December 28, a little update

I haven't uploaded any pictures from Christmas in Lynden, but I will. It was fun and wonderful. We saw so much family!! I loved that! 

The kids loved making memories there! 

We enjoyed being with loved ones and celebrating Jesus birthday! 

We had safe travels to and from and our children travelled like champs. This sure makes things easier.  

I haven't yet shared any pictures from the art show at the MAC Museum. Willem had a photo displayed and a piece of pottery. It was a wonderful evening of viewing the art, visiting and even seeing Santa! 

We spent Thanksgiving at Vance's dad's. Lots of memories were made there and it was fun to even see family from Alaska! 

Vance and Cary

Willem and Kendal, eating chocolate cake

Our four! 

 Hoping your Christmas was merry and bright! 

We sure missed seeing Natasha, Reese and family this Christmas! But it sounds like they had a cozy Christmas at home. Thank you to those of you who have been praying for her! Please keep her in your prayers. Her heart is showing signs of improvement! Her coloring is good, mostly she feels good. Her "#s" we would love to see improve! There are definitely concerns regarding her heart and I think anxiety and worry creeps in occasionally. But God is helping her find JOY! Prayer matters. 

I am praying for Mindy too. We did not see her at Christmas, but we did make an effort. Today is her birthday. I am hoping her year is filled with unexpected blessings and with more hope and better health. 

Life is full of unknowns. Each day is a gift, a precious gift. I am soaking up these kids! Oren makes me laugh so much! Merit, Willem and Hazel have been playing so much together and we've had few squabbles. I hope they continue to get along great this Christmas break! 

Every day blessings

These boys! They warm my heart. I picked both boys up from school Monday and we tried to get some "Christmas pictures" for cards. But it was cold and Hazel just wasn't in the mood for pictures. 

So, I got some shots of these three cute boys! 

I love this time of year. 

Hazel has been singing Christmas songs. Willem has been signing and singing Silent Night. 

Our elf, Hans Peter, is back! :)

Merit's home room class has "adopted" a family. He is excited about this. He has a compassionate heart. 

We've decorated a little. Our days are busy! When I feel like we have a lot going on, I try to put things in perspective and remember the reason for the season! 

Willem Vance

He is loving his third grade year!

Moses Lake really is pretty. We have some beautiful sunsets here.

I talked with Natasha this afternoon. Her heart appt. today was good. Her heart is showing signs of repair. Please continue to pray for recovery for her. What a journey. What a road. Prayers certainly matter. God hears us and is with us every step of the way.