Thursday, August 14, 2008
Camping
Paul was able to get Monday and Tuesday off work so after church on Sunday we went up to Union, IL for a few days of camping. Monday we took Abel to the Wild West Town next door to the campground. It was fun to spend time together - we may not have much longer with Abel. It is likely that he'll be with us a little less than two weeks. It will be hard to see him go - he has been such a big part of our life for four months. It will be very different not having a busy six year old running around. Hopefully we'll be able to have continued contact with him and his mom. His mom needs to find a daycare that will bring him to school in the mornings and watch him on Saturdays in Aurora - we are praying his mom will find a place this week. We were hoping that they would move to Elgin so we could help out, but that wasn't meant to be.
Cousins
My cousin Jeremy from Nevada visited my family with his nine month old daughter in July. Unfortunately his wife Rhonda wasn't able to come with - hope to meet you soon Rhonda! We had a really good time laughing and watching London literally "run" around - an early walker.
She sure loves her daddy! After seeing them together, I think Paul won't mind if our baby is a daughter. Something about a daddy and his little girl:)
Jeremy and London
Paul and London
She sure loves her daddy! After seeing them together, I think Paul won't mind if our baby is a daughter. Something about a daddy and his little girl:)
Jeremy and London
Paul and London
Friday, July 18, 2008
Update
Since the last post...
I drove a 15 passenger van full of teenagers (mostly my siblings and siblings-in-law) up to Beulah, MI for our church's youth retreat. I have to say, this group was exceptional - well behaved, respectful, and a lot of fun! Abel had a blast too - he was never without a sibling (nine of mine were on the trip) and enjoyed being the youngest on the trip. A very generous couple from the Roselle church hosted all 28 of us including all the chaperones and the pastors family in their vacation home on Crystal Lake. Mr. Laslo took us out on his boat and many people went tubing (I admit I did jump on the tube - the last sporting activity for me for a long while). We went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes by Lake Michigan and most of the group did the 450 foot run down to Lake Michigan and the exhausting climb back up - this I didn't do but I did it last year with my family. It was a fun 5 days (June 27- July 1). I wish Paul could have come, but he has to save all his vacation days for our trip to Canada and the baby.
On July 16th Abel turned 6 years old! We went swimming at a pool with my family - a great way to spend a hot afternoon. We had a cupcake with his mom at our house this past Sunday and are going to have some of his friends over in a week for a little party.
For all of you who are wondering, Kristine is doing great and loving her time serving in Mexico!
I haven't talked to her on the phone but she has texted me a few times and I am kept updated by my mom. When she first got down there, the English teacher was gone for three weeks. Kristine became the full time English teacher for 30 kids (I think K-8th grade) within days of arriving. The school was using paces and a video program for the class, but the video system was down for awhile so she had to make up her own curriculum till it was fixed. The school at the orphanage is from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and runs all year round except for three weeks (she teaches the last hour of the day). One of those weeks was last week where the orphanage had a VBS - like camp. I think she worked even longer hours during that week! She told my mom that if she didn't have things to come back to, she'd love to stay longer! She gets back on August 26th.
Abel at a Lake Michigan beach.
Anna (Paul's sister), Brittany (my sister), Ruth (Paul's sister)
and a friend.
Some of my favorite guys: Caleb, Josh, Philip, Timothy, and Michael
Brothers: Caleb, Jesse, and Timothy
Bible study led by Wil Franco.
Abel hard a work on one of his creations!
Partial view of the 450' drop - you can't capture it in a picture.
Standing at the top you can't see all the way down as it is so steep!
The group almost back from their climb. They went swimming
while down at the bottom in Lake Michigan.
A little tired maybe?
Another brother shot
A beautiful sunset over Crystal Lake.
The clean up Freidel/Knottnerus crew!
The birthday boy!
Abel and Caleb
Here I am a couple weeks ago starting to get a little belly.
