December 2008
Dear friends and family,
I have a new word for this past year:
re*in*force*ment: “the act of reinforcing, something that reinforces or strengthens,
to strengthen with some added piece, support or material.”
Here's a funny story about our family picture this year. As Amber was taking our photo on our bridge down by the creek – we heard an interesting sound... a“cracking”...of sorts. The next second after this picture was taken, the bridge cracked and broke at the point where Danielle and Jon-Mark were standing. The next photo was a complete blurr, as Frederick's scattered quickly in both directions! Dan had JUST said something like.......”I think this bridge may need some reinforcement before we put all this weight on it....” oops! I will always laugh at this photo!
Along similar lines, we have experienced our faith being “reinforced” this year....strengthened and supported through various avenues. Until June of 2008, we were still under-going financial trials of various kinds. We can never thank God enough for providing these two projects for Dan this year! He has been busier and more challenged than ever before ~ but God is proving faithful, as always. He is currently finishing project one and entering project two in full swing. THANK YOU again for praying for us!!! We are so grateful for you and for the Lord's goodness.
On the family front: Things are going pretty well. Dan received a good health report – cancer-free for 3 years now! We are in a “transition” of sorts – kids coming and going, new opportunities, etc. All five of the older boys changed jobs this year! Nathanael and Zac are with the same Insurance Company– Caleb is designing containers for “Liquibox” – and Seth and Micah moved to Vail, Colorado to work at a ski resort until April. We miss them. Jen and Amy continue to be the stellar daughter-in-laws....still being great wives and working too. As of October, I have cut back to working just one Sunday a month with my second favorite boss in the whole world (Mary.) I also work very PT for my favorite boss in the whole world (Dan!) I think everyone is thankful to have a job during these economic times. Danielle will be our 6th graduate in May! I will miss her terribly when she leaves. She's still working, studying and being a great daughter. (There has been a nice young man named Spencer hanging around here lately....it could be because of the previously mentioned nice daughter we have. We all like “Spennie”.) Jon-Mark is learning to drive with his permit, play the guitar really well and to speak in full sentences (as opposed to one word responses). Michaela started ballet lessons this year, had braces put on and continues to make Dan and I smile!
For our family Christmas this year, we are all going to ski/snowboard at Seven Springs, Pa. For 2 days! Well...almost everyone will ski. Amy and I have decided that we will soak in the pool and cook food – a better alternative than potentially breaking something. She showed us a video of her first time skiing, and I think she shares my lack of skills for this winter sport. She keeps us all laughing. Now Jen, I hear that she is a “pro” (She has skiied in Switzerland!) Dan and all the other kids do well also. So...we're greatly looking forward to our first “official” family trip together!
On the friends front: I don't think I can ever remember a more difficult year for some of our friends (and some family members too). It has especially challenged me to seek God and trust Him with outcomes, but it hasn't come easily for me. I've narrowed my approach down to this:
Concerning the things I can change: Ask Him for help each and every day.
Concerning the things I cannot change: Trust Him ~ He has it all under control and doesn't make mistakes.
We have enjoyed your Christmas cards, pictures and letters. What a blessing to have you in our lives!
May God grant each of you peace, contentment,and great joy in this coming year!
Love ~ from our family to yours:
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