Today, as 2010 approaches, I have been looking back over this year's memories. I have been amazed at how fast the calendar pages have turned! Here are some of the highlights of 2009. Last year at this time we were just settling into our new church home. We had started attending Columbia Bible the previous October at the invitation of some dear friends. What a blessing it has been to get to know and love this congregation of believers! We have been so touched by the teaching and friendships we have found.
In the spring we filled our home with our best friends and attended the homeschool conference together. We were all touched by the message of Chris Klicka. We are so thankful to God for the life of Mr. Klicka and his obedience to our Lord and Savior. Chris encouraged us to keep our eyes on Christ and to remember that a relationship with Jesus is more important than any lesson plan. It was so touching to see him struggling with MS but so unwilling to let the disease keep him from reaching out to encourage just one more person. He inspired us in so many ways and we were so saddened, but blessed also, to hear of his home going in the fall when he was finally able to run again....into the arms of his Savior.
Summer brought many fun activities! We enjoyed filling our target with arrow holes, going on picnics, ball room dancing in the back yard of friends, and many Irish dance performances.
We added 3 bunnies to our family this year, but sadly lost one after about 4 months. Siobhan was a very loved German Angora and we were very sad to see her go. Our other 2 bunnies, Metta and Maeve, are sweet Mini Rex sisters and they are so spoiled. They get loved on regularly and I know they would purr if they could!
In August we spent a day with our church at Family Camp. The worship service was held lakeside and was followed by a baptism service. We hope to attend the entire weekend next year. It was a fun time in the sand, sun, water, and wind. The girls tried water skiing but apparently they didn't get that gene from their grandparents! They'll figure it out next year though I'm sure. I was amazed by the way the shared meals were organized! Every breakfast and dinner was shared and a new team took over the prep, serving and clean up. That meant that you were only on duty for one meal for the entire trip other than preparing your own lunches. Genius!
After Family Camp came our new school adventure. We started using Tapestry of Grace curriculum and joined the group that a handful of church friends started. What a challenging and wonderful curriculum! Our group keeps the bar raised high and we strive to meet the goals for our meetings. Some days we feel pretty stretched and arrive at the meeting on tip toe but we love our group and are so amazed at all we are learning, myself included! I have 2 dialectic students and 2 Rhetoric.
Also in August, Phil started a new position at Micron which presented itself just before Phil would have been laid off. Phil's fab was closing so he had already received his separation packet when he got the call. They told him that they had another position for him if he could accept lower pay. The pay cut is difficult but he loves his job and we are praising God for His provision for us.
Just about Thanksgiving, I discovered facebook! What a fun waste of time that is! I really have to keep myself in check because it's easy to let "just a few minutes" turn into a couple of hours! I'm not doing any of the games though.......I find life much more fun.
Because of our budget, we got creative for Christmas. Phil and I got each of the girls something special and then filled out the stockings etc. with practical things like toothpaste, socks and deodorant. No kidding, I really put deodorant in their stockings! They thought it was great! :o) Jocelyn got a Bible cover and Financial Peace envelope system from me and a trip to get her nails done from her dad. Marissa got her favorite movie, Come What May, from me and a necklace that reads "He who holds the key can unlock my heart" from her dad. He has the key and it actually fits! Adelie got Elsie Dinsmore books from me and canvas for her paintings from her dad. Carolyn got a new game called Dutch Blitz from me. It's the funnest game I have ever played! Jocelyn wins almost every time she plays though so we may have to ban her from it! From her dad she got a huge sketch book.
We have been overwhelmed with blessings this year and thank God for the joy we have in Him! We look forward to what God has for us in 2010 and thank Him in advance for the blessings He will give and also those He will withhold.In Christ Alone,
Tonya
Paintings are: "God's Rarest Flower" by Adelie and "Siobhan" by Marissa
