As we set aside some time this spring to reflect on the resurrection, I’m in awe of all that it means to our family. We are able to experience peace with God and others because of Jesus’ work on the cross! Peace for eternity and peace in our uncertainty here on earth. And there are some uncertainties for all of us! This year has found us leaning hard on the grace God has promised!!
Michael & I opened our AirBnB in May of 2023 and it has been a huge blessing for our family. God’s orchestration of all the details to purchase, renovate, and host a variety of guests has been really fantastic to see. Our kids helped tremendously along the way with the project, which took about 18 months of nights, weekends, and every spare minute. Come see us - we’d love to host friends and family! Last summer we were very busy, and most weekends through the “off” season.
We celebrated 20 *very happy* years of marriage this past December and can hardly believe how the time is flying by. We enjoy being involved at church, working with the junior high youth group, our deacon flock, and various other opportunities God has given us. Michael continues to work for Bright Construction, and the two of us also have recently been doing some side work, remodeling and furnishing/staging a home, and it’s been very rewarding and fun to be working together - hopefully more of that in the future!
Aaron, 17, is a junior this year and got his driver’s license, worked all summer, had a great soccer season, and a new to him camera allowed him to immerse himself in photography in a bigger way. He enjoys it and is very gifted! He’s also playing in band and was able to participate in choir tour with his school as well. It’s so fun watching him grow into the man God created him to be! He’s still considering what God might have for him post high school; prayer would be appreciated!
Evan, 15, is a freshman this year and has been challenged with a few twists and turns in his epilepsy journey. He’s doing his best to trust God with some disappointments, and we can see his faith growing. He’s enjoying taking some elective classes at school this year and is home schooled for the others. Evan is very creative in many ways from art to Minecraft and with his school writing assignments. He’s also been working on creating some poetry! He also enjoys making people laugh. He likes to think outside the box and we are excited to watch God’s plan for him unfold. He’s really hoping to be able to take driver’s ed later this year!
Cadence, 12, is finishing up sixth grade and anxious to join the youth group soon - this summer! It’s hard to believe we will soon have three teenagers in the family! Cadey still loves building with Lego, spending time with her friends, creating art, and playing the ukulele. She picks up skills quickly and it’s super fun to watch her excitement! She is also very gifted with organization and is a hard worker. I love her tender heart for others and am so glad she’s part of our team!
Amos is 8 and eight is great! We are working on second grade with him; he’s a whiz at math and a super fast runner. He likes playing with Lego, being outside and hanging out with his siblings. He is always up for an adventure! This summer, his swimming skills took off like crazy and it was so fun to see him gain confidence and enjoy the freedom that brings. Michael has also been impressed with Amos’ abilities as a plumbing assistant for various projects like changing out faucets and a dishwasher! He is focused and determined and seems to catch on quickly!
There have been many times this past year when we looked at each other and wondered what we were going to do, what choices we needed to make, or how we would make it to the next thing, but God’s faithfulness has remained our steadfast anchor and hope, even in the middle of our mess. It has felt like life has been speeding by and we are just hanging on - so if you pray for us, please pray that we will be able to be intentional with our choices, slow down, focus on the things God has called us to do, and rely on God’s wisdom over our own. We are confident in God’s character and promises and covet your prayers for us!
When we count our blessings, you are on the list. SO grateful for each one of you and pray you all have a very blessed Easter and experience God’s peace through Jesus’ death and resurrection!
Much Love,
Michael, Jenny, Aaron, Evan, Cadence & Amos
