Another Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas!

The trees have been up and decorated since the end of November. The presents are piled high. The lights are shining brightly inside and outside of our house. This week's blizzard brought enough snow to last until January, so our Christmas will surely be white. And, most important of all, we are ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior, who is with us still, through life's ups and downs.

This has certainly been a year of ups and downs. Here are a few highlights (and lowlights):

I am glad that my vision is good enough for me to drive back and forth across Nebraska. The beginning of the year found me making that trip more and more often, to visit Mom in the nursing home, and to help Dad make the transition from home to assisted living, and then to the the nursing home, where he was able to share a room with Mom for the last days of his life. It was a privilege for me to spend so much time with both of them at such a difficult time, and to be with my brother and sister through it all. Dad left this world on May 2nd, but we look forward to seeing him again in heaven.

Dan and Laura and I were glad we could be with Mom and Dad during that hard time.

Levi with his birth mother, Mary, and brothers Shawn and Alexander

Levi had a great senior year, and graduated from high school on May 14th. We were pleased to have his birth mother and brothers join us for the celebration. Then he got his first job at a local restaurant, washing dishes for the summer. He was excited to attend Frontier School of the Bible in the fall, but came home after the first quarter. We were so proud of him for trying college, and are praying that God will guide him to the next step in his life.

We were unable to attend Dan's and Sharon's wedding, since it happened near St. Louis on the same day as Levi's graduation, but we are so happy to welcome Sharon to the family. Laura and Kent bought and remodeled Mom and Dad's house in Fairbury, and moved in this summer so they can be close to Mom. Mom kind of lives in her own world much of the time, but she knows us, and can carry on a reasonably lucid conversation if we catch her at the right time of day.

Bill was pleased to finally be able to fly to a couple of conferences this past year. He has been working seven days a week for much of the year, though, filling in the gaps while trying hard to hire the new employees he desperately needs. If you know of anyone who wants to work in Gering as a Technical Support Representative, let us know!

Bill with Ari

Victoria, who still lives at home, has been dealing with her own ups and downs this year. We are proud of her determination to overcome some hard things. She is still with her boyfriend, Caleb, after almost seven years together, so that has been a bright spot for her, and for all of us.

Caleb, Victoria, and Blue

Al was presented with a Quilt of Valor this summer, to commemorate his WW II service.

Bill's Dad, Al, came down with Covid in June, and spent three weeks in the hospital, where he fell and injured his back. He moved to a nursing home for three months, but now he is living with Bill's sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Bill, just a couple of blocks from us. He gets around well with a walker, and is doing quite well for a man of nearly 98 years.

We hosted two family reunions this summer, the first here in Gering, and the second in Fairbury. It was good to reconnect with so many extended family members after our enforced time apart. Family is a blessing we never take for granted.

Erin, Reed, and Will, as well as their dogs, Bowie and Bella, spent some time with us this summer before moving from Wisconsin to Pickerington, Ohio (near Columbus.) Erin has a new job as the chair of the music department at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio. Reed works from home, so he did not need to change jobs. Will loves his new daycare and, just like his mom, he is always excited to try new things and make new friends.

Erin, Reed, and Will

Andy and Meagan, with Tobin, Ari, Lydia, Evelyn, and Ruthie

Meagan is still homeschooling her kids, who are learning well and thriving. Andy has stopped sponsoring Mock Trial at Gering High School, where he still teaches German and English, and has started working as the official worship leader at our church. These changes are giving him much more time at home with his family, so everyone is happy. Their family raises cats and chickens, with mixed results, and has just adopted an adorable Goldendoodle puppy named Millie.

Meagan and I took the kids on a couple of camping trips to Lake Minatare late this summer and into the fall. We always enjoy camping and exploring the great outdoors. We weren't able to venture very far from home, though, due to the extreme fire danger this summer. That's why we are grateful even for this week's blizzard--we'll take moisture in any form.

And now, I pray that God will bless you and your family through all of your ups and downs, throughout the New Year. "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the skies."  Psalm 36:5

 

A Blessed New Year

from Janet and Bill

*Art work courtesy of Levi and Evelyn