Stephens' Family Christmas Letter 2012

Cherries and Pits

    A little over a year ago, a dear friend of mine and her daughter came over for dinner. They introduced us to a fun little game they play over dinner. It's called Cherry and the Pit. The 'Cherry' is the good part of your day, and the 'Pit' is the part of your day that you would want to 'spit' out or get rid of. Every person gets a chance to say their cherry and pit, and then they call on someone else. We have been playing this game every night since.  I thought that doing a Cherry and Pit for the current 2012 year might be a good way to let you see into what we've been up to these past 12 months.  We'll go from oldest to youngest...

    Brian has been hard at work with his business, but does find that he needs to be intellectually challenged while on the job.  Therefore, his Cherry of the Year would be iTunes U... While Brian is laying tile, cutting wood and doing demolition, he is going to Oxford, Harvard and different seminaries through his earbuds. He listens to many lectures or sermons a day by professors and pastors. His pit goes hand in hand with his cherry in that when he comes home, he is ready to talk on a highly intellectual and philosophical level when meanwhile, his wife has been listening to the philosophies and thoughts of professors ages 6 and under. Somehow the gap has become too far to bridge.

   

    Kristen has had a busy year homeschooling Lily and driving children all over the town. As a way of documenting her family's life, she has taken up photography, and has that as her Cherry of the Year. She recently purchased her first professional grade camera and lens, and is looking forward to honing her skills as she is learning from one of the best. 

 She has been privileged to be a second shooter for a wedding, and is practicing doing family photos with friends. Her 'Pit of the Year' would be the constant juggle to find balance between getting it all done and stopping to take photos smell the roses:)

    Lily(6) is now of the elementary school age. She enjoys being homeschooled and all of the 'activities' that go along with it. She recently played the role of 'Cindy Rella' in the homeschool play for our county and continues to amaze us with her poise and maturity at such a young age. When I asked Lily what her 'Cherry of the Year' was, she replied that it was learning to roll her tongue.

 I have to admit I was looking for something a little more 'eventful', but I guess in the eyes of a 6 year old, that is a pretty big achievement. She also lost her first tooth this year, the day before her birthday and accomplished a successful Cowboy/Cowgirl party for her birthday. Lily never ceases to surprise me with her creativity and imaginative skills.  

   As for Lily's 'Pit', it would have to be that her best friend, Michael, moved around the block and they don't get to see each other every day anymore. She was excited that he included her on his guest list for his school Christmas play last night, and she came home with the biggest gleam in her eye. I am making it a priority as a mom to make sure I am more intentional about inviting Michael over. Not sure what the future holds with these two, but for now its precious.

 Claire(4) continues to be our spitfire and marches to her own drumbeat....which I believe is now techno. She goes a mile a minute and yet has a sincerity and empathy that is unparalleled in our family. She too can roll her tongue, but that was not her 'Cherry of the Year'. 

Every night while playing 'Cherry and the Pit', Claire would first tell us that she 'deferred to Lily' and would not share her cherry and pit until everyone else had gone. Then, when the time came for her to share, she would say without fail, 'My cherry is right now, and I had a pitless day.' Oh what I would give to have 365 pitless days. At least she is consistent. As far as her 'Cherry of the Year', I would have to say that it was tonight's dinner. And for her 'Pit', well...she's had a pitless year.

Zeke(19 months) has really come into his own this year. His 'Cherry of the Year' has been going outside with dad to feed the fish in the pond. Mom does not go out with them as she has too many anxiety attacks for fear that Zeke will fall in and become fish food.

 Zeke cherishes his time with his dad, mostly because he gets to do things mom would never allow like skateboarding down the driveway by himself without shoes or helmet on...the kid just learned how to walk 5 months ago! 

 But alas, that is what fathers are for- dare I say it? To push their children to their physical best, and do things that make them say ' Don't tell mom'. 

 Zeke's 'Pit of the Year' would be that no one speaks 'Zeke' language. He refuses to use any words except signing please and more for everything.  He points to outside and then over and over again signs 'please more please more please more' which in Zeke language means 'Please mom, will you come outside with me so I can feed the fish again?' We can't wait till he realizes that he has vocal chords and they are not just for screaming. 

And we couldn't finish this letter without sharing our
 'FAMILY CHERRY OF THE YEAR'.

  Two weeks ago, we welcomed baby David into our home as a foster child. He is our angel baby and we couldn't be happier that he is with us. He is 11 months and smiles more than any baby I have ever met. 

Though we don't know the length or duration of his stay with us, we love David as if he is our own, and pray that perhaps one day he will be. God has a hand over this boy, and we can't wait to see what is in store for him.

So that about sums up our 'Cherries and Pits' for the year. I hope you enjoyed reading a small glimpse into our lives and pray you will continue down the road of life with us.

Plus, we love to hear about your lives, so keep those Christmas letters coming!! 

Be blessed this Christmas and upcoming Holiday and New Year season!! 

Much Love, 

Brian, Kristen, Lily, Claire, Zeke and Baby David.