In case you did not get our Christmas card, here is an "e-version" :)
Greetings, dear ones! I still remember vividly when we were welcoming in Y2K and listening to Mary Did You Know and kissing my own little 1st born son and imagining how she must have felt all those years ago, holding her precious little baby boy, knowing that He is the King of kings! With a blink of an eye, one whole decade has passed!
Here is a quick “fly-by” of our year:
2009 has been a full year, and a year of special trips, for this little Holbrook family J. On top of our Super Fun Traditional Summer Holbrook Lake Almanor Camping Trip, where both Isaac AND Seth have officially joined the ranks of skiers (Mom didn’t even have to get left behind in the water after helping with the ski J), we took 2 other family trips!!! In March, we packed up the family and flew out to the Dominican Republic to visit Rebekah (Matthew’s sister, who is missionary teacher. Here is her blog – http://web.me.com/tiarivka/Site/Blog/Blog.html). It was such a special time for us to see 1st hand where God has placed Rebekah. The kids now have faces to match the names of the orphans, students, and teachers that we’ve been faithfully praying for. We had a “tag along” trip with Mark and Cindy (Matthew’s parents) in August, to Sun River Oregon. We had a blast going on whitewater rafting trips, family bike rides (Abby riding independently on a two wheeler!!!), kayaking adventures, nature center hikes, night time star gazing/observatory program, golfing, swimming, and just general do-nothing times!!! Thanks for letting us come play while you worked and “conferenced”, Mom and Dad!
Isaac – Our first-born one-decade-old son. He is now in 4th grade at Friends Christian School! Isaac stills loves sports and reading. When you can’t find him curled with a book (usually about sports facts or a sports fiction), check outside. He is most likely with his brother, playing baseball, basketball, football, tennis or some other made-up game with a ball. This year, Isaac’s West Yorba Linda Little League AAA Angels were big time City Champions!!!
Seth – Our good little monkey boy is in 2nd grade. Seth is following along Isaac’s footsteps (with a twist) and is doing a great job keeping up! Seth also loves sports and reading. But unlike Isaac, Seth was chosen to represent his class in the District Speech Meet in May. He recited Psalm 100 with perfect volume and expression and won a blue ribbon!!! Seth has transitioned very well to 2nd grade, especially because he has Mrs. Horn, the teacher that had taught Andrew and Rebekah (Matthew’s brother and sister)!
Abigail – Our little princess started 1st grade! She is the littlest peanut in her grade, but that doesn’t impede her confidence and love of school J. Abby is a big personality and is discovering the fun of having “friends”. Although Abby enjoys reading as much as the boys, it is common to find her alone in her room with an audio book playing, her hands busy with scissors or other crafting tools, and her mouth chattering on about something. This Christmas break, we may be spelling a lot of words, for Abby is the alternate to the District Spelling Bee in January.
Matthew – Matthew is coming up on his 14th year at Action and our 13th anniversary. He continues to be very involved with Grace Church of Orange as an elder, teaching the High School Sunday School class, and recently, he has committed to be involved with the College group. Aside from the High School and College retreats, trips, and conferences, Matthew had the opportunity to go on a short missions trip to Cambodia in August. This trip may be a catalyst to a whole new outreach opportunity for the High School and College groups through Speechless, a dramatic presentation of the Bible (www.speechless-online.com). During his spare time, Matthew continues to run. In May, he organized the 2nd 200 mile relay in Northern California for our group. All the participants claimed that it was a blast… you can decide for yourself.
Alice - Alice continues to enjoy the bliss of being a “stay-at-home” mom. She is treasuring this Golden Year, where all 3 kids are at school from 9 to 3 and are all on the same campus! She fills her days with working in each of the kids’ classrooms, the school library, Bible Study, AWANA (mid-week Bible Club that the kids are involved in), Mom’s Club, Women’s Ministries, Worship Team, and supporting Matthew in the High School and College ministries. This past summer, she had the privilege of co-directing Vacation Bible School and going up, as a counselor, to Hume Lake with the High School girls. If you would like to see more pictures of our happenings, our blog address is: www.aliceholbrook.blogspot.com.
As I sit here and reflect on the abundant blessings that God has bestowed upon us… good health, a sound job, a great Christian school with teachers that love our children, a beautiful home filled with so much of our needs and wants, loving family near and far, wonderful church home for us to serve at and to be ministered to, safe cars to drive… I am so humbled by His goodness, lovingkindness, and grace! He has not only chosen to provide us with all things we need to live, move, and exist, God, through His sovereign and amazing love, also provided us with the perfect sacrifice through His Son, Jesus Christ! May we not lose sight of the importance and significance of the reason of Christmas, and give God the glory for all that He has done. May you have a merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!!!
With our love,
Matthew, Alice, Isaac, Seth and Abigail
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the Great I AM.
