The Christmas Letter I Didn't Write

I love getting Christmas cards, and even more so, Christmas letters.  Even when more and more families are getting away from that tradition, I really truly desire to take the time to write one out, copy it, and send it to all my dear friends and family along with the Christmas card.  However, the past three years, like everyone else, I have just been too busy to invest the time and the money in a letter.

So- Here I go.  The Christmas Letter I didn't write. 

Dear Friends and Family,

2012 has been a year full of excitement, challenges, and triumphs.  Our little family has grown closer to each other and to God as He has blessed us in ways we could not imagine.

Our kiddo is 8 years old now!  I can hardly believe it!  He finished out the 2nd grade in a fantastic private school, and started the 3rd grade in the GT Program at a local public school.  His love for all things space related, math related, cat related, and music related keep me on my toes for sure!  He was blessed on his birthday with a HUGE gift of Lego's from a very dear friend, and now I bless that boy every time I find one with my feet!  :)  Seriously, the Kiddo's imagination knows no bounds now as he builds, destructs, and rebuilds whatever his mind creates!  His increasing interest in space inspired his Aunt to find him a very nice used telescope and he has been chomping at the bit to use it.  (He is waiting for Mommy's permission--- Mommy is waiting on a warmer evening!)

Hubby- well, since he hates for me to share anything about him on the Internet, let's just go with this: he is alive and well and the love of my life!  ;)

Then there is me.  This year has been a complete roller coaster of ups and downs, challenges, closed doors, and open windows.  I am still working on my degree in Environmental Studies.  I have begun volunteering at the local State Park, which I have loved!  I was working at a clinic, but the contract I was working under expired.  I could have waited the contract out and probably would have been rehired.  However, I knew deep down that He did not want me to.  I don't know why except that I feel a HUGE load taken off now that I am home again.  Granted, this offers its own set of unique challenges... mainly in the financial department, but I know He will provide.  So now I am working on two blogs- this one, plus "Military Women of God" (a blog created to minister to all women affiliated with the Military, as there are VERY few Bible Studies/Ministries geared for those women.)  I am also seeking freelance work from home, which has afforded me two projects so far. 

For me, this year has also been challenging in the aspect of my health.  This year some things have gotten so much worse.  As a result, our family is looking at some major diet changes and transitions.  We have almost completely cut out beef from our diet.  We rely on venison for our red meat intake now.  We are trying to cut down on the red meat intake as well.  Trying to refocus on chicken, fish, and other proteins.  For me, since I have tested negative for gluten and lactose allergies, we are also attempting to cut out processed foods (you know- Hamburger Helper, Stove Top Stuffing, Kraft Mac-n-Cheese, canned soups, canned veggies, etc).  I have an inkling that my issues are directly related to the increase in these foods since I started working- so we are trying to revert to a more all-natural diet.  So I am going to start making my own breads for sure, and going to start weaning ourselves off those processed foods as much as we can. 

So what are my New Year's Resolutions for 2013?

1. Get my family back on a healthy diet.

2.  Cut out 75% of our red meat intake; cut out 85% of our processed food intake.

3.  Find a profitable way to help support this family from home.

4.  Finish my degree by July.

5.  Learn how to can and preserve various foods, stock our pantry with those foods rather than the processed ones.

6.  Grow closer to my kiddo and my hubby!

7.  Grow closer as a family to our Provider, our God.

8.  Grow closer, myself, to my God.

I hope this letter finds you all well and amply blessed!  God bless you all!!!

~A God-blessed Woman