Christmas Letter 2016

2016 - The year of incredible life challenges, BUT GOD was faithful!

What began as a mild winter turned into the Blizzard of 2016. With 30.8 inches of snow and not enough plows, everything was literally shut down. Our neighbors shoveled together for two days before we finally got out. Talk about craziness! However, the boys couldn’t get enough of it: sledding, snowball fights, making snowmen and building a fort. Once frozen, they hurried inside for some hot cocoa by the fire...only to head back outside to do it all over again.

Gavin’s 4^th birthday in February brought out Brian’s parents. An expressive story teller who is always cackling at his own jokes, Gavin doesn’t take life too seriously. Riding his scooter & playing soccer are his top two favorite things to do. He knows his ABC’s & numbers. And after much practicing, he can now write his name!

After an emotional 7 months of being without a lead pastor at Harvest Fairfax (our former pastor resigned), God finally brought someone new in March. A servant-leader who radiates God’s love, Pastor Jeff and his family were an answer to our prayers. His leadership for our church is exactly what we needed! Right around the same time, Brian was dealing with stress related health issues from work that took a huge toll on him physically and mentally. After much prayer, he decided to switch jobs and joined a new company as a Senior Commissioning Engineer. Where is his new office? Our house which means no more commuting! At the end of the day, he simply walks upstairs to join us for dinner and to play with the boys. What a difference it has made on his well being! Through all of these trials and uncertainties, we had to renew our minds daily and cling to God’s Truth. His strength & hope are what got us through this year!

Ethan & Gavin welcomed their summer by moving into the same bedroom. It turns out having a sleeping buddy was exactly the bonding they needed. With the empty bedroom upstairs, Ikaika quickly claimed it and moved himself in permanently. They also took swim lessons and by the end of their sessions, became ‘lil swimmers. In August, we flew to Colorado for an 8 day adventure with my parents: the Denver Children’s Museum, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Pikes Peak, hiking, beach day at the reservoir and playing in the vegetable garden. It was their best summer ever!

Ethan turned 8 in November and loves all things Golden Retriever! After losing his only tooth this year, he came up with a scheme to prove the Tooth Fairy’s true existence. As a second grader, he joined the city’s basketball league. And also the Billman Running Club where Brian takes the boys running every week. Ikaika even gets to tag along! I’m really loving this season of life with both of them and wish I could freeze this moment forever!

This year we’re thankful once again to be with family during the holidays. My parents joined us for Thanksgiving and we’re looking forward to Christmas in Illinois with Brian’s family.

We have had a blessed year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you a wonderful 2017! 

Christmas Letter 2014

 

 

2014—A less chaotic year with much more balance.

Gavin turned 2 in February and we started off the year celebrating him. Mr. Independent, who does not want to be helped, will undo whatever you did just so he could do it all by himself. He was potty trained in a week and was soon moved into a big boy bed. Because of last year’s ear infection saga it took him a little while to talk. But there is no holding him back now. Trains, puzzles and being big brother’s little side kick are among his favorite things. So thankful for his infectious smiles & laughter that fill our household daily.

After a year of searching the crazy NoVA housing market with multiple offers that got outbid, God finally led us to a short sale house. Exactly where we wanted to be. With that came a complicated process: aligning multiple parties and all the paper work together. It was such an emotional time and a testing of faith. But by God’s miraculous hand, we closed on the house seven months later. We couldn’t be more thrilled! Brian’s parents came out in April to help us move and settle into a new place we can now call home.

A month later, Brian took the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional exam (LEED AP) and thankfully passed! Soon after, my parents headed our way to help with the major house projects and also watch the boys. Leaving all the stress behind, we headed to the Bahamas to celebrate our 10 year Anniversary. With no time restraints and no responsibilities, we sat and relaxed by the beach together. Something we haven’t done since our honeymoon days. It was wonderful & so freeing!  

4^th of July was spent BBQing and catching up with our good friends in West Virginia. We filled the rest of the summer with all kinds of fun activities from swimming, soccer and Vacation Bible School. We completed the summer with a family beach vacation to Ocean City, Maryland.  As always the boys loved it and didn’t want to go home.

In September, Ethan started kindergarten and absolutely LOVES it!  For someone who is creative & an enthusiastic learner, it didn’t surprise us one bit.  Going to school all day everyday has met his physical, social and intellectual needs - something I couldn't do for him.  And because of that he comes home content every afternoon. I’m also enjoying this new season of life that is calmer and quieter with more one-on-one time with Gavin and for Zumba, Bible Study Fellowship & Mothers of Preschoolers.

