Category Archives: My dearest family

1000 Gifts

666. 3 black hoodies

667. eggs from our chickens

668. Hair

669. the sufficiency of Scripture

670. Carrots

671. blossoms of spring

672. the smell of freshly cut grass

673. scented candles from Dad

674. encouraging cards

675. the full use of my arms, legs, hands and feet

676. new sandals

677. a good result on Bear’s test :)

678. Learning to play Chopin’s etude #5

679. Owl stickers

680. Sandwiches

681. Laughter

682. Silly moments when stress is relieved

683. 180movie

684. Dad’s sermons, Sunday school lessons and Wednesday night bible studies

685. Phoebe’s ability to design beautiful websites and her tech support when I don’t know

686. Hannah’s visit for my birthday

687. Sunday afternoon with Grandma, my siblings and cousins

688. Buttons

689. Hats

690. Coral legend

My list will continue to grow as I praise the Lord each week here on my blog!

To join in the praise click here.

Sisters~

In Memory

Friday December 30 my great-Grandma passed away after suffering a massive stroke in September.  Her health had deteriorated in the many weeks following the stroke.  We are so thankful that we were able to take care of her until her death, at home.  To be surrounded by ones family members is the best way to go.

She was a remarkable woman.  96 and 7 months old, her life spanned more years than many of us dream of living.

As soon as I can track it down, I’d like to re-share with you a blog post I wrote about my Great.

This week we’ll be traveling to Arkansas, to her native sod, to lay her to rest beside her husband, beneath towering trees, on a peaceful hill side.

And we’ll be thankful once again for all the years, all the stories, all the meals, all the memories we will have for many years to come.

2011 in the rearview mirror… the year in review from my perspective

Jan. ~ Receiving Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Martyr. Prophet. Spy from Joel at Christmas time. It took me nearly three months to complete, but what a rich treasure on the life of one of my heroes, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Metaxas does a brilliant job portraying the intricate and difficult details of Bonhoeffer’s
short life. I was inspired anew.

Feb. ~ Johanna’s 13th birthday tea party with friends. * End of February I had a small private party with dear friends; we had Tunisian food, which was sooo delicious and quite easy to make. And then enjoyed a wonderful, uplifting evening of fellowship, and games.

Mar. ~ My 21st birthday. :) Can’t believe I am that old. * Enjoyed several opportunities to get with my dear friend Hannah during the spring and early summer. I love being with her! * Mom’s birthday. * Continuing my interaction with Sarah, my friend who lives in Germany. I look forward to meeting her
in person soon.

April ~ Phoebe and I had the privilege of accompanying Grandma, Great grandma, Uncle Jim and Aunt Naomi to Arkansas, and Memphis. We had a lovely time. * I got my license (finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!) * I enjoyed the wonderful opportunity of having brunch with my dear friend Camille, who’s family was in town with their band for a concert. I got to show her around a bit, and we visited of course.

May ~ Various times during the spring when we got together with Andrew, Daniel, Isaac, James, David and others to play Ultimate Frisbee. Fun with old friends. :) * Memorial Day Blast III, with about 75 of our friends at McKissick. We had a fun day with games, food and fellowship. * Poppy’s retirement scavenger hunt and surprise party! That was some of the most fun I’ve had this year. And it was a great weekend with family. * Enjoying Jaden’s chick (now a nearly grown hen) follow me around. So
cute.

June ~ In early June we girls and Mom had the pleasure of attending a Young Ladies conference held at Rockwall Bible Church, where Dr. Jobe Martin and his family attend. They were hosting the conference, and Phoebe, Jo and I had the privilege of filming each session. * Dad’s surprise 50th birthday party/father’s day with family and close friends here at our house. That was a really great day, with most of my favorite people.

July ~ VBS this year I again helped lead the music time, and was an assistant teacher/teacher. Our theme was “Old West” so the boys and Mr. Powell, built a false-front stage set and the kids loved it! *
Witnessing the Putman’s vow renewal service. Phoebe, Jo and I baked and decorated the cakes, and we helped mom decorate the building. That was fun!!! * Cheering Joel, Caleb, Jared and Andrew on as they ran a 5k, and then Jaden as he ran a 1k. * Caleb and Joel’s birthdays.

Aug. ~ Celebrating Hannah’s birthday with her. That was really special. Spent several hours
reminiscing with her and her mom, and enjoyed a lovely afternoon. * Poppy & Grams came and spent a week with us. What a fun week it was, we talked, and played Mexican Train, and cooked, and shopped, and talked. * Phoebe’s sweet 16th birthday we girls went to Square Burger in downtown
and had an awesome meal, and some of the best desserts ever! It was such a great day with my best friends.

