Monday I made a Cost-Co run with eight kids. It was a little out of the ordinary to go around the lunch hour, but I had to pick up Sarah from her driving class so we continued on to Cost-Co for the much needed milk. (Josh heads to work with Paul on Mondays, hence the 8 kids.)
What struck me about this trip was not dragging 8 kids through Cost-Co but the amount of food we are consuming. It struck me - will Paul and I look back in five years (when Josh is 18 and Jon is 17) and laugh that we only drank 6 gallons of milk a week?! By then, the second fridge on my "want" list will no doubt be a need.
I try to only go to Cost-Co every other week. I find the food court too alluring and a fairly inexpensive way to feed a large family. Cost-Co will cut their cheese pizzas into 18 slices if asked. Anyone with small children knows that it's the number that you get that's important :). So if you hear one of my kids saying that ate four slices of pizza - it was probably a "normal" two. With Josh eating a polish dog (Paul and I eating only crusts and cast-offs), we can still get by with one pizza. Especially if we can hit the "examples" prior. :) On the "off" week Paul usually makes a stop for the milk. (Yes, we have a considered a cow. While I would love the raw milk, I just am not ready to take that plunge yet. . .)
In addition to six gallons of milk, my cart held: 25 lbs of sugar, 25 lbs of flour and 50 lbs of rice (hopefully that will last the month). We also had 5.5 lbs of apples, pears and 6 lbs of bananas, a 6 pk of romaine, two bags of rolls, croissants, 2 pack of bread (had picked up four loaves the week prior), 15 pk yogurt, 12-15? pk mac-n-cheese as some of the basic staples. (No, I have not reached my goal of making all our bread yet. . .hopefully Hannah is in training!)
I realize Cost-Co is not always the cheapest on every item, but it is convenient and keeps me from several trips a week to the store. I also hit Win-Co once a month to stock up on items I find more cost effective. With Vons and Save-Mart stores on every corner, it's easy to stop and grab a sale item or two for Paul.
I am pretty sure we would be a leaner bunch if all the food consumption was based on what we picked, grew, or shot like the pioneers. Thankfully, there's Cost-Co.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Thoughts
Thoughts. Interesting things, really. Sometimes they flitter through like a spring butterfly, other times they can't be shaken and seem to sit like a fog over us. Young gals will often tell me if I were to take time to write a book, they would buy it. . . . however, the more I examine my thoughts the more I see not many are worthy of sharing. That's the problem with a blog. You are supposed to share what you know or think, which is difficult to do without somehow presenting oneself as "better" than you are or sharing one's stupidity with the rest of the world.
Keeping a blog as a record of what we are doing and what is occuring in our lives was the goal, but I seem to lack the knowledge of how to get pictures from my phone to here. Technology is painful for me. Here's the highlights of last week:
Miriam came down with a stomach bug Monday and spent the afternoon and night throwing up = laundry
Sarah felt lousy all day Tuesday and took a very long nap for a 15 year old = started disinfecting stuff
Jael woke up Wednesday night throwing up. After barfing in her (Joey's) bed, she moved in with Naomi, only to yak there, too = more laundry
Jonathan slept most of Wednesday. . .
Later Wednesday Paul started feeling lousy = continued cleaning/disinfecting.... (oh, and he was preaching for Sunday night service. . .)
Final Count:
Hit: Not Hit:
Paul Amy
Sarah Joshua
Jonathan Bekah
Jael Hannah
Miriam Naomi
Joey
We'll see what this week brings.... taking every thought captive! That is the key to trying to keep them light like butterflies, instead of the heavy fog that settled here last week. . .
Keeping a blog as a record of what we are doing and what is occuring in our lives was the goal, but I seem to lack the knowledge of how to get pictures from my phone to here. Technology is painful for me. Here's the highlights of last week:
Miriam came down with a stomach bug Monday and spent the afternoon and night throwing up = laundry
Sarah felt lousy all day Tuesday and took a very long nap for a 15 year old = started disinfecting stuff
Jael woke up Wednesday night throwing up. After barfing in her (Joey's) bed, she moved in with Naomi, only to yak there, too = more laundry
Jonathan slept most of Wednesday. . .
