Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Birky Christmas Gathering
Ok you Birkys......can we get some pics and a run-down of the Birky Christmas gathering? Wish we could've been there with you all!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Merv & Venita's grandsons
Most of you haven't seen Kara & Shane's foster son, Levi, who is now 7 months old. They got him four days after he was born, and are hoping to adopt him. If things go as planned that should happen early next year. So I've posted a couple of pictures of him and, while I'm at it, a couple of the other three grandsons: Seth, Tyler, & Liam.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Bartel Buzz...
Hello! We don't have anything too major to report...wish I could say we've been to an exotic country or fancy B&B like Merv and Vin can. But we can say that we are happy and healthy and life is just dandy! A few notes on our latest...
* We had fun seeing Shawn and Tera recently when they brought some kids out on the train to visit Hesston College. I remember when I first met Tera when I was in middle school. I thought she was so gorgeous and sweet - and she hasn't changed a bit! And I remember when Talashia and I rode out to Illinois with Shawn (and Shannon) when he was a student at HC. He only let us stop once to pee, and we had exactly 5 minutes to get it done. Unlike his wife, I get the impression that he HAS changed!
* We visited Talashia and Daniel for Thanksgiving. Sometime ask Daniel why his new nickname is Hot Crossed Buns. Good story.
* Eva wrote her ABCs the other day - in order! I didn't know she even knew more than the 3 letters in her name because if she senses that I'm trying to teach her something, she suddenly has something else very important and more pressing to do. (I hear you Aunt Sandy..."she is exactly like her mother...").
* River's entire existence revolves around food. I've never seen a one year old eat like that. Ryan says he'll be getting a job when he's 5 to pay for it all.
* I'm worship leading at church for four Sundays in advent. I like getting to be part of the planning and organizing of it all. Last Sunday, someone had a grand mal seizure during the call to worship. Oh my word was that ever intense. Another time that I worship led, someone had a heart attack. Might not want to come to church when I'm worship leading.
* Ryan is working 10 shifts this month in addition to his usual teaching job. The shifts are in a residential unit for teens - he's a mental health worker there. He loves it. I love the cash the shifts bring, but wish he could be home more.
* The other day, Eva commented that she "loves Grandma Birky even though she only held me that one time".
Ok...so there's my update. Hurry up and post yours!! Check my facebook page for new pics of us all. Love you all and miss you!
* We had fun seeing Shawn and Tera recently when they brought some kids out on the train to visit Hesston College. I remember when I first met Tera when I was in middle school. I thought she was so gorgeous and sweet - and she hasn't changed a bit! And I remember when Talashia and I rode out to Illinois with Shawn (and Shannon) when he was a student at HC. He only let us stop once to pee, and we had exactly 5 minutes to get it done. Unlike his wife, I get the impression that he HAS changed!
* We visited Talashia and Daniel for Thanksgiving. Sometime ask Daniel why his new nickname is Hot Crossed Buns. Good story.
* Eva wrote her ABCs the other day - in order! I didn't know she even knew more than the 3 letters in her name because if she senses that I'm trying to teach her something, she suddenly has something else very important and more pressing to do. (I hear you Aunt Sandy..."she is exactly like her mother...").
* River's entire existence revolves around food. I've never seen a one year old eat like that. Ryan says he'll be getting a job when he's 5 to pay for it all.
* I'm worship leading at church for four Sundays in advent. I like getting to be part of the planning and organizing of it all. Last Sunday, someone had a grand mal seizure during the call to worship. Oh my word was that ever intense. Another time that I worship led, someone had a heart attack. Might not want to come to church when I'm worship leading.
* Ryan is working 10 shifts this month in addition to his usual teaching job. The shifts are in a residential unit for teens - he's a mental health worker there. He loves it. I love the cash the shifts bring, but wish he could be home more.
* The other day, Eva commented that she "loves Grandma Birky even though she only held me that one time".
Ok...so there's my update. Hurry up and post yours!! Check my facebook page for new pics of us all. Love you all and miss you!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Some Paraguay pictures
Here are a couple of pictures from our trip to Paraguay & Brazil this summer. The Iguazu Falls are where Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina come together. Our pictures are from the Brazilian side, but we got there by bus from Paraguay. They are the most spectacular thing I've ever seen. We were in Paraguay for the Mennonite World Conference. What an inspiring time! People from 37 countries; translations into 7 different languages (via headsets), with the platform language being Spanish. And wonderful music!! As we sang sangs, often with people singing in their own language, there was one word which always was the same for every language --Alellujah. Which is what Revelation says we will all be signing. Just a little bit of a taste of heaven, with every tongue, nation & tribe praising around the throne.
We have a PowerPoint of the trip that we presented at church and to the conference pastor/spouse group. If you come see us we will be sure to 'make' you see it.
On another note: some have said they are having trouble viewing the blog. Let me know if you are so I can try to figure out why it doesn't work. Not that I'm much good at that, but I can try.
Blessings,
Merv
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