Merry Christmas 2019 and Happy New Year!!
Greetings Friends and Family,
2019 has been a year of growth.
A few weeks after ringing in the New Year, and with the help of many family and friends, Hayley headed off to the far away land of Slovakia to attend YWAM University of the Nations. In an attempt to take our minds off Hayley’s absence, we attended The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm play at the High School. Hannah played several characters, acting out numerous fairy tales in one amazing comedy-filled night. On Valentine’s Day, Dale and I headed to Nashville, TN, to meet up with The Stolpe’s (my sister and brother in law). Although the trip was way too short, we had an amazing time exploring the area and catching up. Shortly after we returned, we finished the remodel on the kitchen, bathroom, living room and hallway. We are grateful that is all done and we are still married. Hayley finished up the training in Slovakia and headed off to India in March, then later traveled to Hungary and Croatia. We were able to skype often, which made my momma’s heart feel better having my sweet girl so far away. In May, Dale resigned his position at Praise Church. This decision was not an easy one, but it was one that we felt our family really needed. For the first time in a very long time, Dale is finally able to attend church with us as a family.
We decided to start attending Church on the Hill, again, after attending a class and feeling that we were ready to return. Noah loves his new friends and Hayden is participating in youth group. Hayley is serving as a youth worker. As Hayden’s Freshman year came to an end, Hannah turned 18 and a few weeks later, graduated High School. We barely caught our breath before she left home to serve at Camp Tadmor for the Summer. Hayden was offered a summer job taking care of 3 boys… and she survived. Hannah returned for a weekend to be a bridesmaid for her cousin, Desiree, on her wedding day. That same weekend, we celebrated Noah’s 6thbirthday and our 23rdwedding anniversary. We celebrate 30 years together in April 2020.
This was the first year that we attended the 4th of July festivities at the Evergreen Museum. It was a super special treat to have We Three there in concert. I might have shed a few tears as I remembered Joshua so many years ago barely peeking over the drum set. A few days later, we welcomed Hayley home. It was so nice to finally hug her. This trip transformed our daughter and we are so grateful for everyone’s support and prayers.
Hayden celebrated her 15th birthday and passed her driving permit test. I don’t even know how it is possible that she is old enough to drive. Noah started play therapy, which has been such a huge help in transitioning him into Kindergarten, helping him to learn how to self regulate and a great way for Dale and I to learn how to parent a child who has experienced layers of trauma. Hayley got a job as a temp at ADEC, assembling dental products. As Summer began to wind down, Dale and I headed off to Hawaii with Hannah and her best friend, Brooke, to celebrate her graduation. We just so happen to leave on Dale’s birthday, which made it even more special. This trip was very much needed and we felt at ease as Noah spent time with his best buddy, Asher. He didn’t even miss us. As soon as we returned, we barely had time to rest before the kiddos were posing for their first day of school photos and Hannah was off working at The Painted Lady, a world renown restaurant in Newberg. September was coming to an end and Hayley and Hannah were given an opportunity to rent a very nice duplex that had just been updated. The girls barely had time to process the idea of moving out before they were all moved in and budgeting for bills and groceries and putting together chore lists and asking everyone to remove their shoes and turn off lights… Now that’s growth!!
Noah transitioned into Kindergarten like a rock star. He consistently melts the hearts of the staff and is making many friends and very good choices. I started another Fall term on my college journey, while continuing to work full time at MVA. October was filled with lots of planning. We put together another banquet for the nonprofit organization that Dale works for, Men in the Arena. This event was held on November 2nd, raising thousands of dollars to help support the vision and mission and to make it possible for Dale to work full-time starting this January. He’s been on staff part-time for a few years now.
We put together a 20’s themed murder mystery party for Hayley’s 22ndbirthday in mid-November. It was so much fun, we can’t wait to host another one. Hayley was transferred from ADEC to DCI, still working on assembly of dental equipment. She would love to work in McMinnville and is entertaining the idea of working at a bank and going back to school. As November came to an end, the girls hosted their first Thanksgiving in their new place. We ate so much food, we could barely move. Now both homes are decorated with Christmas cheer, ready to celebrate the birth of Christ, our savior. I’m in awe of the many blessings we have, the growth we can measure this year, and for the friends and family who have been here through it all. I’m not taking any of it for granted. We look forward to connecting with our friends, old and new. With those that we talk to on Facebook or pass when we are out and about, we are grateful for all the connections we have. We pray a special blessing over each of you this Holiday Season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
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