We heard the baby's heartbeat a couple weeks ago -
it was so nice to hear. The Lord has been very
gracious to me this pregnancy - I've hardly had
any nauseousness. I've been very tired, but still
have enough energy to keep on top of a very
active six year old! The due date of our first baby
was a couple days ago - God has given us peace about
the experience. If we had had that baby, we wouldn't
be having our little one now growing inside me and
we wouldn't have had the opportunity to love and care for Abel.
I am so glad that God knows what is best for us!
I drove a 15 passenger van full of teenagers (mostly my siblings and siblings-in-law) up to Beulah, MI for our church's youth retreat. I have to say, this group was exceptional - well behaved, respectful, and a lot of fun! Abel had a blast too - he was never without a sibling (nine of mine were on the trip) and enjoyed being the youngest on the trip. A very generous couple from the Roselle church hosted all 28 of us including all the chaperones and the pastors family in their vacation home on Crystal Lake. Mr. Laslo took us out on his boat and many people went tubing (I admit I did jump on the tube - the last sporting activity for me for a long while). We went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes by Lake Michigan and most of the group did the 450 foot run down to Lake Michigan and the exhausting climb back up - this I didn't do but I did it last year with my family. It was a fun 5 days (June 27- July 1). I wish Paul could have come, but he has to save all his vacation days for our trip to Canada and the baby.
On July 16th Abel turned 6 years old! We went swimming at a pool with my family - a great way to spend a hot afternoon. We had a cupcake with his mom at our house this past Sunday and are going to have some of his friends over in a week for a little party.
For all of you who are wondering, Kristine is doing great and loving her time serving in Mexico!
I haven't talked to her on the phone but she has texted me a few times and I am kept updated by my mom. When she first got down there, the English teacher was gone for three weeks. Kristine became the full time English teacher for 30 kids (I think K-8th grade) within days of arriving. The school was using paces and a video program for the class, but the video system was down for awhile so she had to make up her own curriculum till it was fixed. The school at the orphanage is from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and runs all year round except for three weeks (she teaches the last hour of the day). One of those weeks was last week where the orphanage had a VBS - like camp. I think she worked even longer hours during that week! She told my mom that if she didn't have things to come back to, she'd love to stay longer! She gets back on August 26th.
Abel at a Lake Michigan beach.
Anna (Paul's sister), Brittany (my sister), Ruth (Paul's sister)
and a friend.
Some of my favorite guys: Caleb, Josh, Philip, Timothy, and Michael
Brothers: Caleb, Jesse, and Timothy
Bible study led by Wil Franco.
Abel hard a work on one of his creations!
Partial view of the 450' drop - you can't capture it in a picture.
Standing at the top you can't see all the way down as it is so steep!
The group almost back from their climb. They went swimming
while down at the bottom in Lake Michigan.
A little tired maybe?
Another brother shot
A beautiful sunset over Crystal Lake.
The clean up Freidel/Knottnerus crew!
The birthday boy!
Abel and Caleb
Here I am a couple weeks ago starting to get a little belly.
We heard the baby's heartbeat a couple weeks ago -
it was so nice to hear. The Lord has been very
gracious to me this pregnancy - I've hardly had
any nauseousness. I've been very tired, but still
have enough energy to keep on top of a very
active six year old! The due date of our first baby
was a couple days ago - God has given us peace about
the experience. If we had had that baby, we wouldn't
be having our little one now growing inside me and
we wouldn't have had the opportunity to love and care for Abel.