Sept. ~ Our ministry’s third Apologetics conference, One God, One Faith, One Book. We spent the whole month of September getting ready for and cleaning up from the conference. It was well-attended, and we were able to re-connect with old friends, meet new friends and just had a jolly busy
time. Also, really enjoyed having Uncle Abe and his children with us for that weekend. * We went as a family with the Rockwall Bible Church, to see the new Sherwood pictures movie, Courageous. What an awesome film!!!!!! About a week later, we girls went again and watched it here in McKinney. I am really looking forward to getting it on DVD in January.

Oct. ~ Working with Bear and Noah John. I really love my job as a nanny, even though I sometimes work strange hours which means I miss out on family time. This year I have worked for three families off and on, being “full-time” employed by Bear and Noah’s mom to assist in child-care.

Nov. ~ Our family trip to Georgia! Especially getting to meet the Muncks, and re-acquaint ourselves with the Huddles. That was such a wonderful day, I can’t wait to see you all again Muncks and Huddles!! We had a wonderful time looking around Vicksburg, MI the last day of our trip. I enjoyed the Civil War battlefield and USS Cairo memorial. Highly interesting. * Thanksgiving with the Knowles (our cousins), playing baseball and Ultimate Frisbee. That was such a fun day. :) * Watching the trees transform into a glorious display of oranges, golds, crimsons and deep yellows. I love fall.

Dec. ~ Decorating for the Christmas season. Attending Christmas parties, visiting with old friends and making new ones too. * Spending time with Grandma and Great grandma. * Shopping for gifts. * Jaden’s 9th birthday. * Pine Cove with mom’s family this Christmas!!!!!!!

It’s Christmas(time)…

Which means, lots of shopping trips, and gift wrapping, and secrets, and surprises!

I just love this time of year.  Because it means lots of Christmas parties to attend, family time, great food, wonderful, encouraging fellowship, meaningful worship, Advent readings that lift up my spirit in praise of my dear Redeemer Emmanuel (God with us!), and the decorations… I love that aspect as well.

We put up our tree a week and a half ago, and have been enjoying its luminous glow, sparkling ornaments and an increasing number of gifts. ;)

This year, I’ve been incredibly busy, which means less time to shop for gifts.  Thus far, I have spent 4 hours total, buying gifts for pretty much everybody on my list!  Last night, I was able to check off some more of those, which made me happy. :)

Our family is planning three major Christmas related events, all in the matter of three days:

  1. Thurs-Sat. spending time with mom’s side of the family, eating good mediterranean food, and having a blast canoeing, paddle boating and playing games.
  2. Sat. night Christmas Eve service at my church.  We’ll be in charge of the service, music and refreshments.  It will probably be small, but if you are in the area and would like to stop by, please join us!  It starts at 7pm.
  3. Sunday, Christmas day services at our church.  And then come home for lunch/brunch or scones, and fresh fruit (family tradition), that afternoon we are having friends over for a party and food.  I am really looking forward to all of the excitement. :D

Does your family have any extraordinary plans or traditions you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear what they are!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phoebe turns…

We celebrated Phoebe’s 16th birthday with Italian vegetable casserole, green beans, bread sticks, salad and olives. Friendly conversation with a lovely family we know. With chocolate brownies and ice cream. With cards and presents. With lots of “happy birthday” wishes, and greetings, and phone calls.

This is *so* Phoebe: cool, relaxed, smiling, easy going, laid-back, smart.

P – Pretty. Playful. Poised. Proper.

H – Hopeful. Helper. Honest. Humorous. Heaps ‘o fun. Happy. Honorable.

O – Opinionated. Optimistic. Obedient. Open.

E – Eager. Even. Elegant. Energetic. Ever-loving. Encouraging.

B – Bashful. Beautiful. Bouncy.

E – Entheusiastic. Entertaining. Exciting.
Phoebe you are so much fun to have as a sister.  You are my best friend, and I am so thankful for you everyday!  Your skills are diverse, your giftings multiple.  I am constantly amazed at how many skills you have, and all of the various topics you are knowledgable about.

You are funny. You are beautiful. You are such a “good” person, in the sense that your heart is turned toward Jesus, and that means a lot to me, and to our family.  You have a caring soul, and you love people, even if you don’t interact with them on the same level that I do.  Your ability to take care of little children is awesome! And your smile: priceless.

Oh yeah, and the little boy you take care of adores you. :D

I love you Phoebe!  Happy 16th Birthday to you dear!

