Christmas Letter 2008

So as some of you know, I planned to send out a Christmas letter this year. Well, Christmas Eve is in 2 days and I haven't done it yet. So I don't know if I will. LOL So I'm posting it here. Enjoy!

Dear Friends & Family,
I hope the 2008 version of the Unruh Christmas letter finds you all well, and happy. I have to say it has been a very interesting year in many ways, but quickly gone. Fast away the old year passes, as the song says, and it is so true. As I’m writing this there are only 30 days until Christmas, which used to seem like a long time, but now has me in a hurry to finish this and get it out.
Byron just turned 2 at the end of October, and has definitely taken on the role of “terror.” He was one already, but it seems to have more ferocity behind it now. (What was I saying about the year passing quickly? I hope this one does!) He’s very energetic, and animated. He does very well with his speech, and other developmental milestones, and for that we are very thankful. He loves anything with wheels, and a motor, but tractors especially. His newest interest is in helping mom cook. We’re expecting another child at the end of January, and it’s supposed to be a girl. Hopefully, the ultrasound is right, because one of each sounds perfect to me. I am curious to see how Byron will handle sharing Mommy, but I think he will be a good big brother. It may take some time though!
Ryan has been keeping busy with work as usual. Diesel prices and hay prices are very high this year, and that has had some effect on business this fall. We’re expecting that to clear up soon when there is no pasture left. He’s still enjoying his new truck that we purchased last fall. We sold the old one, finally, as the end of October. That couldn’t have come at a better time with economy as it is. He’s interested in getting into farming his own alfalfa in the near future, so he will be both growing and hauling.
I’m keeping myself busy also. Besides being pregnant and taking care of a toddler; I have a few activities of my own. I’m still running the Moms Group here in town. Many of the moms had their second child this year or are currently pregnant. So we’re about to double the number of children in the group! I also took on a position as Secretary of our Home Owner’s Association. At times it seems like a very thankless job, but someone has to do it. I renewed my passion for reading this year and it feels really good to have my nose in a book again. Although I don’t think Ryan and Byron are as excited that I found a way to distract myself. There have been several attempts to hide Mom’s books.
This has been a tough year for many people, but our greatest wish is that the holiday season brings joy to each of you. We are thinking of you all and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Happy Holidays 2008!
Love,
Anna, Ryan, Byron & (Coming soon!) Lillie