2011…A Train Wreck? A Disaster? ...I’d Call it a Masterpiece

“Every experience God gives us and every person He puts into our lives is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see.” ~Corrie ten Boom

What a year. This has been a year of perspective. A year of faith. A year of adversity. A year of lessons.  A year of survival. Ultimately, it’s been a year of joy and rewards. A year of gratitude. A year of TRIUMPH.

The rewards we’ve received this year have no monetary value. Prosperity did not come in the form of wealth.  In many senses, we’ve been "poorer" than ever before, yet, in a greater realm, we’ve been made abundantly rich in qualities that truly matter such as humility, compassion, strength, gratitude, and faith. We’ve been made rich in understanding and we’ve truly been refined. We’ve received a greater understanding of what true happiness really is.

This life is such a whirlwind and so many things are out of our control. This year, we have been reminded that Heavenly Father is in control. Our faith and testimonies have increased tenfold as we have leaned on Him through some of our greatest trials. I know that Heavenly Father has the power to do all things...even what seems "impossible" to us. I've seen miracles this year which have opened my heart and enlightened my mind. At those precious moments, the worldly haze lifted and I gained a clear perspective on the things in life that are of the most value. We have our health, we have the gospel, and we have each other…our precious family. We are rich beyond measure.

Here is an update on each of our gems and jewels:

Blakeley Jewel, 2, is the comedian in the house. Her shenanigans constantly have us laughing and I can’t imagine life without her. This year she started nursery at church and she loves it. She learned to fold her arms and she gets excited when she sees pictures of Jesus. She loves to dance and likes music of all kinds. She’s incredibly social and she loves to say “hi” to people and wave to them at the store which makes everyone smile. She is very outgoing and has such a fun personality. She loves going to the park and being outside. She will go up to kids and copy them or involve herself in their play…no matter what age the other kids are!

She loves playing “Ring around the Rosie” and she has a ton of energy- she won’t even sit through a whole movie. This year she also discovered trampolines and she’s obsessed. She is my little shadow and she loves to help me with anything I’m doing. She especially likes to stir whatever I’m cooking and help me unload the silverware out of the dishwasher. Recently, she climbed out of her crib so we will be transitioning to a toddler bed soon & we will also start potty training soon. She loves her little sister & loves to give her hugs and kisses! She gets so excited when she sees her first thing in the morning and sometimes she will randomly say, “I want to see Skylar” and she will go up to Skylar and say, “Hi!” in her cute little voice. It’s so sweet.

Skylar Bloom, 8 months, is starting to show her personality. She is actually becoming a little bit feisty! She is such a good baby though and has the sweetest disposition. She is always smiling and has the most beautiful blue eyes. She just sprouted her first tooth and the day after that she said "Mama" and "Dada" for the first time- on the same day! (For the record, she said "Mama" first!  That's my girl!)  She loves jumping up and down in her exersaucer and she loves to chew on her toys.  Her eyes light up when Daddy is around and she will just stare at him wherever he is in the room. She also loves her big sister and is always squealing at her in delight.  She had her third and hopefully, final surgery in July and has been healthy ever since. I have a feeling she has a special purpose on this earth and I’m so excited to watch her grow and develop.

Tyson is busy as ever with work and is still a Regional Manager with Cellular Sales, with a team of about 30 employees that he mentors. He works long hours but loves his job and is very motivated to reach his long term goal of achieving that final promotion so we are just being patient and crossing our fingers that it will happen soon.  He is such a positive role model for us and a great provider for our family. The girls adore him and with Sunday as our only day off together, we try to spend as much quality time together as possible. He still enjoys teaching the 13-14 year old class at church as well.

As for me, two little ones keep me pretty busy but I’ve started what I would consider a part time job cooking and cleaning for people at church and it has worked out great since it’s something I can do with the kids. You could call me a “Mother’s Helper” and while it’s not very fun to clean your own house, I actually find it really rewarding to help others. I feel more productive and it gives me the opportunity to become better friends with some of the other ladies at church. I’m also taking advantage of living only about four miles away from the San Antonio temple as I have been going almost weekly for a few months now and I’ve had some amazing experiences. I love my role as Compassionate Service Assistant at church and find it very fulfilling. Overall, my goal right now is to provide our little darlings with happy, memorable childhoods and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We hope this letter finds you healthy and happy and we want you to know how thankful we are for each of you.

We are so very grateful for the prayers, fasting, and countless acts of service and kindness that have lovingly wrapped around us and carried us this year. We have truly felt strength beyond our own and it is very apparent to me that there are angels who walk this earth. To all of you, we say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We will pay it forward every chance we get.

We will never forget this momentous year that has taught us so much. What a year. A year of TRIUMPH.

“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”

This year we have truly learned to soar.

Gratefully yours,

Tyson. Kendra. Blakeley. Skylar. & Phoebe

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

To read about the comedy that keeps us laughing, meaningful experiences that I have, and other randomness we encounter, come back to this site often: tysonandkendrahaas.blogspot.com

*For a good chuckle, check out the previous post