Christmas 2025

 

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas!!!

Over the past 3 years, it has become my tradition to write a Christmas blog instead of a Christmas letter.  This year is no different.  It feels like every year, during the Christmas time, it's become more and more difficult to send those Christmas cards and holiday greetings.  

Let me begin by saying that I prayed for a better year this year.  Last year was marred by many challenges, and I was more than happy to leave 2024 behind.  God came through for me.  It's not to say that there weren't some challenges, but I certainly believe that in every change and decision we made this year, God made things possible.

The first quarter of 2025 was pretty calm; the usual hustle and bustle.  In April, Josh moved to a new position at work and took on more responsibilities at work.  I think he enjoys the challenge.  In June, Sam completed his 8th-grade year.  I couldn't believe he's going to high school!!!

             

               

Sam and I spent the first half of the summer in Hawaii this year.  We got to go camping with Jenny and Chance, and spent some quality time with family.  Sam always enjoys summers in Hawaii.  I mean, who doesn't like the beach and fresh tropical fruits?

                                   

Summer ended too quickly, and before we knew it, it was time to go back to school and work.  Sam started 9th grade, and I started my second year of teaching 6th-grade special education in a new school.  This change was an answered prayer.  God knew I needed to be somewhere where I can learn and thrive without burdening my mental well-being.  I prayed for an opportunity, and He granted it.  I cannot tell you enough how this move has blessed me.

              

Fall came quietly.  For a quick moment, I was able to go back to Hawaii to spend time with Mimi and Veah, and the rest of the family.  It was a quick but fulfilling visit.

 

Despite the busyness and chaos of fall, we were able to take our Fall pictures.

          

And then, on December 5, we closed on our (could be) forever home (depending on where Sam decides to settle down).

           

Buying a house this year was not part of the plan, though we did plan to start looking to buy next year.  Josh suggested that we start looking at houses and get pre-approved in preparation for that.  Little did we know that we would find the house that would become our new home within two weeks of "getting ideas."  When we stepped into this house, it felt like home, and we knew we had to try to make the offer.  We weren't the highest offer, but we wrote a sincere letter to the seller.  She was also looking for a family to make this house their home, because it's the house her father built, the house she grew up in, and she wanted the house to be loved, the way her family loved it.  God showed up and made things happen...this will always be a testimony of his goodness to our family.

This year, we are also fortunate to spend Christmas with our family in Oklahoma.  I hope that wherever you are, you are safe, healthy, and blessed.  Thank you for taking the time to read this rather long Christmas letter.

From our Family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!!!

With love,

The Askews

(Josh, Gigi, and Sam)