Later Wednesday Paul started feeling lousy = continued cleaning/disinfecting.... (oh, and he was preaching for Sunday night service. . .)
Final Count:
Hit: Not Hit:
Paul Amy
Sarah Joshua
Jonathan Bekah
Jael Hannah
Miriam Naomi
Joey
We'll see what this week brings.... taking every thought captive! That is the key to trying to keep them light like butterflies, instead of the heavy fog that settled here last week. . .
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sanctity of Life, letting the unborn live!
Well, I worked during "journal time" on a post yesterday, only to lose it much later. Oh well. I ended up tweeting the jist of the article in a summmary of "Sanctity of Life Sunday. It's not just about being against abortion. Am I willing to adopt one whose mother chose life?"
I'm thankful for the pastors across America who preached on the sanctity of life this past weekend. However, I recognize that the danger comes in leaving my comfortable pew merely thankful for God's men proclaiming the truth regarding the preciousness of life. Abortion is not something I'm at risk of doing, so it's easy to nod my head in agreement against such atrocities. What am I willing to risk to demonstrate that life is sacred?
Many Christians who condemn abortion also condemn life by their choices and decisions. They do not have a heart willing to adopt those in need. They are more concerned with their own comforts and wealth than considering God's desire for godly offspring.
May God grant us willing hearts to adopt, help others to adopt, and to raise up families for His glory.
I'm thankful for the pastors across America who preached on the sanctity of life this past weekend. However, I recognize that the danger comes in leaving my comfortable pew merely thankful for God's men proclaiming the truth regarding the preciousness of life. Abortion is not something I'm at risk of doing, so it's easy to nod my head in agreement against such atrocities. What am I willing to risk to demonstrate that life is sacred?
Many Christians who condemn abortion also condemn life by their choices and decisions. They do not have a heart willing to adopt those in need. They are more concerned with their own comforts and wealth than considering God's desire for godly offspring.
May God grant us willing hearts to adopt, help others to adopt, and to raise up families for His glory.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Grandad
November 29, 2012. A day that started like any other, but became significant when it marked the end of a generation and the start of a new season. My dad called to tell me my grandad, Alfred Lee Roy Keller, was alive with Christ.What a joyous day in the life a believer! My last grandparent was gone. (Paul's grandparents were gone before we met.)
My grandparents were very special to me. Many of my favorite memories include by dad's mom, Grandma Bert and my mom's mom, Grandma Grace. But those memories can be written another time. Today I wanted to record what I shared at my grandad's memorial service, 12/16/2012. My grandfather wrote his own services, requesting his favorite hymns and Bible passages. He also requested that his five grandchildren share their thoughts. It was an honor.
"Hi, I'm Amy Micu, daughter of David and Ronda Senn. Thank you for joining us today, during this busy season, to celebrate the life of my grandfather. He was a very special man.
There are so many things I could share with you about my grandad. Good memories, great stories. My grandpa was a spiritual giant in my life. Throughout the Bible and church history, God has used great men to point us to Himself. Great men of faith. No, my grandfather won't be recorded with Abraham, Daniel, Paul, Luther, or even Wesley - but he was a great man whom God used mightily in my life. And like these men of old, Grandpa was great because he loved and served a great God. He pointed me to a big God. A God worthy of all my love and devotion. His marriage was a picture of Christ's love for His Bride. His fatherly love and compassion was evident toward his daughters. And like the Good Shepherd with His sheep, His "Grandfather letters" would exhort us grandchildren not to stray.
My Grandpa believed in the promises of God's Word. His favorite verse was Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." My grandad understood that his greatest need was for a Savior. He saw a high and holy God, he knew his own sinfulness and depravity in light of this God and, by the Spirit, he turned to the promises of the Bible - that all of his needs (not some of them, but all!) would be met in the glories of Christ. For 98 years, his needs were fully, abundantly, richly met in Christ. My grandfather spent his life preaching the glories of Christ and living His promises.
