Family Newsletter 2016

       

Photo by Will and Amanda :) 
And for anyone who would like to read our year in review... :) 

DECEMBER 2016

Merry Christmas!

It’s about Jesus. Our Savior. The One who has brought us through another year. He blessed us with another life, and is redeeming us all through every season. It’s not about our accomplishments of what we’ve done this year, but how He has given us the strength to do it. Our family life is fairly normal, but Jesus takes what is mundane and makes it worth something valuable. He takes something as simple as lunch, and turns it into a discussion about heaven, and what eternity is without God. He brings friends along to support us when we don’t know how we’re going to make it through the craziness of life. He brings the beauty – not us. It’s not our works no matter how good they appear to be – but because of HIS mercy- did He save us.

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit...” Titus 3:5

In early January, for the second time in our entire married life, we got away by ourselves for the weekend to a beautiful Huntsville resort, leaving all the kids with our very kind friends Greg and Steph. What a treat to be able to enjoy our little cabin and have some snowy walks by ourselves.

March 24^th, God gave us little Leanne Esther – 8lb. 14 oz. We were surprised, but thrilled by another darling girl! This happy little doll is quite the early achiever. At eight months, she is already standing on her own, working on her 7^th tooth, and climbing stairs. We also really enjoyed having some good friends come visit us – Chloe and Reid Wilkie and little Rowan in March, and Jared and Breanne and their kiddo’s in June. 

It was exciting in April to see James’ brother Mark and Jennelle married! My (Liz) mom was also around as she came to help out for a bit after Leanne was born. Anne-Marie also came for the last week and spent time with us, and got to do some fun things like taking in a Blue Jay’s game – and going to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto. Always so glad when they can come out!

In June, we made the 35 hour trek from our home to see all my side of the family in Alberta. With all five kids firmly buckled in, we traveled straight for the first 24 hours, and then stopped in at Marvin and Marlene’s for a day which was a perfect break! Then back to road, and finally to the farm where we enjoyed a great reunion with all the siblings and nieces and nephews for a few days. After the official part of the reunion was over, Mom, Dad Fehr, & Auntie Annie took us to Waterton, where I hadn’t been back since dating James! It was a great hike with the kids and we made wonderful memories. Then after the final goodbyes, the journey home began, and it all went quite smoothly. We got to vacation for a day with Marvin and Marlene at the same cottage in Kenora, ON. where James and I first met! The kids have a blast doing some water activities thanks to the all the Dyck crew! I was very thankful for a borrowed DVD player and the Chronicles of Narnia to make the long traveling hours go a bit faster. J

September brought another exciting family wedding on James’ side – Rob married Miranda Van Essen – another lovely woman that I get to call sister. It is neat to see how God directed their lives perfectly together. Dear Nelly came back from Japan for both weddings, and though it was a fast full time, seeing her again a couple times this year was so nice.  We also got to have the Heikoop cottage time together in early September a couple hours north. We all enjoyed some water, and relaxing before the school year began.

Now onto our precious little individuals that are helping to mold, test and completely amuse us every day. J (Well, almost!) Starting with Leanne – 8 months - whom you’ve already met… J Cute and happy describes her.

Amy is 2 ½, our resident monkey, rascal, and determined little darling. She has a lot of spunk, willing to try whatever, doesn’t think that anything is too high or challenging for her, and will probably be the one that will play sports alongside Erik.

Laura is already 4 and in JK. She loves to write out everyone’s names, and do school. She is the peacemaker, little Miss Sunshine, the one with the sensitive heart, and the one who looks after Leanne most patiently. On our trip out West we finally figured out that she was the best person to sit beside the baby and make her happy.  

Erik is almost 6…which is too crazy. He is in SK, working on his reading and writing. He still loves all things with wheels, and all sports with balls. He can shoot baskets with the big kids, and has really taken off in his ability to make things out of Lego. I love seeing his creativity, and hearing his low “cool” voice when he’s telling me of his latest accomplishment.

Katelyn – 7 ½ . She is an avid reader, and for the most of the time, motivated in her school work. This year we tried doing Bob Jones Hard Drive Distance Course, where she watches and learns from different teachers. She loves it. I miss doing some of the one on one with her, but it’s also a needed break as I try to keep up with other things. J She continues with Music for Young Children and is doing very well in piano.  

James and I – well, we are pretty much learning how to be better parents, spouses and Christ followers. J With this being an extra busy time for us right now, God provided in an amazing way this fall bringing along an incredible helper- Emily – a homeschool graduate, who works part time. She has been such a huge blessing and takes care of so many things that I can never get to at this stage of life. If you stop by and our house looks presentable, don’t you dare think it’s because I “have it all together” - NOPE!! It’s Emily! J  I also work on homeschooling the three, being a mom and continuing to do photography. James is still with Whitebird, and being the best dad and husband ever. We continue to fellowship at Bethel Park Chapel, growing, and being challenged by those around us and His Word. We’re thankful for the involvement we get to have there.

So I pray that this Christmas season, and as you prepare for the year ahead, that you will remember that it’s His doing that has made us who we are, if we have chosen to leave sin and follow Him. It’s because of His mercies that we are not consumed –never our good deeds or works that can ever save us. That’s what Christmas is all about – the Savior being sent to redeem us from ourselves! Merry Christmas!

With love, James, Liz, Katelyn, Erik, Laura, Amy and Leanne