Dear Friends,
Seems like I was just writing the 2011 version of this letter. But while the time has passed quickly, much has happened to update our friends and family about. This was our first full year settled in our new house. After not decorating for Christmas in 2010 because of our holiday move, the boys responded to our Christmas decorations like they’d never seen them. It was almost enough to make me look forward to all of the work of putting them out this year #bahumbug.
Marshall has started kindergarten and absolutely loves it. Our formerly “silent child” chatters up a storm and is excited about getting to do homework every night. I thought that would have wore off by now, but I’m not complaining. We took a “right of passage” trip in August to make starting school feel more special (story and pictures at link). By his request we climbed a mountain and then walked under the ocean.
Lawson is growing in his love for sports and adventure. We went to Disney this summer and he caught the roller coaster bug. I think we will be taking several trips to amusement parks in the coming years. Our coach-pitch baseball team this Fall was a perfect 9-0, and Lawson is already talking about the Spring season. To help the boys bond with our new city, we’ve started an expedition of visiting all the chili cheese dogs joints in RDU (story and pictures at link).
Sallie couldn’t stand having free time with Marshall in school so she has started substitute teaching at the boys school, created a small “design on a dime” decorating business, and launched a small group for single young professional women at our church. She has painted every room in our home since we moved in last June (badly needed since it was a highly distressed seller house).
Brad has had no problem staying busy between his role at Summit (www.summitrdu.com) and Southeastern (www.sebts.edu). His first two booklets were published this year and he has three more publications coming out this year (www.bradhambrick.com/publications) including being a featured counselor in the new DivorceCare product line. Brad is creating a series of marriage seminars for our church “Creating a Gospel-Centered Marriage” (posted at link).
Over the next year we would appreciate your prayers that we will (1) fully enjoy this sweet season when our boys are young and lay a good foundation for their future, (2) prioritize marriage and family during a very busy season of life and ministry, and (3) grow in our trust in God’s character and effectiveness at sharing His hope with others.
We want to thank you for your friendship and the unique role you have played in the life our family. Our prayer is that this Christmas you will experience the power, peace, and joy of Immanuel – God with us (Matthew 1:23) – and have opportunity to multiply the experience of that hope by sharing it with others.
Merry Christmas!
The Hambrick Family
P.S. For an idea of how to teach your children the real meaning of Christmas, check out this article.