In 2007, our families had a unique opportunity to gather in a reunion celebrating Grandpa. At that time I wrote a poem for this spiritual giant in my life that I'd like to finish with today.
The Oak
The Oak
Standing straight, tall
Branches reaching toward the heavens.
There is has stood
Over years, spanning decades.
Weathering heat, cold, wind,
Silently watching the changing seasons,
One year upon another.
Yes, the Oak stood.
Roots deepened and strengthened
By the seasons life gave.
The Oak
Unyielding, unwavering, unbending.
And as he matured,
His coat rough and nicked\
By trials of this world,
Branches pruned by God's own hand,
The Oak became graceful,
Majestic.
I enjoyed the Oak's unchanging ways.
I gleaned the wisdom from his age.
The deep roots kept me grounded
While his branches pointed me
Heavenward.
I rested in his safety,
Under the canopy of his shade.
Protection.
The Oak has been in my family
Nearly a century.
Standing faithful.
Often alone.
Proclaiming God's glory to the next generation (Psalm 78).
Fulfilling God's will.
And as the Oak faces his final season -
He will never truly be gone.
For, by grace, seeds have falled on good soil.
Young saplings, in turn, mature.
Standing strong, changing seasons, growing in Truth.
Someday, at last, the Oak will humbly bow in adoration,
As he bends before
His Maker.
I wish every child could have a grandfather like mine. A great spiritual giant who pointed me to One even greater."
My grandparents were very special to me. Many of my favorite memories include by dad's mom, Grandma Bert and my mom's mom, Grandma Grace. But those memories can be written another time. Today I wanted to record what I shared at my grandad's memorial service, 12/16/2012. My grandfather wrote his own services, requesting his favorite hymns and Bible passages. He also requested that his five grandchildren share their thoughts. It was an honor.
"Hi, I'm Amy Micu, daughter of David and Ronda Senn. Thank you for joining us today, during this busy season, to celebrate the life of my grandfather. He was a very special man.
There are so many things I could share with you about my grandad. Good memories, great stories. My grandpa was a spiritual giant in my life. Throughout the Bible and church history, God has used great men to point us to Himself. Great men of faith. No, my grandfather won't be recorded with Abraham, Daniel, Paul, Luther, or even Wesley - but he was a great man whom God used mightily in my life. And like these men of old, Grandpa was great because he loved and served a great God. He pointed me to a big God. A God worthy of all my love and devotion. His marriage was a picture of Christ's love for His Bride. His fatherly love and compassion was evident toward his daughters. And like the Good Shepherd with His sheep, His "Grandfather letters" would exhort us grandchildren not to stray.
My Grandpa believed in the promises of God's Word. His favorite verse was Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." My grandad understood that his greatest need was for a Savior. He saw a high and holy God, he knew his own sinfulness and depravity in light of this God and, by the Spirit, he turned to the promises of the Bible - that all of his needs (not some of them, but all!) would be met in the glories of Christ. For 98 years, his needs were fully, abundantly, richly met in Christ. My grandfather spent his life preaching the glories of Christ and living His promises.
In 2007, our families had a unique opportunity to gather in a reunion celebrating Grandpa. At that time I wrote a poem for this spiritual giant in my life that I'd like to finish with today.
The Oak
The Oak
Standing straight, tall
Branches reaching toward the heavens.
There is has stood
Over years, spanning decades.
Weathering heat, cold, wind,
Silently watching the changing seasons,
One year upon another.
Yes, the Oak stood.
Roots deepened and strengthened
By the seasons life gave.
The Oak
Unyielding, unwavering, unbending.
And as he matured,
His coat rough and nicked\
By trials of this world,
Branches pruned by God's own hand,
The Oak became graceful,
Majestic.
I enjoyed the Oak's unchanging ways.
I gleaned the wisdom from his age.
The deep roots kept me grounded
While his branches pointed me
Heavenward.
I rested in his safety,
Under the canopy of his shade.
Protection.
The Oak has been in my family
Nearly a century.
Standing faithful.
Often alone.
Proclaiming God's glory to the next generation (Psalm 78).
Fulfilling God's will.
