Bowers Bunch Blog

Field Trip: Western Michigan

2008-10-04T21:14:00.002-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we had the privilege of spending all day Friday in South Haven, Michigan with our dear friends the Abazis. We met the Abazi's five years ago in Stevenson Ranch, California. We were attending the same church and learned that we lived in the same condominium complex. We shared dinner together and the rest is history...they grew to be our very dear friends, we shared several holidays together, many game nights, and a plethora of rich memories. Darien finished his seminary training in California and the Abazi's welcomed their first child, Tommy, around that time we both knew we were called in different direction. Each of our families hoped and prayed that we would remain in touch and that one family would not be left behind in California for too long without the other. Well, in God's providence we each relocated within a few weeks of one another. The Abazi's are in Detroit, Michigan now and welcomed their second child, Sarah, a day after Noelle's third birthday.

Since our move to Racine, we have been able to see the Abazi's on three occassions. Even though the amount of time we get to spend together pales in comparison to our California days, they are the type of friends we pick right up with where we last left off. We thank God for them and can't wait until our next time together!

A Fresh Start to the Year (Academic Year)

2008-10-04T20:55:00.003-05:00

September 2nd kicked off our official start to the academic year. My post is a month past due but better late than never.

After much thoughtful and prayerful consideration, we decided to keep Luke at home for school this year. Last year Darien encouraged me to trial "school" with Luke to see if we could establish a pattern to build on in a more formal manner this year. After establishing routines and "house rules" for our school time we aim together to remain diligent and faithful to exercising our minds and gaining practical wisdom. I am really thankful for Darien's forethought and wisdom in encouraging me to work with Luke last year; it has really made the transition to more formal education easy.

Luke commenced kindergarten this year (actually he is doing a combine first grade and kindergarten program). Luke really enjoys learning and has demonstrated a strong capacity to retain knowledge; like his dad. Luke's favorite subject is math and it rivals closely with recess.

Noelle too is starting a program that teaches phonics/reading/writing and a math book. Somedays Noelle enjoys sitting in on Luke's science, history, music, and art; she never misses recess though.

One of the true benefits and blessings of schooling the kids at home this year has been the weekly opportunity to build in life skills like visiting an elderly person, writing notes to our friends, cooking meals together and doing special baking projects, holding educational playdates (we learned about our skeleton last month with some friends), learning/singing a new song each week, memorizing theological truths (catechisms), and being able to pick up and go visit friends in another state during the week.

I never, never imagined five years ago that I would be schooling the kids at home. However, for this season the Lord has led us in this direction and it is a true gift.

Goodbye Chicken Pox!

2008-08-15T06:21:00.003-05:00

Over the past month our two girls experienced bouts of chicken pox; we elected not to give the girls vaccinations for the pox but allow them time to get it on their own and ensure life-long immunity. We are glad they both got the pox at a young age; in fact, young enough that they both may not even remember it.

Luke was vaccinated at his first birthday and ended up not getting it; he did well encouraging his sisters and hanging in there with our house bound routine. We were particularly thankful that the timing of the pox came when we had several out of town family visitors in our home; Aunt Erlina and Grandma and Grandpa Bowers were here for seperate visits during our pox outbreaks.

Foolishness vs. Wisdom

2008-08-12T05:48:00.005-05:00

I don't need to teach my children to open their mouths and reveal the grotesque nature of food half chewed, become acquainted with bodily noises and use them to gain their peers attention, or use harsh words or even fists to win a fight with a sibling. God's Word reminds us that "foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child..."; in other words it will be our childrens natural inclination to chase after silly, foolish things. God's Word also remind us of the seriousness of this inherent desire to run hard after foolishness: Proverbs 16:25 says that "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way of death."

In our home we are running hard after wisdom! God promises to give wisdom when we ask for it; like a father delights in giving good gifts to his son. Where on earth can we find this type of wisdom that rebukes the folly of the soul left to itself? God's Word give us a narrow road for acquiring such wisdom; it starts with fearing the Lord (Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever). Reading God's Word, meditating on it, memorizing it and applying it to every day life through the power of the Holy Spirit cultivates such wisdom (Psalm 119). Thirdly, God help us to be righteous parents who walk in integrity so that our children may see a godly example (Prov. 20:7).

