Christmas Letter

Counting Our Blessings in 2011:

(somewhat in chronological order)

1. The blessing of a 3-day getaway for Chase and me to Walker, MN in January. This “bundle-up-good” trip included a wild ride on a two-person snowmobile, rest, a little Wii competition in our hotel room, and a visit to my grandparents who live in Walker. These getaways for just the two of us are always such a blessing, and we’re so grateful for our parents who lovingly take care of our kids so we can take advantage of them.
2. The blessing of Chase and his landscaping company’s opportunity to represent themselves in the “Minnesota Home & Garden Show”. They built a pond, pond-less waterfall (my personal favorite) and bubbling rock for their display. Putting in water features has become one of Chase’s favorite aspects of his job, and God has continued to provide work despite a slow economy.
3. The blessing of God’s protection over Coleton as we continued with his Immune Tolerance Therapy (I.T.T.) to beat the inhibitor that causes his body to reject the factor that helps with his hemophilia. The months of May and June involved a more intensive step in his therapy, a medication that is closely related to chemotherapy. It went well and seems to have been successful. Praise the Lord!!!
4. The blessing of an excellent pediatric hematologist and hematology team at the Minneapolis Childen’s Hospital & Clinics!!! They’re the best!
5. The blessing of a wonderful nephrologist for Coleton. Coleton developed Nephrotic Syndrome earlier this year and required a kidney biopsy, which went very well. With minor treatment, his nephrotic syndrome is all but gone. Praise the Lord!
6. The blessing of the support and prayers from our family, church body and friends, including meals and caretakers for Sarina and Willow amidst multiple hospital and clinic visits.
7. The blessing of a 2nd 3-day getaway for Chase and a-very-pregnant-me in May, this time to Duluth, MN to celebrate my birthday. Our cozy hotel room overlooked the drawbridge canal, and we enjoyed watching the ships come and go.
8. The blessing of a trip to the Pella, Iowa Tulip Festival in May - a special 30th birthday “mystery” celebration from my parents and sister.
9. The extra-special blessing of the birth of our daughter, Willow Arianna. She was born on June 13th. She weighed 7 pounds 14 ounces and measured 19 inches long. She is full of smiles and her latest news is that she just started eating baby cereal and is a pro at it.
10. Willow joined Chase and me on a 4-day getaway in September to celebrate our 6-year anniversary. Some friends generously offered their beautiful lake cabin to us up north for a much-needed time of rest.
11. The blessing of Bible studies and book studies with special friends: “Understanding the Times” by Dr. David Noble, “The Abolition of Man” by C.S. Lewis, “The Reason for God” by Timothy Keller, “The Gospel for Real Life” by Jerry Bridges, “How to Manage Your Money” by Larry Burkett.
12. The blessing of softball - a time of recreation and good fellowship for Chase on our church’s softball team, cheered on by the rest of us.
13. The blessing of a boat for Coleton from “Wishes & More”. Coleton’s doctor recommended Coleton as eligible for a wish through “Wishes & More”, and his wish was for a boat to enjoy two of his favorite things: swimming and fishing.
14. The blessing of Coleton’s first “Men & Boys’ Retreat” with his daddy and a great group of guys from church.
15. The blessing of my first “Women’s Retreat”, including a great time of fellowship with the women of our church and excellent teaching: “The Lies Women Believe” by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
16. The blessing of Chase’s annual hunting trip with dad, brothers, uncle, cousins and friends. Always a highlight of his year, Chase loved experiencing a new area in the boundary waters. No deer on this hunt, but he did get a doe in the early part of the archery season, so we’re enjoying venison yet again.
17. The countless blessings of family and friends like you!!!
18. Above all, the blessing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11

Merry Christmas With Love From the Elgards!

Chase, Sarah, Coleton (5), Sarina (3) & Willow (6 months)