Sunday, January 8, 2017

Christmas letter!

As I look back on the past year and it's many wonderful events, I cannot possibly avoid the emotions and feelings of thankfulness that inevitably follow. There is so much to be thankful for! Quick recap of 2016: Early in the year Aubyn and I took our first trip without kids, since Brielle was born over six years ago. We flew to Phoenix and spent Easter with many Hoegh family members at Paul & Carol's church and house. We stayed at Jane & Bob's and spent time helping to help prepare my sister Janna and Andrew's house to sell. Just a few weeks later Janna and Andrew made the decision to move to Sioux Center! It's so great to have my sister and family so close by! The summer was very busy with vacation bible school, sports central, swimming lessons, t-ball, and fun at the many parks of Orange City. In July we met up with the Elgersmas in Ames at Henry & Karissa's house for a few days which was a great time that included Adventureland. My brother Jacey and Whitney got married this summer! We're excited that Whitney is part of the family and can keep Jacey in line! :) This fall was absolutely beautiful so we spent most days outside and a few weekends at the Hoegh farm--which the whole family loves! We met up with the Elgersmas in Okoboji for a short weekend filled with many hours at the waterpark. Each kid is part fish. Brielle is in first grade and loves it. She's quiet, until she gets home and then she's happy to be another mother to the "littles". Judson is in Transitional Kindergarten. He's carefree and loving life. He recently was awake, dressed and ready to go on a run with dad at 6:15 am. Cooper on the other hand is all about being a “basketball guy”. Jaeya is one and a half and showing more personality all the time. These four keep us on our toes, busy, entertained and tired. Most of all we feel truly grateful for the surprises that God gives us with the kids and with life each day. Aubyn continues working in Sioux Center 1/2 day a week with a wonderful group of friends. Other days she manages the home which she does a great job of. She deserves a raise for all she does for the kids and I. We hope all of you had a wonderful 2016. We also hope and pray, as we do every year, that you feel the love of Jesus this Christmas season and show that love to others as well. Love - Jerod, Aubyn, Brielle(6), Judson(5), Cooper(3), Jaeya(20 months).