Dear Friends and Family,
Every year I wonder why I have the desire to write a Christmas letter. The truth is, I know why. It is because my mom writes one every year. The gift of family and the heritage that we pass on became even more valuable this year. I am so thankful for the family that God has given me—my family by birth, the family I married into and the family of friends that I am surrounded by.
In 2012 we said our last goodbyes to my Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. My grandma passed away on January 18 and my grandpa passed away on September 20. They have left a legacy of love. Anyone who has ever met my grandparents, has known love. I am grateful that I was able to grow up next door to my grandparents. I am even more grateful our children had the opportunity to live next door to their great grandparents. I cherish every minute we had with them, down to the last second—every hug, laugh, smile, cookie, joke, story, picture, birthday cake; the list could go on and on. They have left an empty spot in our lives but we hang onto the hope and assurance that we will see them again some day.
Not only am I thankful for the family I married into…but also the family that marries into OURS! My younger brother Luke married Karen Goldsmith in South Padre Island, Texas on February 18th! That’s right, we all packed our bags and flew south for a family wedding on the beach. Phillip was honored to officiate the wedding and the kids were the ring bearers and flower girl. My family also gathered on August 4th for a 100 year old BARN party. The Johnson family barn was built in 1912. The party was perfect. My grandpa told stories from the old barn, we had pictures from the past, toured the barn and were surrounded by family and friends.
Those are only two examples of the FUN we had as a family this year. Our definition of “fun” may not be the same as most…but I am thankful for our outlook on life and how we are able to reflect and put everything into perspective! Here are a few quick snap shots of the fun (and not so fun) times in 2012:
Brooks
- Found out the hard way how HOT a wood burning stove is. He had 2nd degree burns on his left hand but a shot of morphine adds a little fun!??!
- Turned 2 and loved his Cookie Monster party
- Loves animals, chores, garden veggies and everything about the farm
- Always wins hearts with his dimples and giggles
- Loves his grandpas—Bumpa Alan, Bumpa Johnson and his Great Grandpas!
- Finds joy in everything his siblings do
Anabel
- 4-year-old Strawberry Shortcake and family swimming party!
- Donated 8 inches of beautiful blonde hair to Locks of Love
- Always game for “GIRLY” things---tea parties, painting nails, shopping, dresses, babies, doing hair
- Successfully was a flower girl for Luke and Karen’s wedding thanks to her much admired older cousin Haley
- Loves swimming, running, swinging, laughing, preschool at home, jumping on the trampoline, learning to read, writing, Sunday School & Cubbies
Evan
- Loved flying in an airplane and vacationing on South Padre Island
- Completed Kindergarten and started 1st grade (at home)
- Amazing reader, avid LEGO builder, Superhero fanatic, super swimmer, fort builder, AWANA Spark
- Rides a bike without training wheels
- Took a trip to Grand Maris with Jensen grandparents
- Looses lots of teeth & had a dental surgery for a root canal : (
- Looks forward to time with friends and cousins
- 6 year old Spiderman party
Phillip
- Officiated wedding on South Padre Island and was honored to play a role in two funerals
- Works on our non-profit, home schools our children and takes care of our always increasing farm animals—pigs, sheep, chickens, and dog
- Successfully planned, tilled, planted, weeded, watered, and harvested produce from our CSA garden for 10 members for 16 consecutive weeks
- Leads music, Bible Studies, & Youth Group at church
- Appreciates the help of high school boys around our farm
- Celebrated the love and life of Grandpa Don
- Enjoyed a few Twins games with his brother
Missy
- Loves being a mom of three beautiful children
- Blessed to be married to Phillip for 8 years
- Donated 10 inches of hair to Locks of Love
- Cherishes time with high school, college & beyond friends
- Worked beside Phillip in the garden on harvesting days
- Enjoyed having her sister Mandy back on the farm to provide friendship & care for our grandparents
- Completed her 2nd sprint triathlon with her mom and Mandy
- Went from homeschooling her own children to being a long term substitute Talented and Gifted Teacher at a near by public school
- Looks forward to any time spent with family
There you have it~~a quick (but lengthy) update on 2012! We are thankful for our health and ability to enjoy the life God has given us. We look forward to what 2013 holds. We hope to see you in this upcoming year!
Blessings to you and your family.
Love,
Phillip + Missy
Evan, Anabel & Brooks
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