Ethan turned 6 in November and we were glad to have Brian’s parents visit again. Not only is Ethan  excelling in school, but his love for Jesus & others is growing exponentially as well. The Holy Spirit is evident in his life as he is “Salt & Light”* to those around him. Unfortunately, we found ourselves here in Virginia this year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas with no traveling plans. But we are definitely looking forward to seeing our family next year.

We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2015!

* Matthew 5:13-16

Christmas Letter '13

2013 in Virginia brought much joy, contentment & thankfulness - and a warmer winter too!

February arrived and we celebrated Gavin’s 1^st birthday & baby dedication.  So glad Brian’s mom could come and be a part of it.  A reserved but joyful spirit, Gavin has been a perfect addition to our family.  He is full of smiles, loves to climb and be held by anyone with comfy shoulders.  Although an opposite from Ethan, he copies everything big brother does.  Unfortunately, it has been a rough year for him.  What started out as a cold turned into his very first ear infection that never left.  Four rounds of antibiotics and four months later, he eventually needed tubes to drain the fluid.  Thankfully everything went well.   But then between teething and/or a cold, Gavin spent every month afterwards battling them.  How miserable!  I pray that next year would be more kind to him.  

To continue with the Memorial Day weekend tradition, we met up in Kentucky for a Billman/Hurd family reunion.  The ten-hour road trip + two active boys = major anxiety.  But by the grace of God, they both did amazingly well!!!  We visited The Louisville Zoo & rode on sully bikes along the waterfront.  Oh how the cousins played hard & slept hard.  What an awesome time!  The rest of the summer was spent with swim lessons, Vacation Bible School and a beach vacation to the Outer Banks, North Carolina. 
 

In September, Harvest Bible Chapel Fairfax hit a one year milestone.  Wow, it has been quite a journey.  Initially I wanted to work alongside Brian, but then soon realized that is not what God has for me.  Instead I was to care for the kids so that he can to be fully effective for the church.  Different serving roles but both so necessary.  The church continues to gradually grow as God brings different gifted & committed people.  Because of that, Brian now has once a month off from set-up & tear-down so we could attend church as a family.  Something we will never take for granted again.

Ethan turned 5 in November and we threw him a big Pirate party.  Arrrrgh, what a blast with his friends!  A well rounded kid who enjoys coloring & building, Ethan may someday be an architect.  This year’s most exciting event for us was that he accepted Jesus into his heart!  We couldn’t be more proud of that decision.  What a joy to see his love & grace for others, especially Gavin. overflow out of him.  He truly loves playing, sharing and comforting his lil’ “buddy”.  Those two are becoming quite a pair.  

Just before Thanksgiving my parents made their way out east to visit.  Did the boys have a lot fun with them!  Brian and I even got a chance to spend the night away which was much, much needed.  It has been too long since our last one.  Two weeks afterwards, we headed to Iowa to see Brian’s family for an early Christmas.  Such a blessing to see them twice this year.  The trip wouldn’t be complete without a quick visit to Davenport to see some friends in our old stomping grounds.

We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2014!

Christmas Letter '12

2012 - An incredible year of walking by faith not by sight.

Normally I don’t start a Christmas letter with last year’s update, but our journey wouldn’t be complete without going back.  In November 2011, what had started as a resume update and applying for jobs online (just to see what would happen) turned out to be something more.  Before we knew it, Brian was off to Fairfax, Virginia for two job interviews.  One of which he accepted.  Soon after, we learned of a new Harvest Bible Chapel plant in Fairfax that was also happening in the same time frame.  Coincidence?  I think not.

After the first of the year, everything came together quickly.  We put the house on the market and by God’s grace sold it in 3 weeks.  Next on the list was the baby.  Gavin Kalani Billman arrived a day early on February 20^th at 8:47 am –– just in time to pack and move.  Thankfully, Gavin couldn’t have been an easier baby especially during this chaotic time.  Three weeks later, the moving truck came and left with all our worldly possessions.  With every single door opened for us, the only thing left to do was head to the East Coast.

March through August was such an emotional and trying time.  So many changes happening all at once: new baby, new job, new place.  Daily survival was the goal.  We met weekly as a core team to diligently plan and pray for what God was about to do on September 9^th - build his church (Matthew 16:18).  And that is what He did!!!  Even though church planting is no easy task, we got to witness God’s provision and faithfulness firsthand.  Through that we’re blessed!  We managed to sneak in a family vacation to Virginia Beach in July for some sand ‘n sun.  Can’t wait to do more of that now that we’re closer to the ocean.

Fall arrived and we began to settle into a rhythm.  Preschool, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and play dates filled the schedule and kept us busy.  Ethan became quite a helper around the house.  He is fun, thoughtful, obedient, and smart.  Not to mention a great big brother, too.  More than anything else, he loves to make Gavin laugh.  As for the lil’ guy, Gavin is just a smiley, happy baby who is on the move…FAST.  I’m pretty sure he’ll be walking before the age of one.  With these two peas in a pod, there is never a dull moment in the Billman household.

