Merry Christmas from the Mehmen Family!
As I try to find an
unusual and creative way to write our Christmas letter, I'm just really falling
short on ideas, so I'm just going to break it down for you!
This is a year in the
life of the Mehmen Family Homestead!
Pre-January:
As most of you know, Brad and I have become foster parents. We were licensed as of September 2011. In October, we got our first placement, a 3 month old boy. He stayed with us until the end of January and was such a joy to all of our lives! We are still involved in his life and have established a nice relationship with his parents.
January: The 2nd of January we received another call to take two boys in (brothers), which some of you have been able to meet. (What a difference it is to have two boys in the house!) They are 7 & 4. Brad & I celebrated 15 years of marriage, I turned another year older, and Courtney celebrated her 18th birthday! It's official; she's an 'adult' meaning she can vote! :)
February: February was a month of getting used to a new normal. We became a very busy family. (as if we weren't already before we added two new people to our home) We continue to school (now 5 children) and get through every day by Gods grace and mercy! We celebrated many birthdays this month! Taylor turned 11, Katrina turned 7, and one of the boys turned 4! That was fun to celebrate a "little ones" birthday again. Brad and I attended a marriage conference which was so very good for the both of us to brush up on loving one another the way that we were created to love one another, as well as get to spend some ALONE time together! You know that comes few and far between!
March: We had another birthday this month! One of the boys turned 7! This boy is such a sweet little guy. Such a people pleaser and a hard worker! He would be by Brad's side any time he could be helping him do whatever! I do love him!! Spring break; I was able to go see my family in CA! Yea! (just me by myself! that was weird!) It was SHORT but sweet! I was only there for 3-4 days. Note to self: need more than 4 days to spend with family! :) Back in October, I had started my Mary Kay business, and was busy trying to build my business! How ironic, I know, with the timing and all. Little did I know I wasn't going to be able to work it too hard with 6 children! But let me tell you, I was sure trying! I even went to Chicago for a Career Conference. It was fun, but I also missed my family.
Pre-January:
As most of you know, Brad and I have become foster parents. We were licensed as of September 2011. In October, we got our first placement, a 3 month old boy. He stayed with us until the end of January and was such a joy to all of our lives! We are still involved in his life and have established a nice relationship with his parents.
January: The 2nd of January we received another call to take two boys in (brothers), which some of you have been able to meet. (What a difference it is to have two boys in the house!) They are 7 & 4. Brad & I celebrated 15 years of marriage, I turned another year older, and Courtney celebrated her 18th birthday! It's official; she's an 'adult' meaning she can vote! :)
February: February was a month of getting used to a new normal. We became a very busy family. (as if we weren't already before we added two new people to our home) We continue to school (now 5 children) and get through every day by Gods grace and mercy! We celebrated many birthdays this month! Taylor turned 11, Katrina turned 7, and one of the boys turned 4! That was fun to celebrate a "little ones" birthday again. Brad and I attended a marriage conference which was so very good for the both of us to brush up on loving one another the way that we were created to love one another, as well as get to spend some ALONE time together! You know that comes few and far between!
March: We had another birthday this month! One of the boys turned 7! This boy is such a sweet little guy. Such a people pleaser and a hard worker! He would be by Brad's side any time he could be helping him do whatever! I do love him!! Spring break; I was able to go see my family in CA! Yea! (just me by myself! that was weird!) It was SHORT but sweet! I was only there for 3-4 days. Note to self: need more than 4 days to spend with family! :) Back in October, I had started my Mary Kay business, and was busy trying to build my business! How ironic, I know, with the timing and all. Little did I know I wasn't going to be able to work it too hard with 6 children! But let me tell you, I was sure trying! I even went to Chicago for a Career Conference. It was fun, but I also missed my family.
April: It's another birthday month! Guess who this time? Yes, if
you guessed Ashley, you guessed correctly. She turned 9. We also took Brooke
& Taylor into the orthodontist for recommendations and you betcha,
they both need braces! WOW, that's going to hurt the old pocket book! Oh, and
last but not least, Courtney and a high school girlfriend got an apartment and
our eldest moved out on her own! She's enjoying "real life" and
learning all that comes along with being an "adult"! :)
May: This was a fun month! My mom came for a visit to see all of us Mehmens, and for Courtney's graduation ceremony. Remember she had graduated early back in December; but it was now time for the graduation ceremony. It was fun to get all of her things ready for that event, and to celebrate with her! Not only did SHE do it, but WE did it too! We made it! We are so thankful that we ALL made it! All alive and in one piece too! Hallelujah!
