January Update

Entertainment news:  I went with some of my kids and some friends and saw the latest Hobbit movie on 12/21.  If you’ve read the books and haven’t seen the movies, just let me say there’s not a lot of resemblance.  Mr. Jackson (who made the movies) took a lot of license with this one, more than he ever has before.  But, I went into it knowing that and somewhat expecting it, so it was still a fun movie to watch and very exciting.

Sports news:  GO SEAHAWKS!!  I sincerely hope that when I write to you next month, I’ll be celebrating a Seahawk Super Bowl win.  I’m wearing my Seahawks hoodie now, with great pride, I might add.

A great QB and a brother in Christ!

GO SEAHAWKS!!

Weather news:  We had a very cold snap a few weeks ago, with air temperatures below zero, and when you add the wind chill factor, a lot below zero (like about -20 or colder).  Of course, my daughter, Kortney, and her (spoiler alert—see below under family news) fiancé in Minnesota had air temperatures of -20 and wind chills of -40.  Kortney took a cup of boiling water outside, threw it in the air, and watched it disappear before it hit the ground.  I guess that’s what they do for fun in Minnesota in super cold weather.  Now it’s back to a more reasonable 30-something degrees here, and it was warm enough for the past few days that almost all of the snow has melted, except for the piles from the plows.

Family news:  We had a fabulous Christmas celebration.  Once again, by God’s grace, all eleven of my children were able to be home, plus Carissa’s boyfriend, Matt, Kortney’s boyfriend, Mat, and Hannah’s husband, Kevin.  And Ella’s fiancé, Cody, was there just about all the time, even though his family lives right nearby.  He actually spent the night Christmas Eve with us to take part in the Christmas morning madness with the whole family.  It was a crazy and wonderful time.

 

Lots of gifts!

We don't have a chimney, so the stockings were hung on the couch with care

Wonderful madness

Last week, my dentist discovered two cavities that I had filled yesterday.  The last time I had had fillings was probably 35-40 years ago (how many of my brothers remember Dr. Blight?—yes, that really was his name).  Either the technology has greatly improved, or I have a really good dentist, or maybe both, because it was a relatively painless process.  He was done very quickly and easily.  Now, I’m not saying I would get fillings for fun—that would be a weird date—but it wasn’t nearly as bad as I remembered.

So, a week ago, we’re just sitting around, watching TV, when we get a picture text from Kortney showing her hand with a diamond ring on it!  There was much rejoicing!!  Mat is a fantastic guy who really loves the Lord and loves Kortney, and I’m very happy for them.  They are planning a wedding for June this year.

Congratulations Kortney and Mat!

So, yes, if you’re paying attention, that will be three weddings for our family in less than a year:  Hannah in July 2013, Ella in February 2014, and Kortney in June 2014.  I would be stressed if it wasn’t for God’s grace, and how perfect each of their men is for them.  All three are godly men who I’m so happy the Lord brought into my daughters’ lives.  We are truly blessed!

Until February…