I'm laughing to myself as I note that, while I'm starting this in a timely manner, and it will probably say it was posted in early December, it's not likely I'll actually post it until . . . oh, the DAY I finally get my Christmas cards sent, so . . . March? LOL.
As you can tell, 2010 has not made me any more or organized, but it has been an amazing year. I think the word "Blessed" would best define it.
Dusty continues to move ahead like a force of nature: providing tirelessly for us, pouring into his boys, being my best friend and leading the vision at Connections to get out the message of Christ. Last Easter Connections (a.k.a. CX) moved into a small storefront, lovingly dubbed "our first apartment." With its two tiny classrooms and ONE toilet (nope, not even joking), it has proved a blessing and a challenge. This summer we were approved to lease adjacent space for classrooms (and an additional bathroom - Hallelujah!). If he's not working with crews at CX, he's on the phone encouraging contractors and city officials to help us expedite the process. His passion to help raise up a body of people who will live the message of Jesus . . . well, it boggles my mind sometimes. I am truly blessed to be at his side.
Daxton entered the wild world of first grade this year! Originally we were concerned as he took the transition from kindergarten pretty hard. However, he embraced the challenge, rising to the top of his class and really enjoying the power and freedom found in his reading skills. He is such a happy young man and a HUGE help with his little brothers. But, more than all that, we are so excited about his heart for the things of God. The other day, in one of our discussions about salvation he said, "Well, how in the world could I NOT believe in that?" Dax turned 7 in November. He has always been such a delight. We cannot wait to see what he does next!
Draes turned 3 in June. He is so passionate and confident. His choleric (administrator) tendencies have been evident since he was tiny; he sees the world through a definitive set of glasses and feels you should too ;). So it has been fun, this year, to watch him take joy in and embrace others. He says hello to EVERYONE we pass, usually followed quickly by, "Ya know? It's Dax's BIRTHDAY!" That has been the most exciting thing to him for about 2 months running. He has all his letters and sounds down, so we've turned our main focus to counting to 100. Like his daddy, he will stick to something until he has accomplished it. Draes is SUCH a hard worker and so joyful! I eagerly await his appearance each day and his exultant, "Good mowning!"
Dezdin turned 2 in November. Still our most content and docile, he is learning how to make himself heard. It is so strange to have such a soft-spoken person in our midst. Ha ha. Dez contentedly watches and listens to most of the goings on. Then, once in awhile, he will toss out a complete, articulate sentence. The whole family seems to hush at the sound of his rarely-heard voice! He's also learning to use his stealth to his advantage and my dismay. Recently, Draes has taken to tattling on him, so that helps evade SOME chaos. He is learning his letters and numbers alongside his older brother, and he takes great joy in the new-found world of Play-do! Dez is a tender spirit, adored by all who know him, and a joy to my heart. I cannot imagine who we would have been without him!
I know it has been a trying year in America, and the world round. Struggling economies weigh heavily on people and families, straining relationships and, sometimes, breaking them. While the year has not been an "easy" one for us either, we can never say we are anything but blessed. At present, we are all healthy. We have been blessed to keep our home which allowed us the privilege of housing family for a few months - such a blessing to provide that. Dusty and I often muse that we are nothing remarkable that we should have the great privilege of leading a ministry like CX - filled with people who understand the call to live radically for Christ, and strive to answer it - yet, here we are. What an honor; what a blessing. And above all, we are blessed with the presence of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. This world would be a great despair without Him.
God's grace and our love to each of you. We pray you feel the depth of His love in 2011, and the weight of his blessings - which outweigh anything the world has to offer. Ephesians 1:3
Love,
Dusty, Tammi, Dax, Drae and Dez