June: Let's see how much stuff we can pack in this month! Do you remember our amazing "trade" from last year? (The 'beast' of a motor home for the awesome trailer?) Well, we worked hard to get that remodeled and up and running for camping season! Brad's nephew got married in early June and after that we all (the whole Mehmen clan) went to Minnesota on a fishing trip for three days. It was really fun and relaxing. We rented like a 4 plex, so everyone had their own 'space', but we were all together, shared meals together and just hung out! His dad had rented a pontoon boat too, and so we fished and tooled about the lake. The best part was that the first catch was made by Brad's niece Carly on the PADDLE BOAT!! Yes, you heard correctly! I think we all got a good laugh out of that one, except for Brad's dad I'm sure! That was the start of our "camping" season. The week after we got home from that trip, the kids had VBS all week, which they all loved, then once the weekend hit, we were off to our next stop. And, yes, in case you were wondering we all (2 adults and 6 kids and a dog) fit into our camper! Thankful for the picnic table outside and the lawn chairs but the trustee old camper did its thing, and for that we were thankful! Especially since that was our maiden voyage. Alrighty, last but not least the last weekend of the month, we went up north to go camping for Brooke's 13th birthday!
July: Happy birthday to our 2nd 13 year old, Brooke! We camped for almost a week up north, enjoying every minute of having no electronics, "floating" in the lake, exploring a cave (kinda), hiking trails, and just having fun together as a family. We swam every day, lounged, the girls rode their bikes, the park had different activities for them to do; it was very peaceful. And as soon as we parked the camper back at home, we showered and off to our dear friends, the Martens, house for their annual 4th of July party. (Are you exhausted yet?) Brooke and Taylor started piano in July. They are still at it, and doing a wonderful job, and most importantly, they are loving it. And I am so thankful for that! I love hearing them practice and play, unless of course it's a song that gets on your nerves! There hasn't been many of those though! HA HA
Oh yes, this month, we added two more children to our house. (Yes, bringing it to 8) They were sweet little babies. A 5 week old and a 2-3 year old. Don't worry; they only stayed for about a week before going back home. Wow, that was a dozzie, however, you have to keep in mind that I have 4 little mothers that LOVE taking care of people smaller than they are, so I do have a lot of helpers! They were precious! The children went to a weeklong musical workshop held at our church, and what a wonderful ministry that was. For them, for their parents, grandparents, and any other family that was able to watch them perform at the end of the week. It sure made us proud, and happy to be a part of a wonderful church!
August: Happy birthday to my handsome young Marine, whom I love so very much! Didn't get to take him away for the weekend this year, but he still felt loved. Who wouldn't with 7 different people yelling "DADDY!" when he walked in the door from work! Brooke had to get her tonsils taken out! It was fast! We went in on the 7th to the throat specialist, and she was in surgery on the 13th! Wow, it was fast, but Praise God that everything went smoothly, with no complications and she healed pretty quickly. I don't know that it felt all that fast for me, lol, but it was a pretty fast recovery. And we’re off camping again the weekend after that. Even though Iowa is flat, and very corn-y (get it???); it is also so very beautiful. We were able to stay at some campgrounds this summer that just allows you very easily to see all of the beauty that God created, and you're able to sit and just stare at it. After all, you are camping! Oh, yes, and by the way, when we got home that Sunday night, we had to bathe and get all cleaned up because school started the very next morning!!! EEEK! If you are asking if we could have shoved anything more in, I'm not sure, maybe, but it was pretty jam packed! I'm exhausted just reminiscing about it!
September: Earlier in the year we began to look at acreages (farms) off and on. Just wondering what was out there. We had looked at quite a few and there were some really good ones, however they were all an hour away if not more. I was game to move, but it wouldn't have been very realistic for Brad to commute all that way. So.... life went on. My Uncle Rick and Aunt Kathy came for a short but sweet visit. They were stopping by on their way to see other family members! We are so happy when we get on the "to see" list! Makes us feel very loved! We continued to look at some other properties.....
October: Well, we bought a farm!!! :) I know can you believe it? It's something that we've been dreaming about for YEARS, and God has blessed us with just the right one for us! It's so beautiful to us! Every day He shows me yet ANOTHER something that I have said in the past that I've always wanted, or have always loved.... He is so good.... so so good. Words can't express the blessings that He has poured out onto our family. It's been a little overwhelming, but we are of course so thankful. Alright, our time is slowing down a notch or two. We have now, after almost a year with the boys, transitioned them to a forever home, which of course by God's amazing grace, happens to be good friends of ours! We will get to be a part of their lives for many many many years to come! We are so thankful for Gods provision and plan in all of this and how He just worked out all of the details. Being able to still be an active part of their lives is such a blessing!
