Dear Family and Friends,
Another year is coming to a
close, and it has been a year to recognize the joy the love of
family brings. Though Rich’s work at Graybar and my work at
Heart of Dakota and homeschooling remain important parts of our lives, we find
it is our children, our parents, and our extended family that are constantly on
our minds, and in our hearts and prayers.
Wyatt turned 14 years old and
is officially taller than Rich. Sometimes
I look out the kitchen window and see Wyatt walking and think he IS Rich - they
look so much alike! Wyatt is a freshman
in high school and our right hand man at home.
He continues to love the outdoors, taking excellent care of our 7 cats
(I know, that’s a LOT) and 2 dogs. He likes
to hunt and fish with Rich, and shooting 2 deer and catching lots of walleye
were the highlights of the year for him.
Anything physical is a hit with Wyatt – sledding, riding 3-wheeler, and
working alongside Rich; playing football, basketball, baseball, and bowling
with his cousins and Uncle Mike are all favorite things to do. School comes easily for Wyatt, and when he’s
not on the move, his head is always buried in a book – preferably a G.A. Henty
or J.R.R. Tolkien book. Wyatt spoils us
with his cooking talents – thanks to Wyatt we are well stocked on homemade ice
cream, popcorn, smoothies, and donuts. Wyatt
is a wonderful big brother and a sound leader in our family. We all depend on him for something, which
works out well because he is incredibly dependable. Wyatt has an easy smile, an ear for
listening, and a heart made for serving – we thank God for blessing us with Wyatt!
Riley turned 10 years old and
remains the official fix-it guy of the house.
If it’s broken and has tiny miniscule little parts that must be put back
together just so, Riley’s the one we call.
Riley is always on the move, and loves to be coached in all things
sports-minded by his big brother Wyatt.
Riley throws caution to the wind, and it often takes a toll on his
body. Bumps, bruises, and scrapes are a
common sight on Riley, but for all that rough and tumble side to him – he also
has a big heart. From bringing me coffee
in the morning, to making me a fruit smoothie, to giving me a hug when I need
it – Riley brings sunshine to the day. Rooming
with little brother Emmett has also given Riley a different role as ‘big’
brother, and it is certainly stretching him in new ways… mainly in
patience. All things creative come
naturally to Riley – from singing to drawing to building to creating – somehow,
in the midst of a mess (and I do mean a mess) it all just comes together and
turns out right for Riley. Riley has a quick
smile, sparkly blue eyes, and a compassionate heart – we thank God for blessing
us with Riley!
Emmett turned 6 years old and
brings needed comic relief to the family.
We never have to wonder what Emmett is thinking because he is quick to
tell us. What we DO have to wonder is
WHY he is thinking it?!? Emmett is
quotable, for sure. Everything he says
includes a larger than life vocabulary and is witty, offbeat, or just plain
surprising, and yet we find ourselves nodding our heads and laughing right
along with him. Emmett enters a room
with swagger, often with a cowboy hat, a clown hat, a ninja mask, or a cape of
some sort – and never quietly. He loves
to lead the conversation at the dinner table, but in no particular
direction. If things are quiet, it’s
never a good sign. Making a science ‘experiment’
up, mixing things together that should not go together, and painting or gluing
things not meant to be painted or glued, are a staple of the quiet moments of
Emmett’s day. However, amidst all the
chaos, he reads like a champ, writes neater than any 6 year old should, and thinks
those he loves walk on water. Emmett has
a hearty laugh, a toothless smile that lights up a room, and arms just made to
give the best hugs - we thank God for blessing us with Emmett!
Along with the blessing of
children this year, a few highlights were Rich earning a trip to Hawaii through
his work at Graybar (which I was blessed enough to go on as well) and a
beautiful addition, attached garage, and wrap-around porch we were able to add
to our house. Another blessing was the
health of our parents and the gift of extra time with my beloved dad, who is
now in at-home hospice care in Rock Rapids, with my mom by his side.
This year has taught me more
than ever to hold tight to the ones I love and depend on the Lord for the
rest. The truth is, there is never
enough time with the ones I love. Given
the choice, my dad would live forever… but then again, he will, because I know
where he is going, and heaven is a better place than here. Letting go is never easy. I may never truly be ready, but the beautiful
thing is, I don’t really have to be, because my Savior built us a mansion in
heaven, and I’m going there someday too.
This Christmas season, hold tight to the ones you love. Thank the Lord for the blessings He has
bestowed. But, above all, know where you
are going – it is the best gift you can give not only yourself but also the
ones you love because amidst darkness, Jesus still brings hope and light. God bless you and your family, and Merry
Christmas!
Love in Christ,
Rich, Julie, Wyatt, Riley,
and Emmett Grosz
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