And as the Oak faces his final season -
He will never truly be gone.
For, by grace, seeds have falled on good soil.
Young saplings, in turn, mature.
Standing strong, changing seasons, growing in Truth.
Someday, at last, the Oak will humbly bow in adoration,
As he bends before
His Maker.
I wish every child could have a grandfather like mine. A great spiritual giant who pointed me to One even greater."
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thursdays with Emily
Well, I missed the appointed "journal time" this morning. Every other Thursday is heightened with excitement and anticipation because Emily comes. It's a nice motivator, as kids try to get their schoolwork done quickly and little ones wait by the window for the first glimpse of Auntie Mel's van pulling into the driveway.
It couldn't have worked out better. Providence. What a beautiful word to know that God is orchestrating even the smallest details of our lives for His pleasure. Melinda decided to homeschool Emily (age 11) last year. It corresponded with our decision for Sarah to attend Sierra Charter School for high school. (Melinda is the school nurse there and I am the school psychologist. Both of us are full-time, stay at home moms - but the school graciously schedules us as needed.) Anyway, Melinda had volunteered for years at Pregnancy Care Center and hoped to continue, but didn't necessarily want to bring Emily with her.
So, every other Thursday, Melinda drops Emily off at the farm, picks up Sarah (and now Joshua) and takes them to the school before volunteering. Sometimes, she is able to bring them home for me, too. What a blessing! Emily (the youngest in her family) seems to enjoy the wild antics of the Micu home. She is always swooping Joey up, holding Miriam, or looking for the latest baby animal to cuddle. Every other week, it brings a playmate for all and a peer for Jonathan and Rebekah to play cards, build forts, play NERF, or just bike the neighborhood together.
Melinda stood by me as my maid of honor 20 years ago. Today we continue to stand by each other. I love being a part of her child's life and I'm so thankful for the wise words she can speak into my daughter's heart as they drive to and fro around town. (Mel always has errands to run!) Kindred spirits, iron sharpening iron, a rebuke of a friend is sweeter than the kisses of an enemies. . .these are the words I'd use to describe our friendship. A woman you may not read about in the headlines, but one who is in the front lines of the Gospel.
These two years with Emily have been special.
It couldn't have worked out better. Providence. What a beautiful word to know that God is orchestrating even the smallest details of our lives for His pleasure. Melinda decided to homeschool Emily (age 11) last year. It corresponded with our decision for Sarah to attend Sierra Charter School for high school. (Melinda is the school nurse there and I am the school psychologist. Both of us are full-time, stay at home moms - but the school graciously schedules us as needed.) Anyway, Melinda had volunteered for years at Pregnancy Care Center and hoped to continue, but didn't necessarily want to bring Emily with her.
So, every other Thursday, Melinda drops Emily off at the farm, picks up Sarah (and now Joshua) and takes them to the school before volunteering. Sometimes, she is able to bring them home for me, too. What a blessing! Emily (the youngest in her family) seems to enjoy the wild antics of the Micu home. She is always swooping Joey up, holding Miriam, or looking for the latest baby animal to cuddle. Every other week, it brings a playmate for all and a peer for Jonathan and Rebekah to play cards, build forts, play NERF, or just bike the neighborhood together.
Melinda stood by me as my maid of honor 20 years ago. Today we continue to stand by each other. I love being a part of her child's life and I'm so thankful for the wise words she can speak into my daughter's heart as they drive to and fro around town. (Mel always has errands to run!) Kindred spirits, iron sharpening iron, a rebuke of a friend is sweeter than the kisses of an enemies. . .these are the words I'd use to describe our friendship. A woman you may not read about in the headlines, but one who is in the front lines of the Gospel.
These two years with Emily have been special.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Probably the most favorite memory of 2012, definitely one of the craziest...
This morning the kids and I were trying to put a date on the following favorite memory and we are all pretty sure that is was early in 2012. I'm fairly sure that it is one of those "you had to be there" kind of memories, but perhaps you can catch a glimpse of how things go at the Micu house.
