White Christmas

Somehow I almost always end up choosing a theme each year and it kind of sticks for the family and for our church both. This year it was "White Christmas." We had a large group for our program at church and a lovely dinner together afterward. You will notice that I seldom will post pictures here on my blog of those in our church. That is because my blog is public and I don't like to do that without permission. The church has a facebook page where you will see more of that kind of thing. The message my husband preached was an amazing one of hope for the soul and how Jesus came to give our souls a White Christmas. Our youth did a wonderful job with their parts as well. We also toured the Indian Creek lights and had a cocoa bar. 

Our family Christmas was slow-paced and relaxed, just the way we like it and just like we needed after the busy holiday season. We are so blessed. 

Merry Christmas 2019, from our family to yours!

December 2018, we enjoyed having Rick's parents visit us, even though we spent much of the time ill. By the time they flew home on Christmas afternoon, we had worked in some fun things like a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown Caldwell, some twinkling Christmas light sightings, and lots of cozy family time around the fire.

January 21, 2019, Karen's precious mother went to be with Jesus. She fought bravely with kidney disease, dialysis, and stroke over the last several years. We watched as her body grew weaker and her soul grew stronger. Her last night with us, she testified to having “camp meeting” there in her hospital room and we cherish the memory of gathering around holding her hand and praying with her. She was excited about going home the next morning, and as it turned out, she did just that—home to Jesus, completely healed! We had several out of state visitors in our home during this time and are so thankful for the faithful kindness of friends and family. We also lost a dear friend from church during the month of January, when Stan went to Heaven just two weeks before Mom. Rick had the privilege of spending many hours with him prior to his home-going and we still feel the loss of these saints keenly while at the same time we rejoice in the knowledge of eternal life in Jesus. They are with the One we are celebrating! What a thought!

February marked our 22^nd wedding anniversary. We are so blessed with the gift of each other. As time passes we experience more and more the joy of partnering on this journey.

The end of May, we made our first camping trip of the year. We had a wonderful, relaxing time and were thrilled that Papa Germain came with us.

In June, Rick preached for the United Missionary Camp in North Carolina. God gave us a wonderful time and we met many new friends whom we will always cherish! We also took some time to visit Washington DC, Colonial Williamsburg, and Mayberry USA! What a trip, and what wonderful memories we made!

August found Rick and I at our general church camp where our souls were fed and encouraged. We love and appreciate our church family, the Southwest Conference of the Bible Methodist Church as well as all those who are part of God's wonderful family by any other name.

September found us traveling to Washington for the wedding of my niece. The trip and the wedding was beautiful and Kaite loved being the flower girl.

The month of October was one of the busiest in history as on top of everything else, we worked to finalize the purchase of our local church building. The on-going work of revitalizing the building has had us meeting ourselves coming and going ever since.

In November we hosted our conference president and his wife for revival meeting and the dedication of our new church building. What a wonderful time we had and how very humbled and blessed we are! Thanksgiving season was the perfect time to celebrate and thank God for all the rich blessings given us and promises kept.

As for the individual members of this family, let me bring you up to date.

Rick still works full time for Loomis as a Branch Accounts Manager. He does travel a modest amount, but works from his home office much of the time which is a blessing. January will begin his 21^st year with the company. He also spends many hours in volunteer hospice chaplain work as well as continuing to pastor our local church for the 15^th year.

Karen teaches the children and keeps a tight reign on the family schedule as well as being a full time stay-at-home mom, homemaker and pastors wife. Things usually run smoothly in spite of the craziness of life thanks to her careful planning and lists upon lists.

Kayla, 21, moved in with her Grandpa Germain in January, works part-time at Canyon West for the third year now, has an occasional housekeeping job on the side, and is knee-deep in nursing school, finishing up the first semester with an A! This takes up most of her time but she still finds ways to love and care for others.

Kalli, 17, and a 2020 graduate, is dual enrolled at CWI (also an A student) with plans to become a dental hygienist. She is in her second year at Canyon West in the activities department where she loves entertaining the elderly. She also takes piano and is becoming accomplished. She enjoys baking things or writing whenever she gets a chance and taking long walks with her Great Pyrenees, Mini.

Kammy, 13, is a freshman this year. She rejoiced greatly to get out of her scoliosis back brace which she wore constantly for the past year. She still loves riding and has gotten a few blue ribbons in some competitions. She is an amazing artist and supports her horseback lessons with art for sale.

Kaite, 10, is in 5^th grade this year and doing great. She is a tiny little princess with a big heart. She loves her kitty and (usually) enjoys playing with her little brother and reading.

Kaderick, just turned 7 and is in second grade. He is all boy, but is super loving and cuddly. He enjoys school most days and asks questions that keep us all on our toes. He keeps us laughing with his sense of humor. His latest aspirations include becoming a lawyer so he can be paid to argue all day.