Merry Christmas 2011 and Happy New Year, 2012!

 Dearest Family and Friends,

Where did 2011 go? Did it fly by as fast for you as it did for us? As busy as this year has been, it is a good reminder for us, as it says in the Psalms, to “be still” and know that He is God. When we stop and do that, it puts everything back in perspective. When we remember all that Jesus did for us on the cross, we are reminded that each day is a blessing, that we can handle all things with His strength, that all we do to bring Him glory is worth the effort, and that we look forward with hope and full assurance of heaven.

2011 Highlights: We took a cruise (thanks to Chris’ parents) where we were able to zip-line, bike, jet ski and have dinner served to us each night while enjoying time as a family. It was amazing. We also took the kids on their first tent camping trip with our good friends. We took mini trips to Eagle Crest, the coast, Seattle, kayaking, and lots of hiking. Oregon has beautiful waterfalls! Chris and Amber were both spoiled by being able to go to California, individually, to visit family and friends. We have so much for which to be thankful.

Chris: By God’s grace he’s still selling homes for a company he loves and believes in, as always, treasuring relationships built with his clients. He is “Mr. Chris” at AWANA Cubbies. The kids love him. He also volunteers in Isaac’s class every Thursday and knows all the students by name. Isaac is so proud to have his dad in there each week. He also satisfies his barista role by serving coffee at the Portland Rescue Mission. To top all this off, he is the best hubby a wife could know. His phase is, “What can I do best to serve you right now?” That he does! Giving baths, wrestle time, putting the kids to bed, Bible and story time, making breakfast, cleaning, laundry…he is there!

Amber: Praise God, that in a difficult economy, she is still able to stay at home full-time. With the new school schedule, she is not home much, but is at church, Costco, at one of the kid’s classes, volunteering at the school, leading AWANA Cubbies, in a women’s ministry, or taking the kids to some museum or event. She is most excited to be able to teach the monthly Art Literacy program at Isaac’s school. It is great she is able to utilize her degree in teaching and art while doing something she loves for her little man who is growing up so much. She is working on trying to enjoy time at home too (which is easier to do with all the fun fall baking). J

Isaac: Our baby boy became a kindergartner this year! Though he is only in school from 8-10:30, it has been a huge transition. He loves his teacher and has made a very good buddy. It is amazing how fast he is learning. He still loves trains, dogs (but still can’t have one because of his allergies), and inventing things. The best thing we bought him was a roll of masking tape. He “creates” all the time using the tape and whatever is around the house. He loves building “sister traps” with his friend, Johnny, and is always ready to build a fort. He is having fun in taekwondo and is so excited for AWANA Sparks on Wednesday nights. It is so fun being 5! This year, he is especially proud of hiking to the top of Multnomah Falls (2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain) while saying, “Korens don’t quit!” and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Abigail: She’ll be 4 in January, but she is still our baby girl. She is so easygoing. She is just as happy playing alone as she is with her brother. Her favorite things include singing, dancing, anything purple, her Gramma, changing outfits (her own and her princess dolls), going on “dates” with Mom or Dad, and books. She will let us read to her all day and is reading on her own. She is taking a swim class and a ballet class. Her favorite part of ballet is getting dressed up; her favorite part of swimming is her friend Kayla who is in class with her. She loves life and believes the only thing she is missing is long “Rapunzel hair.” That’s our girl.

As always, it is so good to stop and reflect on the year and our family. We are gifted beyond measure! We are humbled when we remember that none of this is by our own merit, rather the gracious gift of our Lord. We pray that you would be able to know that joy and hope that comes from Christ alone as you celebrate Christmas and look forward to all that is to come in 2012.

Love, The Korenthals, Chris, Amber, Isaac and Abigail