I am so glad that God knows what is best for us!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Goings On
I hope all of you are enjoying this nice weather! I have been enjoying the low humidity - but I'm sure it's not for long:(
The newest thing around here is that I turned 23 yesterday. My family asked me if I feel 23 (you know that question you always get at birthdays) and this time I did have to say yes. I feel like I'm going into a new stage of life - and it is true. I'm pretty sure once this little one comes, life will start flashing by really fast. I hope I can slow down enough (something I have trouble with) to enjoy it to the fullest. I am so glad I am married to Paul - he is my "pacer" and lets me know when I need to slow down or say no to doing something that could become too much for me. Right now Paul is teasing me about being two years older than him (at least for nine days). He tells me I need to tease him back sometimes - you'd think that growing up in my family, I would have picked up more than I did. Oh well:)
Wednesday (the 18th) I spent teaching voice and piano lessons at my parents studio, having a birthday lunch with my family, and then a wonderful afternoon shopping, walking by the very high Fox River, and talking over dinner with Kristine. It was so much fun to spend time with her before she leaves for Mexico next week.
Here are some pictures of what we've (Rebecca and Abel) have been up to lately.
Joseph (Knottnerus) and Abel at Cosley Zoo in
West Chicago. Mom K. had to take Brittany, Josh, Caleb,
and Katie to a band marching camp so we tagged
along and went to this farm zoo.
Abel petting some goats.
Abel and I had lunch at Mrs. Van Dellen's on
the 19th (my birthday) and then went to
Anderson Garden's.
Abel feeding the huge Koi fish - I love that smile!
Here's all of us enjoying the cool shade. Thanks Mrs. Van Dellen
for a wonderful afternoon!
After the Anderson Garden's, Paul, Abel, and I picked up Mayo
(Paul's car) from the "car doctor" as Paul explained it to Abel and
then we dropped Abel off at Paul's parent's house. Paul took me to
a park in St. Charles were we ate the picnic dinner he made for us
and then we walked in the town of St. Charles and sat by the Fox River.
We also walked over to the Blue Goose Market and picked up a bag
of Swedish meatballs that our friend imports from Sweden
(it was also our favorite meatball at our wedding reception).
It was a wonderful birthday full of lots of memories!
The newest thing around here is that I turned 23 yesterday. My family asked me if I feel 23 (you know that question you always get at birthdays) and this time I did have to say yes. I feel like I'm going into a new stage of life - and it is true. I'm pretty sure once this little one comes, life will start flashing by really fast. I hope I can slow down enough (something I have trouble with) to enjoy it to the fullest. I am so glad I am married to Paul - he is my "pacer" and lets me know when I need to slow down or say no to doing something that could become too much for me. Right now Paul is teasing me about being two years older than him (at least for nine days). He tells me I need to tease him back sometimes - you'd think that growing up in my family, I would have picked up more than I did. Oh well:)
Wednesday (the 18th) I spent teaching voice and piano lessons at my parents studio, having a birthday lunch with my family, and then a wonderful afternoon shopping, walking by the very high Fox River, and talking over dinner with Kristine. It was so much fun to spend time with her before she leaves for Mexico next week.
Here are some pictures of what we've (Rebecca and Abel) have been up to lately.
Joseph (Knottnerus) and Abel at Cosley Zoo in
West Chicago. Mom K. had to take Brittany, Josh, Caleb,
and Katie to a band marching camp so we tagged
along and went to this farm zoo.
Abel petting some goats.
Abel and I had lunch at Mrs. Van Dellen's on
the 19th (my birthday) and then went to
Anderson Garden's.
Abel feeding the huge Koi fish - I love that smile!
Here's all of us enjoying the cool shade. Thanks Mrs. Van Dellen
for a wonderful afternoon!
After the Anderson Garden's, Paul, Abel, and I picked up Mayo
(Paul's car) from the "car doctor" as Paul explained it to Abel and
then we dropped Abel off at Paul's parent's house. Paul took me to
a park in St. Charles were we ate the picnic dinner he made for us
and then we walked in the town of St. Charles and sat by the Fox River.
We also walked over to the Blue Goose Market and picked up a bag
of Swedish meatballs that our friend imports from Sweden
(it was also our favorite meatball at our wedding reception).
It was a wonderful birthday full of lots of memories!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Nothing really new except I've been getting over a sinus infection. Thankfully Abel didn't get it as being sick will make his blood sugar really high.
