The Ketts Family

Make Them One...

2013-11-25T11:19:00.000-07:00

My brother...

Take this bride you see,

Stand beside her

faithfully.

Cherish her

in tender love,

Stay with her until your days are done.

And thank the Lord each day

He's made you one...

In His love.

Bride, today

shall fulfill your dreams;

This man may your husband be.

Serve him with

undying love,

Let him know that he's your

Only one.

And thank the Lord each day He's made you one...

In His love.

Father above,

may these children see

All You want their

love to be...

Carry them through their darkest times...

Lead them in Your

Everlasting Light

Purify their hearts with

Holy Fire.

Make them

One.

Formals

The girls

The men

Quint & Becca with Skip Dodson (officiator)

A funny moment

Three generations

Clifford & Ketts extended family

The ceremony

Amazing musicians!

top (L to R): Elisabeth, Dominic, Sammy
Bottom (L to R): Joe, Luke, Audrey, Chad

The procession

Adam Clifford (brother of the bride)
Jessica Garrett (friend of the bride & groom)

Tyler Ketts (brother of the groom)
Rebecca Ketts (sister of the groom)

Andrew Ketts (brother of the groom)
Audra Almeyda (friend of the bride)

Here comes the bride!

(escorted by her father)

"Who gives this woman to this man?"

"Her mother and I"

You may now kiss your bride!

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Clifford Ketts V!

Bustling the dress; preparing to mount

Signing the marriage license

Its OFFICIAL!!

Reception

Wonderful food

An ice sculpture of a horse head given as a gift by a good friend

Preparing for the entrance of the bridal party

Mr. & Mrs. Quint Ketts arrive!

...With their bridal entourage

Our marvelous photographers

Cake cutting

Thoughts from the bridal party

Loving words from the parents

Words of wisdom & advice from the grandparents

Thank-you's from the bride and groom

Bandits!!

They've taken the bride for ransom!

A ransom note

They will return the bride for money

An auctioneer- just who we needed to raise the funds

"I'll give"

The collector

The bandits with the bride

Bringing her back after the ransom money was raised

The new couple preparing to leave

This is the Lord's doing;

It is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalms 118:23

Pedaling4Prevention!

2013-10-22T09:40:00.000-06:00

Thankful for another opportunity to raise funds and ride for preventive medicine!

Left to Right:
Caleb, Rebecca, Joshua, Tyler, Zack, Jonathan, Andrew, Nick, Kirsten

Check out:

http://pedaling4prevention.blogspot.com

for details on the event and more pictures!

"He's Got The Whole World In His Hands"

2013-09-18T09:04:00.002-06:00

"The Heavens are telling of the Glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1

Our ASI Kindergartner class experienced God in and through nature. Areas of exploration included: God in creation, re-creation after the flood, and our relationship to nature.

Leaders
...together we made an amazing team!

Left to Right:
Jonathan, Tyler, Debbie, Rebecca, Emily, Abby, Ashley, Andrew, Joshua

Preparing a special music

"Getting to know you" groups

Guests

A visit from Uncle Dan

OHA shares a concert

Youth For Jesus

A missionary from Thailand

A missionary from the Congo

Together, we explored through Bible stories, Character Sketches, scripture songs, prayer, hands-on activities, and arts and crafts.

Class Time

Best buds and cousins

A favorite... story time with Uncle Cliff

Crafts

Thankful for our extra help

Prayer & Blessings Chain

Reading cells

Activity Corners

Our goal was to demonstrate in a real manor how God holds people, animals, and... the whole world in His hands!

Alligator Hunt ;)

Wedding Prep

2013-08-15T14:02:00.001-06:00

We had the opportunity to spend 2 weeks at the Clifford's home working along side them to get projects accomplished before the big day. Great memories mingled with sweat and tears were shared as we worked to finish the list of tasks together. It was a beautiful time of blessings and family bonding.

