The Sellner Family

As Ashley worked on our Christmas card this year, she commented “we really look old” and after my disapproving look she clarified “not just because we look old, but because our children look so old”. I agreed and was struck by the thought that over this past year in particular, our little ones have really grown up.

Mae, our silly, little, care free girl, moved from pre-school to big girl school this year. She joined her brother this fall at Cotswold Elementary, a school that has been a huge blessing to us. She is a kindergartner in a K/1 class, which combines the two grades under one teacher. This format has been good for her as she is both socialite and self-starter. She delights us with her many “Larry” stories and her often spot on imitations of him and her other friends from school. Besides keeping us rolling as the giggle monster she is, Mae has a pure, simple faith and a sweet, tender heart for others that I hope she never loses.

If Mae is care-free, Jack is our worrier. “We only have 2 minutes until it starts – we’re going to be late”, “Are you sure the Christmas tree isn’t going to fly off the roof of our car?” When Jack has a thought, we’ll be sure to hear it. There is not much he does not vocalize. His energy is limitless. I’m not sure where he gets it, but my mom keeps saying something about payback. Jack is now a third grader, a graduation of sorts into formative testing and report cards. Thankfully he still enjoys school and has deemed the library one of his favorite places on earth. And even though at times he is high strung and always high energy, I pray he never loses his curiosity and desire to learn –and I hope to always be amazed at the things he comes up with.

Psalm 126 has been a favorite of mine all year. We quoted part of it on the card, but the verse continues saying, “The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Yet, as we all know, life lived out everyday doesn’t always feel like that. And as I glance back through my memory and my journal there were many days this past year that were much harder than they were joyful. Life in a broken world with us as broken creatures can never be perfect and carefree. But as I sit here trying to write this Christmas card, I am overwhelmed at the ways we have been cared for; the Lord has drawn near, He has done great things for us. We are filled with joy to have each other, our home, our church, work that provides, the kid’s school and of course you our friends. Thank you for walking with us this year and proving to us, again that He has done great things!

Merry Christmas - Adam (for all of the Sellners)

Check out the post below to get a pictorial overview of 2011. Call us more for more details we’d love to catch up over conversation – there is only so much you can email, blog or post to a wall.

Christmas always ends with the annual Elizabeth Bowl. Kids and Dads take on one another on the fields just south of uptown Charlotte.

After snow and frigid temperatures during Christmas vacation, New Year's Day turned out surprisingly mild.

We had plenty of opportunity at home and in the mountains to build snowmen and sled.

Jack celebrated his 8th birthday with a few friends.

A fun visit with the Sheldons.

Easter brunch with the crew: Carver, Springer, Mary Gray, and Sam.

Blowing dandelion seeds on spring break.

I ran my first half marathon with a group from our neighborhood. The day included gale force winds and storms that plopped a tornado down in Raleigh later in the day.