Kourtney's Update (Christmas)

I realize this is a Christmas letter, but I couldn’t write without really telling you where my heart is at.

The word discouragement has seemed to plague us this past year. We have battled skin infections, viral infections and blisters in her esophagus that cause extreme pain and an inability to swallow.

In the last six weeks we have had some very serious events happen with Kourtney. Without going into a lot of detail, we have noticed Kourtney’s skin and general physical condition spiral downward. We are unsure why things have changed so much, even since October. We are praying for wisdom and guidance in trying to figure out how we can ease things up a little for her in her daily routine.

In all honesty, I feel like I am fighting a losing battle with her skin. Todd and I feel so helpless when it comes to looking after her. It becomes a vicious battle because Todd and I are stressed, then Kourtney is stressed, she takes it out on her skin and that we get even more stressed.

It is also very difficult to find the balance for Kourtney; her healthy mind is trapped inside an unhealthy body. We can’t let it stop her from being involved with regular 7 year old activities, but yet the damage to her skin is irreversible.,

Kourtney’s spirits can uplift anyone who walks into the house. She seems undaunted by the disease that has invaded her body. Kourtney does not know anything different, but there is not a day that goes by that she expresses her pain. What do you want for Christmas Kourtney? “A new body,” she replies.

Kourtney’s love for music still remains. Watching her lead worship for her peers is truly cute and amazing to see. She is confident and looks forward to the weekends when she sings at church.


Specific Prayer Requests


That Kourtney could have a new body . . . that God would heal her!!!!

For Todd and I . . . patience, peace and protection of our marriage.

We can’t forget Shaelyn either. I know that siblings of special needs children suffer also. Shaelyn has become very needy and expects us to treat her like Kourtney. She also is a very bright light in our family and makes us laugh a lot.

We are also trying to figure out if we will cut back her days of school or hours of school. We think school is too overwhelming for her body but yet the social stimulation is great and provides the opportunity for me to have a bit of a break from Kourtney. Academically Kourtney breezes through all her work.

Pray also that Todd could find a job right in Abbotsford (he commutes 40 minutes each way every day). We would love to have him closer.

We hope that this year you will take our family on in daily prayer as the battle seems more spiritual than anything. We know that God has done great things through Kourtney and will continue to do more, but Satan is a discourager and likes to see us in the pit. We pray for Peace amidst the storm and that we will continue to hold our heads high as we care for Kourtney.

In anticipation of what God is going to do,

The Kujawas

Shaelyn's Update (2004 in review)

This year, my mom gave me the responsibility of being the Editor in Chief. At 3 years and 9 months of age I feel excited about giving you the rundown of the events that have shaped our past year. My mom says this year has been a year of growth for our family. Our motto this year is from Joshua 24:15, “. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The words of Brian Doerksen’s CD “Today” have touched our hearts and lives. We are praying that through the hustle and bustle of Christmas you will take time to reflect how your family can serve the Lord in the year to come. We want to share our personal growth chart with you.

My Sister (Kourtney)


My sister has grown so much this year. I seem to have a new wardrobe every week as I inherit a lot of her clothes. Kourtney loves to read and is reading well beyond the grade 2 level . I benefit greatly from this because she loves reading to me. She is my bestest friend although she can be very bossy. We love to sing and dance together and chase each other around the house. My mom says I am probably the only one who treats her normally, which I think means I don’t let her get away with a lot.


Me (Shaelyn)


I know have achieved big girl status as I reluctantly gave up my soother. I taught myself how to swim and am able to jump into the deep water without anyone catching me. I love to draw and paint pictures and Kourtney is teaching me my alphabet. At last I don’t suffer separation anxiety when my parents leave me at Sunday School. Last but not least, my hair has grown thick, curly, and blonde, but still short.


My Mom (Janelle)


My mom’s organizational skills grew as she filled in for the head nurse at the dialysis unit this summer. She has also signed up to be a consultant for Mary Kay cosmetics. Mom loves having fun with makeup and even tries stuff on Kourtney and I. (My dad even takes samples of lipstick and hand lotion to school. He really thinks a pink SUV would suit him well.) My mom still loves running on her treadmill if she can’t get outside for a run. She seems to smile more after a workout. I just can’t imagine being that sweaty and feeling good after.


My Dad (Todd)


My dad completed his post graduate degree in June. He grew in his knowledge of computers and also his pay cheque (more Polly Pockets for me). My dad continues to hone his home renovation skills as he finished the kitchen cabinets and countertops, installed laminate flooring, knocked out a wall to make room for French doors, did electrical work, and designed and installed a new rail around the stairs. They say renovations are never done, but I think in my dad’s mind they might be. My mom has been banned from home reno shows as it gives her too many new ideas.

My mom, dad and Kourtney are leading worship in the Sunday School Open session. They do 3 weekend services every 3 weeks. I sometimes rush the stage when they are up there, but this last week I was too close to the monitor. I ran off the stage with my hands over my ears screaming, “It is too loud!” I can hardly wait until I am old enough to help out.

We have had visits from cousins Clarise, Nate, Wyatt and Maguire (who was inside Aunt Sharon’s tummy at the time). Of course their parents, Auntie Charlotte and Uncle Meldon, came with them. We also enjoyed a visit from Grandma Charlene and Grandpa Harold. We are looking forward to having a house full of Lutzer family members for Christmas this year. They will be in for a green Christmas this year as B.C. Christmas’s are typically mild.

We took a much needed family vacation, to Penticton this year. It was so hot we felt like we were in Hawaii. We spent most of our time in the swimming pool at the hotel. We felt very relaxed after we were there.

We also had an enjoyable time on our annual trip to Sylvan Lake for a Lutzer Family Reunion. I really enjoyed being with my cousins.

Merry Christmas to all. I know this is going to be the greatest Christmas ever.

LOVE SHAELYN (for all the Kujawa’s)