Some may say, let kids be kids; these are normal stages they all go through. I agree with only half of that; these are normal stages of sin manifesting itself early unbridled by social norms and mores and devoid of God's Spirit in their lives. It is never too early to input godly wisdom that debunks the cultural low expectations for children. Proverbs 20:11 reminds us "Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right." By God's grace and mercy may Luke, Noelle and Taryn follow hard after God's wisdom at an early age.

Happy 5th Birthday Luke!

2008-07-31T06:39:00.004-05:00

Luke turned five on July 29th! Wow, it seems like just yesterday he came into our lives and yet the years between have been filled with many memories. Five seems like a pivitol age in many respects. The toddler and preschool years are left behind as one embarks on the school age years. Our time with Luke under our roof is God willing already a fourth of the way past. We rejoice in the fullness of these past five years and wait expectantly on the Lord to see how He matures Little Luke into a man who fears Him.

On the evening of Luke's birthday, Darien led our family in a devotional from the passage below:

Proverbs 2:1-10 "My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul"

As Luke's parents our sincere desire is that he would grow into a boy who loves the Lord and looks to God's Word for instruction in all knowledge and wisdom.

God's Good Gifts

2008-07-13T15:38:00.005-05:00

" Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong." Job 1:20-22

These are Job's words after losing his livelihood and all his children and grandchildren.

Last week in Sunday School Darien taught a "biblical one-liner" on Job 1:20-22. The past week afforded many opportunities to reflect in renewed and abundant thankfulness for the many good, unmerited gifts God has given. When each of us were born we "popped out" (Noelle's terms) with nothing on and devoid of any possessions. Within moments of our entry we were lavished with love and affection from our parents, given gifts such as toys, clothing, and other infant paraphenalia. Nourishment and a place to call home came without our earning it or deserving it and God has kept on giving for these many, many years.

The more compelling thing I was challenged with in looking at Job's example of many losses and his God honoring response was how he responded to the wonderful, abundant God-given gifts being taken away. Are the gift that God has given mine to keep? How tightly do I grip these gifts? If our dwelling place burnt down, our child was diagnosed with terminal illness or injury, my physical or mental capacities were crippled, or Darien was called home to glory...what would my response be? Would I, like Job, grieve and in my grief worship God for His immutable goodness? Would my heart turn to seeing these wonderful gifts as returning to their Author and Provider.

Below are some pictures of God's good gifts from the past couple months (sorry I fell off the face of blogspot for a while):

Pictures Telling the Story of the Past Few Weeks

2008-05-18T16:18:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Darien

2008-05-18T15:43:00.002-05:00

On May 12th 34 years ago in Wooster, Ohio Darien was born and every year since has been a celebration of his life sustained and maintained by God's grace and mercy. As his wife, I am so thankful for the day of Darien's birth that afforded us the last eleven years as husband and wife.

On Darien's birthday we enjoyed some time together in the evening; dining with the Boeck's and enjoying dessert with the Boeck's, Christianson's and DeBurgh's. As Darien's birthday came and went I found myself often reflecting on the gift from God that he is to me, our family, and Racine Bible Church where he is privileged to work. Darien is a true man of God; he rises early each day of the week to spend time reading and studying the Bible and praying. His love for the Lord is not contained in his early morning hour with the Lord but spills over into every facet of life. Darien has incredible integrity, wisdom, knowledge (I call him the "King of Useless Facts"), patience, perserverence, and humility....this sounds like a eulogy, but it is not...he is very much alive!

I am particularly thankful that in our home Darien is the spiritual leader. He places significance on his role given by God and before God to lead our family well. He leads me and our family in decisions always consulting the best resources available-the Bible and the Lord. He loves our children and is an incredible father. Darien has a unique ability to balance being a very fun dad with the God-given responsibility to train and discipline the kids honorably.

I thank God too for the gifts that He has given Darien that he is in turn able to share with our local church, Racine Bible Church. Darien has an insatiable passion for teaching the truth of God's Word and seeing the Bible accompanied by the Holy Spirit's transforming lives.

Happy Birthday Darien!

River Bend Nature Center

2008-05-07T10:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday the kids and I enjoyed the beautiful spring weather in Wisconsin at River Bend Nature Center. We enjoyed hiking many different trails and saw a few different animals in their element....wild turkeys, deer, turtles, woodpecker to name a few.

