommy’s helper (unless, of course, the diaper is too stinky)! She adores her little brother and spends much of her day smothering him with kisses and hugs—-something that may come to an end when he gets mobile and starts stealing toys from her! Throughout the year she has kept busy with swimming lessons and gymnastics and also attends AWANA Bible Buddies on Wednesday nights at church. She is definitely growing up.

As for Jason & I, work life hasn’t changed too much for either of us. Jason is still running McArtor Design from our home and I continue to work part-time at Walgreens. After Josiah was born, I returned to work 2 days a week and have really enjoyed my extra days at home with the kids. We have fun playing and we don’t even have to leave home to go visit daddy at work! We continue to stay busy with many church activities and enjoy the weekly small group bible study we are involved with. Jason again spent the majority of his fall weekends in Iowa City cheering for the Hawks and I even tagged along for a few games too. Jason is looking forward to next season when he is planning on taking Anya to her first Hawkeye football game….wish him luck!

Looking back at 2008, we are thankful for the good year and all the new blessings it brought. We are looking forward to the holidays and the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Jesus with our family and friends. We hope this year brought many joys to you and your family and may God bless you in the new year.

Love,

Jason, Brandy, Anya & Josiah