Another year

Another year is coming to an end. Hard to believe how the time has gone. Sometimes fast and sometimes slow. Time to remember some of the highlights. Of course there were birthdays for the whole family, My mom came for a visit, Larry visited China and Vietnam, Rebecca became a lifeguard, I passed lots of heart exams and had an operation, school and school testing, three kids off in college, Mt Hermon special days X2, dentist and doctors appointments, kids home for summer, swim lessons for the youngest four, 4H camp, Julie had a heart ablation, kids working at various jobs with all kinds of hours, met Jared (future son-in-law), vacation, sailing, Daniel got his drivers permit, Santa Cruz county fair, kids back off to college, ladies retreat, Thanksgiving and Christmas, David moved home, MSB moved to Santa Cruz, Rachel became engaged, Larry became a TV star (if only for a day), Awana's on Tues. nights.....the list could go on...but WAKE UP NOW!!
Truly, the main lesson to be learned from another year of fun, fellowship, friends, family, and frustration is that God remains faithful. For this I am really thankful! I am sure that as you look back on this year, you too will see the hand of God. Sometimes he is holding us, sometimes pushing us forward, sometimes walking hand in hand, and sometimes spanking us, but he is always there.
Now we need not fear the unkown of next year but, with joy and anticipation look forward to trusting him each day. Won't it be grand to check in with each other to see what he has done in this coming year?

Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the house
People were sneaking around like a mouse
The stockings were hung by the old fireplace
With fun and with laughter all over their face
They filled every stocking up to the brim
Knowing the stuff would bring a big grin
So off to the beds, the children did go
With a hug and a smile and a cherry HO! HO!
Sleep well, and remember the Christmas of old
For tomorrow old stories will all be retold
So sleep children, sleep, as well as you can
And dream of a jolly, red suited old man

Last night we had Bonnie and Joe for dinner. We had seafood in a white sauce over pasta, carrots, salad and lemon meringue pie for desert. Then we all headed out to our adopted family and delivered gifts and wished them a Merry Christmas.
It is raining....actually pouring all day. Water, water everywhere! Dad and kid crew had to unload a container in the rain. They had a contest to see who would get the wettest. Then out to work on the drains to keep the flooding down.
We spent the morning working on our family web site. Julie is at work from 12-9. Rebecca has gone bowling with her swim team. We are headed out tonight to the church musical. David is hiding out in his trailer sick. Grandmom made kiwi jelly today.
Found out Evan is having surgery tomorrow so pray for him and his recovery. Not much is happening with Julie and her heart right now. We are through with most of the test and now she is just wearing the heart monitor.
Still a few more presents to wrap. But at least the shopping is done. Now for a delicious supper of green chili enchiladas.....yum!

Look who is getting married!

Rachel is visiting with Jared's family in Guatemala. They had this picture taken to celebrate their engagement. Out of the 22 or so I thought this was the best. It seems like only a few years ago...I held Rachel in my arms as a baby...and now she is getting married. I guess all Moms go through these feelings as they see their children grow up. It is so weird to be excited, nervous, full of anticipation, and close to tears, but immensely happy all at the same time. I look forward to seeing how God works in their lives, drawing them close to him and each other....wishing them a long life together.
Also, there is all the wedding plans.......oh WOW! Congratulations you two!!

Well Christmas is coming up fast! I have one child (Rachel) safely in Guatemala (visiting Jared's family), Julie has survived another semester and is safely home and Jonathan is coming home this morning. This accounts for the ones that are normally away. It is good to be able to see David on a daily basis since he moved home. Rebecca is going through the horrors of deciding what to do with the rest of her life...which college?...what major?....should I go away to college or stay home and go to college?... Some kids just grow up with a knowledge of what they want to do, while others fret and fear the growing up process. So far, all have survived the coming of age. While even one of ours has chosen a life partner which is a REALLY BIG decision.
Larry is going to be on TV. A gardening show is coming to the nursery tomorrow or today later and filming. It is fun to see him fret about something that is out of his normal range of activity. I am sure that he will do fine....as always. He was hoping for his own trailer with a star on it to change in. The family had a lot of fun, teasing him while he got a fresh haircut for the event. The staff have spent days spiffing up the nursery. Not sure when I have ever seen it so nice! Some how I don't think mother nature will let it stay that way for long. I will try and sneak a picture of the movie star in action and post it later.

Dec. is here...it is hard to tell by the weather. We have not yet started the really rainy wet season and it isn't cold outside like in other parts of the world. Just damp, slightly cool, foggy days....so in truth winter has come. Dec. started out with 4H making cookies, awana's family (caroling) night, then martial arts class, bible study (we voted to adopt a family this year), went to Streets of Bethlehem (picture), Roberts tri-annual testing and meeting for IEP, physics labs (the redoing of many) for Daniel, 4H family game night (bingo and gifts), a little flu in the house, Robert's birthday (9 years old), Curves (exercise), 4H craft class, swimming practice (daily for Rebecca), Julie arrives home on Thurs, and Jonathan on Sat., Rachel leaves for Guatemala on Wed., we have an annual meal and concert at Mt. Hermon on Sun., and then next week starts. And of course, through it all the is the dreaded school....math, science, history......Julie is at the heart doctors Mon., and Tues. for test and monitors and then we will all sit down and makes plans for Christmas time. Wed. the church Christmas program starts, Sat. is the Christmas eve. program, Sun. is Christmas. Might want to get in a game or two of bowling, mini golf, a movie or two......some snow days......lots to talk about.
Will try to keep up a kind of report...so if Rachel checks the blog she will know what the family is up to.....besides missing her. Pray for her and the family....this will be the first Christmas away from home....she is visiting her new family.....Jared's family and home where he grew up. I know she will have fun and will fall in love with the whole kit and kaboodle