We sure enjoyed the fresh air, quiet of the woods and time together. I brought the camera along but somehow failed to use it...so the pictures below are borrowed from their website.

Yesterday afternoon Darien and I took Taryn up to Children's Hospital in Milwaukee to see a hematologist. Taryn has anemia that appears to be related to an iron deficiency. We have been treating her under the care of our pediatrician in town but Taryn has been slow in responding to traditional therapy therefore our pediatrician referred her to a hematologist. We were impressed with the care Taryn received. We will know more this week as her diagnostic tests are in process.

Taryn's little health issue has been a reminder to our family to thank God for the gift of health we generally experience and to praise Him for how excellently He has woven our bodies together. Beyond this, it has been great to realize that even if Taryn did have a significant health issue (which we really don't believe is the case) that God is good and He is still to be praised. Each day we, as parents, are given the privilege of raising the next generation to love and reverence God it is an awesome gift and responsibility!

....It Has Been Too Long

2008-05-01T20:48:00.004-05:00

Often my mind turns to desiring to post on this blog but the activities of life with young children and the busyness of our lives over the past few months have prevented my good intentions from becoming realities.

I feel the magnitude of writing a Christmas letter as I want to summarize all that has gone on in our lives over the past few months but I will suffice it to say that God has been good (isn't He always)...He has cared for our family perfectly in sickness and health, we enjoyed three separate weeks of visits from three grandparents, Darien was blessed with the opportunity to attend two very rich conferences, and I have been privileged to be surrounded by three young children who are so full of life. I will allow the pictures below to speak about our daily lives over the past three months....

Taryn is at that age and stage where there are many training opportunities (she is in to everything). I snapped a quick picture of her squandering her father's toothbrush and giving it a try before I reminded her that she has her own.

This is Luke following a playdate full of laughter and "all boy" play with Glendon Schulz. Luke ceased napping about a year ago so this was a rare moment- thanks Glendon for wearing Luke out!

Noelle and Luke are quite the helping hands in the kitchen. Luke is the "dish cleaner offer" and Noelle claims the title of the "dishwasher loader"

We enjoyed two nights and three days up at Wisconsin Dells. The Groeber Family was up there part of the time we were there and our families enjoyed time together. Taryn has NO fear!

Another Wisconsin Dells picture

Luke loves to be outside and spends hours re-arranging the snow. He is King of the Snow Mountain in this picture.

The spring time weather wet our appetites for being outdoors working on the yard and in the garden. The kids planted lots of veggies and flowers seeds when my mother was here.

The kids are enjoying time with Grandpa Bowers

Luke joined daddy and Grandpa Bowers in helping to paint the basement.

So much more has taken place over the past few months; these pictures are an incomplete representation but are better than nothing! Darien and I enjoyed our first overnight away without any children since before Taryn's birth; we went overnight to Chicago. Luke is in swim lessons and recently started t-ball too. Noelle has officially claimed the title of "lil' mama"- when I awakened her from her nap the other day she had a baby doll concealed under her shirt and informed me that a baby was going to pop out of her belly. Taryn is walking, running, and starting to really communicate; she if very fun loving and does amazingly well keeping up with her siblings.

Our latest stats:

What I am reading- studying the book of Colossians, reading for pleasure Future Grace by John Piper, my work out times have been saturated by Jack Hughes preaching from the Book of Luke, and Darien and I have enjoyed an online marriage seminar by Voddie Baucham.

What Darien is up to- he is doing a topical study on grumbling and complaining (he is in Numbers 11 at present), He is reading The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and Contending for Our All by John Piper. He mingles among John Piper, Jack Hughes and Voddie Baucham podcasts during his exercise time.

Family Devotional- The Building of the Rock Series, How God Sent a Dog to Save a Family

January 21st: Happy First Birthday Taryn Joy Bowers

2008-01-22T10:11:00.001-06:00

Dear Taryn "our Joy" Bowers:

Happy Birthday! I can hardly believe you have been with us for one year. You have truly been a gift to our family- bringing us much joy! I thank God for the privilege of being your "mama" and venturing through this first year with you. I remain amazed at the handiwork of God not only in forming and sculpting you so wonderfully at birth but also in growing and developing you in these first 365 days of life. Before my eyes you were transformed from a tiny, dependent newborn into a little toddler with a personality all her own.