One of the blessings of ministry is coming in contact with other believers and having an instant connection in Christ. Of course, you don't have to be in paid ministry to experience this, but opportunities abound in full-time ministry. Another blessing is having others become part of the family, so to speak. When those kids get married, we get even more added to the fun.
It was one of those times. Two families gathered at our home; they, connected by marriage but all three families connected by the bonds of brotherhood in Christ. What I love about this particular group is they are so out of my league intellectually. (I promise I am slowly getting to the favorite memory part.) Anyway, I'm pregnant (what's new) and our little ones are running around loving that we have company. We have both families plus girlfriends/boyfriends and the house is buzzing with laughter and fun. Multiple conversations abounded as you traveled from one corner of the kitchen to the dining room. On top of that it was a cool and rainy evening, keeping the kids of all ages inside to have their fun.
Sometime in the midst of all this Paul starts sharing about our new llama, Astro and his acclamation to the farm. Astro was struggling with his position on the farm and being the only "intact" male in the pasture he was chasing the other animals. At some point the conversation became direct on what needed to occur and the men were rising to put on boots and jackets. Flashlights were found and the buzz around the kitchen took on a new higher pitch. Before you knew it, Dr. Kahn (vet) and Dr. Fujihara (general practice) were heading out back with Paul and kids above age 10 to perform surgery. Homeschool science at it's finest. How many classrooms dissect testicles?! Exactly. Sarah (our future nursing student) even got to administer the injection.
I wasn't exactly out there that evening so someone else may have to add to the memory. But we still laugh at how that dinner party turned out! It was an incredibly enjoyable evening made even more so with a fantastic memory of a supper turned surgery. The glow on my kids' faces is my favorite memory of the evening. I'm pretty sure they rated that gathering as A+.
What I also love about this group - the 12 mixed Asian kids. :) It looks like I have dozen beautiful kids and some with spouses!
One of the blessings of ministry is coming in contact with other believers and having an instant connection in Christ. Of course, you don't have to be in paid ministry to experience this, but opportunities abound in full-time ministry. Another blessing is having others become part of the family, so to speak. When those kids get married, we get even more added to the fun.
It was one of those times. Two families gathered at our home; they, connected by marriage but all three families connected by the bonds of brotherhood in Christ. What I love about this particular group is they are so out of my league intellectually. (I promise I am slowly getting to the favorite memory part.) Anyway, I'm pregnant (what's new) and our little ones are running around loving that we have company. We have both families plus girlfriends/boyfriends and the house is buzzing with laughter and fun. Multiple conversations abounded as you traveled from one corner of the kitchen to the dining room. On top of that it was a cool and rainy evening, keeping the kids of all ages inside to have their fun.
Sometime in the midst of all this Paul starts sharing about our new llama, Astro and his acclamation to the farm. Astro was struggling with his position on the farm and being the only "intact" male in the pasture he was chasing the other animals. At some point the conversation became direct on what needed to occur and the men were rising to put on boots and jackets. Flashlights were found and the buzz around the kitchen took on a new higher pitch. Before you knew it, Dr. Kahn (vet) and Dr. Fujihara (general practice) were heading out back with Paul and kids above age 10 to perform surgery. Homeschool science at it's finest. How many classrooms dissect testicles?! Exactly. Sarah (our future nursing student) even got to administer the injection.
I wasn't exactly out there that evening so someone else may have to add to the memory. But we still laugh at how that dinner party turned out! It was an incredibly enjoyable evening made even more so with a fantastic memory of a supper turned surgery. The glow on my kids' faces is my favorite memory of the evening. I'm pretty sure they rated that gathering as A+.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Llamas on the loose. . .
I'm pretty sure I deal with situations most (American) women do not face on a daily basis. Last week, two of our new llamas decided to jump the fence (this inexperienced ranch hand didn't even know they jumped!) and wander the fields. After three hours, we gave up and waited for our llama whisperer (Paul) to come home and catch them.
