This year was the first year that Josh and I have sent out Christmas cards. We usually just leave it up to my mom and dad to fill everyone in on our lives, but I thought that since we have our own official family of 3 this year, I would go ahead and join the Christmas Card sending club.
If you didn't get one - I am so sorry! No offence. I was only allowed to order 30, so the list was very short of who would receive one. I was just happy that Josh let me order any at all. (He thinks that Christmas cards cost too much.)
Also, I have to say that Shutterfly is great! They had very reasonable prices and made the process very quick and easy. They even have a spot that you can write your "Christmas letter" so that you don't have to write that, print it, and then mail it with your card. The only down side was that I only had so many words to write, but that is ok. Also, if you add the addresses of those who you want to send the letter to, they will mail the cards for you! I would have totally done that, but I didn't have my addresses with me when I created my card. (I was in Raleigh at my parents house.)
So, here it is! Our first ever Christmas card. Hope you enjoy!
This has been a wonderful year for the van Almen family!On March 1, we were given the beautiful gift of Alyse Nicole. She is a little angel! It is hard to believe that God would give us such a precious little gift. And she is little. Now at 9 months, she is still only 15 lbs. Even though she is tiny, she seems so big to us! She is growing up way to fast!
Stephanie has been able to say at home and has loved every second of watching Alyse grow! It is such a joy to be with her everyday!
Josh still loves his job as a police officer for Charlotte Meck. Police Department. He works in the North Tryon area and is always busy. He is also working some overtime jobs, so he works a lot. We pray every night that God will continue to watch over him and bring him home safely.
We have continued to volunteer, make friends, and see God at work through Elevation Church. Josh is one of Pastor Steven's armor bearers and helps with security at our two locations. Stephanie is the Staff Family Coordinator. (She basically helps the staff wives however she can.) We also lead a small group. It keeps us very busy, but we are so glad that we are a part of this amazing church!
It has also been wonderful to have family close by. Stephanie's mom and dad lived with us for a while and now have moved to Raleigh, which is only a few hours away. It is wonderful for Alyse to be able to spend time with her Grammy and Papa.
It has been a year of many blessings!