Kristine called me yesterday and told me that I had a setting on the blog that didn't allow anyone other than bloggers to leave comments. I have remedied that last night so now hopefully any of you can say hi.
Tonight Paul has chess club and tomorrow he goes to the banquet to receive the trophy for his chess club team for winning first place against all the chess clubs in Chicago area including Fermilab, Walgreens, and many others! Paul is the team captain of the St. Charles Baker Club. He also won MVP of the whole league this year! Go Paul!
Kristine called me yesterday and told me that I had a setting on the blog that didn't allow anyone other than bloggers to leave comments. I have remedied that last night so now hopefully any of you can say hi.
Tonight Paul has chess club and tomorrow he goes to the banquet to receive the trophy for his chess club team for winning first place against all the chess clubs in Chicago area including Fermilab, Walgreens, and many others! Paul is the team captain of the St. Charles Baker Club. He also won MVP of the whole league this year! Go Paul!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Abel
Here are some pictures of our friend Abel!
What a joy it has been to have this little guy
running around the house!
A four legged boy?
Abel at the park.
Abel holding the huge bullfrog Paul's brother Michael caught.
Abel being silly:)
Abel proudly displaying the first fish he ever caught!
Thanks Timothy for helping him!
Catching tiny tadpoles
Abel and his mom Edith at Great America sponsored by the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Paul picked up Edith
and Pedro (her boyfriend) and took them there this past Sunday.
Unfortunately I was home with a good case of the flu:(
What a joy it has been to have this little guy
running around the house!
A four legged boy?
Abel at the park.
Abel holding the huge bullfrog Paul's brother Michael caught.
Abel being silly:)
Abel proudly displaying the first fish he ever caught!
Thanks Timothy for helping him!
Catching tiny tadpoles
Abel and his mom Edith at Great America sponsored by the
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Paul picked up Edith
and Pedro (her boyfriend) and took them there this past Sunday.
Unfortunately I was home with a good case of the flu:(
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Gifts of Life
They say you never know what lies around the corner - and I really believe that's true. When Paul and I said "I do" nine months ago we had no clue what was around the corner for us. God has so many precious gifts wrapped for us in so many different packages but I think the hard thing about them is that they aren't always easy to accept. I am so glad God knows what we need even though we may not have chosen the way many of the gifts come wrapped.
Paul and I never would have wanted to lose our first little one, but we feel like God has blessed us through it with a lot of grace and peace. This present was wrapped with deep pain and many tears, but we are constantly reminded that we have a Sovereign all knowing God who loves us very much and is shaping us into the family He wants us to be.
Triva Question:
What is full of energy, leaves messes over the house, makes a lot of fun noises, and weighs about 40 lbs?
Answer:
If you guessed a dog you're wrong, but if you guessed a five year old, you are right!
Abel came into our lives a little over a month ago. He is living with us until his mom finds a job. He is with us 24/7 and keeps us on our toes. What a joy he's been to have around. Even though the house isn't as clean as I'd like it and I don't get as much done as I used to, I have truly been blessed by Abel. I've been teaching him most mornings trying to get him caught up to first grade. When Paul gets home from work, Abel is his buddy following him around and asking him lots of questions. Paul said it is great to have a "furby" around again. This little guy is very thoughtful and is very receptive to spiritual concepts. If you ask Him how many parts of the Trinity there are - he can tell you. He and and his mom attend a church in their town so both he and his mom have had some exposure to the gospel. We have been very blessed to be a part of their lives. We see his mom usually once a week. Abel has type 1 diabetes which means we have to count everything he eats (carbs), test his sugar (6-7 times a day), and give him insulin shots (5-7 a day). Needless to say, both Paul and I have gotten quite the education in diabetes. The Lord provided a huge resource for us - my godmother Aunt Eileen. Her daughter Colleen was diagnosed last year with type 1 diabetes. She has taught us so much and has graciously been our "hot line." God is so good to provide everything we need when we need it! This gift was wrapped with fun, work, and turned our lives upside down for awhile but has won our hearts and love and taught us so much about so many different areas in life. We have such a different perspective on those who don't have the same privileges as us. God has blessed both Paul and I with families around us to help us out if we need it - so many around us don't have that privilege and have no one to turn to. Look around you today and count your blessings - you really have more than you can count!
