Kindness Advent

This year, we decided to do a "Kindness Advent" during the days leading up to Christmas. We decided on one intentionally kind thing to do each day for two weeks. We gave away gifts and treats, rang the bell for the Salvation Army, brought flowers to an assisted living center, made and gifted ornaments to friends, and mailed letters. Our Kindness Advent took the focus off of solely preparing for our family Christmas, and encouraged us to think of others. The kids were eager participants, and felt great joy in giving to others. I think this is a tradition we will continue!

Christmas

We had a sweet and simple Christmas celebration this year. We didn't travel, and no one was coming to visit, which minimized the busy-ness, and although we missed the family that we didn't see, it did allow us to enjoy our own family traditions and time together.

Christmas Eve we went to service at Red Rocks Church, and then to Grandma and Grandpa Schaefer's house. Siri and Raphael also joined for dinner and presents.

Brayden was so excited about all of his new clothes that he had to put them on...all at once!

Christmas morning the kids were very excited to see that Santa had arrived and didn't leave without eating their treats first. We opened stockings, Santa gifts, and then family gifts before having our traditional waffle breakfast, and preparing to host family for Christmas dinner. Santa brought the boys an electric racetrack and Sydney got twin Hatchimals!

We have a lot to be thankful for, and this (mostly) calm Christmas season gave us time to reflect on all of it. We are blessed.

Christmas Letter 2017

Dear Friends & Family ~

Happy Holidays! We hope this finds you enjoying the extra love & merriment this season can bring. The Gilberts have had a full 2017, and we continue to stay busy with all that having a young family brings.

Myles is in 3rd grade, continues with karate and soccer, enjoys school, and is having a great year. He remains *mostly* healthy, full of zest for life, and adores being with family. Sydney is in 2nd grade, loves school (especially reading), continues with soccer and gymnastics, and is truly the best sister. She is thoughtful, quirky, kind, and silly. She loves writing us notes, which we often find all over the house. Ryker is in pre-K, can't wait to be in kindergarten at his big sibs' school, and is truly at the best stage. He is our explorer, loves learning about dinosaurs, bugs, robots, etc, enjoys digging in the dirt, has taken to drawing/coloring, is so proud to have recently learned to write his name, and says the funniest things. He played his first soccer season this fall, and although he wasn't the most aggressive of the bunch, he was out there with the biggest smile, and a true love for game day snacks. Ryker is empathetic, generous, cuddly, and loving. The kids spend lots of time in the cul-de-sac out front on their bikes and scooters, which we are looking forward to trading in for skis this winter!

Gilby left his staff position at Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association in January 2016 to be a stay-at-home dad, but has kept busy on a contract basis with RMDSA and other small groups primarily providing tech and creative support under his own business - No Worries Digital Solutions. With grace and patience, he balances the schedule of a very full family calendar while maintaining a professional outlet. He even squeezed in time to help coach Sydney's soccer team this fall. I continue to work as a social worker at Children's Hospital Colorado primarily in the Down syndrome clinic, and spend any free time volunteering at the kids' school or running to their activities.

In January 2017, Gilby and I took a leap of faith, and became foster parents. We first brought a newborn baby girl home and had the honor of caring for her during her first 6 weeks of life. After she left us to live with a relative, we welcomed a 2-year-old boy into our home. He has been with us since May and we care deeply for him and his future. In just one year, foster care has brought unexpected challenges and heartache, but also more joy than we could have anticipated.

We are so thankful for God's continued provision in our lives. Wishing you and yours the best.

Love,
Jocelyn & Family