Merry Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends!

The Christmas season is upon us and I’m just now getting around to writing our letter. It’s hard to believe that it has been two years since we last sent out an update! This year has been exciting and fun and full of changes!

Brandon was promoted to Project Manager at Key Construction back in June. He is now in charge of his own projects and typically has anywhere from three to five jobs going at once. This past year, he wrapped up one of Key’s largest projects in Columbia, South Carolina and has completed several other jobs here in town. It is always fun to get the inside scoop on what companies are expanding or coming to town! It has provided me with great fun to be the “first to know”!

Brandon has also kept busy working on our house, an area of constant change! We have painted (inside and out), installed new landscaping, hung light fixtures, installed new countertops and backsplashes and painted some more. And, I use the term “we” lightly – I come up with the ideas and Brandon generally makes them happen! In addition to these projects, he took on a large tiling project for my aunt this summer that provided him with some great experience. So, if anyone needs a handyman, give him a call!

I experienced a pretty significant change this year, as well. After two and a half years as an account manager at Armstrong|Shank Advertising, I decided it was time for me to expand my abilities. In July, I began working at the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce as the manager of Marketing and Public Relations. I am responsible for developing the newsletter, the e-newsletter and promoting Chamber events. I will also be assisting with a website re-development and the development of new marketing pieces in the New Year. It was an exciting move for me and the last few months have literally flown by!

I have also gotten more involved with the children’s ministry at our church. Due to an expanded program and a new facility, more volunteers were needed to assist on the weekends. I began volunteering at the check-in center and have just been asked to lead a team of volunteers that I have deemed the “First Impression Team”. Basically, I will be recruiting volunteers to make people feel welcome as they drop off their children. This is a big responsibility, but definitely something I look forward to.

Together, Brandon and I started a new small group through our church. In a step of faith, we volunteered to lead a group of four couples, including us. It was certainly challenging at first, but God has really taught us a lot and we have made some excellent friends through the process.

And, we can’t forget about Koby, our Boston Terrier! He is still leading a pretty comfy life. His days consist of a lot of sleeping and playing fetch in the back yard. He also enjoys outings to Sedgwick County Park and Petco. He is such a loving dog, we just can’t imagine what our days would be like without him!

As we reflect on the changes we have experienced this year and the changes our country has and will experience, it causes us to pause and think about the one constant thing in our life, the one thing that will never change – our relationship with Jesus Christ. He will be there for us, no matter what. Our prayer this Christmas season is that each of you will also find comfort in Jesus and make him your constant partner in life.

Merry Christmas!

Brandon and Tessa

P.S. - Koby has not been taken over by demons, he was just having a bad day and didn't really want his picture taken...