Our next present is still wrapped but I know it's there - we expect to receive this little package around Christmas! I'm feeling pretty good - a little nauseous but nothing to really complain about. Naps have become a necessity if I can fit it in especially after running after a five year old and 4 little neighbor boys that are Abel's little friends (they hang out most days after school). We'll keep you posted on this newest gift:)
I'll have to post pictures of Abel and us after I get my camera from my family's house - I'm blaming my forgetfulness on the pregnancy (I know I'm already bad, but Paul says I'm a ton worse when I'm pregnant - oh well)!
Wrapped in God's great love,
Rebecca
They say you never know what lies around the corner - and I really believe that's true. When Paul and I said "I do" nine months ago we had no clue what was around the corner for us. God has so many precious gifts wrapped for us in so many different packages but I think the hard thing about them is that they aren't always easy to accept. I am so glad God knows what we need even though we may not have chosen the way many of the gifts come wrapped.
Paul and I never would have wanted to lose our first little one, but we feel like God has blessed us through it with a lot of grace and peace. This present was wrapped with deep pain and many tears, but we are constantly reminded that we have a Sovereign all knowing God who loves us very much and is shaping us into the family He wants us to be.
Triva Question:
What is full of energy, leaves messes over the house, makes a lot of fun noises, and weighs about 40 lbs?
Answer:
If you guessed a dog you're wrong, but if you guessed a five year old, you are right!
Abel came into our lives a little over a month ago. He is living with us until his mom finds a job. He is with us 24/7 and keeps us on our toes. What a joy he's been to have around. Even though the house isn't as clean as I'd like it and I don't get as much done as I used to, I have truly been blessed by Abel. I've been teaching him most mornings trying to get him caught up to first grade. When Paul gets home from work, Abel is his buddy following him around and asking him lots of questions. Paul said it is great to have a "furby" around again. This little guy is very thoughtful and is very receptive to spiritual concepts. If you ask Him how many parts of the Trinity there are - he can tell you. He and and his mom attend a church in their town so both he and his mom have had some exposure to the gospel. We have been very blessed to be a part of their lives. We see his mom usually once a week. Abel has type 1 diabetes which means we have to count everything he eats (carbs), test his sugar (6-7 times a day), and give him insulin shots (5-7 a day). Needless to say, both Paul and I have gotten quite the education in diabetes. The Lord provided a huge resource for us - my godmother Aunt Eileen. Her daughter Colleen was diagnosed last year with type 1 diabetes. She has taught us so much and has graciously been our "hot line." God is so good to provide everything we need when we need it! This gift was wrapped with fun, work, and turned our lives upside down for awhile but has won our hearts and love and taught us so much about so many different areas in life. We have such a different perspective on those who don't have the same privileges as us. God has blessed both Paul and I with families around us to help us out if we need it - so many around us don't have that privilege and have no one to turn to. Look around you today and count your blessings - you really have more than you can count!
Our next present is still wrapped but I know it's there - we expect to receive this little package around Christmas! I'm feeling pretty good - a little nauseous but nothing to really complain about. Naps have become a necessity if I can fit it in especially after running after a five year old and 4 little neighbor boys that are Abel's little friends (they hang out most days after school). We'll keep you posted on this newest gift:)
I'll have to post pictures of Abel and us after I get my camera from my family's house - I'm blaming my forgetfulness on the pregnancy (I know I'm already bad, but Paul says I'm a ton worse when I'm pregnant - oh well)!
Wrapped in God's great love,
Rebecca
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