Like everyone else, I am always in awe that yet another year
has passed. I look back at 2012
and I am truly grateful. That is
not to say that this year has not had it share of tears, anger, disappointment,
and at times confusion; but all in all it has been a year full of blessings.
Jason continues to work at Details Communications and
truly loves what he does. There
are days when it is hard and the past few years have taken their toll
financially, but there are a lot of people who cannot say they love what they
do…he does and that is worth everything to us. I listen to him on phone conversations day to day and
think…these people don’t realize how amazing he is. Humble is a word that sums Jason up, whether in work, home,
talents or other items he is not one to blow his horn…I need to do that more
(2013!) Jason continues to feed
his love for basketball as he gets up one morning a week to play and then plays
one or two evenings during the week as well (he would love to play more). Gone are the days of getting up every
morning, but he CHOOSES to be here, to sit down and have breakfast with the
girls and me every morning. He
continues to be the girls’ choice for someone to marry when they play…I am so
grateful for their role model…how blessed.
Reese is now moving closer and closer to being 6 (February
13th) and she is very excited about that. She started Kindergarten this year, in a half-day program
and I am so glad we went that direction.
I love having one more year with extra time with her. She started at a new school but has not
missed a beat. She thrives in
school, loves her friends, adores her teachers and is making huge strides in
reading. I treasure the 45-60
minutes she and I spend together most days, while her sisters are napping. She is the athlete extraordinaire as
she continues to excel in gymnastics and ballet…and daily asks to do more
activities. Reese is a wonderful big sister, at times a little bossy, but they adore her. She is full of life
and energy (which on some days can take it out of me) but I love who she is and
am praying daily that God continues to mold her bold but tender heart.
Hadley, now almost 3 ½ seems nothing of the sort. While she has her share of meltdowns
(boy does she) her vocabulary and conversation will blow you away. I am in constant awe of the way her
mind works…it never stops and she does not miss a thing. Hadley has so much love to give and I
am so grateful for the almost daily leg hug and whisper of “mommy…I love you”.
Hadley started three-year-old preschool this year; at the same school Reese
attends. There is really nothing
better than watching them walk hand in hand, or side by side into school on the
mornings they go together. Hadley
too, loves school and she knows more about her friends than they probably know
about themselves. She has also taken
up ballet…and while she loves to dance…her favorite part for sure is dressing
like a ballerina…she is my girly girl.
Hadley is in her own world for sure, but I continue to pray that God
brings her heart toward His so she can shower His love on others as she does
her own.
Brynlee, our sweet baby, has moved into the 2’s before
arriving there by age. She is just
2 months shy of the 2 year celebration...but you would never know it. She has followed in her sister’s
footsteps as far as conversation goes, but Brynlee beats to her own drum, as she should. I joke that she was the most
laid back baby for the first 16 months…and then, wow she was screaming to be in
on the action. She adores her
sisters and does everything they do…even if it means climbing whatever is
around to do it. Brynlee loves her
music time and can sing most preschool songs when she is willing…she loves the
music to be on in the car and is always humming a tune. Bedtime is so sweet with our Bryn she
always gives everyone a big hug, kiss, says goodnight and waits until her
sisters say it back…and then it is off for a book, a song…then not a peep…she is
so good.
This year for me has been different, I took an 8-week
“interim” position at our church…that after almost 10 months I decided to finally
say yes and take the job permanently.
I am leading the preschool children’s ministry in a part-time position. While this has never been a job I ever dreamed of doing or saw myself in, it has been a blessing. We love our church and
serving in this capacity has only increased that love. I am lucky to really only be away from
the girls early Sunday mornings to setup and Monday mornings for staff
meeting. Jason continues to be my
husband/dad of the universe as he takes care of all three girls every Sunday
morning; breakfast, dressed for church, hair done, teeth brushed, house clean
and to church on time (early to serve 2x month) every Sunday. I am truly blessed by him. I continue to love being at home with
my girls and don’t wish a different scenario for anything…yes, there are days
that I long for time by myself but these years are so precious and I am
grateful for this time.
As the Beckners move into 2013, Jason and I have talked
about pushing the boundaries of our family. It has seemed strange to us, but in the last few years of having
children; we have become too comfortable in our daily routine so we
are praying that God will challenge us to the uncomfortable and that we will
push the boundaries of serving others first (inside and outside of our family)
this year. There are things that
have happened in both of our families that we would not wish on anyone, but we
both agree that it has given us eyes and hearts beyond ourselves and we don’t
want to waste that. My amazing
mother has always said, “God doesn’t waste anything” and to that I agree
and say thank you Lord…even through disappointment, illness, heartbreak,
turmoil, death or whatever it may be for you or me. I read the other day, “ Some of us are meant to persevere in
hardship and learn strength that way”; there are days I say for myself and
others close… “can’t I (we) learn it another way?!”
With all of that said, we live in a country where freedom
still reigns and I pray for it daily!
Jason and I both have jobs that we love, children we adore, family that
loves on us, friends that forgive our lack of communication and a God who NEVER
LEAVES! Forgive me for the long
letter, but here’s to a wonderful 2013!
Love,
Jason, Lauren, Reese, Hadley and Brynlee Beckner
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