May: This was a fun month! My mom came for a visit to see all of us Mehmens, and for Courtney's graduation ceremony. Remember she had graduated early back in December; but it was now time for the graduation ceremony. It was fun to get all of her things ready for that event, and to celebrate with her! Not only did SHE do it, but WE did it too! We made it! We are so thankful that we ALL made it! All alive and in one piece too! Hallelujah!
June: Let's see how much stuff we can pack in this month! Do you remember our amazing "trade" from last year? (The 'beast' of a motor home for the awesome trailer?) Well, we worked hard to get that remodeled and up and running for camping season! Brad's nephew got married in early June and after that we all (the whole Mehmen clan) went to Minnesota on a fishing trip for three days. It was really fun and relaxing. We rented like a 4 plex, so everyone had their own 'space', but we were all together, shared meals together and just hung out! His dad had rented a pontoon boat too, and so we fished and tooled about the lake. The best part was that the first catch was made by Brad's niece Carly on the PADDLE BOAT!! Yes, you heard correctly! I think we all got a good laugh out of that one, except for Brad's dad I'm sure! That was the start of our "camping" season. The week after we got home from that trip, the kids had VBS all week, which they all loved, then once the weekend hit, we were off to our next stop. And, yes, in case you were wondering we all (2 adults and 6 kids and a dog) fit into our camper! Thankful for the picnic table outside and the lawn chairs but the trustee old camper did its thing, and for that we were thankful! Especially since that was our maiden voyage. Alrighty, last but not least the last weekend of the month, we went up north to go camping for Brooke's 13th birthday!
July: Happy birthday to our 2nd 13 year old, Brooke! We camped for almost a week up north, enjoying every minute of having no electronics, "floating" in the lake, exploring a cave (kinda), hiking trails, and just having fun together as a family. We swam every day, lounged, the girls rode their bikes, the park had different activities for them to do; it was very peaceful. And as soon as we parked the camper back at home, we showered and off to our dear friends, the Martens, house for their annual 4th of July party. (Are you exhausted yet?) Brooke and Taylor started piano in July. They are still at it, and doing a wonderful job, and most importantly, they are loving it. And I am so thankful for that! I love hearing them practice and play, unless of course it's a song that gets on your nerves! There hasn't been many of those though! HA HA
Oh yes, this month, we added two more children to our house. (Yes, bringing it to 8) They were sweet little babies. A 5 week old and a 2-3 year old. Don't worry; they only stayed for about a week before going back home. Wow, that was a dozzie, however, you have to keep in mind that I have 4 little mothers that LOVE taking care of people smaller than they are, so I do have a lot of helpers! They were precious! The children went to a weeklong musical workshop held at our church, and what a wonderful ministry that was. For them, for their parents, grandparents, and any other family that was able to watch them perform at the end of the week. It sure made us proud, and happy to be a part of a wonderful church!
August: Happy birthday to my handsome young Marine, whom I love so very much! Didn't get to take him away for the weekend this year, but he still felt loved. Who wouldn't with 7 different people yelling "DADDY!" when he walked in the door from work! Brooke had to get her tonsils taken out! It was fast! We went in on the 7th to the throat specialist, and she was in surgery on the 13th! Wow, it was fast, but Praise God that everything went smoothly, with no complications and she healed pretty quickly. I don't know that it felt all that fast for me, lol, but it was a pretty fast recovery. And we’re off camping again the weekend after that. Even though Iowa is flat, and very corn-y (get it???); it is also so very beautiful. We were able to stay at some campgrounds this summer that just allows you very easily to see all of the beauty that God created, and you're able to sit and just stare at it. After all, you are camping! Oh, yes, and by the way, when we got home that Sunday night, we had to bathe and get all cleaned up because school started the very next morning!!! EEEK! If you are asking if we could have shoved anything more in, I'm not sure, maybe, but it was pretty jam packed! I'm exhausted just reminiscing about it!
September: Earlier in the year we began to look at acreages (farms) off and on. Just wondering what was out there. We had looked at quite a few and there were some really good ones, however they were all an hour away if not more. I was game to move, but it wouldn't have been very realistic for Brad to commute all that way. So.... life went on. My Uncle Rick and Aunt Kathy came for a short but sweet visit. They were stopping by on their way to see other family members! We are so happy when we get on the "to see" list! Makes us feel very loved! We continued to look at some other properties.....
