Newkirk News: 2013 Year in Review

Like many years before it, 2013 is one we are ever so grateful for. At the same time, we are more than ok to see it behind us! It has been a year full of blessing, provision and joy. Accompanied with much desperation, unknown and prayer. God has been good and merciful through it all. We are still waiting for a low-key, uneventful year…so far, that is not in the cards for us. :)

Zachary James
This 4 and 1/2 year old is full of life! He is inquisitive (takes about a year to read 1 book with all his questions:)), funny and always looking for a daring adventure. He absolutely loves all the classes that he is participating in and wakes up every day eager to go somewhere, do something, find an adventure. We're still not sure who he got that from. He is NOT a home body. But, when we are home he can usually be found building a lego creation, playing superheroes with his brother or doing a silly dance to make baby Max giggle. Some of his 2013 proud moments include losing a front tooth, learning to ride his bike and writing his FULL name. :)

Samuel David
This almost 3 year old is one hilarious little guy. He is a charmer with his big brown eyes and has mastered the middle child pout. He is an absolute sweetie. He makes anything into a joke (i.e. calling us the wrong name or testing the "potty" words out during meal time). He loves a good laugh! He spends his days trying to keep up with his big bro. He loves to jump, climb and fly like superheroes. It's no surprise that he is always sporting a bruise or bandaid. Some of Sam's proud moments include learning to potty in the toilet (wahoo!), mastering the art of annoying his big brother and being able to spot an "S" (for Sam) anywhere and everywhere!

Maxwell Christman
Well, I think Max's proudest moment is surviving his scary birth and becoming a healthy, thriving little man. At almost 8 months, Max is right on track (this is a big deal with all his health concerns)! We are very thankful for each teeny tiny milestone. He loves to sit up to play with toys and within the last week has mastered crawling! So obviously his new favorite activity is following his brothers around everywhere, looking for any tiny object to choke on. :) Plain and simple, this little guy has changed us. He has brought so much joy to our family. The kind that you didn't know you were missing until you have it. It's a sweet and beautiful thing. He is one loved and spoiled little dude. And I don't regret it for one second! ;)

David and Celia
We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary back in July! We are daily amazed by where the Lord has brought us, what He has sustained us through and the joy we have experienced through difficult times. Even though 2013 has been rough, we agree that it has been our best year yet. David is absolutely loving his job as a Youth Pastor and started Seminary in the Fall. He even had the privilege to preach at COD. It was definitely one of those 'pinch yourself' type days. (Listen here!) I am so thankful to be home with the boys for this season of life. Our days our busy with little kid things and trying our best to be a part of David's ministry at church. It is absolute chaos, but I'm learning to thrive in it. Knowing you are where God wants you is a good thing. :)