Fresh from our second trip to the States in less than two months, we are counting our blessings as we prepare for the Christmas season. To recap our October journey:
The celebration of Grandpa's life was heartwarming and memorable for so many reasons. At the funeral, my brother Jeff gave a thought-provoking message; my cousin's children read an essay about "Grandpa's Hands," and my mom shared a letter she had written to Grandpa on Father's Day a few years ago -- expressing thanksgiving for her stable home, fond memories, and admiration for her dad. Mom's extended family shared dinner together, along with poignant and funny stories about Arnie. Friends came from great distances to show their love and support for our family. All of this was a huge blessing.
As we said goodbye to Gramps, many people's thoughts and words turned to the never-ending cycle of life. Not long before and after Arnie passed, two babies were born into our family: Samuel Randell (June 11) and Matthew Frazier (Oct. 19). In July, another baby was created: Ours, who surprised us in many ways with his/her presence, and who will join our family in late April. These three new tiny people remind us of God's goodness and grace, and his perfect (though usually unexpected) timing. What a joy it was to announce our good news to our families in person!
Our second trip to Nebraska, in mid-November, was full of celebration as well. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with Monte's extended family, and early Christmas dinners and gift exchanges with both sides of our family. As godparents for both Samuel and Matthew, we were honored to stand up with each of them at their respective churches on Sunday the 25th. You might have noticed from the above photo that we were reunited with our dear dog, Swede, who stayed at the farm the whole time we were there. What a treat!
One extra person joined our family for the Frazier gift exchange this year: Jennie's boyfriend Jason, who showed his good sense of humor by graciously accepting a sweat sock instead of a proper Christmas stocking; and who showed his love for Jennie by asking her dad for permission to marry his daughter. (On December 2, he surprised her with a diamond ring!)
Our last stop in the States was Cincinnati to attend the wedding of our old friend, John Woyak, and his beautiful bride, Cara. Monte enjoyed reconnecting with fraternity brothers he hadn't seen in at least five years -- most (all?) of whom were at our own wedding 12+ years ago. We spent a lovely day at John and Cara's new home, and Natalia made fast friends with Selena, Cara's daughter. Yet another blessing to add to the list: Friends who feel more like family.
Photos of ALL of the above are now on Flickr. See the links, upper left. I've also posted a few shots of us preparing the house for Christmas. Best decorations of all? Your cards!!
The celebration of Grandpa's life was heartwarming and memorable for so many reasons. At the funeral, my brother Jeff gave a thought-provoking message; my cousin's children read an essay about "Grandpa's Hands," and my mom shared a letter she had written to Grandpa on Father's Day a few years ago -- expressing thanksgiving for her stable home, fond memories, and admiration for her dad. Mom's extended family shared dinner together, along with poignant and funny stories about Arnie. Friends came from great distances to show their love and support for our family. All of this was a huge blessing.
As we said goodbye to Gramps, many people's thoughts and words turned to the never-ending cycle of life. Not long before and after Arnie passed, two babies were born into our family: Samuel Randell (June 11) and Matthew Frazier (Oct. 19). In July, another baby was created: Ours, who surprised us in many ways with his/her presence, and who will join our family in late April. These three new tiny people remind us of God's goodness and grace, and his perfect (though usually unexpected) timing. What a joy it was to announce our good news to our families in person!
Our second trip to Nebraska, in mid-November, was full of celebration as well. We enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner with Monte's extended family, and early Christmas dinners and gift exchanges with both sides of our family. As godparents for both Samuel and Matthew, we were honored to stand up with each of them at their respective churches on Sunday the 25th. You might have noticed from the above photo that we were reunited with our dear dog, Swede, who stayed at the farm the whole time we were there. What a treat!
One extra person joined our family for the Frazier gift exchange this year: Jennie's boyfriend Jason, who showed his good sense of humor by graciously accepting a sweat sock instead of a proper Christmas stocking; and who showed his love for Jennie by asking her dad for permission to marry his daughter. (On December 2, he surprised her with a diamond ring!)
Our last stop in the States was Cincinnati to attend the wedding of our old friend, John Woyak, and his beautiful bride, Cara. Monte enjoyed reconnecting with fraternity brothers he hadn't seen in at least five years -- most (all?) of whom were at our own wedding 12+ years ago. We spent a lovely day at John and Cara's new home, and Natalia made fast friends with Selena, Cara's daughter. Yet another blessing to add to the list: Friends who feel more like family.
Photos of ALL of the above are now on Flickr. See the links, upper left. I've also posted a few shots of us preparing the house for Christmas. Best decorations of all? Your cards!!
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