Christmas 2012

Christmas 2012


Dear Family and Friends,

I sat at my desk on a Friday afternoon a couple of weeks ago and began my annual ritual of filling in all the important dates on my 2013 work calendar. I have to admit that I feel some pressure to give up my paper calendar and use Outlook calendar exclusively, but so far I have resisted. I like that which I can hold in my hands. I like to fill in the dates with my meetings, project deadlines, and appointments. I like to draw big X’s through my planned vacation days and holidays using a variety of color highlighters to emphasis important events. The other plus of using a paper calendar is I don’t have to share it with anyone. It is mine to mark up and no one can mess it up or add to it except me. I know, some would say I have a control issue. My family can probably verify that.

As I finished notating my calendar, I was surprised to find how full each month seemed to be even though I hadn’t even stepped toe into the new year. I flipped the pages back through to January, and as I ran my hand over each page, I wondered what God has planned for me in 2013. Actually, what I think will happen, what I anticipate will happen, will have little relation to what will really happen. I anticipate that there will be things that will rock my world--just like in 2012. There will surely be joys, disappointments, encouragement, blessings, illnesses, the making of new friends, and the passing of old ones. These aren’t the kind of things a person plans out on the calendar. They come upon us unsuspecting, for whether or not we think we would like to know what 2013 holds for us, one thing is for certain, we do not. As I sat there looking at the calendar before me, I thought back to 2012, and what God had brought into our lives. Among the greatest was the blessing of adding three wonderful guys to our family. Little did we know that in February Jenny would meet a young man in Alaska named Derrick Honrud, and on December 1st they would say “I Do”, expanding our family to include this incredibly fine man. At the start of 2012 I had no idea I would need to add multiple doctor and test appointments on my calendar. I did not know that I would have the joy of adding two little grandsons, Galen on September 23rd and Caedmon on October 17th. There would be a day when I would hear that my good friend’s daughter, who is Jessica’s age, and who had just given birth to a preemie little girl of 2 lbs. 12 oz., would also in the same breath be given a cancer diagnosis. Surely in 2013, there will be such days of joyful pleasures and days of heart-wrenching pain, and in both the revealing of God’s grace and mercy. As I consider what the new year may hold, fear could consume me if I let it. The fear of the unknown is a fearful thing in itself, and I would grow weak-hearted if it were it not for the fact that I know the One who has ordained all my days. God in his infinite wisdom and sovereignty knows all that is unwritten on my calendar, and he is the one who is in control, not me. He owns my calendar—in fact all my days.

Proverbs 16:9 says “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”

Psalm 112:7 says “He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.”

I pray that 2013 will be a year of opening my heart up to his plan for he is a good God who knows far better than I what is for my good and his glory. May you join with me this Christmas worshiping the One who is the Ancient of Days and has all our days in his hands.

Christmas Blessings,

Linda & Randy





Jenny & Derrick's wedding December 1, 2012



People have repeatedly commented on how much Derrick looks like he belongs in our family—a cross between Randy and Jeremy. Aside from looks, we know Derrick belongs with us, confirmed by his love for food, especially bacon! Thanks to all of you who celebrated with us at their wedding!


Jeremy and Jennifer decided to add a little excitement to their lives in the form of having a baby, changing jobs and moving into their first home all within a span of about two weeks. In September Jeremy and Jennifer gave birth to their third little boy, Galen Ryder--another little red head! He joins his brothers Ezekiel (EZ) (4) and Virgil (3). What an awesome three-some these little guys are! Jeremy accepted a new job with Shepherd’s Grain www.shepherdsgrain.com

This job involves contact with wheat growers and chef’s and bakers. What’s not to love?

Galen Ryder Bunch

Caedmon John was born to Jessica and Justin on October 17. He is a laid-back baby who will have to deal with two sisters, Brooklyn (5) and Bailey (3), who are very much into dressing up in ballet costumes and anything that has to do with pink or purple, Rapunzel or Hello Kitty.




Caedmon John Ubel

It was great that Todd was able to come out for Jenny and Derrick’s wedding. He and Amy are busy parents of Ellie, Lily, Thomas, Kate and Sam. I am so thankful that Amy regulary posts on FB so I can keep up with the adventures in Midtvedtland!
Randy continues to keep his truck rolling down the road. He is a hard-worker and appreciates being home for a couple of nights during the week. We look forward to our weekends together, but they are way too short.

Hitting the big 60 this year was apparently a tipping point for my body and it got the message that I am getting old. I continue to work full-time at Benton Hospice Service until I can realize my dream of being a full-time grandma when I grow up! 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all,

Love,

Linda and Randy