We are not sending out an “official” Christmas card this year, so I thought I would us this blog site to post an end-of-year update. (Plus, I’ve been meaning to resurrect this random personal blog anyway, so maybe this will be the start.) Here’s what has been going on with us:
We are still living in a semi-rural area of Southern Arizona where we can enjoy the beauty of the desert and the smell of horse manure drifting across our property. Ha! Actually, we love having some pretty wonderful neighbors around us with so many animals. It gives Gideon (and all of us) the opportunity to see and pet goats, chickens, turkeys, cows, pigs, horses, etc, all the time. Not to mention the fact that he loves the tractors, trucks, and other machinery that you would find on a farm. We love the “country” life as well as still having the city just an hour’s drive away.
Gideon has been growing in both wisdom and stature this year. He turned two in September. This kid loves his cars, trucks, trains, construction vehicles, farm animals, and dinosaurs. He also loves to “read” and is always practicing his letters and numbers (with no prompting from mom and dad). He can identify the numbers, the letters, and already knows most of the letter sounds. His favorite things are playing with Scout (our dog), digging in the dirt with his construction vehicles, taking long walks in the desert, reading books with mommy, and wrestling with daddy.
Holly has been embroiled in the role of mom and LEO wife this year… and is now working on growing baby #2! Baby girl Seidel is due in April 2019, so it seems we will have to figure out by then how to be “girl” parents. Aside from the stay-at-home mom gig, Holly still assists on occasion with trainings and presentations for Tucson Refugee Ministry and explores volunteer opportunities within the local community.
Jeff is in his 8th year of working for the U.S. Border Patrol. This past spring, he was selected to join a specialty unit at his station. He is currently on a year-long rotation with the Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) or “Station Highway Interdiction Team”, if you prefer (You can figure out that acronym yourself). He absolutely loves the opportunities this new assignment has given him to grow his professional skills and expand his knowledge. Most notably, it has given him a more comprehensive understanding of the criminal element that operates in Southern Arizona and has provided more effective opportunities for apprehending “bigger players” through intelligence-gathering and strategic operations. Aside from work, he loves being home with the family and takes every opportunity to wrestle and play with Gideon… while Holly runs damage control in the background to make sure the house is not completely destroyed.
We are grateful for all the challenges and blessings that 2018 has brought our way. What a privilege to walk through life following a God who provides hope, love, and life fulfilled. And to walk it alongside such great friends and family. Cheers to 2019!
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