(Enjoy your brownies and ice cream ;) )

Celebrating 30 Years!

My parents have been married for thirty years, which is quite a milestone in this day and age.

I am so thankful that they are still married and are blazing a trail for my siblings and I, encouraging us by their example, to stay faithful to one person until death separates a couple.

 

Grandpa, Dad, Great-Grandma and Grandma on Dad and Mom’s wedding day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dad & Mom’s engagement picture

“May God’s blessing be with you

and may it be good to you.

May God’s goodness be with you

good and for seven times good

may you spend your life.”

(an Irish blessing)

According to this the best wishes for another year of marriage!

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom & Dad! I love you!!

25 years ago…

We celebrated Joel’s 25th birthday last night with friends, homemade  pizza, cookies and ice cream.

Joel is a stellar older brother…

He has been such a wonderful example to me of diligence, faithfulness and organization. Joel always served to motivate us, his younger siblings, when we did a project, performed a chore or needed a suggestion as to what we should play, or do, or say.  He is such a role model!

J – Jovial.  Jokester. Just. Joyful.

O – Open. Optimistic. Orderly.

E – Eager. Earnest. Exceptional.

L – Loving. Loyal. Leader.

I am so thankful that Joel is the eldest ‘child’ of our family.  It has been wonderful to be his younger sister, partner in crime ;) and comrade.  We’ve had our share of fights, but those are in the past.  Now we get along well, and have meaningful discussions and heartfelt conversations.  We share hopes, dreams, fears, life together.  He is going to make a fine husband and father one day, he already is a leader in many ways.

Joel, you are an amazing man and I am so proud to have you as my brother! You are a fine friend, and I am really excited with what the Lord has in store for your life.  Your guys night out events, your work with CET, church activities, your job, helping Grandma, or doing things around the house, or in the yard.  Everything you do is marked by an attitude, a standard that you’ve had for a long time… excellence.  You desire to do everything to the glory of your God and mine, Jesus Christ.

May our faithful Creator, give you many more happy and fulfilled years of blessing, peace and favor!

I love you!

Picture Post

Caleb, shortly before we cut the cake

It was a delicious carrot cake

Our favorite kind of ice cream ~ Alden’s

“How many scoops?”

Dad digs in

Caleb admires his new leather belt

Boylan’s Root Beer ~ sooo good!

A card from Jo

Jaden’s drink

Boylan’s

Carrot cake with cream cheese and cocoanut frosting… yum!  We had a nice dinner of spaghetti and sauce, with salad and bread.  And then cake, ice cream and root beer.  An all American meal… and dessert. :)

A while ago…

Today we celebrate the life of our dear son and brother, Caleb.  Are you really 19?

C – Caring. Cool. Creative. Compassionate. Christ-like.

A – Alert. Artsy. Active. Always smiling.

L – Listener. Learner. Laborer. Lovable.

E – Effective. Evangelistic. Energetic. Enthusiastic.

B – Brilliant. Bold. Boyish. Balm.

 

When I think of Caleb, I think of his great love for God and devotion to His Word, Holy Scripture.  How he listens to the Holy Spirit, at work in his heart and life.  His diligent work-ethic.  The standards and principles which guide his life.  His smile and cheerful attitude.  The way he plays the piano, violin, and guitar.  His deep bass singing voice.  The wonderful sense of humor he expresses through jokes and funny comments, and yet his overall seriousness and thoughtfulness. His faithfulness as a son.  His dependability.  His strength of character and courage to stand for Truth in the face of opposition and adversity.  His brilliant mind displayed through his artwork, musical abilities, gardening, mechanics, writing, and indepth discussions.

Caleb personifies many verses from the Bible, but I especially think of the following when I consider Caleb’s life:

12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,
And before honor is humility.

Proverbs 18:12

And also

33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.

Proverbs 15:33

 

I am so glad that the Lord is using Caleb in mighty ways to minister to others, and to be a strong witness for Christ!  At his place of work (a health food store) he rubs shoulders with co-workers who are atheist, agnostic and hedonists, and yet they respect and like him because they know that Caleb stands up for what he believes and defends the Truth.  In his lawn care business he is respected and loved, for his high standard of work, and his faithfulness and care of detail.  When he “went into retirement” a year and a half ago, his old customers were begging him to begin working for them again “because they couldn’t find anyone who did the excellent kind of work he did.”

I pray that your birthday is very blessed, and that you have many more happy and fruitful years ahead of you!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Caleb, Happy Birthday to you!!!

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