NOEL

Noel - Latin Natalis meaning nativity or birth. Also French for Merry Christmas


When I saw this, I couldn't help but think what a perfect title it was for all the changes we have gone through this year, including an new classical school for both the kids and I. But through all the change, one thing has been firmly rooted and that is our faith in our heavenly father. So, I start this post by saying Noel.

I was thinking about where to start and I would have to say there is really only one place, that is the effect that Loveland Classical Schools (LCS) has had in our lives. Let me start by saying that by the beginning of 2011, it was evident to Eric and I that we were not happy with the education the kids were receiving and that there would need to be a change. Around the same time, I heard of a charter school that was being formed. After some research and a meeting with one of the founders in February, we were firm supporters of Loveland Classical School. Over the summer, I spend numerous hours volunteering along with many other parents under the leadership of two AMAZING women, Trisha Coberly and Tamara Cramer. Their diligence came to fruition in September when the first day of school was held in a brand new building, with Kalten and Caydee in attendance. From that moment on, we have been thrilled with the progress they have made and greatly attribute it to the classical, core knowledge curriculum they are receiving from passionate teachers.

I suppose I should also mention that along with the new school for the kids came a new job for me. I was hired as a sixth grade classroom coordinator at LCS. One of the unique characteristics of LCS is that we have departmentalized education for grades 1-6. In other words, we have math teachers to teach math, science teachers to teach science, etc. The teachers rotate from room to room. As a coordinator, my job is to be the constant in the classroom throughout the day. I am also responsible for any free periods and for teaching a core virtues period every day. To say that I love my job would be an understatement. Not only do I find great reward in what I do, but it has created a desire to return to school soon to earn my secondary education degree.

Outside of LCS, which I admit does consume a great deal of our time, we find ourselves falling in love with the mountains more and more every day. Whenever we can, we head up to Rocky Mountain National Park and spend the day hiking and exploring. Of course, there are kids activities that impede that.

Kalten experienced his first year of player pitch baseball this summer and I am proud to report that he was the starting pitcher for the majority of his games. With his love of baseball, we decided it was best for him to try out for several competitive baseball teams. We were delighted when he was accepted onto two separate teams. After talking to both coaches and much prayer, we decided to go with the 12 and under Loveland Predators. He is playing with boys a year older than him, but is enjoying it immensely.

Kalten also had his first year of tackle football this fall and was a natural. His only disappointment was that he did not get to handle the ball due to his weight. On the bright side, he found that he loves defense and wants to be like Suh some day. All I could think was, YES! He still has some Husker blood in him. Of course, being so close to Denver; Eric, Kalten, and I have also caught Tebow fever. What a great role model for Kalten. GO BRONCOS!

Caydee tried her hand at swim team, softball, and dance and didn't like any of them. As most of you know, once Caydee decides something there is no use in fighting it unless absolutely necessary. Because of this, we are taking a break from sports and focusing on her love of art. She spends every waking minute creating and designing. We plan to focus on that for now and throw in some piano lessons for good measure. We will have to let you know how that goes.

On the plus side, we are starting to see the rewards that Caydee's strong will can bring. The first glimpse came when she found out she was not the top reader in her class. That did not sit well with her and she has spent a great deal of time and effort on her own to become a great reader. I am proud to report that this week, she read her first chapter book. She also carries this passion into science and math, her two favorite subjects. As for history, suffice it to say she tolerates history. She also isn't to fond of her coordinator, Ms. Pimentel, because 'she makes me be quiet and listen and won't let me talk to my friends when I want to'. This made us laugh out loud. There is still a lot of progress to be made with that strong will.

Jessica on the other hand, is as sweet and charming as ever. She is currently attending preschool and daycare at Immanuel Lutheran and is blossoming before our eyes. She is no longer quiet, but has a lot to say. The joy comes in the things she says and her deep perception. She continues to amaze me with her ability to read people.