Ethan’s 4^th birthday celebration brought out Brian’s parents and my parents came for Thanksgiving.  It was so good to be surrounded by family.  Christmas will be spent in the Colorado Rockies for a Barnhart/Cervania family reunion with lots of snow activities.  We’re excited for the boys to meet their aunts, uncles and cousins for the very first time.

Christmas Letter '11

2011 brought tremendous spiritual growth & renewal — Now More than Ever

We all spent the first part of the year in a continuous cycle of illness. No fun! To make matters worse, we were greeted with the Blizzard of 2011, which dumped 17 inches of snow in 2 days. It was quite an experience digging ourselves and our neighbors out! An early spring was definitely prayed for. We also felt God calling us to switch churches, so we did. Right away, we got plugged in: small group and Men’s & Women’s Bible Study. We felt spurred on with a sense of awe of what a truly BIG God we serve and understanding who He really is.

May came and we were excited to have a Hurd-Billman Memorial Day weekend get-together. We BBQ’d and hung out while the kids played and played and played some more. It was such a blast; we might have to make this an annual thing! Along with that, we also found out that baby #2 is on the way.

With no big travelling plans, we spent the summer enjoying lots of local outdoor activities. Going to Iowa State Fair, visiting parks, hiking and swimming. Ethan even ran his first Jr. Bix race. He’s a runner in the making—just like his daddy! We also visited Brian’s college roommate in Wisconsin over the 4th of July and a few good friends in the Kentucky/Ohio area over Labor Day. Those were some sweet reunions.

Fall arrived and it was time to give our basement a much needed facelift. We painted the walls, installed new carpet and even got some new furniture. Definitely made it a lot homier for us all down there, including Kaika. Doggie pillow no longer needed; now he just sprawled out wherever he finds a space.

In November, Ethan turned 3 and what a big year it was for him. He moved into a big boy bed and was also potty trained in a week. He started going to preschool every Friday and absolutely loves it. I must say I love it too—the three hours away to run errands is a huge blessing! He knows his ABC’s, numbers and verses from AWANA (children’s church program). He became even more independent and is always talking, singing and dancing. The best part is watching Ethan as he develops into a kind and a much gentler soul. He will be such an awesome big brother!

With a full house, Thanksgiving was extra special this year as we hosted both sides of the family. My parents stayed the week to spend some quality time with Ethan. We also spent the night away with a pre-birthday celebration for me. It was refreshing and much needed!

We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2012!

Christmas Letter '10

2010 – Oh, The Places We Went!

What’s a better way to start the year off than with a family vacation to Ft. Myers, Florida. It was Ethan’s very first plane ride and boy, was he a busy body! We were relieved at our arrival and only had one thing on the agenda: relax. And that is what we did! Our little explorer had the time of his life: roaming the beach front, chasing birds, collecting sea shells and even eating some sand. Blah! Despite the cold water, we still enjoyed the southern warmth. But like all good things it must come to an end.

Summer came and we took another trip to the Atlantic. This time we headed to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with Brian’s parents. We hit the beach first thing every morning and went swimming. Ethan, on the other hand, didn’t quite share the same enthusiasm. He was terrified of the waves and was found happily playing with his sand toys instead. At night, Brian and I walked the shops along the boardwalk and enjoyed music by the beach as we reminisced about the summer we met in FL. It was wonderful! What a great vacation and it was even better with Dave and Linda along!

After spending so much time away, it was time to buckle down and get some house stuff done. August was spent painting the basement and remodeling the master bathroom. We got a new bathtub/shower installed so now there is no more caulking…EVER again!

A month later, we flew out to see my parents in Colorado. This year we wanted to take advantage of the great outdoors so we went when it’s not cold or snowing. We hiked in the mountains, walked around the lake, and climbed all the stairs at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. Ethan also had a blast at their house and was quite entertained in their vegetable garden. Believe it or not after this trip, he has now been to seven states before the age of 2. Pretty impressive huh?

Ethan turned 2 in November and we could hardly believe it! He is all-boy who loves to run, jump, climb and get dirty ALL day long while laughing and giggling. Whew, thankfully his energy level and intensity have settled down quite a bit! “E,” as he calls himself, is also talking a lot more now. Every so often we would find him reading and jabbering to himself and to Ikaika. Ethan’s bed time is the best part of the day ever since he started cuddling with us. Those are precious moments and a rarity in this household! It has truly been a fun year with him!

