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 24th, 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 7th
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