Jessica has started dance and, unlike her sister, loves it. She has classes once a week with her best friend, Samantha. She is practicing ballet and tap. She also loves to create with Caydee. I believe this is more because she loves to socialize and that means doing whatever Caydee is doing if she wants to hang out. None the less, you can also find her artwork all over the house. I have to admit it is awesome to watch them together. They may not realize it, but they really are each other's TRUE best friend.

The only thing that hasn't changed in the past year is Eric's job. He continues to have steady hours and is now a guaranteed full time employee at Mistras. Along with this position, came a great reduction in the amount of travel. He continues to work on becoming certified in several areas, but is now doing it while coming home every night. We could not be more thrilled.

We have had our rough patches this year, but they have been far exceeded by the great love God has shown us. It is such a joy to know that no matter what 2012 brings, he will be leading us every step of the way. I pray that you will reside in the peace and joy that he brings also. God's blessings to each of you, our family and friends.

Philippians 2:8-10 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth

In the Hand of God-Trusting God to do What I Can't

I had an encounter with God today in the form of a 7th grade boy. I do not know his story or where he is now, but he has touched me forever.

It started yesterday when a young man knocked at our door looking for a friend's house. The house number was only two less than ours, but he wasn't sure of the street. I directed him to the house next to us or behind us and didn't think much more of it until we saw him walking around an hour later. We were on our way to swim practice and I pulled over and asked him if he had found his friend. It was getting dark and I was concerned with his lost look. He said no and after some further discussion, I discovered that he was looking for a house in the division behind us (they have the same name, one North and one South). I gave him directions and offered him a ride, but he refused much as I expected him to. He stayed on my mind and I prayed for him several times that night.

This morning there was a knock at our door and it was the same young man. He said that he still hadn't found his friend's house. At this point I became concerned and invited him in. After some questions and patience, I discovered that he had run away from home and had spent the night in one of the unfinished houses in our neighborhood. It was very cold last night with fierce winds and snow. He was waiting for his friend to be out of school so he could go look again. I felt my heart breaking for him and knew that I would do whatever I could to help. He agreed to my calling my pastor and getting some advice. As I expected, my pastor said that I should contact authorities. I talked to the young man some more and he agreed that it would be okay. While we waited, the young man prayed with me. When the police arrived, they shared that his mother had been on the phone with them all morning. His family had recently moved to a nearby town and he was struggling with the change. The police then left with him.

I do not know where that young man is now, but I have been praying for him most of the day. I believe with all my heart that God brought him to my door yesterday and that it was God's voice encouraging me to talk to him again when we saw him wandering. Although I do not know what happens now, I know that God is right there with him. I may never hear the end of this story, but I take comfort in the fact that God is holding him safely in His arms.

Voices of the Faithful, Vol. 2 by Kim Davis and Beth Moore

First, I must share that I am writing this book review as part of the booksneeze.com blog review. The website provides free books and in return, I provide a review of the book. I am not required to give a good review, just an honest one. How cool is that?

Today, I am reviewing the book, Voices of the Faithful, vol. 2, by Kim Davis and Beth Moore. The book is a compilation of 365 devotions based on the experiences of missionaries around the world, one for each day of the year. Each devotion also includes a bible verse and a prayer based on the reading.

At first I was leary of this book, thinking it would be interesting, but not something I would normally purchase. Much to my surprise, I loved the book. Each devotion is short (less than a page for most), making it easy to stick to a daily reading plan. The stories are inspiring and you can see God actively working through each one. Most surprising was the way I found myself applying the writer's experience to my own life and feeling God speaking to me through them.

I also love the prayer at the end of each day, which helps to give a direct area in which to pray instead of just praying for the missionaries around the world as a whole. I love that I can be more specific in my prayers and requests to our Father in Heaven.

The daily readings also help to bring the world mission field to my heart and home. I plan on integrating them into our daily family devotion.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering it.