Not only did Brian turn the big 3-0 this year, so did I. From what we’ve heard, the 30’s is better than the 20’s. I hope they’re right! My parents came out for a quick Thanksgiving/birthday weekend celebration and what a special treat for us all, especially Ethan. He got to see them twice this year!

We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2011!

Christmas Letter '09

2009 – Goodbye to our DINK (Dual Income with No Kids) lives and hello to a new chapter with a baby.

The year started out with great news as Brian passed his P.E. exam and officially became a licensed Professional Engineer. You should have seen him frantically checking the mailbox every single day. It was pretty funny! Finally Saturday afternoon came and so did the mailman to deliver the prized envelope. Whew, were we relieved to know all that studying paid off! He will now be signing his name: Brian J. Billman, P.E.

A few months later, the Billmans were in desperate need to escape from old man winter. So we said “Carpe Diem,” let’s seize the day. We packed up the car and headed off to St. Louis, Missouri. Out came the t-shirts, shorts and flip flops. Gone were the winter coats. Even Ethan enjoyed the warmth and welcomed the change. We visited the zoo and had a picnic under the famous Arch while soaking up the sun. What a refreshing and much needed get-away weekend!

From May to September, we tackled a few house projects: one of them being the deck. From rebuilding to sanding and staining - evenings and weekends were spent laboring over it. It was quite a task! But with some help from friends and family we finished it just in time as Fall approached.

With five teeth, two hair cuts and many milestones later, Ethan’s celebrated his 1st birthday in November. Zesty & full of life, Ethan has brought a lot of joy and laughter into our lives. He greets the world every morning…at 5 am happy as can be which I’ms till trying to get used to! Along with that, he is also very active boy (x 10) and loves being on the move. Running around after him all day is no easy task! So I do take full advantage of being a stay-at-home mom and “napping when he naps.” What an amazing year it has been with Ethan and I’m glad to say we survived (as parents)!

At the end of the month, both sets of grandparents traveled here for Ethan’s baby dedication. It was extra special as we committed to raising Ethan up in hopes that one day he would accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Since Thanksgiving and my birthday was right around the corner, my parents stayed the week and helped us celebrate. It was fun to watch them interact and reconnect with Ethan again. The extra helping hands and free babysitting were definitely a plus.

Kaika has transformed into a completely different dog: lazy-er and much, much calmer. He loves his new found freedom to roam the house as he pleases instead of being stuck in his crate. He and Ethan have now become buddies and have a love-hate relationship. Instead of running away, Kaika has started to tolerate a squealing and drooling baby climbing all over him. And vice verse, Ethan has also gotten used to Kaika’s relentless kisses. It is pretty comical to watch these two interact as they are very much alike!

We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2010!

Christmas Letter '08

2008 - The year where Good Things Come in Small Packages.

Beginning of February, Brian and I said goodbye to the Midwest blistery winter and said “Aloha” to the surf and sand of Hawaii. With towels and sunscreen in hand, we hit the beach without wasting a moment in Paradise. Our time on Oahu brought something new everyday from hiking the famous Diamond Head to snorkeling with the fishes at Hanauma Bay. Oh and who could forget the long walks on Waikiki Beach. The adventures continued in Maui where we drove the scenic Road to Hana and went whale watching. What an amazing time we had! Returning to the Islands after eight years and leaving again was hard for me to do. But it helped to know that Brian and I will be back again someday. For now, it’s back to reality.

A month later, we found out we had “A Bun in the Oven” and that we were pregnant! So the next several months were spent at doctor’s appointments, garage sales, baby showers and preparing for Baby Billman’s arrival.

For the 4th of July, we headed to the East Coast to see Brian’s cousin and college roommate. Nothing like celebrating the day at the National Mall in DC and walking through all of the Memorials. It got even better as fireworks exploded over the night sky with the Washington Memorial as the backdrop. We both felt very patriotic and had such a “blast!”

Our long awaited joy arrived on November 10th at 8:48 pm– Ethan Noah Billman came into the world 8 days early. Just in time for Thanksgiving which was extra special this year! For two weeks, my parents came from Colorado to help out with whatever was needed. Boy, were we ever so thankful! Baby crying, diaper changing and round the clock feeding…sleep was definitely deprived even for Ikaika. Several nights into it, he fled the scene and was nowhere to be found. We finally located him sleeping downstairs (the quietest place in the house) instead of in the baby’s room. Who could blame him! Surprisingly, Ikaika did really well with Ethan as he can often times be too rough. I guess he became a “Gentle Giant” overnight which was a huge relief for us…a year older and a year less crazier!

We have had a wonderful year, and we hope you have too. May our Lord, Jesus Christ be glorified in this Christmas Season! Wishing you many blessings in 2009!