The Irwin Family Christmas Letter 2013

I have decided this year would be a good year to publish our annual Christmas Letter on our family blog. Last year I never got around to sending one out and I am trying to get back on track. I thought that having older kids would mean I would have more time on my hands. I don't know who ever said that, but it is not true.  ;-)  

The family is healthy and happy and busy as normal. In January Bob will have been at Genie Industries for 17 years. It is hard to fathom that many years have gone by, but Bob and I are so thankful for the blessings that working for Genie Industries has allowed to our family. Bob has recently been asked to take on a different position as a Manager over a group of Project Managers for the IS department.  It will allow for further learning opportunities and new challenges, but Bob loves to grow and be challenged.  The travelling for work has slowed down, but he still gets to go a few times a year, which he loves.  On the side, he loves to work around the property and play in his garage. He is excited to get his boat back on the water in the spring to go crabbing and fishing.

Bobby finished up his two year internship at our church in July and began his new season by moving to Spokane the beginning of August. He moved into a house with 6 other guys and is going to school full time and working for Starbucks.  He is working at getting his Associates, focusing on music.  His dad and I are amazed with his dedication and perseverance, especially after telling us recently he will be taking 21 credits for the Winter quarter.  Good grief!  To be young again!  ;-)

Kyleann graduated from high school in June this year and began her new season also in September, moving to San Dimas California and attending Life Pacific College.  She is loving college life and the weather. The classes are academically challenging, but she is learning lots. She is working on getting her Bachelors in Psychology, minor in Biblical Studies, later becoming a teacher.  

Taylor is a Sophomore at Snohomish High School and is about 6' 2".  He keeps us in stitches with his character and wit. He started in a high school internship through our church in November and is enjoying the leadership classes. His heart is to lead high school small groups. 

Leanne, our niece still lives with us and will be finishing up her associates in May from Everett Community College.  Her plan is to obtain a 4 year degree in arts at a college in the East come summer/fall.  She works for Old Navy and for me at Kid's Life at church on Fridays, while attending classes during the week. 

I have been so blessed to be a mom to our wonderful three kids over the past 21 years and look forward to the new seasons as a family.  I won't lie and say it was a piece of cake watching them move on, but it is truly a blessing to watch their growth spiritually and academically as they venture outside the family walls and find their own ways. God has blessed and continues to bless our family and we are truly thankful for His abundance of love and grace.

Although change is inevitable as we learn and grow daily, one thing that we can stand firm on is God's love and blessings.  He is faithful and His grace is sufficient, beginning with the beautiful gift of His Son, Jesus.

Wishing you all a blessed and fun-filled Christmas Season from our home to yours.

Merry Christmas to all!

Love always,

The Irwin's

To see updated family photos, please visit https://theirwinfamilyinsnohomish.shutterfly.com/2013

So Thankful.....

Today's message on gratitude was a kind reminder of the importance of verbally thanking and recognizing people in our lives that have  impacted us in one way or another.  But more importantly the gratitude of what the Lord has done for us.  I think of my gratitude for the Lord quite often, but how often do I step back and really access my blessings and verbally declare my gratitude? Today we were reminded of the Last Supper and how Jesus broke bread as He declared His thanksgiving, knowing what the next day entailed for His life on Earth. He was thankful even when He would endure much suffering. 

As I sit here my heart is full of gratitude for what Jesus has done for me. I am with the thought that I am so loved that Someone would die for me, Whom had done absolutely nothing to endure such a painful and degrading death and then declares, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do".   

Thank you Jesus for giving Your life for mine!!  Because of You, I live!                                                                                                                                      

FaceTime rocks!

No laughing!!  ;-) But we really think it is great!  We got to talk with Kyleann thru FaceTime and it was such fun as she was showing our niece, Leanne and Taylor, her dorm.  What a great invention to see my sweet girls face while she is miles and miles away.

Bobby in Spokane.....

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One side of Bobby's new residence in Spokane. 

Bobby also started his new venture at the beginning of August by moving to Spokane. He moved into a home with 6 other 20 year olds that are connected to the new church he is attending over there. 
He is getting ready to start his classes in a few weeks and seems to be adjusting well. He transferred with Starbucks, one about 5 minutes from his home. He says it is slower then the one he worked at over here, but Bobby has always liked things fast pace with very little sleep.  Must be his dad, because this mom likes sleep. Lol

Kyleann at Life Pacific.... College here she comes!

A new season Kyleann embarked on today! As dad and I have moved our daughter into the dorms at Life Pacific college in California, we have been overwhelmed by the busyness of it all but know as we have some down time, that emotions will surface that haven't yet, which will allow us to grow deeper in relationship with our God. Trust, Faith & Prayer; the three key factors that will get us through the next four years, but more importantly the first couple of months while transition is fresh in our family.

Today during orientation, one of the speakers asked parents directly to trust God with our children. Who would know better to take care of our precious gifts then from Who gifted them to begin with and has their upmost concerns and desires for their lives at the forefront of His mind?  

I knew that answer because this is an area that I have tried very hard to relinquish control and to have complete faith in.  It was such a great reminder that God is present, real, active, engaged and on FIRE for our daughter.  We are so excited for Kyleann's next venture!  Words can not express the gratitude in our hearts for all the teachers, family and friends that have believed and vested into Kyleann's life over the years and foremost to our Lord for entrusting us with His child. 

Kyleann and her best friend Miranda at Women's Ensemble Concert

Kyleann's Graduation Celebration!