Merry Christmas!

Things I've learned about my husband this holiday season:

1. He thinks there's nothing quite like a hot glass of apple cider.
2. He deserves every penny of the support that he raises. He is a diligent, hard worker and has an amazing perspective on life in general and the ministry of FCA. (This isn't something new I learned, but something that I feel he is more impressive in all the time).
3. He will hunt in any weather, regardless of how miserable.
4. Snacking is an addiction he cannot break.
5. God knew what he was doing when he matched us together. I never doubted that, but I have seen new insights into the perfection of that and praise Him for it!

Things I've learned about Jonah:

1. He is incapable of not jumping while watching a race/competition of any kind. Dogs chasing, good guys trying to escape bad guys, playing a wii game... all of these things involve him jumping. The entire time.
2. When deciding his favorite activity, he will have the hesitate deciding between video games and sports. The boy LOVES playing wii.
3. He could eat a sandwich for every meal and be content.
4. He is on the brink of learning to read and it's fun to see the wheels turning in his head.
5. He is a mini-daddy and uses hilarious phrases in perfect timing. Examples: using the phrase "you're complicated" in casual conversation, and saying "that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!" when playing games with him. He cracks us up all the time.

Things I've learned about Abby:

1. Even with two brothers, the girl will not waver in her girliness. As a matter of fact, Levi, get ready to play princess and dress up when you get old enough and Jonah is off to school. Sorry, buddy, but I think it's coming.
2. She thinks she is a little mommy and is quick to repeat what I say to others. Example: I say please don't touch the tree to a baby that's over and she immediately chimes in repeating with a no-nonsense tone and carefully directs him else ware. Nothing like imitation to cause you to think through your words and actions a bit more carefully!
3. Her walnut allergy (and peanut and pecan most likely) is still going strong, thanks to a reminder from some pesto a few weeks ago. Thankfully, she doesn't like nuts, even the ones she can have, and you will never hear her complain about not getting to eat something.
4. She is growing in her compassion and knowledge of the Lord. Example: the other day while I was sad and particularly emotional, Abby came up and said "Remember, mommy, that Jesus died on the cross for you." From the mouth of babes!
5. The girl is gorgeous no matter the length of her hair. :)

Things I've learned about Levi:

1. He is amazingly cute. The pictures aren't deceiving. It's all true. :) He is my smiliest child at this age and it is not at all difficult to get him to flash a smile. Getting him to not be distracted by the shiny camera with lights is a bit more tricky, however.
2. When put on his tummy, he will roll over in two seconds flat. No tummy time for him.
3. He absolutely loves Jonah and Abby. They can be up in his face, shaking his arm, and just all around smothering and he will smile, laugh, and just egg it on. He loves it. It makes it difficult to tell them to give the boy some room as it certainly doesn't seem to bother him most of the time.
4. He likes to grab his feet with his left arm only. I'm not saying he's a lefty, but lets just say that daddy isn't discouraging the idea.
5. He has changed from newborn to baby in the last few weeks. Eating baby food, sleeping mostly all night, able to handle almost all foods now (can I get a PRAISE GOD!?! I made it!!!), and at nearly five months he's not swimming in his 6-9 month clothing. Someone is taking after his daddy & brother.

Things I've learned about myself this holiday season:

1. I am in need of a Savior. I am learning that more and more every day.
2. I've got a lot to learn, and I mean a lot, regarding my Christian walk. Thankfully God has given us the tools, namely the Bible, to encourage and instruct us and I'm ready to work and grow until the day he takes me from this earth.
3. I can handle more than I think. The eating restrictions took a toll on me in the last few months and I was about 12 hours from stopping nursing. However, with some encouragement from friends I pushed through just another day... and another... and another... and now I have come out the other side victorious! So thankful for that. (I know this is making a mountain out of a mole hill, but I love to cook and eat variety and this was very difficult for me to be so restricted. I'm aware that there are MUCH worse things in life, just thankful for the perseverance in this trial for me. :)
4. I actually may enjoy running after all! Running a 5k was fun, especially to do with Brian, and I like satisfaction of setting a goal and meeting it. Once you get past the "if I run another step I'm going to die" stage, it's actually rather rewarding. :)
5. I need to document this time of life and cherish it. The innocence they have at this age is so precious and, though it is challenging and exhausting at times with how much they need me, someday they won't need me so much anymore and I'll miss it. So, for now, I will continue to make an effort to soak in the precious moments before it's too late.

Thank you, family and friends, for the love you have shown our family and continue to show our family in so many ways throughout this year and beyond. We are truly blessed. We pray that we may be a family that reflects the glory of our Lord and His great goodness in our lives.

Much love,
The Conklins