Christmas Card and Letter 2025
Dear Family and Friends,
Here we are at the "almost" end of another year, and what a doozy 2025 has been! So good in many ways, chaotic and uncertain in many ways, and very eye-opening in so many ways. For me, personally, I have tried to learn from "all the things" this year. I have tried to grow my mindset, my heart, my faith and beliefs, my reactions and my responses, and let me tell you, the road has not been easy! So many times I have doubted everything. "What could I have done differently or said in another way? What can I do to fix it? What do I need to change about myself? How should I respond to this or to that? Why is this happening?" With all of the questions, worry, self-doubt, uncertainty, breakdowns, anxiety, stress, one thing that I never, not once, doubted was that I am "more precious than gold" to my Father. God's love for me is unconditional and unwavering. He loves me all ways and at all times with all my flaws and downfalls, and doubts.
Do you think Mary and Joseph ever felt they weren't good enough to be the parents of Jesus? Maybe they also doubted everything at times. They were human, so I believe the answer is "YES!" My birthday this year is ON Thanksgiving day, and I have been thinking and reflecting so much on "thankfulness" and the blessings in my life... and birthdays. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, yet it gets the "short stick" during the "Ber months." I'm guilty too, because my tree goes up on Nov. 1! LOL Thanksgiving and Christmas are kind of merging for me this year. I've been thinking about families, especially my own and about Jesus' family.
What are the similarities, the differences? The word "family" evokes a wide range of feelings and thoughts in people. Some are good and some not so good. However, family is family, including all "the good, the bad, the ugly." I like to picture Jesus' family celebrating birthdays and Christmas, and just the everyday celebrations and disappointments together. I also picture Jesus and his siblings arguing, calling each other names, disobeying mom and dad (well, not Jesus, b/c He was/is perfect, but all the others for sure!) I'm guessing Jesus' siblings might have been jealous a time or two. I imagine it was much like our own--loud, dogs barking, kids fighting, mom trying to cook and make things special, dad working coming home to lots of chaos and noise, a messy house, and a very tired wife not looking so hot, but once the dust settles and the kids have had their baths and snacks and stories read to them, the house becomes quiet and it feels like a haven. A safe haven of peace, rest, and love. There is gratitude (even if not always conscious in our minds) for the precious gifts that have been given to us. Not just the gifts of our children, but the everyday gifts of the living of life. The living of life... we get to live it! I am grateful. I am thankful for what was, what is, and what will be. My life is not perfect, far from it, but it's a good life. I am grateful to Mary and Joseph for being willing to be the parents of the most extraordinary Gift given to all mankind, and for giving Him and his siblings a safe haven to call home. I am so thankful for my family--every one of them. Family is also the people who come into our lives and become like family. How grateful I am for the "like family" people and the immeasurable ways each one has poured into my life over these 63 years of living!
Wishing for each of you a joyful and meaningful Christmas and for 2026 to be full of "goodness and light."
Stay thankful,
Dawn~
xoxo
Family News
Katelyn, Nick, Cannon, Ella, and Caroline: Some big news here is that Katelyn changed jobs. She quit her job in the spring and decided she would give teaching a go! Yep, you heard that correctly! Katelyn is now a teacher. She taught 4th grade for the last 9 weeks of the 24-25 school year and chose to come back for the 25-26 school year. She will have to go back to school for her teaching certificate, but it can be done over several years since she already has a degree. The best part about this is that she is teaching at MY school! Another best part is that Caroline started Kindergarten this year, and she is also at MY school--right across the hall from me! Three generations at one school--I mean, what are the odds of that happening! (another gift) Nick continues his sniper things and goes to several competitions throughout the year. He also did some free-fall training in France at the beginning of the year. His team got to "show off" for the President when he visited Ft. Bragg in July. It was quite an honor. Cannon (12) is a 7th grader. He is on the cross-country team at school. He also made the baseball team in the spring. He is big time into 3D printing and made me the most special Star ornament for my Christmas tree. Ella (11) is I er last year of elemetary school-5th grade. She was elected Beta Club President. She played on a Rec Volleyball team, and she designed their team shirts. Her team made it all the way to the semi-finals of a big tournament. Caroline (6) was on a U8 girls' soccer team, and what an adventure it was to watch her "play!" We think she was on the team strictly for the snacks. It took her a minute to adjust to Kindergarten and going to school every day. It certainly helps having her mom "just down the hall."
Jared and Chandler: Chandler started a nutrition business this year called All Hart Nutrition. She helps people lose weight, feel more comfortable around food, and plan for events like marathons, meal prepping, etc. She is one of the head coaches at a CrossFit gym in Milton. She also competed in the CrossFit team semi-finals; her team placed 7th. Jared went to Panama in February for a month. He came to Ft. Bragg for 6 weeks mid-October through mid-November, so he got to be around for some birthdays, sports activities, and some visits from family. He was able to bring Nala with him this time. Bailey has been so happy having Nala here to play with and keep her company. Jared will be leaving for 3 weeks right after Thanksgiving on an assignment for work. I got to visit Jared and Chandler this summer for a few days. We enjoyed some fun beach days (Panama Beach and Navarre Beach). The water on the Gulf side is so beautiful.
John Robert: John moved into a newer and bigger apartment in February. I think he enjoyed "fixing it up" and having more room to roam. He even has a garage. I went for a visit in March for a week, and we had a good time house shopping and rearranging things. John was able to go with us on family vacation this year to Emerald Isle. Unfortunately, he was back in Texas for one day, was coming home from work, and was rear-ended pretty hard. His shoulder and back were hurt in the accident. He was out of work for over 4 weeks. he is slowly on the mend and back to work doing light "office duty" stuff until he is cleared for anything more.
Jacob: In April, Jacob ran a half-marathon in Nashville with one of his buddies. He is running another half-marathon (Mistletoe Run) in Winston-Salem on the 1st Saturday in December. He has been on some fun trips to Key West and Turks and Caicos. He was able to go on our family vacation in October. He turns 30 in March '26! WHAT??!!
Dawn: This summer, my friend, Brown, and I went on an epic Florida road trip. We left from Fayetteville and drove to Ormond Beach, to Dunedin, to Tarpon Springs, to Milton, Florida--East coast to West coast-then home. We had a blast! Family vacation this year was at Emerald Isle, NC. All kids were there except for Jared and Chandler and Nick b/c of work obligations. I have started my 27th year of teaching. Retirement from education is two years away. I would appreciate all the prayers.
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