You must be curious why this is appearing now when traditionally a family newsletter accompanies a Christmas Card. Due to its purpose of reflecting on family blessings, it makes sense we do this around Christmas time. Well, I wanted to enjoy my Christmas and not dwell on the previous year until absolutely necessary.
Whelp, saying goodbye to 2017 qualifies for necessity.
It wasn't a bad year for us. So many blessings were granted, prayers answered and amazing growth took place.
It was just harder than usual.
This year, and still, we are facing some life-changing choices. Praying fervently for inspiration and searching diligently for that next step we must take for our little family.
Yes, I'm being a bit vague but in the following lists, all will become clear.
Let's begin with this little man...
TANNER K. PARKS (TK) The One-Year-old
> Walks, Runs, Wrestles, Giggles and will not be ignored!
> Finally got All of his teeth
> Heavy as a cinderblock but can run as quickly a rabbit and jump as high as a frog
> He Learned his numbers 1 to 10, reading and counting on his fingers. He's even attempted the teens and for some reason loves the number 18.
> Learned the ABC's. Sings the song and can read each on paper.
> Loves shapes, especially the STAR! You'll hear him sing "up above the world so high" it's his favorite part of the song.
> Favorite things to eat, "Treats", Cheerios (especially if mom's currently eating them) Kicks, Fruit Snacks, Pancakes with sausage and grandma Cindy's Syrup.
> He's discovered Trucks and Trains, Dogs and Duckies. Been licked in the face and chased bullfrogs. He dove into a pond head first trying to catch tadpoles. He's an adventurous little guy.
> He can navigate an iPad better than most adults and can find any electronic in the house no matter how well you hide it. In addition this year, he broke the TV. We've been without a TV for 6 months because he managed to hit it too hard with a block. Bye, bye TV.
> "SANTA CLAUS" and "PUMPKINS" Are his new discoveries and two of his most favorite words to shout as loud as possible.
Watching TK grow has been an amazing blessing. He's been blessed with a healthy body and a rapidly expanding mind. This has been my favorite stage of his life because of the wonder and thrill of learning. At this rate, he might give Mason a run for his money.
MASON G. PARKS the 5-year-Old
> Started Kindergarten> Loves Math, Reading, Writing, and Teasing his daddy
> Mason has made so many friends because he's such a good friend.
> He discovered a love of trying new things, though he also discovered the feeling of being nervous and shy.
> He Learned to ride his bike without training wheels and after a few short weeks was riding circles around us all.
> He learned to swim
> Played T-Ball and Soccer. I have never laughed so hard. But he loves sports even if it's proving that his kind heart is holding back his potential. Just because you're playing against your friend doesn't mean you pass him the ball because he asks nicely.
> Mason loves his cousins and talks about them all the time. His dream is to live close enough to visit them more often and he isn't afraid to facetime them even if it's just to make silly faces at them for 10 minutes before mom forces him to hang up.
> His Mind and imagination have exploded to new levels of creativity.
> He wants to be an airforce pilot when he grows up.
BROOKE PARKS - Finally the age she thought she was for the past 3 years!!
> Called to work in the Primary
> Gained some much-needed courage
> Learning to be an extrovert while pining for her introverted habits.
> Wrote a children's book and sent it to few publishers.
> Recieved her first rejection letter from a publisher (Much more exciting than it sounds)
> Had and recovered from surgery. (The best thing I could have ever done. My endometriosis has been removed and I am astonished that I can go month to month like this without any pain. The change is amazing!!!)
> Kept the kids alive.
> Visited Australia and for the first time in her life left the American continent.
> Rediscovered a love of design and photography. (I made so many custom photobooks this year, it was a blast.)
MITCH PARKS
Mitch is an amazing father and husband. We love how hard he works for us and love it, even more, when he comes home. Tanner is first to hear him at the door and no matter where he is in the house he will yell "Daddy" while running to the door. The boys love to wrestle with Daddy, make cookie dough with him, and just be silly. He is a remarkable father.
This year we were faced with the struggle of unexpectedly losing our position at Firestone and facing the unknown world of unemployment. Yet what amazed me was the moment Mitch came home with the news, both he and I felt relieved. The blessing that had moved us to this place where I could find a specialist and receive my surgery was clear, Firestone had gotten us here and through it. Now it is time to find that career that Mitch has been searching for.
For now Mitch has earned the Service Manager position with Goodyear here in town. So, while he wows his new shop with his talents of impersonation and hi-jinks, we continue our search. Teaching has always been one of his passions so perhaps that is the path we'll take or maybe it's something completely different. Until then we press on, pray and do all that we can to find our new path.
In addition to all that we've fought against the worst colds, Fevers, and stomach flu. One right after another, and we each took our turn. So though the last several months have been rough, we have had a wonderful year with quite a few lovely adventures...
> Tine's visit at the end of September. We loved having her in our home and dragging her out and about on all our adventures. It was amazing. Open Adoption has been a blessing to us and we are so thankful to have the whole Lehr Family in our lives.
> Gram's Visit back in Feb. It is still talked about with gusto!
> New Cousins! Though we haven't met them we Video Chat and see some of the most amazing spirits that have come into our family and can't wait to play someday soon.
> Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Kent's return from their Mission in Sydney Austrailia.
> Visited the Temple with the Searle Family, what a great family reunion it was.
> Enjoyed another reunion at the Cottage. (Might be the last we see of the Cottage, it's been an amazing place)
> Alsea Falls. We just drove out into the woods and around here you eventually find the most beautiful scenery.
> Drives around Monroe and Vanetta. Passing Christmas Tree Farms and Vineyards everywhere.
Bring on 2018
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