October: Well, we bought a farm!!! :) I know can you believe it? It's something that we've been dreaming about for YEARS, and God has blessed us with just the right one for us! It's so beautiful to us! Every day He shows me yet ANOTHER something that I have said in the past that I've always wanted, or have always loved.... He is so good.... so so good. Words can't express the blessings that He has poured out onto our family. It's been a little overwhelming, but we are of course so thankful. Alright, our time is slowing down a notch or two. We have now, after almost a year with the boys, transitioned them to a forever home, which of course by God's amazing grace, happens to be good friends of ours! We will get to be a part of their lives for many many many years to come! We are so thankful for Gods provision and plan in all of this and how He just worked out all of the details. Being able to still be an active part of their lives is such a blessing!
November: The big moving day! We moved this month,
and we are TIRED!!! Brad was able to go the men's retreat where they shot guns
and ate all day, meat of course. What a better way for my guy to just go out
and have some fun? Was so glad that he was able (some may say forced) to go and
enjoy that time with the guys. We spent Thanksgiving with some great friends,
and were able to just sit back, relax, and eat; all the while giving thanks for
all that Jesus has done for us. It was a really fun day! And to
be able to share with one another what you are thankful for is
special in itself. It's a true testimony of how God's great love for
His children overflows into each of our lives so uniquely. The family did get
the tree up and decorated the weekend after Thanksgiving, despite my feeling a
little overwhelmed with the thought of it!
December: This month has actually been a very relaxing month. We finished up school for the year (our Christmas break) my mom was able to come back out for another visit to see the new homestead! I was so so so glad she was able to come. She also brought my niece with her, which is Taylor's age. It was so fun to have her out, and just be able to spend time with her. She schooled with us while we were finishing up, and I don't know what she thought about that! HA HA I hope she had fun anyhow! My mom got to just "be" here with us. We didn't do anything fancy or exciting, but just did life together. I can say that we definitely enjoyed our coffee time together every morning. It was sad for her to go home, and for me to have to drink alone! It's hard to say goodbye when you don't know when the next visit will be.
December: This month has actually been a very relaxing month. We finished up school for the year (our Christmas break) my mom was able to come back out for another visit to see the new homestead! I was so so so glad she was able to come. She also brought my niece with her, which is Taylor's age. It was so fun to have her out, and just be able to spend time with her. She schooled with us while we were finishing up, and I don't know what she thought about that! HA HA I hope she had fun anyhow! My mom got to just "be" here with us. We didn't do anything fancy or exciting, but just did life together. I can say that we definitely enjoyed our coffee time together every morning. It was sad for her to go home, and for me to have to drink alone! It's hard to say goodbye when you don't know when the next visit will be.
Aren't you glad that I
have just shared our life with you? Well, that is the purpose of the Christmas
letter, right? To fill you in.... catch you up with what's going on with our
life? Well, it is the 20th of December, and just as of last night we had our
first snowfall. Can you believe it? And not only did it just fall, it was like
a blizzard! 30-40 mph winds and heavy snow. Wait, not just any old snow, but
THUNDER SNOW. Yea, I know, I've never heard of it before either. It just means
that the snow is really heavy and that you'll be getting 2-3 inches of snow in
that hour. (whatever) But I think that we did get about 10-11 inches of snow!
It's so funny, because this is our first winter in the country and we have snow
drifts, and I expected that, but what I didn't expect was to have such large
drifts in some areas, and then still see the grass in other areas!! Yes, we
live in Iowa! :)
One of the most
special moments of this month has been our advent readings. Just being able to
bring the focus right back to Jesus, which is the reason we celebrate
Christmas, the celebration of His birth and His coming. As we all prepare our
gifts, our food, our social activities, let us remember why we
are celebrating. A sweet family that goes to our church is getting ready to
relocate to a different country to be missionaries, and as I was reading their
"update" they just used words that were fitting for us all, so I am
going to leave you with their parting words.
"As thankful as we are to have received our visas, we are even more thankful for the coming of Jesus. As we move into this advent season we want to wish each and every one of you a merry Christmas! In my quiet time this morning I read Colossians 1, not a normal Christmas passage, but one that very clearly conveys the importance of the coming of Jesus:"
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."
May we all remember who He is and what He has done as we celebrate Him this Christmas"
