Christmasing began earlier than usual this year at the Neufelds. We put up our tree on November 1st and read through our advent devotional together. Every few days we would unpack another box and set up our village, lights, and Nativity. Decorating in smaller chunks brought us more joy, and I can see it becoming an annual tradition. It also takes us more than 25 days to make it though our advent devotional so it's nice to feel less rushed during this busy time of year.
Our fall highlights mostly relate to activities and education, which I will attempt to squeeze in to the following two paragraphs:
David is in his first year of Highschool and has been excelling in Band, playing the trumpet. Joshua is rocking kindergarten like we knew he would. He learned to read over summer break and recently discovered a new super power (colour blindness). Angeline is enjoying online classes for the first time. Samara is progressing in her independence, and Rebekah is now reading chapter books. It has been an adjustment homeschooling 4 for the first time, but we are proud of all that they have learned and accomplished. I am really looking forward to setting up a proper homeschool space for term 2, in efforts to negate spreading our learning "mess" all over the dinning room. Jonathan is about to graduate from his schooling. We are all proud of the balancing he does between his education and being an amazing Dad and husband. His accomplishments this year include being a member of a Virtual Conference Strategy Task Force and being featured in a magazine. He is looking forward to starting to work before the month is up.
Curling is quickly becoming a family sport. Jonathan continues to help coach the juniors which David and Angeline are both taking part in. He is also skip now to team Neufeld with my Mom and I. It should be noted that having to curl with your wife AND mother in law at the same time is no small feat. Samara has plans to start curling as well, hopefully in January if her gymnastics schedule permits. She started gymnastics in September and has really been enjoying it. That brings us to our second major sport of the year. Rebekah and Joshua are also enjoying gymnastics. When we asked Naomi if she wanted to do curling or gymnastics next year she replied "BALLET!" Ever since Angeline started a ballet class this fall Naomi has been wanting nothing more then her own ballet slippers. I'm just wanting her to potty train, hopefully this Christmas break.
We are all looking forward to more camping, as well as an Alberta family vacation and reunion in the summer.
2019 has brought with it many new adventures, blessings, and challenges and 2020 promises more change. Through it all we move forward with grateful hearts. Thankful for each other, for family, and friends who help out and add warmth, love, and meaningfulness to our everyday lives.
We wish you a simplified year with less distractions and more purpose.
Merry Christmas and Happy 2020.
From our Family to Yours,
the Neufelds
