Dear Family and Friends,
It is amazing to us that another year is coming to a close. I remember thinking last year that we had been quite busy and feeling like this year might be a little calmer... oh, that's funny to think about now! Let me stop and collect myself. Surly, that is not what we have had. But, amidst the crazy days filling our year, we have experienced the calming effect of God's new mercies everyday. I don't know where we would be without His love and the hope of our salvation!
Sophie is an active and healthy 2 year old who keeps us on our toes and delights our hearts! Her vocabulary increases everyday and she is constantly coming up with ideas of what to do next. Some are less dangerous than others! Up until a month or so ago, when it started getting REALLY cold, she spent most of her time "outshide" (outside). Just like her Daddy, it's her favorite place to be. And, if she can enjoy a popsicle too, it's even better! When she's not eating, she's running and jumping and dancing! She has three babies that take a lot of her focus as well. Orange baby, Rosie, and Betsey keep this little mommy quite busy. Although she usually prefers them without any clothing, there are still a lot of things they need! My favorite part of her development this year is watching her heart soften to things of the Lord. She loves to sing "Hallelujah" and any "la la" (songs) that she can. She wants to pray for everyone she knows before going to sleep, always finishing with a loud "A...Men!" This girl knows how to stretch out her words for affect! And when we are all ready for bed, because we are just as tired as she is at 7pm, we'll hope for a quick snuggle (before she realizes it) and her sweet "wuv-you" (love you) to be whispered. This is before we tuck her in, alongside her 17 "lovies"!
Aaron Joshua (AJ) joined our family in May. We have been very blessed by this chattering, husky-jean wearing, roller who makes us laugh and tired both at the same time! He loves the bathtub and you feel like you're in the splash zone at Sea-World! I honestly do not know how families with lots of children do it...two is working me hard!! I'm not sure how we're going to do it when Josh goes back to work. I like having both of us home! AJ started out a healthy, normal size and has not stopped growing since. At his recent appointment, 7 months, he weighed in at 21 pounds! Oh but not to fear, he is totally proportionate with his height! It just looks like we have a 12 month old! He is the talker of the family and has a smile to melt your heart. Sophie loves him wildly and they are starting to act like typical siblings! Don't worry, he holds his own. AJ has already learned how to be sneaky in toy stealing and hair pulling! I love that he is my snugly boy and has started giving really great hugs. It is a little less cute when he would like to say "hi" at 2:30AM, but I'm trying to remember he will only be my big baby for a short time! He has 2 bottom teeth and some wild, spiked hair too! We love our little man.
Josh and I have been growing in our relationship with God and each other this year beyond what we knew was possible. We are so thankful to have our family! For many reasons, mostly the financial state of the church, Josh resigned from Berean Baptist at the end of October. The position grew both of us and was a successful time of learning for the past 3 and a half years, but we felt confident in the Lord's calling to move us on. While this has been a huge leap of faith, we are hopeful in what God is preparing for us. We have experienced His answering prayers and providing for us. Thank you to everyone for your constant prayers and encouragement~please don't stop!
As of right now, we have applications out to several churches and other jobs. Our house is still an active listing on the market and Sophie has gotten really good at her rendition of the "clean-up" song! Although, this may not be what we would have planned, we are choosing to continue to worship and be thankful to the great GOD we serve!!
Stay tuned to what will happen on this adventure in 2010! We love each of you and are praying that God will bless and faithfully provide for each of you in this coming year!
"Then as the year draws to a close, Christmas offers its wonderful message. Emmanuel, God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn't come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety."-Charles Swindoll
Love,
Josh, Anna, Sophie, AJ Kintigh