Taryn, I recall penning these words to your dad eighteen months ago on Father's Day "The last gift I have for you is not one that I was planning on giving you. Then again, I did not give it to you….God did. "Behold, children are a gift from the Lord"….I found out last Friday that we are expecting number three. I realize that this is not the timing we would have chosen but God has something different/better in our future plans. Congratulations!" Indeed, God provided a huge blessing to our family when you joined us; I can't imagine life without you!

Taryn, I enjoy recalling the surprising entrance you made into our world. After a wonderful and sleepless time at the Women's Retreat and one fun game of marshmallow dodgeball you made your appearance into our lives. The surprises didn't stop on the day of your birth….I was expecting an eight or nine pound boy and we were blessed with a five pound 12oz. girl. I thought "terrific, a girl…she will be sleeping through the night by eight weeks"….you provided your dad and I with special bonding opportunities in the wee hours of the morning throughout the next four months. Despite the fact that you made your appearance a little earlier than imagined, your dad had the cradle set up and ready to go….you surprised us again- you slept in your car seat for the first five months of your life and spent little time in your cradle. A little after six months, we got out the baby food and were ready to initiate solid food….you surprised us by eating a tremendous first meal for Miss Woodpecker (aka. Terri) and then went on strike for your parents for the next two months. Each Sunday I think you surprise the nursery workers….you are small but have one mighty voice. Another surprise, one could have never guess how much Luke and Noelle would love and adore you and you surprise us by lighting up for them in a special way. I am also overjoyed and filled with thanksgiving for the way that many if our church family have showered you with love. Taryn, your surprises have humbled me and keep me dependent on the Lord for His strength and wisdom in mothering you.

Taryn as you enter this next year of life and venture towards many new developmental milestones, it is my prayer that God would grant your father and me wisdom in parenting you. Our desire has been and continues to be to "Train up (Taryn Joy) in the way she should go, and when she is old she will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). As your parents we have been endowed with the responsibility of teaching you right vs. wrong, wisdom vs. foolishness, obedience vs. disobedience. The Lord chastens those that He loves in the same manner a father a child in whom he delights. We love you Taryn and desire to direct your heart towards obedience to your parents and ultimately towards love and obedience for the Lord Jesus. Taryn, I hope and pray that ultimately you will know true joy (your middle name) found only in a thriving and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Psalm 95:1-2 O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Lord willing, Taryn, it will be a privilege to be your mommy in the year ahead.
Love you,
Mama

Sunny News for the Grey Days of January: Medical Advice You Didn't Ask For....

2008-01-18T15:47:00.000-06:00

I have not to date posted anything "medical" in nature and certainly don't plan to use this blogspot as a platform for opening up shop/practice. However, as a wife, mom and trained, but not currently practicing NP I do care about physical health and wellness. I attempt to keep up peripherally with medical research in an attempt to be a good steward of the body I have been given and those lives that I am responsible to care for physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. So, read on at your own risk....

A plethora of research abounds in the scientific realm warning of the epidemic of Vitamin D deficiency and the resulting consequences. Although called a vitamin, vitamin D funtions more like a hormone (a substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs). Vitamin D, best know for its role in promoting teeth and bone health, also plays a foundational role in the function of the immune system and preventing inflammation; these two functions are tied to the majority of health ailments!

Our skin manufactures vitamin D in response to sunlight exposure. However, most of us don't live in the tropics and our skin has likely been hidden from regular sun exposure since August. Compounding the problem further are warnings to avoid sun exposure or lather up in sunscreen and inhibit the UVB rays the skin needs to manufacture vitamin D (I share concern for skin cancer and would advocate all the more strongly for vitamin D supplementation rather than baking in the sun for a prolonged time). Of particular interest is a study conducted on people who live in sun-drenched Hawaii who had an average of 11 hours a week of total body exposure to sunlight without sunscreen. Interestingly, over half of the study participants had low levels of vitamin D!

