Thanks for visiting our Christmas "blog" site!

I decided to opt out of sending cards this year for a number of reasons, but the first is that I hope to hear back from many of you, and perhaps start a few conversations that wouldn't have happened if I had just sent a card.  It's much easier to send a short reply to an email.  Please let us know how you're doing!  We are truly interested in your lives and don't want to lose touch.


As you can see by the pictures, we've been blessed this year with a variety of fun activities as well as God's favor on our "normal" lives.  Few things are perfect, of course, but we know God is with us and that's what matters!


We had a number of firsts this year:

• Dirk and I had the opportunity to take a Caribbean cruise without the boys, through an account at Dirk's workplace (#1Cochran).  It was heavenly!
• The boys saw the Steelers lose their first Superbowl (they had only ever seen them win, when the Steelers played in the big game).  Maybe we'll see a win in 2012?
• Sam turned 13, so we now are officially a family with a teenager.
• Dirk celebrated the 20th anniversary of the MAC championship his college baseball team won in 2001.  He attended a reunion with some of his old buddies. Go Ohio University baseball!
• I am getting very close to opening a new nutrition coaching business, called NourishMentor.  Please visit my website by clicking on the logo to learn more about what I'm doing there.

• We had the opportunity to run around and play on PNC park's ball field, and that was a lot of fun.  The boys (and their Dad) really loved the chance to live some dreams of being on a major-league field.  They got to pretend to catch some fly balls and even got to hit.
• We enjoyed a vacation with the whole Schuurmann family in San Diego.  It was wonderful to spend time with everyone, see the sights, and catch some waves.
• Dirk is just starting a new position at the dealership as Director of Customer Care and Owner Loyalty.  It's exciting to see how his talents are going to be used in a new way!

And, there were some other things that were definitely NOT firsts!

• We played (and watched, and coached) a LOT of baseball. 
• Dirk worked hard at his job, but continued to give amazing efforts to the kids as a baseball coach almost every day after work.
• Ruth volunteered for many things at school, in the community, and at church.
• We enjoyed time with our dog, Sydney.
• We laughed and played together as a family and with friends.
• We praised God for His abundant goodness and blessings!

Have wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. 

Love in Jesus,
Ruth
writing for the Harper family:
Dirk, Ruth, Sam, and Bryce