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Our 2019 in Summary

2019 seemed to go by very fast for some reasons. There have been some new beginnings (ex: Josiah started college) and some endings (ex: Isaiah graduated from our homeschool high school). We thank God always for His overflowing goodness, loving kindness, and unwavering faithfulness through all our ups and downs. We are also thankful to attend and feel at home at a wonderful Christ-centered, Bible-teaching, gospel-living church (West Hills Community Church).

In January, we and the boys enjoyed our day trip in Portland (tried out Killer Burger and visited World Market) and in Bend (visited the last Block Buster store in the world).

January 26: Eric and I went to our first First Taste Oregon and enjoyed trying out a variety of yummy foods.

March 4:
Josiah received a letter from Western Oregon University, awarding him with $2,500 (per year) Provost scholarship.


March 23:
We bought an iPhone XS Max ($1,100) and got an iPhone XR for free.


April 6: We bought 6 original oil paintings by Donna Kephart at a garage sale for $85.

May 11: Eric and I attended Portland Open Dance Sport Competition at Hilton Hotel to watch Alyssa dance. Afterwards, Alyssa, Jacob, Annette, and we got lunch from different food carts and went bowling and playing darts.

May 18: Steps for Life in Fairview, OR. This year, Isaiah raised a total of 2,803 and won first place in his age group.

May 26:
Eric and I went to Schreiner's Iris Gardens. So many varieties of irises!


June 9: Our annual cookout and croquet at Dad/Grandpa's house.

July 5: Eric and I visited Alyssa in Tacoma, WA. She and Jacob gave us a private tour inside C17 and showed us around McChord Air Force Base. They also took us to Chambers Creek Regional Park. We enjoyed lunch at Chick-fil-A and dinner at MOD Pizza.

September 6-7: Eric and I celebrated our 28th Anniversary with our annual beach trip. We visited the lovely Connie Hansen Garden in Lincoln City. We went hiking on Drift Creek Falls Trail. Beautiful waterfalls with a cool suspension footbridge. We ended our weekend-long celebration by sharing Italian soda and playing shuffleboard and bean bag toss at a quaint coffeeshop (Brew Coffee & Tap House) in West Salem.

September 12-13: Our mini vacation with our sons before Josiah left for college. We had fun in Bend on the 12th. We enjoyed Thai food and went to Pilot Butte scenic viewpoint. We played pool and bowled at Sun Mountain Fun Center. On the 13th, we visited Painted Hills (the last of the Oregon's 7 wonders which we have visited) and hiked on the Strawberry Mountain hiking trail. Beautiful lake and waterfalls!

September 22: We helped Josiah move into his dorm room at Barnum Hall at Western Oregon University. He majors in Criminal Justice. He took 4 classes (15 credits) this first term and got all A's.

September 29: Josiah bought a 2000 Toyota Camry (his 4th car) for $2,700.

October 12: I attended a women's retreat at West Hills Community Church. From the raffle ticket drawing, I won a glass tray with Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is my strength." on it.

October 18: Isaiah got his driving permit and opened up bank accounts.

December 10: Josiah had a car accident on the way home for his winter break. We're very grateful for God's protection over him! His car was considered totaled.

December 14: Eric, Josiah, and I went to our second annual Holiday Swap in Portland.

December 26: Josiah bought a blue 2008 Ford Focus (his 5th car) for $2,500.

You can watch our family's 2019 recap slideshow here.


My prayer for the new year:
Abba Father, please help us
seek You first,
love You most,
trust You completely,
obey You wholeheartedly,
love what You love,
hate what You hate,
serve You gladly,
proclaim You faithfully,
and live each day for You in the light of eternity.


Looking forward to seeing what God will do in us, for us, and through us in 2020! Each new year brings us new opportunities to know God more and to make Him known, to walk in love, faith, & obedience, to grow in grace & Christlikeness, to experience God's goodness, power, & faithfulness, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to give God glory and honor, and to live for Him. Use us, Lord, to touch lives with Your love and draw them to You for Your glory! Open our hearts and eyes to learn what You want us to learn, empower us to be light & salt in this dark & dreary world, and enable us to be a blessing to others!

May God's love and truth light your way and lead you into a new year that shines with His love, peace, joy, wisdom, strength, and abundant blessings! May God's presence give you confidence, contentment, courage, and comfort no matter what the new year may bring! 







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