A retreat in the mountains of Colorado

We took part in our first retreat with our newly expanded team including the Oberholsers.

We arrived to find about a foot of snow. Over the next 24 hours we got about another foot of snow. It was indeed a beautiful winter wonderland and quite a treat since there was less than an inch of snow back home (about an hour and half south). The children enjoyed a good old fashioned snow ball battle with Dad and discovered the childhood joys of finding icicles and licking them. The snow didn't make the best snow balls since it is more of the powdery kind but the kids still had a blast!

Re-connecting with family

We were extremely blessed to be able to visit with family and friends over the month of November. It was especially meaningful to visit with the children's great-grandmothers. We treasure that we still have them as part of our lives.

Change of plans

On Monday October 27th our Pappy went to be with our Lord. We certainly wish we could have connected one more time in this life but celebrate the fact that Pappy is now truly alive! Thanks to those of you who have kept us in your prayers. In light of Pappy's passing we left for back east earlier than expected. We left Wednesday the 29th and are presently in PA. We had a good trip with great weather. The children traveled well and really enjoyed our stop in TN since there were children their age to play with. Upon arrival in PA we got to connect with Grandma Kipe who was able to meet Sara for the first time. We thought we would share a few pictures with you.

Pictures for Pappy

We have received word that our dear Pappy Kipe is preparing to go home with the Lord. We wanted to send some pictures so that he could get to see the children again especially Sara since he has never met her. We hope to get another chance to see him but even if we don't see him in this world again we know we really will see him again! Please keep our grandfather and family in your prayers.

Time in the mountains

The San Juan mountains are fast becoming our favorite place to go. This past weekend we traveled up to nearly 11,000 feet for a scenic trip. The leaves were still on the trees to about 10,000 feet then there were not any past that elevation. It was however still beautiful to see the mountains with fresh snow. We let the children play at a playground in the little victorian mining town of Silverton. The highway to Silverton can literally take your breath away especially if you are not comfortable with heights. I (Rochelle) was a little leary at first but it was worth it. We have heard the trip beyond to Ouray makes the one to Silverton look easy. I haven't found the courage to try that yet but we really want to. Ouray is called the swiss alps of North America. Since I have always wanted to go to the swiss alps I thought this might be as close as I get. The glory of the Lord is certainly evident in all He has made!

Our new team members have arrived

Last week our new team members Jason and Rebekah Oberholser arrived with their two little ones. We are glad to have them here safe and sound and pray the Lord will give us grace as we learn to operate as a team.

A new friend

Every Wednesday our family visits the local nursing home to share in Navajo Bible study. It is a great place to practice our Navajo language since many of the residents are Navajo. We have a new friend named Julius. Julius knows the Lord and has prayed for us. When we asked Julius how we might pray for him he replied that he would like a motorized wheelchair, and would like his knowledge of the Bible to increase. So if you would take those things to the Lord on behalf of Julius we know he would appreciate it.

Brian and Noah are in a parade

Recently Noah and Brian participated in their first New Mexico parade. Noah's cub scout pack entered a float in an effort to raise awareness about cub scouts. The rest of the family got a street side street to watch the action. Oh and by the way Brian just loves his new uniform. He might just start wearing it all the time. Ha Ha!

Our Noah has turned 9. On Saturday the 11th Noah had about 9 boys over for a party. It was an extremely windy day but the boys enjoyed a obstacle course race and a scavenger hunt. We thought we would share shot of the crazy crew!

Beautiful Colorado Scenery

Since moving to New Mexico one of our favorite things to do is spend time in the Colorado mountains. We don't need to travel a great distance but can feel like we are far away. We thought we would share some pictures of the beautiful sights we are blessed to live so near to.

Mercy turns 3

Mercy just couldn't wait to celebrate her birthday. If you ask her how old she is she will hold up 3 fingers and say "this many minutes." Mercy got a variety of dress-up clothes which she wears nearly constantly. She loves to change her clothes several times a day if allowed. She brings a smile to our faces with her varied wardrobe.

Visitors from PA

We were so blessed to spend some time with Rochelle's parents in the mountains of Colorado. The scenery was gorgeous and we had a relaxing time. Mom and Dad struggled a little with the elevation change but sure did enjoy the beautiful sites.

