2014
WHAT AN EVENTFUL YEAR -- FULL OF SORROW, JOYFUL HOPE & WONDER
I held my 2014 calendar
in my lap and turned the pages of the months to recall those most significant
happenings with all of you. January
brought us the unexpected death of Kelsi’s mom at age 64. I’ve missed having her to share the
“Mimi/Nana” parts of Landon’s and Kyla’s lives.
It seems the lives of Brian and Kelsi experienced the most change and
challenge throughout the year. Just a
little over a month before Sharmon died, they took a niece and nephew of
Kelsi’s into their home as foster care parents for most of the year. With two extra children, a brand new home, a
new job for Kelsi and expanded career opportunities for Brian we have felt
wonder and awe watching them cope, love and grieve. Sometimes it seemed they didn’t miss a step
with the new drumbeat. Kelsi has
excelled as our church’s new Director of Adult Ministries. Brian is juggling many jobs – continuing in his
Financial Planning career, his hair styling business with a few clients and
managing two salons. Somehow he also
managed to coach soccer and little league.
Now, he is encouraging Kelsi as her season of basketball coach for the
little guys began. We can see her team
thrive under her experience from her years at Pt. Loma U.
Landon is 6 and really
likes kindergarten. Kyla, 3, has two
days of preschool and we are ALL grateful for their amazing school, Redhill
Lutheran. Being close by has given Charlie and me many days, afternoon and evenings
with them. I have learned a lot about
girls from Kyla. It has been fun and
interesting for Charlie and me to observe their “different wiring” – Landon is
shy, artistic and very into sports. Kyla
is feisty, outgoing, creative and loves music.
They are fond of each other and enjoy their friends at church, school
and neighborhood.
Charlie almost lives in
his car – with mentoring, care giving, ministry commitments at Trinity,
Landon’s and Kyla’s transportation to and from our house, school or whatever,
and his Mr. Fix It career with Brian’s two salons, I see him less than when he
was employed. Oh yes, he REALLY likes to
shop - $.99 store and Trader Joes. I
still accept my label as a “home body”.
I haven’t felt like a farmer’s wife as much though with the loss of
quite a few of our chickens to predators.
We only have one now and call her our miracle chick…she survived three
attacks. Although she has trouble with
balance, she responded to our TLC of hand feeding and eye dropper water. Landon and Kyla enjoy petting her and feeding
her corn. The guest house ministry is thriving and will begin its 6th
year in just a few months.
We’ve said good bye to
quite a number of friends who changed their residence from this beautiful Blue
Ball to the glorious realm of Heaven.
They are missed but have reminded us of our temporary residency here. Family and friends are our treasure. Gratitude to God for HIS amazing gifts of
grace, mercy and peace through Jesus keeps us centered. We are deeply blessed by your part in our
lives. Merry Christmas and we pray for
your safe cross over into 2015.
