Seasons Greetings!

We are always amazed when December comes, as it marks the end of another year. We are amazed at how quickly time goes, and look back with gratitude on the blessings of 2009.

We have now lived in Portland over a year and are beginning to feel more involved and more comfortable with Jason’s busy work schedule. We have worked hard on our little house; landscaping, cultivating our garden, painting walls (never ending), and growing closer to our neighborhood friends. The house work has become Jason’s favorite hobby outside of work and disc golf.

Jason is busy working hard and putting in many hours at Providence Portland. He has had incredible training and gained confidence in his ability to be a physician this last year. In November Jason placed second out of 44 candidates in an all-state poster presentation. God continues to set up Jason’s path for the calling He has given to him.

We all have grown to love our church, Easthill Foursquare. We were blessed to have Kyla dedicated to the Lord there in April. Rachel took up a leadership position as Care Coordinator for our church’s MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) program, and Jason has joined the worship team playing drums once a month. Kyla enjoys her “class” and continues to ask to go to church at least once a day.

Kyla has grown a great deal this last year, and has definitely taken on the two’s with force. She is determined, but continues to show us her compassionate spirit as her nurturing side is coming out more in her imaginative play. She is quick to make those around her laugh, as well as assert her leadership when trying to coordinate her friends, or her parents. J She is starting to show her love for babies and dolls. We are thrilled about this as Kyla will take on the big sister role in March! What a blessing it will be to have another little girl in our family.

With all the growth and memories that have taken place this last year, we look ahead to what God has for us as individuals and as a family in 2010. May the Blessing of this season touch your hearts as you celebrate with family and friends!

Jason, Rachel, Kyla & Baby Van Winkle