Christmas Letter

2010 Seasons Greetings!

We pray that this letter finds you and your loved ones happy, healthy and rejoicing in this wonderful holiday season. Our intent was to have these letters sent much earlier but life got in the way. We had hoped to have fancy stationary, a better photo, and something witty and interesting to share with you. Instead, you are getting us as we are...a little worn around the edges but all the better for the journey God has us set upon. The dynamics around our house changed significantly this year. It has been quite the adventure as God has opened and closed doors of opportunity.

Brent switched from part-time to full time work at Great Plains Rent-All. He is blessed to work for a company the seeks to serve the Lord through their business. He tries to fit in as much hunting with the boys as he can, which brings the boys no end to joy. He is spread too thin at times with all that need to get done but is thankful for the life God has so graciously given to us.

After completing the LPN program in July, Hattie (20) moved out to attend the RN program at Oklahoma Baptist University. She survived her first semester and is pleased to be moving forward. She is tentatively considering a career in neonatal care or pediatric medical flight. She enjoys putting her LPN skills to use on campus in the Athletic Training Department. It blesses us that Hattie has a goal and a plan.

Lillie (17) is finishing up the high school and hopes to put her love for photography to work. With her new Canon 60D camera in hand, she was blessed to take two intensive photography workshops this month and has plans for at least one more in 2011. Her goal is to get skilled enough to take fabulous photos quickly, easily and uniquely so she can bless others. She has a heart to take photos in Africa. Lillie has grown into delightful godly woman who truly desires to seek the Lord in all she does. Her countenance is truly a joy.

We missed Dennah (16) greatly when she left us for eight weeks to attend the Excel program in Texas during the fall. She left a girl who desired to serve God and returned a woman who knows God. She can’t say enough about how blessed, challenged and encouraged she was by her experience at Excel. Her heart is for the Lord and her desire is to follow in His ways. She continues take violin lessons at OBU and play in the orchestra. We are blessed by her love to cook, since we all reap the benefits. Our Little Dee is sweet blessing.

Susanna (12) is doing well and loves where she is living. She plays on the basketball team and really likes her math class. She continues to love to read. Horseback riding and skating fill up a lot of her free time and bring her great joy. We have enjoyed spending time with her and are so thankful for all the effort she is putting towards her healing. Tamy & Susanna have grown a lot closer this year through phone calls and letters. We praise God for all He has done in the life of our precious daughter.

The growth award this year goes to Becker (12). He is now taller than all his sisters and will soon be taller that his mama. Brent says that if Becker ever grows into his feet, knees and elbows, he will be well over 6 feet tall! He earned the opportunity to hunt on his own and has enjoyed his new compound bow. He joined the local home school volleyball team, along with Dennah, and really loves it. He seems to have a knack for volleyball and is looking forward to getting “really good” someday. It is a blessing to have another man around. We are looking forward to seeing how God uses Becker’s gifts and talents for His glory in the coming year.

Parker (8) continues to draw, draw and draw some more. When he is not outside doing guy things with his brothers, he is inside trying to figure out what to draw next. He has the gift of creativity. Lord willing, he will begin drawing lessons at OBU in the spring (shh...a surprise for his birthday!). He never ceases to amaze us with the depth of his questions and views on life. He has a sweet and gentle spirit that endear him to us all.

Clay, Emma & Camie (5) can read now and that has changed how they like to spend their time. They enjoy writing, reading and figuring things out. Clay is all “boy” and spends most his time hanging out with Parker. Emma and Camie are all “girl” and enjoy being Mama’s big helpers. They all like to play outside, sing, and are constantly making a joyful noise. Sometimes their “happiness” can be a bit much at times! They never cease to bring smiles to our faces with the delightful things they say and do. They fill our lives with special joy and we are so thankful that God brought them to us.

As for Tamy (getting way too old!), she is busy with everyday family life. She has also come along side Lillie and now has a camera of her own. She hopes to be skilled enough to be Lillie’s helper when needed and take great family photos whenever Lillie isn’t around. She still tries to get in a little sewing and scrap booking when time allows. Tamy continues to be humble by God’s mercy and grace each and every day.

We wish you all a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS

and a

JOYOUS NEW YEAR!

Many Blessings, The Elliott Family