Christmas 2019

Christmas 2019

My house is unexpectedly quiet today with our second failed family Christmas gathering, so I am going to take the unexpected and and accomplish the unexpected..... a Christmas letter.  It is no secret that we miss so many of you, especially this time of year.  Even though we managed to pull together a fun family photo shoot, truth is, I still far prefer (and enjoy) the written word and the connection it somehow brings despite the distance.  So, here's to trying to making the best of the unexpected.

Aubrey Faith is now 17 and began taking classes full time at our local community college.  She has a goal to complete her AA when she receives her high school diploma next spring.  She works at our local nursing home as a CNA and volunteered her summer as a counselor at Camp Shamineau.  This fall she referred Ben for her position at Middle Fork Cafe, while getting certified to also begin working as a personal PCA.  She knocked her role as "Hodel" in the Fiddler on the Roof out of the park this fall, began the Fire Explorer program in Willmar, and is hoping to add the letters EMT behind her name when she turns 18.  She has learned a lot about margin this year, and spends time with her friends and boyfriend whenever possible.  An unexpected blessing with Aubrey's college schedule was having all my homeschooled kiddos home for an afternoon or two each week this fall.  We did some fun things, some lazy things, and I just tried to soak in the moments knowing how fleeting they are.  Aubrey is excited for speech to start and is anticipating a successful season!  I admire her ambition and she is teaching me what it looks like to emancipate a child.

Benjamin Michael is 14 now and has changed the most this year.  He is now over 6 feet tall and in a size 13 shoe, and he likely is not finished growing.  It is strange to look up to parent a junior high kid.  He stands a head taller than most of the kids his age.  He did almost all of our mowing this summer, which is a LOT.  He is now employed at a local cafe, and is learning to navigate and manage his schedule and responsibilities outside the home.  Ben will start drivers training in a few weeks, and I am very excited to welcome another driver in the home.  He also is a part of a local Fire Explorer program and he enjoys skiing, fishing, mountain biking, jazz band, and baseball.  He likes many sports, but would rather play just for fun with friends.... and if I'm being honest, I respect everything about the character behind that.  He is home schooled part time and attends public school for some classes.  Ben decided to be baptized at the lake this year... he has been waiting for an outdoor baptism service for years!  God humored him with rain, and he was dunked in the church instead.  We laughed with him.  He quoted Romans 2:1, and has had some very deep thoughts and wrestlings this year about the human condition and the mercy of God.  I treasure his trust and he is helping me learn what it looks like to respect a son.

Samantha Nicole is almost 12, and our smallest and most reserved Wookey kiddo is rapidly changing!  She somehow managed to grow 4 shoe sizes this year, and seems to have much to add to any conversation lately!  She is the 4th child in a 5 year span that we will parent through age 12.  It is overwhelmingly my least favorite year to navigate as a parent- BUT, sweet Sam promises to push right past it!  She enjoys volleyball, snowboarding, ripstick, and gymnastics, and plays softball socially-because honestly, she finds it terribly boring.  Sam also made the decision to be baptized this year, and shared a wonderful story about her prayer journey with the Lord.  She loves to help in the kitchen, and championed our apple harvest efforts all by herself this year.  Sam looks forward to homeschooling co-op and bible study time with friends.  I am grateful for her gratitude and she is helping me learn how to parent a child with a fiercely international heart.

Tatum Grace is 7 and a HALF, and is a tall, energetic, spirited young lady.  She spends most of her day trying to keep up with 3 junior high kids, so there is never a dull moment with her questions, comments, and antics.  Tate spends about half of the day upside down doing handstands and a good deal of time drawing and writing cards to others.  She made the decision to be baptized this year, and for the first time ever, was speechless in front of the crowd.  Her concern and care for others is intense.  She loves fiercely and although that can be exhausting now, I am very excited to see what the Lord does with that.  Tatum is still home schooled full time, but if I am being honest- would rather play LEGO's.  I have savored her sweet ever changing smile this year and she teaches me regualrly about raw, fierce, uncontitional love.

Anastassia Renae is also 14 and is still attending public school full time.  I do believe her and Aubrey have stopped growing-or at least nothing to report this year!  She made the decision to be baptized by her small group leader, Kellie Wright, this year.  It was a meaningful time to have 4 kids profess their faith and desire to follow Jesus at the same service.  Annie shared about her journey to faith, forgiveness, and overcoming the darkness with light.  She has began conversations with her mom this fall, and it is our hope and prayer that her healing journey will continue.  We are very proud of how far she has come in such a short while.  She is currently using the open afternoon to attend a ukulele lesson.  Annie enjoys art club, skiing, tubing, swimming, track, choir, and reading above all.  I am honored by her honesty and she helps me remember each day that what happens within your home matters greatly.

Roy and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this summer with a quick unexpected trip to Tahoe and San Francisco. I would not have believed this story God wrote for us, nor would I have ever chosen it.... in fact we have chosen so very little of it.  But choosing to do it together is the thing that has changed us the most and has been the foundation for so much of it.  So far, we like life in our 40's.  It seems to be a season with less personal striving than when we were younger, and more serving, intentionality, and a broader perspective.  It is easier to see the heart issues behind the struggles in your kids, and know pointing them to Jesus and truth is ultimately all that matters.  Life is certainly not without it's struggles, but our LORD holds our future in His hands.  He gives us breath, and life, and has provided all we need....(and a whole lot of cupcakes!)

Consider Him this Christmas.
He finds all who seek Him.

There is no better year to receive eyes that see than 20/20!


****EDIT****
I am also updating our contacts this year!
Friends & family please pm me your current info...
(especially extended family!)