The Stephens' Year of Prime Numbers...
This past year has been pretty amazing. To start, 2011 is a Prime Number, which I didn't think about until after I already began writing this, but is nevertheless neat in and of itself. I always try to think of a 'topic' or 'theme' to write about and make our Christmas Letter more cohesive and perhaps a little bit more interesting. So this year, I chose Prime Numbers...I know, I questioned myself when I thought of it too. But I think once you finish the letter, you'll see how Prime Numbers help our 2011 family story to 'add up'.
Note: All RED writing is about Prime Numbers... All GREEN writing are links to learn more!
Note: All RED writing is about Prime Numbers... All GREEN writing are links to learn more!
I'll start with Lily, child #1... FYI, 1 is NOT a Prime Number but is often mistaken for one. Lily did however, turn 5 this year which is a Prime Number! For her birthday, Lily had a baking party which was a huge success...and an even bigger mess. 
Lily is an amazing child, and I thank God everyday that He chose her to be our oldest...I think perhaps, that if the order was changed around, I'd be in trouble. Lily started school this year and absolutely loves it. There are 13 children in her class, and has a natural love for learning. She has even begun to read, and together, we read about 2 books every day. Next year, Lily is going to be home schooled as she starts Kindergarten when she is 5. We are very excited to start this new endeavor together, and can't wait to start. 
Next comes Claire, who is our 2nd child. Sometimes I think Claire is a Prime Number as I feel that she is only divisible by herself...she's one tough cookie. She loves to be around others, and is very passionate about justice and being heard. I think in a previous Christmas Letter, I wrote that Claire has upper management written all over her...I still agree with this statement. Claire turned 3 this year, and for her birthday party, she had a 'Pink Panther' theme (see Claire's shirt). Claire has seen all 124 episodes of the original Pink Panther, and all 27 episodes of Pink Panther and Pals ( 124+ 27= 151) and can tell you what will happen within the first scene of each show. 'Pink Panther' also contains 11 letters. Claire started Preschool this year as well. She is in the Pre-K3 class. Her teacher's name is Mrs. Smiley in which it took about 2 months for me to get Claire to stop calling her 'Mrs Smiley-Face'. Claire has 5 children is her class with only 1 boy. Claire's favorite thing to do is smother her brother with kisses... (see pictures below)
Our newest addition is Ezekiel Robert, who came into the world on Easter Sunday, April 24th...he is our 3rd child...and we are so happy to have him as a part of our family.
Zeke was born on the same day and within hours of his cousin, Olivia...and their mothers were in labor at the same time. They are forever Twousins...Twin Cousins. Kristen was in Active Labor for about 7 hours.
We were able to take a trip to NY for a Bob Joyce's Birthday Party (aka Joyce Family Reunion), and the cousins got to meet! Zeke is absolutely adored by his 2 sisters, and Lily is chomping at the bit to babysit him (we just have to get her to stop putting pink headbands on him when we're not looking.)
Birthday Photo Joyce Family Photo- August 2011
Zeke was born on the same day and within hours of his cousin, Olivia...and their mothers were in labor at the same time. They are forever Twousins...Twin Cousins. Kristen was in Active Labor for about 7 hours.
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| Zeke and Olivia- Twousins |
Counting all the family members
{including Jazzy and Cha Cha the dogs},
there were 29 'Joyce's' in attendance
Next up is Brian, who continues to amaze us as to how wonderful of a father and husband he can be. Brian loves to involve the girls and make things. He continues to knit...yes, knit...mostly on size 17 round needles, and has made a number of amazing gifts for the nieces and nephews.
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| Nephew Ezra wearing a 'Brian Original' |
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| Nissi showing off Uncle Brian's knittin' |
Brian's most memorable part of the year was when he went to California to be present for the adoption of his sister Mikayla and brother in law Russell's son. Brian surprised everyone out there, and hanging out with family and friends felt like he never left. We continue to think about our friends and family out in Tahoe (and those who have moved) everyday.
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| Mikayla and Brian in Tahoe- Sept 2011 |
Brian has also become very excited about sermon podcasts. He has listened to at least 109 sermons specifically from a man named Tim Keller . If you happen to listen to any, Brian is ready and waiting to talk philosophically about it. Brian is certainly growing in his love for God, and we are all so happy for him.
And finally, Kristen has been enjoying the craziness of adjusting to life with 3 children, a part time job as an editor with Craft Gossip, her MOPS group, and anything else that fits into those extra few minutes in the week. Kristen had many great experiences this year, but 2 really stand out; the birth of Zeke at home on Easter Sunday...at the same time as her sister, Meghan, and covering 'Prime Time' The Martha Stewart Show for Craft Gossip!
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| Zeke-May 2011 |
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| Kristen and Zeke right after he was born- April 24, 2011 |
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| Martha, Kristen and some other bloggers... Oct 2011
We continue to work on growing together as a family, making lasting friendships here in Florida, and trying to stay in touch with our long-time friends. We love each and every one of you, and hope that your Christmas season is one of quality time with family, friends, laughter, spiritual growth and love. God Bless you all and we'll be back on this blog sometime next year!
Love, Brian, Kristen, Lily, Claire and Zeke
Matthew 2:10- 'When they saw the star,
they were overjoyed.'
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