Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

Dear Friends & Family,

Isn’t it amazing how much can transpire within just one year!?! To think that last December we were living in Maryland, spending our free time sledding down the snowy slope in our back yard, riding in our laundry basket! Amber Sutter was living in our basement since she had moved up with us in order to help me with the daily joy of caring for 3 little boys, 2 years old and under. Aaron was soaking up a precious and unique season of being at the Pastor’s College…an experience which consisted of so much more than just studying! It was a rich time of growing in our marriage, our parenting and being equipped as a couple through the wisdom of those who were not just teaching the classes, but seeking to care for our souls through the context of relationships. We were enjoying diving in and building new friendships knowing that in just 6 months we would be saying goodbye to all our new friends and heading home again.

In the mean time, we have moved back to Orlando, FL where Aaron is now serving as a pastor in training for the church we love so dearly! I’m loving life just being at home with our boys. It’s definitely challenging at times but I wouldn’t trade this privilege for anything! They are growing up so fast as all children do. Joshua just turned 3 in September. Caleb & Tyler are almost 20 months old. The boys are growing to be best buddies with the common fights over food or toys in between. They love to eat and run and eat and play with blocks or cars and eat and play the piano or drum on anything they find and eat and laugh and have tickle time and eat and eventually sleep. Do you get the picture? It is quite humorous. I feel like most of my time is spent preparing food, cleaning up after preparing food and then cleaning up the boys and the floor after they eat the food.

What a joy it is to watch our little boys as they are beginning to grow into the men God has called them to be. They are all so different! Here’s a brief update on the developing of the Law boys:

Joshua: God has given him an amazing love for music. He loves to listen to music and then pretend he’s playing the instruments he hears. He loves to play our piano and guitar and insists on having a song book out in front of him even though he can’t read words or music yet. He also loves movies and would probably love to watch them all day long if not directed otherwise. He loves to play outside (especially anything that involves playing with water), to learn new things, to play with puzzles, etc. He’s also clearly the older brother as he loves to imitate Daddy & Mommy by instructing his brothers in saying, “no sir, you may not” and by comforting them when they get hurt and helping them.

Caleb: He’s probably the main cause of why I feel like I’m dealing with food all day. :) Caleb is a hungry, strong and active boy. He’s so tough and yet sensitive and cuddly all at the same time. He does well sharing with his brothers. He also loves to make a mess with all the blocks spreading them around as fast and furiously as he can and then loves to help clean up once he’s done. He also loves swimming and tub time.

Tyler: He’s the quiet and laid back one of the bunch. He’s also very sensitive and sweet. All the boys love tickle time but Tyler comes running when he hears the tickling beginning! Even though he’s laid back, he’s also very brave and has been the first of the 3 to stand on tables, etc. He also has a love for music and loves to sing, dance and march. He loves to wave and say, “hi,” with a big smile on his face to anyone and everyone…and even to me all throughout the day when we’re just at home.

What a year full of change and transition! We’re so grateful for how God has been stretching & teaching us in this new season of life … so grateful for the three precious boys He has given us … so grateful for how He continues to build, strengthen and sweeten our marriage even in the midst of the strains & joys of life.

One of the main truths that has continued to challenge and comfort me this year is found in Isaiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” What a comforting truth in the midst of trials and difficulties that I wouldn’t always choose for myself. What mercy to marvel at in the midst of joys & blessings in this life which I am amazed I am the recipient of. What is even more glorious is that His way was to send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life in my stead. It was His will that His Son may die a death which He did not deserve so that I could receive mercy instead of the wrath my sins deserve. And it was His power that raised Jesus to life again as a sign securing my hope that one day, when I breathe my final breath; I too will be raised to a new life again in Christ. What a glorious reason to celebrate Jesus not just this Christmas season but every day of the year!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
For his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Much Love,

Aaron, Crystal, Joshua, Caleb & Tyler Law