Our Christmas Letter

Dearest Friends and Family,

Comfortably medicated with an epidural, surrounded by capable and friendly hospital staff and my wonderful OB/GYN, with my husband at my side, we welcomed Wilder Scott into the world. But she lay surrounded by animal manure and hay, a young woman of little or no knowledge of child birth with only her new husband as help, laboring in the cold of the desert night. As the nurses lay my son on my chest, fresh from the womb and still covered in blood and fluids, I was in such wonder and awe -and immediately in love. This gift was greater than I could have fathomed or anticipated, this precious gift of life. I wonder how Mary felt. I can only imagine tears flowing down her face as she soaked up every moment of that miracle -the Son of God laying at her breast, so perfect and small, totally human, yet holding complete authority in heaven and on earth. The amazement that arrested my heart as I welcomed my son pales in comparison to what she must have felt.
The gift of life is ever more poignant this year. Christ's life, Wilder's life, and -more than ever- I am thankful for my own life. God has redeemed me more times than I can count from going "my own way" and ending up in the dump instead of the top of the golden stairway I set out for. Often times life looks very bleak and we wonder if all this strife is worth it, I know I have. What I have come to understand is that life, in all its richness, has more heights and depths than we can comprehend until we have walked through them. These times of immense joy and, alternately, of sorrow are what make this life so worthwhile. I remember times when I hurt so badly I prayed I would never feel again. If God had answered my cries of relief I would not know the sublime joy that has enveloped me now in the blissful moments of parenthood and marriage. God has brought me through some incredibly difficult times and, by His grace, has delivered me into a promised land of blessing and overwhelming love. I am forever grateful, and forever encouraged. I feel like the poster child for God's faithfulness, and I am so thankful for it.

Now, here are the highlights of this past year! Please look through the archives on the right hand side for incredible pictures and fun stories of our journey through the year!

• Brian returned Nov. 25, 2006 from a 15 month deployment in Iraq during which he gained national attention and recognition through his blog.
• I spent several months last fall in L.A. and got to work on film, television, production, and commercials -it was fabulous!
• We learned mid-March that I was pregnant!
• I did several company and private shows with Mr. Whitekeys, including playing Gov. Sarah Palin at her inaugural ball in Anchorage. Too much fun!
• We had lots of quality time together as Brian had so much time off -much needed after so long apart.
• Brian re-enlisted for 3 more years in the Army and was able to secure a post at Ft. Hood near Austin, TX.
• I did another season of Donavan Covey at the Anchorage Saturday and Sunday Markets. We made it a family affair: Brian was excellent help (and got lots of reading done...) and the dogs loved all the people and smells!
• We left Alaska at the end of July and drove south, getting to visit with lots of family on the way down.
• By the beginning of September we had a new home -our first home!- in a wonderful new town that we simply adore.
• Wilder Scott was born October 24th -7 lbs. 2 oz, 20 inches long. Happy and healthy and growing like a tree.
• Brian was slated to deploy mid-December but THANKFULLY it has been rescheduled for sometime this spring (word is mid-March, but we'll see.

It has been a year of great joy and newness. We are incredibly thankful for where God has brought us and look forward to the new year. You are often in our thoughts and always in our hearts, though cards or phone calls may be few. Thank you for your friendships and love! We hope this new year brings you great joy and wonderful new memories!

Love,
Kelly, Brian and Wilder