Yesterday, one decided to bail again. I'm pretty sure I can come up with a list of over 100 things I'd rather be doing than llama catching. I'm positive that if you had told me 20 years ago, 10 years ago, even 3 years ago that some of my days would be spent catching the rescued/relocated animals that my hubby brings home - I'd laugh. Probably more in disbelief like Sarah than like the confident "bring on the future because I know my God" kinda laugh by the Proverbs 31 woman. Nonetheless, there I am in the back pastures with Jon and Bekah yelling words like "flank" and running like I'm 14. I hope you're enjoying a laugh as you imagine it. Jon with the lasso, me with some hay, Bekah with a stick, and Hannah and JJ standing near the ducks and chickens holding the dogs back. . .
Thinking about it, I may have more interesting memories with my kids than most American women get to enjoy, as well:). Although that doesn't mean that I want to keep those llama brothers. . .
All of this reminds me of one of our favorite memories of last year. . .but you'll have to wait until "journal time" tomorrow:). Yep, I have decided to journal at the same time my kids are journaling with hopes of better success this year (with them and me). . .until tomorrow!
Yesterday, one decided to bail again. I'm pretty sure I can come up with a list of over 100 things I'd rather be doing than llama catching. I'm positive that if you had told me 20 years ago, 10 years ago, even 3 years ago that some of my days would be spent catching the rescued/relocated animals that my hubby brings home - I'd laugh. Probably more in disbelief like Sarah than like the confident "bring on the future because I know my God" kinda laugh by the Proverbs 31 woman. Nonetheless, there I am in the back pastures with Jon and Bekah yelling words like "flank" and running like I'm 14. I hope you're enjoying a laugh as you imagine it. Jon with the lasso, me with some hay, Bekah with a stick, and Hannah and JJ standing near the ducks and chickens holding the dogs back. . .
Thinking about it, I may have more interesting memories with my kids than most American women get to enjoy, as well:). Although that doesn't mean that I want to keep those llama brothers. . .
All of this reminds me of one of our favorite memories of last year. . .but you'll have to wait until "journal time" tomorrow:). Yep, I have decided to journal at the same time my kids are journaling with hopes of better success this year (with them and me). . .until tomorrow!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
New year, new attempts. . .
Blogging more consistently was one of my resolutions this new year - I'm already doing great! It's only the 13th of the month. . .
Failure.
In a sense that is what come to mind when I think of my blog. My hope and expectation was to journal/scrapbook through out family's life, both to record events for us and to allow far away family/friends to feel part of our lives. Not so we and others will look to our little family in a tiny place in a small spot in history - but that we (and those we love) would be pointed to the faithfulness and mercy of our great God. Stones (stories) of rememberance as we consider God's unfailing grace in our lives.
So, despite my failures and inspite of my failures, I again rely upon the One who gives grace upon grace.
Remembering 2012 (not in any particular order)
Brought a new baby girl in April, Miriam Eve. Her winsome personality and contagious smiles make each us feel like her favorite.
A new teenager, or young man. Joshua David continues to grow in wisdom and stature and we are thankful for his strong mind and faith. He is also sporting a new smile (ouch, braces) and a new look (contacts).
Two years in our country home on the farm. :) Love it.
Jonathan Samuel lost his dog, Poppet to a car accident and goat, Tebow to Thanksgiving dinner. Gained a surprise puppy, Jakie. Jonathan is our handy-man and animal rangler.
The kitchen was officially completed with the wood floors going in!!! Yippee.
A new project was started - adding a bathroom for the boys. Nine kids in one bathroom is a little crowded. Especially with six being girls:). Fortunately, Miriam shares her time with Sarah Abigail, who continues to be the oldest and guinea pig of the home:).
A short, but fun cruise in January for Paul and Amy and two other couples. A great start to 20th year of marriage...celebrated 12-20-12.
Took my grandfather, Alfred Lee Roy Keller home on November 29, 2012. He was 98 and a godly patriarch of the family.
A new driver, Sarah Abigail completed driver's education and is pursuing her permit and license. I am very excited to add a driver to the family, but know this will bring a deeper reliance on God's sovereign control.
A new all-star, Rebekah Ruth was able to play team soccer this year (yes, the kids have to rotate who gets to participate in extracurricular activities). She loved playing with Fresno Christian and even made it onto the All-Star team.
