Luke, Travis, Justin, and Julie were waiting for me to set up my camera for a family picture. This shot captures them all having 'true smiles'. More than that, maybe it shows the camaraderie, the family bond of humor, and a developed appreciation of each others' quips and comments. I remember when Julie was first dating Justin, and I could hear her laughing so much in the living room. I figured Justin was absolutely smitten, having a girl admire his amusing wit. And so it is with all my men...

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

This year it seems I'm being bombarded/ reminded of the prophesies about The Messiah. Throughout the Old Testament and in Jesus' teachings there are predictions that God would offer Himself as a servant who would come to earth, die for the sins of all people, and raise back to life.

Last year we attended a concert with multiple Christian artists, one of whom was Andrew Peterson. Here are the words to one of his songs.

Behold, the Lamb of God
Who takes away our sin
Behold the Lamb of God
The life and light of men
Behold the Lamb of God
Who died and rose again
Behold the Lamb of God who comes
To take away our sin

Broken hearts--behold our broken hearts
Fallen far--we need you
Behold the Lamb of God

Son of God--Emmanuel
Son of Man--we need you
Behold the Lamb
The hope of man
Behold the Lamb of God

I watched kids meeting Santa the other day. I have no recollection of my visit to Santa in the mid 1970's. However, since my grandma bought a photo of my sister and I sitting on Santa's lap, there is proof that I did. I'm surprised to see that I'm not teary-eyed. The fact that I'm smiling is because I was a "good little girl". You can see I was scared and DID NOT WANT SANTA'S HAND TOUCHING MY ARM!

On Thanks- giving weekend, my Gram invited the extended family to meet for a potluck. She has a great gathering space in her apartment building, so there's enough space to hang out for a few hours and catch up with aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins. I enjoy talking with Clint because he is SO resourceful and full of information about building, and projects, and machines. His wife Heidi shared about a new venture this summer with a wedding location and a garden she planned. My Uncle Dave gave me hints on how to help my two apple trees, as he is the entrepreneur of his large apple orchard. The little ones were running around, playing games, or just being cute.

This cold weather is convincing me to stay inside. I look outside, see a temp- erature of 1 degree, and recall how I shiver in the bitter cold. But I need to tell myself, "Do not hibernate for the entire winter." When I bundle up and finally get outside, I like it. I wonder why I don't come out more often. It's all about the layers...and being comfortable (not always stylish).

Seventeen years ago we were married. Said our vows, made a covenant, exchanged rings. I was young. I didn't know much. But I did love John, and I knew he loved me. I am so grateful that God allowed marriage (and motherhood) to stretch, convict, teach, and mold me into a more mature woman. One of the greatest things I have seen displayed in John is unconditional love. He cares for me beyond my expectations and is patient with my faults. John's best feature is his desire to follow Our Lord. We both agree that our love for each other grows deeper with each passing year, and that is attributed to God's amazing grace.

Every year at the family gathering we have a fun 'white elephant' exchange. Each family brings a bag of small wrapped gifts, totally anonymous, to pass around the circle. Some are bad (floral shower cap), and we try to market their usefulness so that another person might take it off our hands. Some are good (bag of candy), and are received with appreciation. Luke opened one gift of a temporary foam visor, then later lucked out with a yo-yo. He started doing round-the-world tricks in the living room, with a large glass oil lamp behind him. It was suggested he try it in the garage! My parents (and his brothers) remembered when Luke was a young boy and he broke the hall light fixture with a yo-yo.

Mom and Dad invited us to a Thanks- giving meal at their house. Eleven of us gathered for a traditional meal, and there was an abundance of food and desserts. A fire in the wood stove, nice conversations, a reading of Scripture, games of round robin ping pong, and just some sweet family time.

Last winter I went on a trail ride with my dad. It was a bitterly cold, sunny day. It was fun to drive fast, see the beautiful countryside, mosey through some woods, and eat lunch at a truck stop. Dad is passionate about ATV's and motorcycles. He loves driving them. I recently came across this picture of me as a youngster on a three wheeler toy. I had no idea it started that young! All the years since have provided lots of adventures and recreation on some version of an all-terrain-vehicle. Thanks, Dad, for giving us those experiences.

We only have one pet. She's been with us for 10 years and her name is Bug. When we first met her at a country home, she was a tiny kitten. The owner's son said she looked like an Ewok. Bug is nice to have around. She's not clingy, but she's not a recluse. She's mostly quiet, except for feeding time. I like her contented purr when she sits on my lap. I like that someone greets me when I walk into an empty house. The best thing about Bug is she provides happiness for my husband. She and John are close buddies.

The kids club at our church held its annual 'car race'. Each student had to handcraft their own car from a block of wood, then add weight and aerodynamics to achieve the highest speed. Besides the speed contest, there was also a design competition. I was asked to judge, along with a friend of mine. Boy, it was difficult! We wavered between MANY good designs, but in the end finally handed in our top 3 in both categories.

