Just January

Although there have been no great and grand happenings in our household, and very few "grab the camera" moments, I thought I'd rest from my "laziness" and add to our blog. Our family is slowly making the adjustment to the cold weather after enjoying Florida. Actually the kids don't seem to have a problem, but the adults just can't seem to love the cold. And actuallly, Jonathan thinks its just great, as long as he can get some skating in out on the pond. Kevin loves the snow, and is looking forward to waking up tomorrow to lots of it again. So I guess that leaves me as being the least crazy about the icy temperatures. But I do happen to love seasons, and they are definitely a reminder of God's faithfulness over the passing of time.

"While the earth remains,

seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat,

Winter and Summer,

and day and night

shall not cease."

Genesis8:22.

The kids enjoying the hill out behind the school just down the road from us.

Some goofy moments in our home. This used to be a sort of ball which eventually got a little too much abuse. We discovered it made for a pretty good wig!

My dear mother celebrated her 50th birthday much to my surprise. I honestly had no idea that it was already her 50th until the day of her birthday. It must have something to do with how good she looks! We celebrated her birthday at her house on the 2nd and later at Ken and Beth's with just their descendents. We love our mother and Oma very much and are very thankful for all she does for us!

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January also brought a time of sadness. Oma Steenhof went home to be with the Lord. Although this is a time of mourning because of the hole she leaves in our lives, it is also a time of rejoicing because,

"Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

The funeral and the time surrounding it was not only a time of rejoicing because of the hope we have in God's promises, it was also a time of reunion, as relatives from what seemed like all over the world got acquainted or reaquainted.

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Here are two boys who just love their dad and can't get enough of him!

Jonathan celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday. Kevin spent quite a bit of time making this book for him. It is very cute. The kids enjoyed opening the presents! A birthday is a great time to celebrate a person, and take time out of our busy lives to try to make a day extra special. In doing so, I learn to put aside selfishness and focus on others - in this case my husband. It is a great habit, and its too bad it often takes a birthday to really celebrate a person and realize how great a part of our lives they really are. We hope your day was special!

And last but not least - Kylie! We couldn't do a blog entry without including her!!