Merry Christmas Friends and Family!
Here's a quick summary of our very busy year...
Just after Christmas last year, my 79-year-old mom suddenly became critically ill with an infection. She was in hospital critical care, inpatient rehab and assisted living from Jan.-Mar. I don't think a conclusive diagnosis was every truly agreed upon, but we are so thankful that God healed her and that she's back home. She is such a wonderful mom, a strong influence in my life and has always been my biggest fan; I couldn't bear to think of life without her.
After 3 1/2 years out of work, Eric became employed again in June! He works for Industrial Controls as an inside sales rep and is able to utilize his HVAC commerical and technical skills. It goes without saying that since quitting my job in Sept. 2011, finances were extremely tight. But, God's provision during this trial has shown us so much about His character, power and love for us. We learned a lot about needs vs. wants and where we are to put our faith. Our prayer is that we continue to live in a way that is full of trust in the Lord, honoring him and his causes with our resources.
I have enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom (although I don't know what to say on forms for "occupation" now!) and the calm it has provided my family. Being home during this school year has proved to be invaluable, as Rylie had a difficult time transitioning to 4th grade. The homework and expectations were enormous and it look a lot of effort and lots of tears (mostly on my part) to make the adjustment. Thanks to the many of you I consulted during that time. She's doing great now and has developed some "executive skills" that will serve her well throughout school and her future work. I was also able to help two families with their emergency childcare needs, watching their children either full-time or part-time most of the year. I played tennis this year, but tore ligaments in my ankle in Oct. playing backyard baseball with Kai, so my tennis days are over for a while. I also had the opportunity to go back to Guatemala in July and experience the work that Pray America is doing in Chichicastenango. The Guatemalans have a special place in my heart, so I loved being back there again!
Eric's been playing guitar as a relaxation method and still hunts. Our freezer that's supposed to hold deer meat is empty, so let's hope for a better 2013! He's also started running again. He's the guy that doesn't run for months, then runs 8 miles by the end of the first week back. It's like he's a caged gazelle!
Rylie, 9, used birthday money and the generosity of her Mam-ma Louise to attend gymnastics classes (her 2nd love) from July-Oct. Her 1st love continues to be her friends, my little social child. Her best friend since Kindergarten, Emma, moved this year. That was difficult for her, but thanks to Skype, they have been able to keep in touch.
Madelyn, 6, is thriving in 1st grade. She's a great reader and a quick-witted little sprite. You never know what she's going to do or say next and always goes about things in her own unique way; she keeps us on our toes. She had another surgery on her kidneys in March and we think that all reflux issues are healed. Praise the Lord for that!
Kai, 4, is a busy and talkative all-boy. He loves trucks, trains, Spiderman and his mommy's iPad. He is learning his numbers and letters--he loves to learn and pretend like he has homework like his sisters.
We attended two special weddings this year. My dear niece, Emmy, was married in May to Matt, a man we all love. Rylie was a sparkling Jr. Bridesmaid, Madelyn was the unforgettable flower girl and Kai was a dashing ring-bearer. Seeing my mom walk down the aisle after many hours of rehab was a huge highlight. The second wedding was that of my baby sister, Amy, and her new husband, Brian in August. I was just flipping through old photos during the move and saw photos of Brian and Amy going to prom together. The wedding was a long time coming, huh? Both were beautiful and showcased the personalities of the couples so wonderfully. While in Seattle for the wedding, we hiked along Mt. Rainier--wow, it was gorgeous!
In other news, we sold our house in Oct., but didn't know where we were supposed to go (be it stay in Fort Mill, but in a less expensive home OR go some place else). About two weeks before closing we received confirmation from Eric's company that they wanted us in our beloved Richmond, VA. It is definitely a change and a downsize (renting a 1930s house), but we are doing just fine in our old/new city. The kids have adjusted well to their new school and we are trying to get connected to new and existing friends and find a church. Joys so far are walking to shops and the elementary school and spending time with our friends John and Jill and their son. In the new year, I am looking forward to exploring and embracing Richmond again!
Join with us in celebrating our Savior's birth during this special season and remembering His sacrifice for us. We pray that you feel His presence and love today and always. We hope you all are doing well and we miss your faces!
In God's grace,
The Titlers
