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!