Merry Christmas from our Crew!

2014 was a busy, but good year for our crew.  Deanna is homeschooling our oldest two kids full time this year, but with the help of a great co-op that meets twice a week called Engaged in Life Academy.  John stays busy working out, working at The Maids, and keeping up with church ministries.  Jonathan and Caleb are still attending Line Creek Elementary near our home and loves it!  Caleb has caught up in speech and reading and is starting to like to read now.  Jonathan hopes to home school next year for 3rd grade, but we aren't sure yet what our plans are for the next school year. I am in shock that Ashlyn will begin high school next year either at a school or home - how did that happen!

John's Grandma Steiner passed away this year, but we were able to go to Omaha for the funeral and to see family up there.  Deanna's Grandma Nancy also passed away in Dec 2013.  She took the kids out to the funeral and was able to reconnect with a lot of her stepdad's family.  It was a great trip! Deanna's dad, Phil, is under hospice care right now while I write this post and might also pass this 2014.  All of these losses have drawn us closer to Christ and each other and we pray 2015 will be without such hardship.

We did add to our family in 2014!  We adopted a black lab mix named Bear.  She is sure fun and has added much joy to our home.  We are working on some new tricks and social skills with her now.  John won't admit it, but we think he secretly loves having a dog too!

We pray that you are well and enjoying family this season.  Please feel free to comment on our blog and let us know how you are doing.  We added a link above with some amazing 2014 pictures we took in October with my friend Lisa.  We rejoice in the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas and pray that 2015 will glorify Him.

Merry Christmas!