Since we didn't send out Christmas cards this year, I'll leave you with my Christmas letter, which I plan to write this year and every year so I never get to far without reflecting on what a lucky, lovely life I really have.
Merry Christmas to my wonderful friends and family- who I know are the only ones silly enough to listen to what I have to say. I hope the blessings of the season triumph over any darkness you might have in your lives.
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| The happiest moment of my year. Right here John is saying, "I now pronounce you..." (Photo Credit: Katie Day) |
December
2012
Dear Santa,
We have such an incredibly blessed year. I praise the Lord
again as I think of His goodness and glory in 2012.
2012 was the year of the wedding! I went dress shopping with
my bridesmaids and my moms (all 3 of them) and finally picked one out at
Teresa’s Bridal here in Kirksville. We finally decided to have our ceremony and
reception on Dad’s farm and spent the summer painting the barn red and working
on getting the place wedding ready. I made flowers, painted signs, and gathered
vintage jars and vases for our centerpieces. It was a labor of love.
October 6, 2012 was the big day and I’ve never been more
acutely aware of the Lord’s love in my life. Surrounded by friends and family,
Brett and I wed in a flurry of tears, laughter, and lots and lots of dancing.
I’ll never forget those moments.
In other good news, I got my braces off in April and was so
glad to be done with that process. No implants yet, but 2013 looks to be the
year. In May, Brett and I also hosted a Rotary Exchange guest from Romania
named Odi Onyejekwe. He and the whole group of Romanians were great to get to
know. People really are the same everywhere. Over Memorial Day weekend and
Brett’s birthday we visited our friends Tim and Shana in Chicago. We drank and
ate our way through the city. Over the summer they moved to DC, Shana’s
hometown, so I’m glad we got the chance to stay with them while they lived
close. In June, Brett and I ran at the Hospital Hill Race with his mom. Brett
and Marilyn ran the 10K and I ran the 5K. In between wedding planning, we also
made time to go to the All Star Game in Kansas City in July. It was 3 days of
baseball fun and we loved taking advantage of the once in a lifetime
opportunity. This year was the first summer at our apartment and we enjoyed our
patio by grilling every chance we got. We love our new place and have made it
very much our home.
No year is perfect of course and this year has certainly
seen its challenges. After a long and not always smooth transition, I started a
new job within my office in October as Assistant Tourism Director. Brett and I
grew apart from old friends, but of course, grew closer to new ones. We are no
strangers to illness, in ourselves and our families, but each day brings new
opportunity for healing and peace.
As we approach our first Christmas as a married couple, I thank God for his glory. I feel blessed beyond measure. All I want for Christmas this year is everything I have.
Much love,
Amanda
Amanda
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