Merry Christmas from The Heiners

Can you believe it’s Christmas again already? It’s been a tough year, and we’re finally at the end of it. This year instead of recapping everything, we’re going to focus on the areas in which we were blessed this year, and try to remember those.

In March, we moved back up to Bellingham, and have loved being closer to family. Since then, Justin has been working for a local computer company as an IT Consultant. He has recently been getting the itch to start developing software again. Rachael worked until September part time, and is now a full time stay at home mom.

Rachael’s Mom Edie got re-married in June to a wonderful man named Paul. Sam has especially benefitted from being so close to his Grandma Edie, Grandpa Paul and his new Aunt Jemma & Uncle Ian. We’ve enjoyed getting to know Paul and his son and daughter, all of whom are a great addition to our crazy family. In August, one of Rachael’s best friends, Leela, got married, which was a very special day for Rachael. In May we welcomed Rachael’s little sister Lianna and Stepmom Helene to Bellingham, they got to be here to share Sam’s 2nd birthday with us! Rachael and Sam traveled back east in August for two week to visit them, and had a great time. Sam had a wonderful time hanging out with his aunt and her friends, and Rachael had a great time relaxing while they occupied his time!

Sam is doing wonderfully. He is a willful 2 year old – he has his own ideas and opinions, but it’s been easier for us to all get along since he started talking. He’s still learning, but his vocabulary grows every day, and he currently loves to say pretty much anything you say that he can repeat. He absolutely loves to eat hummus (straight from the container with a spoon) and is currently very into pancakes, cheese, and applesauce.

We could not have made it through this year without our friends and family. We want to give special thanks to the people who helped us financially, helped us with Sam, or were just there for us when we needed an ear to talk to or a shoulder to cry on or a cup of hot chocolate to cheer us up. One of the few blessings that have come out of this year has been learning how to live more simply, and realizing how lucky we are to have each other, to have Sam, and to have such wonderful, caring people in our lives.

I know that 2008 has been a tough year for many of my friends and family out there. So, this year we want to wish everyone an extra special New Year full of blessings, happiness, and good things!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Justin, Rachael & Sam Heiner