It is officially winter and with the changing of seasons we like to take a pause as a family to review and reflect.
Here's a look at the wrap up of 2023 and a few things we are excited about moving into 2024.
Ryan
Learning
I'm learning a lot about Oliver and Eleanor and how to love them individually.
I'll soon be learning more about the Bible through The Bible Project courses. You can join me if you'd like! Lots to choose from here.
Loving
The thought of getting still and hearing the heart of God for my new year. I use this to get my heart lined up.
Smiles and giggles from Claire
My World Series gear. Did I mention The Rangers are the 2023 World Series Champions?
Looking Forward To
Ollie turning five and our special Dad/Son trip
New moments with our church family
New growth in our business
Abby
Learning
Audible is a great investment during postpartum season. I put in my headphones and listen a little every time I nurse or rock the baby. Just with that routine, I read about a book a week.
Loving
Baby smiles
Steffany Gretzinger "Narrow Way" Album
Eleanor's pigtails
Ryan's cologne (great idea to gift cologne to your husband in a scent you enjoy)
Looking Forward To
Getting more active
Oliver's 5th Milestone Birthday
Monday "rice and bean" dinners. (I read "Raising Grateful Kids in an Entirled World" and one of the ideas was to have a "rice and beans" night regularly to pray for the world and remind yourself and your family that in many places, meat and fruit/veggies are a luxury. We are doing "Rice and Beans" Mondays in January to start.
Oliver
Learning
Continuing to slowly learn all the peculiar reading rules of the English language
Being told "no" is not rejection.
Loving
Star Wars. The intricate characters and plots have captivated Oliver. We aren't watching the movies but have a children's book that has become the bedtime pick nightly.
Forest green clothes
Ark of the Covenant/Temple details
Looking Forward To
FIFTH BIRTHDAY.
Zoo trip this winter.
The next time a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is offered.
Eleanor
Learning
Bible stories
Using an inside volume
Loving
Dancing
Baby Dolls
Jumping! (We decided this year to just do stockings and a big gift .... a trampoline. It was a wise choice. Both kids have exclaimed multiple times "BEST GIFT EVER"
Pigtails
Looking Forward To
"Dinner" (this is accurate. She is my eater and is always ready for the next meal)
More school learning
Claire
Claire is 7 weeks and a dream of a baby. She's eating and sleeping well. In fact, she is consistently giving big sleep stretches at night (even sleeping through the night a few times already!). She's smiling and cooing. And besides some aggressive baby acne and cradle cap she's had a flawless newborn journey. We are so grateful!
A new year, a new season! May we follow Jesus with courage and conviction. May we enjoy this season with joy.
Happy New Year,
The Cirkles
