Looking back at 1998, we have discovered that we were blessed with another healthy and fun-filled family year. From career changes to diaper changes, from visitors to vacations, it's been a great year. But we'd have to say that the most joy came from our children, especially the arrival of our sweet daughter, Mary, on April 4th.
Mary is our petite baby, with a beautiful dark complexion, brown eyes and the sweetest smile. She was crawling just before 8 months of age and is already pulling to standing. She has endured painful teething episodes and coun Yet no matter what her mood, she lights up when she is around Jonathan, and always reaches for hugs from him. They are a pair of sweeties that melt our hearts!
Jonathan has matured into a handsome and bright three-year old. He is a big helper to Mom around the house, and not only with baby sister. He brings cheer to our home with his little singing voice: in addition to the many has a great repertoire of Christmas carols. It's like having our very own little elf! Although at times he will show behavior typical for his age, he is usually a very patient little boy. He still has a great love of books. His new favorite toy is the wooden "Thomas the Tank Engine" train set he received for his birthday.
Laurie changed jobs at the beginning of April - she started a new career as a stay-at-home mom. It has been a joy and a challenge keeping up with our two little busybodies. Chris still works at AT&T, although his responsibilities have changed several times this year. He's been doing as much web-related work as he can get his hands on, and has kept our personal web page more or less up to date with pictures of the kids and family. Together we have been reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, which we highly recommend. We feel that what we've learned will strengthen our family in many ways.
With a newborn, we didn't get to travel too much this year. However, we did brave a 20-hour road trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks in August. We met up with the rest of the Grayson family in Corolla: three generations from Ohio, Montana and Virginia. Sixteen in all, we stayed in a seven-bedroom house with a private pool, and walking distance to the beach! It was great reuniting with everyone, and fun to watch all the little cousins play together!
So, while we didn't get away from Cincinnati too much, we did have many visits from family members this year. Laurie's sister and brother-in-law from Michigan have visited several times this year. The kids love their Aunt Sarah and Uncle Piet, and somehow Sarah manages to get Laurie out of the house to shop even more than usual! Laurie's Dad and step-mom from Texas came for a nice long weekend over Memorial Day. And Thanksgiving was extra special in our home, with not only Sarah and Piet here, but also Laurie's brother and his family from Texas. Jonathan and cousin John Michael had fun riding a Christmas train at the mall and seeing Santa.
Once again, we are looking forward to sharing Christmas with Chris' family in Dayton, joined by the Virginia Graysons. We will then come back home to celebrate with Sarah and Piet. We (especially Jonathan) are hoping for a white Christmas this year!
Unfortunately, along with all the love and joy, our lives were also touched deeply with sadness this year. The death of Laurie's beloved mother in March left us with a daily ache in our hearts. We are, however, very thankful that God has allowed us to feel her spirit with us in many ways since that time; we know that we are blessed with a special guardian angel. We hope that you too may realize the blessings He has given you, now and in the new year. And we hope that you and your family will have a warm and wonderful Christmas holiday!
Love,
The Grayson Family
Chris, Laurie, Jonathan and Mary
Keep in touch with us...
(513) 681-3774
5209 Horizonvue Dr.
Cincinnati OH 45239-7747
e-mail: cgrayson@att.net
web site: http://home.att.net/~cgrayson
Questions & comments to: Chris Grayson