Merry Christmas!


May the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ bring you much comfort, joy and peace this holiday season as we celebrate His birth, life, and resurrection! During this beautiful season, we are reminded to put our trust and faith in the innocent baby born on that special night. We pray that Jesus will be the heart of your holiday, and that Christ will be the focus of your Christmas!

Well, this has been an exciting year! Our biggest news this year has been the birth of Abigail Grace on March 19th. As Ashley says, “Abigail is a little slice of heaven!” She has been such a blessing. The kids have loved playing with her and the girls have fast become expert diaper changers and bottle makers. It is hard to believe all the changes a baby goes through in a year. Abigail has two bottom teeth, is crawling around like crazy, says “da-da” and “ma-ma”, gives us “raspberries,” usually during the sermon on Sunday, snuggles and gives lots of hugs and kisses. She is very busy and we have nicknamed her “Grabby Abby!”

Andrew loves middle school, and is doing great. He enjoys his friends and is active with Scouts, confirmation, and vocal at school. Ashley loves 3rd grade. She loved singing at her school concert, is an avid reader, and loves to draw and write. The highlight of her year has been receiving her 3rd grade bible at church. Aly is having fun in 1st grade. She has developed quite a sense of humor. Andrew and Aaron are funny clowns, but Aly has a dry sense of humor. When Brian and I were kissing in the kitchen, Aly rolled her eyes, saying, “He-lloooo! Still in the room!” Both girls are also playing soccer. Aaron is a character. He is still a little entertainer, singing and dancing, showing us his muscles and his karate moves (don’t know where he “got” that- he has never taken karate!). His favorite movie was “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!”

Brian and I are doing well, too. We gave up tent camping this summer for an air-conditioned cabin with a bathroom. I told Brian he may never get me back in a tent! We enjoyed a great baseball season with our Cubbies and looking forward to next year! I began speaking again in October at women’s retreat in Naperville. I continue to write devotions on my blog. What a blessing it has been to meet many women over this past year, sharing the love of Jesus with
them!

Merry Christmas and a blessed 2008! May He bless you richly in this New Year! And, may the “God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Berta Family

2 thoughts shared....:

Speaking Thru Me Ministries said...

wow - absoltely gorgeous kids!!! wow!!! I am not joking!! Looks like it could be the front of a magazine!!!

And the dog - what a beauty!!

The house looks beautiful too!!

Merry Christmas to you my sweet friend!! Happy New Year!! I am excited to see what He brings forth!!

Talk to you soon I am sure!!

Love, Leigh

Chelle said...

Definitely sounds like a wonderful, and blessed year!

I'm with you, my idea of camping involves a cabin and a bathroom :)

Be blessed this Christmas!!!