2020 Family Update

 

Hello Family and Friends,

Since we stopped sending out Christmas cards a few years ago, I try to post a little family update on my personal blog (when I remember).  I know that 2020 was a stressful, unforeseen, dumpster fire of a year for many people.  We were very fortunate to be able to continue a somewhat "normal" lifestyle amidst all the chaos this past year.  Living in a semi-rural area means that social distancing was already the norm, and that we are not exposed to large groups of people on a regular basis.  As an essential worker, Jeff continued to work his normal schedule without interruption.  And with our children being too young for school, we did not have to make any difficult decisions regarding their education.  Most importantly, we stayed (mostly) healthy this year.  But we know that many of our friends and family suffered through drastic lifestyle changes, career adjustments, difficult schooling decisions, and exposure or fear of exposure to COVID.  We pray sincerely for hope, health, and change in this new year, especially for our friends and family who are suffering as a result of the current pandemic. 

 

We tried to continue life as normally as possible this year.  Our kids have flourished and (thankfully) been mostly oblivious to everything going on in the world.  Valor is now 20 months old.  She keeps us on our toes and constantly brings a smile to our faces.  She loves to run, jump, and climb to keep up with her big brother.  Riding any possible riding toy is one of her other interests and she has already been getting on the balance bike trying to ride when we are not looking!  She also loves to look at books and carry around her "dollies".  She has daddy wrapped around her finger and always seems to convince him to share his snacks with her (even when mommy says "no").  Valor is a perceptive, caring little girl who is always quick to give someone a hug or gentle pats on the back when she senses that they are upset.  She is certainly a constant ray of sunshine in our lives.

 

Gideon turned four in September.  He is a very smart, particular little boy who almost loves arranging and organizing his toys more than playing with them.  (Almost!)  His newest interest has been football.  He enjoys watching football games on TV, setting up football games using his toys as players, and of course tackling people at home... especially his little sister... which has led to a lot of time outs.  😆Matchbox cars, trucks, dinosaurs, and building toys are still some of his favorite ways to pass time, as well as riding his bike and playing with our dog, Scout.  But looking at books is still probably his dominant interest. He spends a couple hours each day "reading" his books (especially at his quiet time/nap time) and has numerous books memorized at this point.  His fondness for his sister has blossomed lately, leading to sweet moments between between brother and sister as best friends and playmates.

 

Holly has kept busy with the kids and keeping the household from imploding.  Ha.  Her hobbies include not getting enough sleep, changing diapers, doing laundry, making healthy meals, trying to get her husband to wear bandaids, cleaning (who am I kidding?  Not really.), dreaming of organizing the house, enjoying time outside with the kids, and cherishing all those family moments together.  She also likes to read, craft, volunteer, write, and exercise in her free time... Nah, just kidding..there is no free time.  But in all seriousness, she is grateful for the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom and to be able to mold and teach her kids every day.

 

Jeff is halfway through his tenth year with the U.S. Border Patrol.  The year started out fairly "normal" but his workload became extremely busy the last few months of the year - the busiest in all of his years on this job. He worked a significant amount of overtime during some the the busier work weeks.  He also served as a field training officer, providing on-the-job training to new agents just out of the Border Patrol academy, and went through a "riot training" in the event that Border Patrol Agents were needed to supplement local police.  It has been a difficult year for law enforcement in general given the unrest and hostility that erupted throughout the year.  The stress level is high for officers everywhere, and trying to balance the desire to serve and protect with the knowledge that you are a hated target to some is a draining experience.  Needless to say, Jeff enjoys his days off with the family... which he spends doing house chores/projects, playing with the kids, and grilling.  He is our hero and I (Holly) appreciate his desire to put his whole self and best effort into whatever he is doing, whether at work or at home.

So there it is.  Our 2020 update, written as quickly as possible before someone starts crying, bleeding, or needing to go to the bathroom.  Sending you all love from Southern Arizona and praying that 2021 brings hope, truth, and sanity.