Christmas Letter & Family Picture 2008

December 23, 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

Saying that it’s been a tough year for us would be an under statement. It is beyond difficult to believe that we have been without Jon for most of this year. Despite our heartache, the kids and I have been able settle in to a new normal and carry on because of the outpouring of love shown to us.

Anna Claire (8) is in the third grade and remains on the A Honor Roll despite her not-so-wonderful study habits. She is as bright as they come, but Anna would rather be outside playing basketball, building forts, digging in the dirt, riding bikes, playing Littlest Pet Shop, jumping rope or anything other than doing school work. This being said, Anna has found a love for reading that I never thought I would see. She especially loves Babysitter Club books and of course any book about animals. This year Anna received her life long wish, a puppy named Lola.

Ella Paige (4) continues to be our girly girl as well as our resident drama queen. She attends preschool several days a week and is so ready for kindergarten. Ever since she was little, Ella has taught herself to do many things. This year has been no exception to that. Ella has learned to ride her bike, jump rope, whistle, do the Chinese splits, snap her fingers and dance like a Cheetah girl. Ella enjoys gymnastics, playing outside, riding her bike, dressing up and spending the night with Nana.

Brennan Michael (3) is proving to be both my blessing and my burden. When looking at him, he is a ditto mark of his dad. As sweet as he is, he can also be such a handful. Some of the things Brennan loves to do are zipping down the driveway on his hot wheels, playing with his sisters, throwing anything, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Brennan says and does things that keep us laughing as well as keeping us on our toes.

As for me, after ten years of teaching in Freeport, I moved to a Lake Jackson School. I’m now teaching fourth grade reading, language arts and social studies at Elisabet Ney Elementary School. This is also the same school I attended from kindergarten through fourth grade. Change is always tough, but it has proven to be a good thing. When I have free time, I continue to enjoy reading, scrap booking, making bows, resale shopping and spending time with family and friends.

One evening, Anna expressed her sadness and some of her feelings about losing her dad with me. Crying she said to me, “Mom, it’s never going to be the same again without Daddy.” Knowing what to say to this was not easy. I told her that she was right. Things would never be the same. That doesn’t mean we can’t be happy. We continue to be a family, do things together and live our lives the way we would have if Jon were still with us. Most days, we are happy. Although it is easy to slip into unhappiness as we think about our great loss this year, during this holiday season and the close of 2008, the kids and I choose to celebrate and be grateful for the blessings that we have.

We would like to wish you and your family all the happiness you deserve.

Love,
Jen, Anna, Ella & Brennan Greene