A Christmas Message from The Osborn's

     As I sat down to write this year’s Christmas Letter I looked back at last years to get an idea of how to do it…I only do it once a year.  While I was reading it, I kept thinking how odd things sounded when I only mentioned Jack and not Sam.  I then had to remind myself that Sam hasn’t even been on the outside for a year yet!

     What an impact Sam has made in our lives.  He is such a sweet baby and it has been so fun watching him grow and change this past year.  It has also been amazing to watch Jack’s seamless transformation into a big brother!!  He is the best big brother I could imagine.  Aside from being born, Sam has begun the transformation from baby into dare-devil.  It is amazing to watch him learn new things and to see the transformation from tiny baby (for about .2 seconds) and seems to be on the cusp into toddlerhood already.  I am thankful that he’s been a healthy well tempered baby who LOVES his mommy and family.  I have so enjoyed having him be a momma’s boy, but my housekeeping and entertaining motto has become “good enough” since Sam’s arrival.  We are so anxious to see the changes that he will make in the next year and will hopefully be nearly potty trained just like his brother as he’s going to have the same awesome teachers that Jack had.  We’ve loved having Sam at Trinity and I have cherished being able to go there each day and feed Sam.

      I’ve also enjoyed seeing Jack each day when I go to feed Sam.  The majority of the time, he’s asleep by the time I make it upstairs, but to get to give that precious face a kiss makes the afternoon so much brighter.  Jack has moved on from Liz’s room, but I still manage to spend a fair amount of time stopping in to say hi to her.  Jack continues to take gymnastics for the time being.  He has also enjoyed swimming lesions, and we may look into new activities for the new year.   Jack has also really enjoyed attending Sunday school at First Plymouth Church.  We also developed a new habit of watching the original Batman TV series as part of our bedtime routine.  Jess and I love how REDICULOUS it is.  Jack has been such a big boy about Sam taking away some of his time and I think he really enjoys being a big brother... most of the time. 

     Jess has had two promotions at work since last year and is currently a business analyst.  I’m still not certain what that means but I know that he can make his computer do things without hitting any keys, he has a computer that he can work from home with, and he has even greater flexibility with his schedule.  He has really worked hard to be where he is at within his company in just four years.  He has really developed a love of triathlons this year doing two Olympic distance and several sprint distance races along with other road races.  We are so amazed at the level of strength and determination he has to complete each of these races. I'm so proud that he sets such a great example for the boys in what it means to be active.  He has also enjoyed hunting this fall with Roxie.  He feels that she has at least some potential. 

     I've had a wonderful first year of law practice with two great mentors.  It has been wonderful to get to grow as a new attorney in our office.  I am really enjoying parts of practicing and am able to see the benefit in the parts that I do not like.  I am feeling more and more comfortable at making my own decisions without seeking reassurance and grateful every day that Joy has taken me under her wing.  I joined a running club and completed my first triathlon this summer.  I don't think I've been bitten by the bug but I did really enjoy the running group and hope to continue.

     It has been an amazing year for our family we spent a lot of time at the cabin, we took a fun filled vacation to Arizona, and we added an unexpected amount of joy to our lives when Sam was born.  We are so blessed to have two wonderful healthy boys who are constantly learning and loving.  We are thankful that we have a safe place for the boys to go learn each day while we are at work.  We are grateful for our families who are so supportive and for friends who are a source of encouragement and entertainment.  Wishing you all a 2012 that is filled with Christ's blessings.