Jumping on the trampoline in their backyard. I even got on and jumped (about 15 times) before the neighbor kids rushed over, climbed up, and said, "Let's all jump together." I said, "I'll get off," and scrambled to the edge.

Welcome to my newest niece, Lucy! She was born early, on October 27, weighing 3 lbs 6 ounces. John and I had a chance to see her in the NICU in Des Moines. Lucy seems to be doing well, but we pray that she'll continue to grow and develop and stay healthy. Mom Jessie was on bedrest for over 3 weeks, while Dad Abe kept the household running, squeezed in his work, and cared for Lucy's four siblings. It is so fun to see my brother being a GREAT Dad, playing with his children, disciplining them, ministering at church, loving his wife. Enjoy these young & precious gifts, Abe and Jessie!

Here's John teaching and explaining his computer software to his customers. A long day of being on his feet, talking non-stop, and answering individual questions. He started the morning sharing the MOST IMPORTANT news -- the gospel message that Jesus Christ is the only way to bridge the sin gap between Almighty God and us. He encouraged people to search for themselves by reading God's Word, and we were glad to see sixteen people take a Bible.

Travis invited us over for a yummy lunch, then we walked around the local lake on a leaf-strewn path.

My 23 year old cousin got married this weekend. Caiti looked radiant and the groom was extremely happy. It was a neat opportunity to see and chat with other relatives. The reception was very well done...hors d'oeuvres, champagne fountain, linens, crystal, waiters, meal courses...quite a special event.

The driveway has a fresh black coat after John labored for many hours last Saturday. He had talked about sealing the driveway for the majority of the summer, and on the last possible weekend, it was completed. Thanks, honey!

Two couples from church invited us to "do a getaway". We attended a neat dinner theater, with a lovely meal and a humorous enter- taining 1960's play. The guys went golfing on Monday, while the ladies break- fasted, shopped, walked, kayaked, and lunched. John had decided to add some business visits since we were in Southern Wisconsin, so we stayed an extra night. The city of Lake Geneva is darling, and coming in autumn was a beautiful, relaxing vacation. I'm not sure that I'd like it as much in the crowded summer season.

Last weekend we were in Cincinnati, Ohio! John moved to Cincinnati as a sophomore in High School, and his parents still reside there. It was nice to sit and chat, play a game of Dominos, go out to eat (twice!), look at photos & letters, and attend their Sunday morning worship service. Wayne and Ginnie are prayer warriors and encouragement givers. They raised 5+ children with love, discipline, and lots of neat experiences. Now in their 80's, they stay very busy with different activities.

Some other things I've been involved with in the past 12 days: Doing a walk/run with Julie at a rustic county park. She ran 4.4 miles, while I walked. It was a great temperature, and the trails were hilly and scenic.

Watching and listening to a See You At The Pole rally for our area's Christian teenagers. A few churches

banded together to worship, hear of the morning events, and encourage teens to stand up for Christ.

Assisting with a service activity for Middle Schoolers. We helped clean the house/do yardwork for a widow who is moving out of town. The seven kids were very willing to work, but we laughed together as we discussed, "I don't want to clean at my house, but I like cleaning at someone else's." I said, "Join the club."

A walk through the woods, crunching over dried leaves, and viewing the changing colors. Rachel and Paul drove to our area for a day trip, and this was one of the group activities that we enjoyed. We caught a glimpse of the departing harvest machines, so this was freshly cut corn.

It must be at least 12 years since I've visited Point Beach State Park. I was first introduced to it when I was dating John, so of course it's remember- ed as a beautifully romantic setting. We stopped there for a few hours last Thursday, since we were in the area (visiting two of John's customers). Lake Michigan is so pretty...like our own small midwestern ocean.

John does a lot of driving around Wisconsin to visit his customers. I joined him on Thursday and after his visit we lunched at the local diner. So quaint! I ordered the Lunch Plate Special of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The other special was liver-n-onions (no temptation on that one).

John and I have agreed that we love camping. Things are always better, though, when the weather is beautiful. The first night we scrambled to set up camp as dusk was settling. Then it started to mist and drizzle as we heated soup on the Coleman stove, but we were protected with our huge tarp. As we were just about finished with supper, the

poles, straps, and bungee- cords 'gave way' and the tarp crashed down on top of us. We laughed and sloshed through the puddles and dodged raindrops in the dark as we tried to correct the problem. Friday proved to be a glorious day, both in weather and relaxation. The last day was cloudy and grey, but we went on a great hike to some other lakes and made tin foil dinners before the drizzle started again.

Last night.
Camping.
At the lake.
John standing at waters edge, soaking in the calmness after the sun set.
Aaaahhhhh...