Roof repairs and paint

Praise the Lord! No more leaky roof. As many of you know we have had a leaky roof since we moved here. The problem had recently become worse and we were tempted to get discouraged. Recently the Lord provided the person to fix it and the funds to pay for it! We also have painted within the last month and thought we would include some pictures.

Our Cub Scout

This past year Noah joined the cub scouts. Noah has really

enjoyed going to his meetings, camping, fishing, etc. This past

week Noah attended his first award ceremony. Noah has worked

hard to earn several belt loops, a few badges and is almost ready

to move from bear to webelo. Noah is quite the motivated young man

and has done a great job!

Since we have separate pictures for Lydia and Elijah we thought we better find one of Mercy and add one of Noah. So we have Noah spending some time with his baby sister and Mercy playing in the Animas River while waiting for the rest of the family to finish the raft ride.

Our growing girl

It hardly seems possible but in just a few days our Sara will be 5 months old. She is learning to grab things that she sees in front of her and loves to have people talk to her. She receives lots of love and care from her older brothers and sisters. She is certainly a blessing and the family has adjusted well.

Visitors from PA and OR

At the end of July Brian's parents, sister-in-law and nephews, and brother-in-law and nieces came for a visit. We had a wonderful time showing them some of the beautiful sites in our area. There was a river rafting ride but Grandma, Rochelle, Mercy and Sara just watched from the boardwalk along the river. We spent a couple days in Durango, Colorado staying in a cabin that friends of Brian and Rochelle's own. Most of our group also visited Mesa Verde to see the cave dwellings of an early Native American tribe. It was a busy several days but we sure enjoyed seeing our family.

This June our Lydia turned 7 and again requested a princess cake. In July Elijah turned the big 5 and wanted legos, legos, and more legos! He got just that lots of legos that he and Noah spent loads of time putting together. Noah was just as happy as Elijah was.

This summer Noah, Lydia, and Elijah took swimming lessons. They really enjoyed their classes and each of them improved their swimming abilities. We have access to a great aquatics center hear in Bloomfield so the kids will get some good practice.

The Kline family go out west...

Rochelle's sister and family came out to spend the week. It was the first time the kids had been back together for long time. After five minutes, it was like they never were apart. It was a wonderful time. The kids all slept together in a tent setup in the family room. We all went and did some sight seeing at the Aztex National Monument. Most of the time was spent with family and having a good time. Rochelle and Joelene had a girls day out, while Brian and Chris went to the movies later that night. It was great to reconnect. Grandpa Sider had laid down a challenge to Chris. Grandpa got Sara to give him a huge smile, and Grandpa told Chris to "beat that". Well, Chris won the challenge by getting Sara to laugh for the first time. The week went by to quick. It was a wonderful visit.

Grandma and Grandpa Sider come out to visit...

Rochelle's parents came out to meet Sara for the first time. Grandma and Grandpa were quite taken by her. It was love at first site. While they were out, they help Brian with the yard. It took alot of work but now the grass is planted.

All the kids appreciated having there. On the final night, all the kids slept with them. Needless to say, Grandma and Grandpa didn't get much sleep.

More pictures of Sara

Greetings and great news!

Greetings from New Mexico! We have enjoyed a winter very similar to that which we knew back east. It was much to our delight since snow was something we all thought we were going to miss. We are transitioning into spring like weather now which is rather windy. Since there is little ground coverage this causes things to be quite dusty. We have found it much more difficult to keep a tidy house in this dry and dusty climate. We also have noticed that the children have had a few more respiratory colds and such while we all adjust to the difference in climate.

We anticipate a busy late spring and summer as we welcome family coming to visit in April, May, and August. We look forward to connecting with our loved ones. The children have kept a calendar counting down the days to each scheduled arrival. We also look forward to even greater opportunity over the summer months at the boys and girls club since there are a variety of activities that take place in those months. There will be lots and lots of kids all around and they will basically be right outside our doorstep! Pray that we will clearly see the contacts the Lord has prepared.

UPDATE:

Announcing that Sara Deborah-Faith Myers was born April 1st, around 4:00pm (6:00pm for Pa) weighing 6 pounds and 1 ounce. Mother and baby are doing fine after a LONG labor! Everyone is enjoying having this new precious baby around. She is well cared for as she has more than one mother and father. Mom reports that all is going well so far and she and the baby are trying to get much needed rest. They truly appreciate all the prayers that went their way during this busy time.