Happy New Year

To everyone who has been following the blog, thank you!  I appreciate your support and want to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and blessings for the New Year.

The long vacation was nice, but it is now time to get back in the swing of life.  The Christmas season is filled with joy and also with business and stress.  Each year we try to remove more of the latter and remember the gift of Christmas.

For the last seven years we have been blessed to be a part of the White Pine Community Church and each year we have a Christmas performance.  The children bring Christmas to life a little bit differently each time. If you think there is only one way to see the Manger, think again.

This year the drama was "A Manger In Town."  Can you imagine anyone being so bent on ending Christmas traditions that they would sue the town for erecting a manger at the town square?  Well, even though it was just a play, in truth it is happening all over the world.  It is time to take a stand.  We need to be less politically correct and more Biblically correct.  And most important, it is time to teach our children how valuable and important it is to place God first in their lives.  Our Christmas and Easter programs offer just a short role-play for the kids to experience the true meaning of each season.  I am grateful to be a part of bringing Jesus to life for the children and all who attend.

Following the program we gathered with friends and family at our home to celebrate.  Jay, Katie and David joined us and it was wonderful to watch David open his gifts! This year we had to wake Karsten Christmas morning for the very first time:(

For the last three years we have spent Christmas day at the potluck dinner for the White Pine Community.  It is a great time for fellowship and the celebration of life.

We now head toward 2011.  Many make resolutions, most of which end up broken.  I too, hope to do better in my everyday living, including exercise and diet!  But most importantly, I hope to grow even closer to God each day and spend some time throughout the year sharing my thoughts through this blog.

Please feel free to leave your comments or email me!

Blessings always!

One Journey Ends...Another Begins

I know this is very late.  But, I wanted to at least wrap up our trip for all who followed.  In the last post, we were at Julie's in Illinois after two very long days of driving.  After a wonderful holiday weekend, we headed to Fort Wayne, Indiana.  The drive was uneventful.  We spent four days visiting with Rick's Dad, our Kate, and our friends.  It is always great to go "home".
 

A big thank you to the Huffman's who once again provided a great meal and great fellowship.  We always enjoy our visits!

It was also great to see the Sherwood family, even if the visit was short.

A special thanks to Suzie for rearanging her work schedule to spend the day shopping with me!  And the gift wrapping class was fun too!  Sure miss our regular outings.  But I always look forward to the time we share when I can make it to the Fort.

It was also wonderful to see our daughter Kate, happy and healthy. 

So, our beginning to the holiday season was terrific!

On December 3 we began the trek back to Michigan.  North of Lansing the weather took a turn.  Snow, sleet, ice, rain...we just passed the sign that read "Bridge may be icy" and a small sedan tried to pass a car in front of us.  Tried being the operative word.  As he fish-tailed back and forth and then went into full spin, Rick (with help from above) maintained control of our vehicle and managed to avoid a collision.  The other car?  He ended up driving backwards along the guardrail.  But, thankfully no one was injured.

We were able to cross the bridge and the weather was good.  Just about Munising the storm reappeared.  But driving in the UP is a whole lot different than driving anywhere else!  And you just can't beat the beauty of our snow!  We drove to Marquette and hunkered in for the night. 

Saturday we attended the big craft show at the Superior Dome and then made our way home.

The end would be blissful if not for the fact that our water heater had sprung a leak and the sump pump was pumping fresh water right outside!  No hot showers tonight.

With all crisis avoided and replacement parts on the way we are home safe and sound.  The total trip was about 8,700 miles and we had a great time!  We met some great people, saw some amazing sights and visited with family and friends.  Who could ask for more.

I thought I would end this blog here.  But, I have found that I enjoy the process.  So, I think as 2011 rolls in I will continue to add bits and pieces as life carries on.

Hope everyone enjoyed a very Merry Christmas and wishing everyone a great 2011!