2010 Christmas Letter

Happy Holidays to our friends and family!

It’s hard to believe 2010 is almost over; I think we’re officially in that stage of life where the years begin to melt away. Everyone warns me that soon enough Livia will be graduating high school and heading off to college. Yikes! I’m barely figuring out how to join the PTA–clearly I’m not ready to think about college applications just yet.

Speaking of school, the youngest Tredway began her career in Lincoln Public Schools in August. With a birthday in May, we decided to enjoy a final year of preschool at Wee Wisdom (the best preschool ever, in my opinion) in order for Livia to be a “big kid” in kindergarten and not always be the youngest child trailing behind the others. This turned out to be a wise decision as Livia is now very ready to attend all-day kindergarten. She loves the day with her friends and her amazing teacher and is ready to be home and relax with Mommy by 3:00pm each day. At school she is not only learning reading, writing and ‘rithmetic, but she’s also learning how to obey other authority figures, walk in line quietly without touching anyone, and how to make farting noises on her arm. You can guess which activities our vivacious, fun-loving six-year-old likes best. Yep, farting noises.

Jeremy continues to work from the home office for the San Francisco-based web solutions company ThoughtMatrix. He’s had the opportunity to travel to the west coast a few times this past year and has found it rewarding each time to interact face-to-face with his coworkers. ThoughtMatrix is an incredible group—I know this after working as a freelance copywriter for them this past year—and I’m proud of the work Jeremy does there. Free time seems to be misnomer of sorts for a guy who works this hard, but from what I gather, Jeremy greatly enjoys spending his free time with Livia and me. He is a cuddly, playful guy who cares well for his girls and we love him to death.

My world has turned upside down this past year with the pursuit of a longtime love: photography. I began to shoot professionally in 2009 and decided there’s no looking back. I’m challenged creatively on a regular basis and am floored by the fact that I can make money doing something I am passionate about. Some people love their jobs– who knew?!! I am blessed by an uber-supportive husband and, frankly, by schooling which is paid for by the taxpayers. Freelance photography and motherhood are a decent fit, I’ve found, and I’m really excited to see where this line of work takes me in 2011.

One thing we’re all grateful for is our church, Redeemer. Every week we get to join with a community of believers to hear Pastor Tobey preach the gospel. It is this gospel, the reality that we are beloved by an almighty God who came to earth to save us, that gives us hope day after day. We are reminded that this life, full of challenges and heartaches, is short, but eternity with Jesus will be grand. We are made for worship, and we look forward to meeting our Savior face-to-face someday. Praise God for this season where we celebrate Christ’s birth. May it be a beautiful, worshipful Christmas in your household, too.

With love,
Rebecca, for Jeremy and Liv