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)

January Happenings

::Butchering::

A couple of weeks ago a steer went down at a feed lot near some friends' (the Busenitz's) farm, so we had the opportunity to butcher and split the meat with a couple of families from church. Since Mr. & Mrs. Busenitz were gone on a trip, they let us take over their kitchen, equipment, and their boys' help. ;-) Beef from the store isn't cheap for a large family, so this free meat was a wonderful blessing!

The older guys did the cutting and grinding while the gals packaged up all the meat.

Mr. Smith did a professional job of cutting out the steaks and roasts!

The younger boys enjoyed the outdoors on the Busenitz farm.

::Bathroom Construction::

We've been having some mold problems in our main bathroom, so the guys have been working on removing some of the tile in the shower and replacing the sheet rock.

Daddy's little helper. ;-)

::Birthday Celebration::

We celebrated Trevor's 19th birthday along with some of his friends (the Busenitz boys).

He decided he wanted cherry pie & ice cream instead of a cake ...nobody complained, and Kara & Bethany enjoyed exercising their creativity on the pie crust. ;-)

Enjoying an episode of 'Andy Griffeth'

::Selling Firewood::

Trevor & Matthew have been splitting and selling some of the firewood they collected last winter. So, if you're in the market for some seasoned firewood.... :-)

We didn't get any pictures of them working on splitting and stacking the firewood, but here's a picture of their first order waiting to be picked up by a customer.

::Ice Skating::

Thursday afternoon we went to the ice arena to skate with some friends for a couple of hours. A big snow storm was just moving in when we left, and there was already a couple inches of snow on the ground when we got home.

::Snow::

John enjoyed watching the snow still falling the next morning.

This measurement was taken first thing in the morning, but we ended up with 7 to 8 inches by the end of the day!!! Bring out the sledding equipment!! ;-)

Meeting the Atnip Family!

Last Wednesday we had the wonderful opportunity of meeting some new friends!! The Atnip Family from Wyoming. We met up with them and some other friends in Hutch and spent the afternoon/evening in fellowship, playing bluegrass music, eating pizza and watching a college basketball game!! Everyone had a very enjoyable time, and we hopefully look forward to seeing them again - maybe we'll take a family vacation to Yellowstone! ;-)

The guys thought it was necessary to burn some of their energy before playing music.

Jamming together

Pizza!!!!

John and David Atnip; the two little boys!!

The girls and little boys!

On our way over to the gym for the game, the ladies needed to stop at the restroom; so John graciously offered to guard the purses!!