So why should you care about vitamin D? Current scientific research concludes that a huge host of health problems arise or progress in direct correlation with vitamin D deficiency. The list of health problems that research ties to vitamin D deficiency include:

autism
autoimmune illness
cancer (17 types of cancer so a tie with vitamin D deficiency)
chronic pain
depression
diabetes
heart disease
hyperparathyroidism
hypertension
influenza

multiple sclerosis
myopathy
osteoporosis

I really am not one to easily jump on any ole' medical bandwagon. However, the research I have waded through in the past year continues to be very compelling, enough so that I provide supplementation for my own family and even purchased vitamin D (1000 IU tablets) for several close friends at Christmas. The traditional mulitvitamin on your shelf will only provide 400IU a day of vitamin D and the milk you purchase contains far less- ALL the research indicates we need far more in sun starved areas of the country like Wisconsin! I care about your health and would encourage you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider heightened supplementation of vitamin D for you and your family. Ofcourse, we will not lengthen the days appointed for us by our Maker but in properly and thoughtfully caring for the life, breath and bodies He has given to us for a season we will be better able to serve Him.

The Vitamin D Council has asssembled very conservative recommendations for Vitamin D supplementation. Health experts urge all adults to have regular (at least annual) checks of vitamin D levels in their blood. There is a good chance that you will be deficient for at least part of the year if you live in North America.

The Family Band and an Obstacle Course

2008-01-13T15:15:00.000-06:00

Last weekend when we looked at the week ahead we thought to ourselves..."wow, what a busy week it appears to be." However, in God's sovereign plan two of our evening outings were postponed and we enjoyed a few nights at home.

Here is how we filled some of our time.... THE FAMILY BAND!

Okay, what you don't see here is Taryn with her maracas and mama singing accompaniment.

Another event that created an evening of fun was our HOMEMADE OBSTACLE COURSE. We call this "burning energy Wisconsin, cold weather style." I don't have pictures but another evening we found time for flashlight tag. All in all, we enjoyed more family time this week than is anticipated!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!

2008-01-06T15:44:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year! Our hope and prayer for the new year is that we would have eternity set in our hearts, redeeming the minutes, hours and days, all the while maturing in Christlikeness.

We welcomed in the new year with a two year old tradition of having the Beth's over for a dish we only serve once a year- Pork and Sauerkraut. We have one willing family who will enjoy this dish with us. Last year Megan was about two weeks old and Taryn wasn't even born yet. Below, the girls are enjoying time together. Family Game Night...

We have been looking forward to this time for a long time. We pulled out the game of Sorry (we had it stored away for such a time as this) and Luke, Noelle, mom and dad all played it together. We sure enjoy the growing knowledge base and understanding in our two oldest that allows them to participate in new activities like this.

Matching Girls...

Over the past week Noelle and Taryn enjoyed matching outfits. Grandma Kae was very generous and thoughtful in giving the girls several sets of matching outfits.
We failed to take pictures once again but Darien and I were able to get away on a date to undertake some purposeful planning for the new year. Our overarching goal is to give God the glory that belongs to Him in how we invest the time He has given us.....in our marrage, family, parenting, home and ministry.

Finishing the Year 2007

2007-12-30T15:00:00.000-06:00

Our family is thankful for a wonderful final week of the year 2007...we enjoyed a lot of time together as a family, with our church family and with some family visitors.

Christmas Morning

All of December we have been looking forward to Christmas Day (in our advent celebrations on Saturday evenings)...finally the day arrived- the long anticipated son of God was born about 2010 years ago. On Christmas morning Darien hid the baby Jesus (who has been absent from our manger scene) and Luke and Noelle began the hunt. Noelle found the baby Jesus and quickly placed Him right where God placed Him many years ago, in a manger.

I am working on being a better capturer of memories with my camera. I failed to take any pictures of our Christmas evening celebration of Jesus Birth with the Groebers and DeBurghs. We had a delightful time celebrating with these families.
Two evenings in the days after Christmas we were graced with visits from Miss Bose and Miss Woodpecker (as the kids affectionately call them- Sarah and Terri).

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...."

All that Taryn wanted for Christmas was her other front tooth. Well, it didn't arrive in time for Christmas but it has made its appearance before the close of 2007.

Luke our little snow man

Luke enjoyed some time outside building a snowman with daddy. Despite all the snow we enjoyed this year, this was the first snow that was really good for building snowmen and igloos...so we did!

