Note: We're going against the grain, again, and just last week sent out our second annual non-Christmastime update letter. Maybe we'll start a trend, but this time of year is much more manageable for us to get the letters out. Feel free to email if you'd like to be added to our annual mailing list, but here's the e-version too. 😊
Typically, update
letters and photos come at Christmastime, as we celebrate the birth of Christ.
This year, ours comes as we celebrate His resurrection! What an exciting time
of the year! Christ Is Risen and ALIVE! We celebrate our new life made possible
by Jesus, through faith, and because of His grace. And of course, we hope our
update letter finds you well, and also rejoicing!
This year has been
one of many firsts and new beginnings for us, while many things remained the same.
Michael has continued working for Bright Construction, and in his “spare time”
is enjoying the opportunity to create cutting boards and trivets (mostly) in
the shape of Michigan for our business, Trivet + Board. The growth there has
been astounding to us, and we are so grateful for God’s blessing on our
venture. We have a full summer/fall show schedule and are excited to see what
the future brings!
After homeschooling
for 7 years, we put Aaron and Evan in a small Christian school, where they have
adjusted and blossomed. We are taking the schooling decisions one year at a
time, as always, but are so grateful that God led us to this school for this
time in our lives. Evan is 8, and his favorite subject is Art, and he is a
prolific writer and illustrator with a collection of his own books. He also
keeps us laughing with his creative videos. Both boys have enjoyed playing
basketball at the school, and Aaron also played volleyball and is running track
this spring. Aaron (10) enjoys Math and Science, as well as Technology classes
at school. He’s enjoying time with his friends and has started his own paracord
business making and selling paracord bracelets and keychains. It’s great to
watch his entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. We are so thankful that both boys
continue to grow spiritually and it is neat to watch God soften and change
their hearts and mature them. Evan plans to be baptized this May and is very
excited about it.
Jenny has been
dealing with some health problems and has seen some improvement but it seems
like it may be a slow process. God is directing and giving wisdom, and is
faithful. She is homeschooling Cadence (5) and tutoring for our local Classical
Conversations group, and of course running after Amos, who is an astounding 21
months old. He’s a funny little guy with a BIG personality and growing
vocabulary. He loves to play with his siblings and listen to books. Cadey also
enjoys listening to stories and learning to read, coloring pictures, art,
music, playing outside as much as possible, and anything with glitter,
sparkles, and/or rainbows. J She also has a tender heart toward spiritual things and a
strong faith even at this early age.
We continue to keep
busy as a family with the junior high youth group at church, spending time
fixing up our fixer-upper, and art & craft shows (as mentioned). We also
have enjoyed taking advantage of some fun local activities as a family this
Spring! We’re thankful Jenny’s parents live nearby and anticipate spending more
time over there this summer helping renovate their rental property. Dad Forbes
is retiring at the end of the school year after 43 years in Christian
education! We are so thankful for his faithful service and are looking forward
to what God has for him in the coming years. (We are pretty excited to hang out
with him more, too!)
This year has been
one of many new things, but through the changes and challenges, our GOD remains
faithful. He is our Savior and sustainer, and we rest in His trustworthiness
and celebrate His provision for our family!
Much Love to you,
Michael &
Jenny, Aaron, Evan, Cadence & Amos Muth
