I did write a Christmas card but I got busy and didn't do anything with it until now, so Happy Belated Holidays, and Happy New Year! If you didn't get the letter or are just curious how our year went, I'm sharing it here too!
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This year had some surprising curveballs. Our long struggle with worker's comp for Josh's work unjury while doing Amazon delivery came to an end, but without going into details it also led to us moving to Indiana pretty suddenly this summer for Josh to take up a new job. The move has been a major life change and hard on all of us in various ways and we discovered that we had grown to love Utah more than we realized, but we are grateful for the help we received getting here and for now living close to Josh's family!
Josh started his new job this fall with Omnicare doing pharmaceutical delivery for things like assisted living facilities. His brothers work there as well and were the ones who referred him. Josh currently works the night shift for now and while it's been an adjustment getting on and keeping up that schedule, he's doing well and enjoying his job so far! Aside from that he loves spending time with the twins and being able to see his family now that we live near them. He also still enjoys gaming and playing Dungeons & Dragons.
Ashley said goodbye to her job at Gymcats with the move, but still does various online work full-time. Moving has been especially hard on her as she doesn't do well with change and she also moved away from most of her family, but Josh and the twins have been a big comfort to her, along with a lot of prayer and Priesthood blessings. Ashley was also able to go to Seattle with some of her siblings this year to attend Nintendo Live and PAX West and had a blast.
The twins left their French immersion program with the move, which was too bad but we're grateful they could be part of it even for a short time. They enjoyed doing gymnastics through the summer, took a jazz/ballet dance class together, and also took swim lessons for the first time. They can't quite swim on their own yet, but they are close! They are also preparing to be baptized this January, and are very excited about it! It's been hard for them to say goodbye to their friends and family in Utah, and especially their best friend we lived just down the street from, but they have been making new friends and are doing well at school here.
Jacob became obsessed with space this year. He loves watching YouTube videos that teach about galaxies, black holes, etc., and just loves everything space-related. His favorite subjects in school are science and art, and he has also gotten pretty interested in Rubik's cubes. He doesn't know how to solve them yet, but we think he'll learn before long! Jacob is still obsessed with cute things, loves rainbow colors, enjoys playing video games, watching YouTube videos, and is still the biggest Mama's boy.
Lauren learned how to ride a bike without training wheels this year, without the help of Mom and Dad. Her love of cats has only continued to grow, as does her Barbie collection. Her favorite subjects in school are library, music, and P.E., and she's been reading more and more. She is our silly girl and loves doing handstands and cartwheels wherever she can. Lauren loves pink and turquoise, playing games with family, watching YouTube videos or Bluey, and is Daddy's little love bug.
As always we're grateful for the love we feel from friends and family. We're especially grateful for the love and comfort we find in Christ. We don't know what the future holds for us, but we have faith in each step we take. We love you all dearly, and wish you the best year available to you. ♥
