It's Christmas!

 Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel,

(which means "God is with us.")  Isaiah 7:14 NLT

Once again, it's time to wish all of you a Merry Christmas. In a year filled with inevitable ups and downs, we rejoice in God's gift of a Savior, born as a baby in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago, and still present with us today. 

Last Christmas, we were certainly glad that God was with us after Bill's dad died suddenly on December 21st at the age of 98. And then, when Levi and I contracted Covid soon after Christmas and were unable to attend Al's memorial service, it was comforting to watch the live-streamed service from home--an unexpected result of the pandemic.

January brought us record-breaking snowfall, but spring arrived early enough that I could plant things like snow peas and spinach in early April. We had an abundant harvest that continued even after June's devastating hailstorm, with more tomatoes and cucumbers than we could have ever imagined.

In between canning and freezing and dehydrating our seemingly endless garden produce, we had time for the parades and the street vault during Oregon Trail Days, Vacation Bible School at our church, some backyard swimming, and camping at Lake Minatare and Fort Robinson with Meagan's family.

Along with his work commitments, Bill has been overseeing a long-awaited building project: he bought some land on the edge of town, and is building an indoor pole vaulting facility (along with an RV storage building to help pay the bills) so he and many other area vaulters can practice year-round. The project has suffered from countless frustrating delays, but is finally proceeding.

Bill and I were pleased to be able to fly to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with Erin and her family. They have had a rough year, as baby Anna has been in and out of the hospital with focal seizures. She has been diagnosed with Hypochondroplasia, which is a rare form of dwarfism that is sometimes accompanied by epilepsy. Her doctors and therapists have worked diligently to control the seizures and help her meet her developmental milestones. This fall, she has finally learned to hold up her head and sit alone, and she army crawls all over the place. She also talks a lot, and brings much joy to her family.

As usual, I've been writing my blog two or three times a month, and working on a book project, which is not progressing as fast as I would like. (You can watch for my newest book, called The Hotel Kids, on Amazon sometime in the next few months.) Some annoying health issues have slowed my progress on a few things, and I've added an amazing weekly Bible study to an already full schedule. I am blessed to be able to walk a couple of miles nearly every day, work on some home improvement projects, play bass and sing with our church's worship team, and spend significant time with our local kids and grandkids.

Now, as we've been busily decorating the house for Christmas, making Christmas ornaments and cookies with the grandkids, wrapping presents, and watching our grandchildren's Christmas program and music recital, we took some time to celebrate our golden wedding anniversary with a reception at our church. It's hard to fathom that Bill and I have really been married for 50 years, but we are grateful that God has been with us through all of the good times and challenges that are a part of any lasting relationship. We have much to be thankful for.

Bill and I celebrated 50 years of marriage. Where did that time go?

Erin's family: From left to right, Gabi, Will, Erin, Reed, and Anna.

Gabi, their wonderful Brazilian au pair, has been with them for a year, and will stay another year to continue caring for Anna, and sometimes Will, while Reed works from home, and Erin teaches and chairs the music and art departments at Muskingum University. Will plays the violin, loves Legos and Pre-K, and is anticipating starting Kindergarten next fall.

Meagan's family: Evelyn, Tobin, and Lydia (standing);

 Ari, Meagan, Lucy, Ruthie, and Andy (seated)

Homeschooling is going well, although the process is sometimes interrupted by a certain busy toddler. Andy continues to teach at Gering High School and lead worship at church, while Meagan has added beekeeping and children's ministry to her crowded schedule. The kids love to swim and camp, learn new things, see new places, and make music and art of all kinds.

Victoria and Caleb celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August. Victoria works in her sister-in-law's art studio, and also pet sits regularly. Caleb manages a gym and the entire building it's in. He is an avid weight lifter and often wins the meets he enters. They have both been working hard to renovate their house. They enjoy all of their pets: two dogs, two cats, and a ferret.

 

Levi celebrated his 21st birthday while we were camping at Fort Robinson. After a year and a half at McDonalds, he is currently working as a stocker at Fresh Foods. When he is not working, he is perfecting his cooking and baking skills, playing the piano, writing, collaborating with friends on various projects, walking all over town, and singing with the worship team at our church.

No one knows what next year will bring, but we are confident that God will be with us through the good and not-so-good times. Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from all of us to all of you.