Family Visitors

Luke and Noelle have long been anticipating the arrival of "Silly Uncle Dave and Aunt Molly". December 28th-30th we enjoyed visiting with my brother and sister-in-law from Colorado. Dave and Molly spent hours of time with the kids listening to them, talking with them, playing with them and taking over reading bedtimes stories with them. We enjoyed having them with us and look forward to seeing them again.

Celebrating the First Advent (Christmas Eve)

2007-12-25T06:57:00.000-06:00

We had a busy week getting together with friends for pre-Christmas celebrations and making preparations for celebrations on Christmas eve and Christmas Day.

Last evening we attended the Christmas Eve service at Racine Bible Church as a family and then gathered at our home with some friends from our church family (the Boecks, Lowells, "Miss Bose", "Miss Woodpecker", Wollins, and "Teacher Judy"). We neglected to get many pictures but we had a nice evening enjoying food, fun and fellowship. Darien led the adults and children in reading the Christmas story, singing Christmas songs, and the final lighting of the advent wreath.

Our Little Giver(s)

Over the past week we have talked a lot with the kids about the real meaning of our Christmas celebration being the Jesus coming to earth in the form of a baby. For kids it is easy to get wrapped up (literally) in receiving gifts.

Luke and Noelle were eager to become givers of gifts rather than just recipients this year. They worked with mom and Grandma Bowers before Thanksgiving to concot bubble bath for their friends. They each named many, many friends who they wished to share their pink and blue bubble bath with....some of you are out of state and we thought it wise not to ship fragile glass bubble across the country (but please know that you were thought of).

Friday evening Luke suprised us by insisting that he give a special gift to two boys he admires, Sam and Rylie DeBurgh. Luke selected two of his well liked matchbox cars and asked us to help him wrap them so he could give them to these two boys (Luke was pretty convinced that Sam and Rylie wouldn't be too interested in bubble bath).

Children's Christmas Program at Racine Bible Church

2007-12-17T20:32:00.000-06:00

Yesterday both Luke and Noelle participated in our churchs Childrens Christmas Program. Luke sang "Jesus Precious Jesus" and Noelle sang "Away in a Manger"

Some of our favorite friends

2007-12-17T14:44:00.000-06:00

Over the past week we were privileged to spend time with several friends in Racine who have become like family.....

Below, Ann Nelson and her two boys, Ambrose and Viggo, came over to "study" about the state of Ohio. Each of our families has been studying a state a week but we agreed to save Ohio for near the Christmas season. Each year our family enjoys making a candy called buckeyes and using our ohio shaped cookie cutter; this year we had a lot of fun baking and studying with the Nelsons. Ohio is known as "The Buckeye State"- we did learn some useful facts about Ohio but used our time in the kitchen to reinforce our lesson :)

Last Friday evening we celebrated Noelle's and Taryn's birthday with Grandma Kae and Grandpa 'Yard' as they are known by our children. Ard and Kae Kiehlbauch were adopted by our children as "local" grandparents several days after we arrived in Racine. The Kiehlbauchs were so kind to us when we pulled into town about eighteen months ago....Noelle looked up at Kae and called her "gamma" and it has stuck!

Finally, we talked the Boecks into coming to our home to participate in our Saturday evening advent dinner, candlelighting, Scripture reading and singing. We would not have been able to talk too many friends into venturing out in the snowy weather ...but the Boeck's live about half a mile down the road.

Regularly, Darien and the kids enjoy after dinner wrestling.....Taryn is starting to make her debut but didn't get caught on camera.

A week with Grandma

2007-12-12T16:42:00.001-06:00

Our family was blessed by a visit from "Grandma Buck" (as the kids affectionately call her). My mom arranged her visit in order to be present for Noelle's third birthday, continue the tradition of Christmas baking together and celebrate an early Christmas together.

Our week together ended up much fuller than either of us anticipated. However, we enjoyed forming memories together.....decorating a square shaped merry-go-round cake for Noelle's birthday, spending two hours on Christmas cookies that didn't turn out, learning to use a cookie press, painting Noelle's fingernails for the first time, going to the jelly bean factory, a fun filled afternoon with the Nelson's studying the state of Ohio together, and much more.

Thanks for spending a week with us!

