Merry Christmas Greetings of Good Tidings and Great Joy
From Our Family To Yours
2021
Steve Barber
There’s No Doubt About It We’re not yet where we’re going, but we’re a long way from where we were. As I reflect on this past year, with all of its twists and turns, I treasure having had the privilege of sharing the journey with you. Starting out the year with a winter “deep freeze” was a different kind of challenge for most of us. As beautiful as it was, we were reminded that a little snow and ice goes a long way…. and I refuse to accept that all that was 2021 represents our new normal. Period! In 2022 we will celebrate our branch office’s 40th anniversary in Nacogdoches and Edward Jones 100th Anniversary too. We have been through many not-normal times together, and we will get through these times together as well! Christie and I cherish the time we get to share with our growing family, and we’re not through growing yet. Allison and Will are adding a third girl to the tribe in November, and Jason and Rachel will be adding to their family next Spring! We are so excited for the reveal party in November - blue or pink, what do you think? Ashton will be moving to the Nashville, TN area in November to further her musical dreams while working as a Speech Pathologist helping young children. Making such a difference in so many ways in the lives of others. I see a few more trips to Nashville in our future.
This coming year also holds some big milestones for us personally. Christie and I will be celebrating both our 40th wedding anniversary in May, and Christie’s 15th year of being cancer free in October! Count us blessed. Don’t forget to take that extra moment to revel in the brilliant Christmas lights on the house, sing the carols a little louder, and cherish the promise of the Nativity scene in the front yard a little bit deeper. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Steve & Christie
Spring ‘22 Baby Barber
November ‘21 Baby Hayes
Jason Barber Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We recently made a move to the country and have been loving it! Our boys are spoiled getting to help keep things running and watching the deer and ducks every day. We've been getting plugged into First Baptist Nacogdoches. Rachel is teaching Mission Friends every Wednesday, and I operate the slides during the service on occasion and have a weekly early morning Bible study with the Pastor. Luke (3) has started Pre-K3 and Mission Friends at First Baptist. He enjoys playing baseball and all things Monster Trucks. Luke has already been to two live Monster Jam events (Little Rock, AR and Houston, TX). Samuel (2) has started half a day preschool. He enjoys anything big brother is doing and spending all of his time outdoors. We are looking forward to welcoming another baby into our family next spring! We are thankful God has given us another precious gift, and we can't wait for the boys to be big brothers! They are excited and anxious to meet their new baby brother or sister! We are so thankful for Paul Barber plowing new ground and starting this business 40 years ago, and we're even more thankful for the friendships that have come as a result!
Thank you and God bless you and your family!
Lil’pumpkin SPRING 2022
Amanda and I began 2021 having been in Nacogdoches for only three months, but we have settled right in and are blessed to call this place home. Our two boys, Nathan (5) and Micah (1.5), hit the ground running as well, and they both have already made some great friends and fun memories. This summer Nathan attended Vacation Bible School with his cousins, and Micah attempted to learn how to swim. Nathan loves building with LEGOs, Micah enjoys playing basketball and climbing on everything, and they both are really enjoying their new schools. As I reflect on this year, a few of my favorite personal moments are coaching Nathan's 1st soccer game, celebrating Micah's 1st birthday during the Snowpocalypse, experiencing our 1st trip to Disney World and LEGOLAND, and watching Nathan graduate Pre-K. We are incredibly honored and humbled that you have allowed us to come alongside you to help build and protect both your wealth and your family legacy. We will never take that trust for granted. We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Taylor Pankratz
It's always interesting to glance back at the year that is ending….and remember things that happened….both fun and challenging. Even though it felt like the majority of 2021 was centered around the COVID pandemic, there were plenty of good memories of life returning back to normal…. The year started off with the record snow and ice storms here, and we experienced days of no power, no water (except where pipes froze and broke) and lots of crashing tree limbs. On February 15, 2021, every single county in Texas was under a "Winter Storm Warning.” (this was NOT normal! ) 2021 was a year of transitions and learning new skills: TUCKER (10) -- was baptized; experienced snow-skiing for the first time; realized that he loves to cook. RYLAND (7) -- broke his arm climbing on the outside of a "bounce house"; started piano lessons; lost his two front teeth. MAELYN (6) -- broke her leg jumping on a trampoline; continued to improve her reading and gardening skills; got her first pair of glasses. NATHAN (5) -- played in his first season of soccer and scored his first goal; has enjoyed learning to read; continues to hold the family's title of "Master LEGO Builder". MICAH (1) -- celebrated his first birthday; helped build his first snowman; has now graduated from his "high chair"; loves to play outside. Other 2021 events: - a new puppy joined the family, named Lucy. - our parents, Paul and Dottie, celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in April and, in the fall, transitioned from their home to an Assisted Living setting here in Nacogdoches. - we settled back into our newly renovated office space; we are looking forward to celebrating 100 years of Edward Jones in 2022.
Wishing you lots of good memories from 2021 and blessings in the New Year!
Julie Pankratz
Well, another year has come and gone in a flash! Vivian (7) Caroline (5) and Amelia (2) are growing faster than my heart can handle, but I'm soaking in as much as possible. The girls were surprised when we brought home a new puppy this summer. They named her "Minnie" and, as you can imagine, she is spoiled rotten and never runs out of hugs. This is just what Chris needs… another girl in the house! Chris and I were able to sneak away for a quick trip to Estes Park, CO recently. We climbed Lilly Mountain and the views at the top were breathtaking. We thanked God for his provisions and goodness over the last 8 years of our marriage. Praying He continues to guide our steps in the years to come.
I hope your holiday season is filled with all the things you love most. Blessings! Raechell
Raechell Hughes
Claire Bivins
We welcomed another boy to our family at the end of last year. Slaid is so happy and full of smiles and giggles, especially for his big brother, Sutton. Sutton might just be Slaid's favorite person, and I am convinced that feeling is mutual. Slaid is starting to walk, but Sutton can't wait for him to run, so he can have a soccer and baseball buddy. Besides being outdoors, one of their other favorite times is when they can be with their big sister, Peyton. She is the best big sister! Although this might be the busiest season of my life thus far, I try to count all the little blessings every day. One of those blessings is coming to work and visiting with people like you. I hope you have the merriest Christmas holiday and more blessings than you can count in the new year!
Slaid Tatom Bivins November 16th, 2020 7lbs 1oz 20”
I grew up at the “lake” and in the woods, and I knew how to cast and bait a hook —although I did so begrudgingly. I watched my daddy with great interest as he would make custom plastic worms in homemade molds. I helped him bring a deer from the woods once— and ONLY once. There is no doubt though the “outdoors gene” has made it to another generation. My daddy would be so proud of his great-grands outdoor spirits and of course their parents for sharing and encouraging this passion. This year I am thankful for and celebrating the memories of my daddy and his loving heart for God’s beautiful gift of nature.
Tyson caught this all by himself! 8.2lbs
Kinsley will happily reel one in - just don’t expect her to touch it :)
Ken is enjoying retirement and built a putting green in our new back yard :) Hallie loved TX A&M Sea Camp @ Galveston
Scarlett loves to fish and kayak with her daddy.
Debbie Floyd
Wishing for you the joy of memories that warm your heart and make you smile!
Merry Christmas!
Me, age 4