Merry Christmas

Just in case I missed someone...here is our 2011 Christmas letter and card.

Dear Friends and Family,

We would like to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2012!  We hope you are enjoying the season as we take this opportunity to update you on the Kerstiens’ family.  We are thankful for a good but crazy 2011.  Does this sound familiar?  If so, it is because it is exactly what I wrote last year…and it still applies J

This year David will celebrate 15 years with Wells Fargo.  In this economy this is truly a blessing…and a curse.  We remain thankful he has a job and continue praying that God will guide us in 2012.  He is playing soccer once a week…trying to recapture his high school glory days J  There have been no major home improvement projects this year, but David has been edging our planting beds with stones…which is a tedious job.

Mary continues to work as an office manager in her neighborhood.  In addition, she has become a 5^th grade teaching assistant at the boy’s school.  It has been an awesome opportunity and she LOVES both jobs.   

Logan had several “firsts” in 2011.   He started “first” grade.  He lost his “first” tooth.  He began reading for the “first” time.    Finally, he went on his “first” vacation with his grandparents this summer.  He had a blast, drinking coke, bowling, and staying up late.  Being our “first” born is a lot of responsibility, but he handles is great and is an awesome big brother.  He still loves Legos, computers and movie night.  His favorite books are “Henry and Mudge” and art and math are his favorite subjects in school. 

Caden may be small in stature but he is tall in personality.    He started TK at CDS and is having a blast.  He only attends ½ day, but he begs to stay all day.   Everyone loves him and he is already made a name for himself at the school, even with the middle schoolers.  Mary is known as “Caden’s mom” at school.  He loves Legos and homemade icees.   Caden had the honor of being the 1^st child in TK to fall and require stitches…told you he was making a name for himself.

Mason is now 3 ½ years old and really matured in the last year.  He still doesn’t eat anything, but that will be an ongoing battle.  He is very mischievous and daily Mary posts his new adventures on Facebook.  He loves life, his family and Clemson.  He throws tantrums if he cannot wear an orange shirt everyday.  A daily outfit is jeans, cell phone (broken) in his pocket and a Clemson tee shirt….just like daddy. J  Daddy is his hero and he wants to be just like him.  Many days you will find David mowing grass with Mason following behind him with his bubble mower.  We cherish these days because they go so quickly.

We have an addition to our household…no we are not pregnant….and it is not a puppy…Grammy, Mary’s mom, has come to stay with us.  She helps watch the boys while Mary is working.  Watching kids is a gross understatement in all she does.  We really could not do it without her.  In turn, she is doing great, lost weight, and feels healthier because she is forced to chase little boys all day.

Finally, we are anxiously waiting to hear from all of you.  We would like to once again wish you a Happy Holidays and look forward to when we see you again!

Grace and Peace in 2012,

David, Mary, Logan, Caden and Mason Kerstiens

Grammy (Barbara Dustin)