Noelle, Happy 3rd Birthday

2007-12-09T16:15:00.001-06:00

Noelle, we thank God for your life!

Your life began December 9th with a bit of a rough start- you had Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn complicated with sepsis and spent ten days in the NICU. The time you spent in the hospital caused us to realize more than ever that your life is a gift.

Noelle, you quickly became the apple of your brother's eye and his best friend....

Mom returned to work before you turned three months old in order to support dad in finishing his seminary studies. You were privileged to spend more time with your daddy than most little girls....you remain a daddy's girl.

Noelle's First Birthday Party....

Noelle's Second Birthday....Noelle's Third Birthday...

Dear Noelle: Today is your third birthday, happy birthday BIG sister!
Your dad and I are so thankful that God has allowed us to be your father and mother for three whole years- what a gift. We marvel at how God has created you ALL girl and formed you so beautifully.
Noelle, before you popped out of mommy's tummy and your dad and I got to meet you, God formed your body and your soul and He did a terrific job. God knew you before we did and He loves you. Noelle, as we have gotten to know you these past three years our affection for you has grown deeper and deeper and yet we can't love you as perfectly as God loves you.
Noelle, from your early days you had a rare privilege that few children know. Your dad had the privilege of being more involved in your first eighteen months than most fathers. The really neat outcome of this experience is that you are definitely a "daddy's girl." Noelle, I love to see how you adore your dad and look forward to seeing him first thing in the morning and at the end of his day. Your dad provides a wonderful example to you of the love of our Heavenly Father- he is loving, patient, kind, and when he disciplines you it is because he wants you to guide you in making wise choices, not foolish ones. My hope is that one day soon the love that you have for your daddy will be transferred into a relationship with God the Father, that you would love and adore and desire to please Him as you do your dad.
Noelle, our prayer for you is that the Holy Spirit would open the eyes of your heart that you would see and comprehend the love of Christ for you. As your mother there is only one gift that I hope and pray you receive; that gift is the gift of eternal life….that you would recognize your sin and your need for a savior and that Jesus death on the cross for the sins of His chosen ones and resurrection three days later in victory over sin and death would be yours! Noelle, all of your favorite toys (barbies, baby dolls, finger paints, etc.) will not give you the everlasting joy that a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior will bring. My prayer for you this year is that God would be pleased to open your eyes and transfer you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. I pray that you will "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil." (Prov. 3:5-7).
The last ten months have brought joy to my heart to see you adoring and helping care for your little sister. You are a mommy in training and clearly God has planted within you a love for children. Mommy really appreciates the help you are to me in caring for Taryn (you are an ever present companion in our diaper changing adventures), in trying your hand in the kitchen (we do need to work on restraining ourselves in nibbling before the treats reach completion), and learning to help out with work around the home (you do a great job of diligently collecting the laundry and helping set the table).
We look prayerfully and expectantly into the next 365 days to see how the Lord will continue to mature you into a young lady.
Love you, Mom

The week in review: Dec. 3-7

2007-12-08T07:25:00.000-06:00

One of our learning goals this week was to learn about snow- how God makes snow, how cold it has to be in order to snow, etc. Our accompanying craft was making snowflakes....here is the evidence. Luke and Noelle also enjoyed helping stamp our Christmas letters that we will be sending to our church family.

Then we enjoyed getting outside to enjoy some hands on fun with snow...

Taryn is eagerly anticipating her debut in the snow....

The Anticipation of Christ's Birth

2007-12-02T14:47:00.001-06:00

Life with little ones affords us much opportunity for reflecting thankfully on things in the past balanced with a healthy amount of anticipation of upcoming events. Last evening we "officially" started anticipating Jesus Birthday by having our first family advent celebration.

This past week Luke and Noelle picked out an advent wreath and the accompanying candles (they are all Noelle's favorite colors :) ) and assembled them. On Saturday evening daddy led us in a time of family worship from Isaiah 9 as we looked expectantly from the OT for the Messiah's arrival.

Photos of the Kids

2007-11-28T21:21:00.000-06:00

They are growing in stature....

Taryn 10 months

Luke 4 and Noelle 2.75

Crazy Luke bundled up enjoying summer toys in winter weather

Family Photos

2007-11-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

Here are some recent pictures of our family