We Love You!!

This post is probably long over due, but we are assuming that most of you reading this have probably already heard that Brent's dad went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 28 at 1:30 am. We are so grateful that he went peacefully, and we know without a doubt that he is in a much better place. Brent's mom is doing great; a great testimony of God's grace and trusting the sovereignty of God in every situation.

It's hard to know where to start with this, but on Friday, Feb 26 the Lord worked out the details for us to bring Dad back home from Memphis, TN. It was a long ride for him, and it was looking like he might not make it; but the Lord was gracious and gave us a little more than a day with him before he passed away. It was not easy for any of us to see him in the condition he was in, but it made it all that more easy to rejoice when he finally did go. He is deeply missed by all, and since Brent's parents live on adjoining property our kids rarely went more than a day or two without seeing him.

Leaving Memphis, TN

Mom rode with Dad in the ambulance while Stan and Pam followed in the car.

Arriving Home

Braxton getting uncle time with John.

Working on the powerpoint for the funeral.

Cousin Time!

The Lord provided beautiful weather the week of the funeral which allowed the cousins some outdoor time together while the adults planned.

When the family went to the funeral home to work out details and pick out a casket, the whole family was in agreement when they spotted a pine wood casket. Dad was not an extravagant man; the more simple the better. He loved the Lord and always said his money was better spent given to ministries or missions. The one thing he enjoyed was doing things with his grandkids. He has built many projects with our boys, including the total remodel of our current home. After seeing the pine casket, the family came up with the idea of having the grandkids (& children) wood burn their signatures onto it. We brought the casket home and set it in the middle of Dad's wood shop and did just that! It was a memory the kids will never forget and a way we could give back to Dad.

::Funeral::

Kara agreed to play "I'd Rather Have Jesus" if she could be first on the program; before her emotions took hold.

The four children each shared a tribute to their dad.

A rarity; John fell asleep. We realized after the service that he was running a fever.

Grace Baptist Church provided a wonderful meal for those attending.

::Sunset Burial::

We had a time of fellowship with family and friends after the burial.

Thanks Dad/Grandpa for all you have done for us and the testimony of Christ's love that you left!

Here's a shortened version on the powerpoint that was shown at the funeral; we also added some additional pictures that included our family.

Memphis, TN

Last Thursday, Brent and I left for Memphis, TN along with Brent's brother, Craig, and his wife, Esther, to be with the family during his dad's brain surgery. Unfortunately, the outcome was not what we had prayed for, but we as a family have peace knowing that nothing is out of God's control. I have included a couple of pictures of our time together as a family. We had moments of weeping together, but we had many enjoyable moments together as well.

The hospital where we spent the weekend together

Some of the family is still there, so please continue to pray for them as well.

Since Brent's dad has been in ICU, there are only 4 designated times when the family can visit him. This pic (above) was actually taken the day of surgery. All of us were emotionally drained... some of us were smart enough to rest at the hotel where cameras weren't present :-) The Lord did provide accommodations for us at a hotel just across the street. We weren't sure what they would be like, but they ended up being great. It also worked out very well to be that close by. Brent's sister, Pam, even went over one afternoon to rest awhile.

We are so grateful to Brent's brother, Stan, and nephew, Brandon, who graciously loaned us their two lap top computers!! We spent much time researching and keeping the Caringbridge site updated.

Craig, on the verge of "needing duct tape"!!! ;-) A family saying that was started on this trip... and will probably remain within the family!!!

On Sunday, we met together as a family for a time of singing, sharing, and praying together at a little chapel in the hospital. We then went out together to eat BBQ; Brent's mom hadn't left the hospital for 6 days, and since Dad was stable, she graciously went with us.

While Brent and I were gone, the kids remained at home with the older ones holding down the fort; not a small task with a large family!! A big thanks to Kara who had a huge responsibility, especially since this was such a last minute decision; I think she had a 2 hour notice! Friday after surgery, when the bad news came back that it was iffy whether their grandpa would make it through the night; Justin, Laura and Braxton came over to spend the evening and night with them. I think it was helpful for them all to be together as a family. Braxton was also a great distraction!!!

When I first saw this picture, I was horrified; but I was informed that the water is only ankle deep, and someone was sitting beside him.

Braxton and Uncle John cuddling

Braxton getting attention from Aunt Bethany

Ice Skating

Tuesday, a couple of families from our church, along with some other friends, got together for an afternoon of ice skating at the rink. We all had a blast and can't wait to do it again!

Charis Hobbs & Kara

The boys even got creative and started playing hockey without hockey sticks... a combination of hockey and soccer! It was quite entertaining to watch!! (see video)

Kara & Traci Beeson helping Cathi Beeson

Ashley, Angie Beeson, Emily, Kara, Me (Bethany), Emily Beeson, & Traci Beeson

Prayer Request

I thought I would share a prayer request concerning my Grandpa (Henry Bergen).

Prior to Jan. 25 the family began noticing that my Grandpa was not communicating quite right; he seemed to be having a hard time finding the right words to speak. On Monday the 25th the first of several CT scans was done and a tumor was located on the left side of his brain in the temporal area. After several weeks of appointments and waiting, imaging and waiting, the Lord graciously opened a door for him to go to Memphis, TN to possibly receive the needed surgery. Grandpa’s symptoms continue to worsen each day. At this point we do not know whether this is a malignant tumor or not. Technically, they are calling this a low-grade cerebral meningioma. The difficulty comes with the tumors size and especially its location.

As of right now my Grandpa and Grandma along with my Aunt Pam are traveling to Memphis, TN.

Your prayers would be much appreciated.

I've set up a website at CaringBridge.org to keep everyone up to date on what is happening.

Glad It's Not Me!!!

This past Wednesday, Justin had a jaw surgery done to correct his bite. Mom and Dad were at the hospital visiting him when Braxton came for a visit. You can tell he must be a sociable little boy as the appearance of his dad didn't even seem to bother him!!!

Since Justin obviously wont be able to chew his food for awhile, we made him a bunch of homemade yogurt. ;-D We recently found a cheep, easy recipe that is really good! We usually don't get to eat yogurt; as store-bought yogurt gets very expensive for a large family; so this has been a real treat for all of us!

Tubing Videos!!

Here's a combined movie of some of the tubing videos taken last Sunday.

Church Sledding Party!!

This past Sunday, the Busenitz family invited the families from church over for a sledding (tubing) party! There were no major accidents and we all had a great time!!!

Part of the time we had 2 trucks and 1 four-wheeler giving rides!!

Angie Beeson, Katelyn Smith, Susanna Kientz, Me, & Traci Beeson.

John and Alyssa Smith ready to go on their first ride!! Needless to say Alyssa liked it much better than John.

After a fun ride on the tube (at a much slower pace) John and Alyssa went inside to warm up and color.

Taking a break to warm up and to try and dry out a little!!

Here's a sneak preview of what's on the videos! I'll get the videos uploaded on here as soon as possible. I'm waiting to get a copy of everyone else's, so it may be a few days.

Matthew in great form ;-)

We even got a couple of the moms (Mom & Mrs. Beeson) to ride! The truck became a grandstand when everyone found out the moms were going to ride. And to the audiences delight the driver and copilot didn't let them stop until they were thrown from the tube!!

Thanks to the Busenitz Family for a wonderful day!!!!

God's Winter Wonder

“ Remember to magnify His work, of which men have sung…

For He draws up drops of water…

He sends it forth under the whole heaven...

For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’...

And cold from the scattering winds of the north…

By the breath of God ice is given…

And the broad waters are frozen…

Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.”

(verses from Job 36 & 37)