Eleven years of full-time ministry at Riverpark Bible Church, Paul continues to be excited at how the Lord is working and growing in the lives of His children there. His love for young adults continues, but is joined with discipling high school men, young families, and shepherding the flocks/sunday school classes.
A switch of bedrooms, again! Joseph Daniel moved out of his crib and into the little kids room with Jael Leah and Naomi Deborah. Sarah moved in with Miriam. Hannah Esther made the big move up to bunk with Bekah! the older boys continue to room in the garage waiting for the bathroom to be completed so we can get to the next project - their digs!
Naomi Deborah got a bike and took off and hasn't stopped yet! She loves zooming around the driveway (with her helmet).
The preschool Christmas program - always a favorite. Memory this year was Joey walking to the front with the other wise men with his diaper stuck to the bottom of his costume! Jael made a lovely angel:).
The completion of RESOLVED, a conference our family has enjoyed participating in for 8 years.
Again, we remember to celebrate the goodness of God. He is good and He does good!
Happy New Year!
Failure.
In a sense that is what come to mind when I think of my blog. My hope and expectation was to journal/scrapbook through out family's life, both to record events for us and to allow far away family/friends to feel part of our lives. Not so we and others will look to our little family in a tiny place in a small spot in history - but that we (and those we love) would be pointed to the faithfulness and mercy of our great God. Stones (stories) of rememberance as we consider God's unfailing grace in our lives.
So, despite my failures and inspite of my failures, I again rely upon the One who gives grace upon grace.
Remembering 2012 (not in any particular order)
Brought a new baby girl in April, Miriam Eve. Her winsome personality and contagious smiles make each us feel like her favorite.
A new teenager, or young man. Joshua David continues to grow in wisdom and stature and we are thankful for his strong mind and faith. He is also sporting a new smile (ouch, braces) and a new look (contacts).
Two years in our country home on the farm. :) Love it.
Jonathan Samuel lost his dog, Poppet to a car accident and goat, Tebow to Thanksgiving dinner. Gained a surprise puppy, Jakie. Jonathan is our handy-man and animal rangler.
The kitchen was officially completed with the wood floors going in!!! Yippee.
A new project was started - adding a bathroom for the boys. Nine kids in one bathroom is a little crowded. Especially with six being girls:). Fortunately, Miriam shares her time with Sarah Abigail, who continues to be the oldest and guinea pig of the home:).
A short, but fun cruise in January for Paul and Amy and two other couples. A great start to 20th year of marriage...celebrated 12-20-12.
Took my grandfather, Alfred Lee Roy Keller home on November 29, 2012. He was 98 and a godly patriarch of the family.
A new driver, Sarah Abigail completed driver's education and is pursuing her permit and license. I am very excited to add a driver to the family, but know this will bring a deeper reliance on God's sovereign control.
A new all-star, Rebekah Ruth was able to play team soccer this year (yes, the kids have to rotate who gets to participate in extracurricular activities). She loved playing with Fresno Christian and even made it onto the All-Star team.
Eleven years of full-time ministry at Riverpark Bible Church, Paul continues to be excited at how the Lord is working and growing in the lives of His children there. His love for young adults continues, but is joined with discipling high school men, young families, and shepherding the flocks/sunday school classes.
A switch of bedrooms, again! Joseph Daniel moved out of his crib and into the little kids room with Jael Leah and Naomi Deborah. Sarah moved in with Miriam. Hannah Esther made the big move up to bunk with Bekah! the older boys continue to room in the garage waiting for the bathroom to be completed so we can get to the next project - their digs!
Naomi Deborah got a bike and took off and hasn't stopped yet! She loves zooming around the driveway (with her helmet).
The preschool Christmas program - always a favorite. Memory this year was Joey walking to the front with the other wise men with his diaper stuck to the bottom of his costume! Jael made a lovely angel:).
The completion of RESOLVED, a conference our family has enjoyed participating in for 8 years.
Again, we remember to celebrate the goodness of God. He is good and He does good!
Happy New Year!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)