Planner and list maker

Around the House

Welding and building a porch railing

Refinishing and hanging cabinet doors

Putting up siding

Lawn and Garden

Island Work & Wedding Site

Cutting away cat tails

Clearing the island

Placing steps up the island bank

shading the flowers from the summer heat

Happiness

Bucking hay

Seating for the guests

Food and Relaxing

Aunt Lisa's home made doughnuts made for an amazing breakfast treat!

Brothers and their "hairy" faces... :p

Delicious meals

The bridal party minus the bride and groom... :)

As the wedding day drew near, we were grateful for the willing hands that so many of our friends contributed to help with final preparations. Thanks to all for your hard work!! Your gift of time was a blessing!

Getting close to completion!! :)

Wedding pictures soon to come!

A Mother's Love...

2013-05-12T07:16:00.000-06:00

If I could give you diamonds

for every tear you've cried for me,

If I could give you sapphires

for each truth you've helped me see,

If I could give you rubies

for each heartache that you've know,

If I could give you pearls

for the wisdom that you've shown,

Then you'd have a treasure, Mother,

mounting up to the skies

That would almost match the sparkle

in your kind and loving eyes.

But I have no pearls, no diamonds, no jewels,

as I'm sure you're well aware,

So I'll give you gifts more precious,

My devotion, love and care.

We love you so much and thank God for the gift of you.

"He Hath Made Everything Beautiful in His Time..."

2013-04-17T11:40:00.000-06:00

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-5

On April 5th, 2013, Quint proposed to Rebecca Clifford!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

God has fulfilled His promises to us, above all we could ask or think, and blessed our lives with the beautiful gift of His love for each other. Our relationship has been one that has encouraged, uplifted, and greatly enriched our lives and it has become evident that the Lord would have us spend the rest of our lives together, serving Him.

The road leading up to our relationship wasn't always easy, but it was filled with lessons of faith and trust, teaching us entire surrender to the God that holds the world, and the hearts of all men in His hands. We are thankful for the way in which He has led us as individuals, and now as a couple, and look forward to what God has in store for us in the future.

Thankful for Life!

2013-04-02T19:50:00.000-06:00

It was a brisk early morning trip, on an all too familiar country road. I was headed to Albuquerque to catch a flight, when, an object in the road and an overcorrection, resulted in my vehicle flipping, and left me hanging upside down.

Although greatly shaken up, God kept me from loosing consciousness, even amidst severe head trauma. Amazingly, I was able to get out of the vehicle and call 911. It was still dark and very cold, and I tried to keep warm, and prevent myself from slipping into a state of shock. My head was bleeding profusely, and I had to apply much pressure to suppress it.

The 911 dispatch said the ambulance wouldn’t arrive for another 30-40 minutes. During the wait, my wrist began to swell and really hurt. I was quite convinced it was broken.

Law enforcement arrived on scene roughly 25 minutes after the incident, the ambulance arrived about 10 minutes later. I’ve been giving care as an EMT in our town for the past 3 years, so I'm used to being in an ambulance, but being in the ambulance as a patient was a new experience... I'll have to say I prefer to be on the giving side rather then the receiving!!

Injuries:

My wrist was broken in two places, dislocated, 3 tendons were torn apart, and there was some nerve damage.

I had surgery on the top of my wrist to repair the bone and to relocate the joint. I also had carpal tunnel surgery on the palm of my hand to fix the nerve damage.

A 7 inch long gash ran from my midline to the top of my head --16 staples, 10 stitches.

Blessings:

I was able to climb out of the flipped car even with my severely injured wrist.

Despite being in a remote area with very sketchy cell phone service, I was able to call 911.

Even after large amounts of blood loss, I never lost consciousness, and even in the cold temperatures I didn’t slip into severe shock.

My medical training helped me treat for shock and keep my whit’s about me.

Back home

One week later...

Removing staples and stitches

Life lesson:

It's amazing how our life can change so suddenly… as a culture, we too often say, “I'll start that tomorrow or next week” (meaning that good something that ‘always’ seems inconvenient). Why do we procrastinate?? In Hebrews 3 it says, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…” Simply neglecting or procrastinating to take hold of the salvation that Jesus has provided can cause us to be lost for eternity! Life is fragile, lets be careful not to neglect what Christ has given us!

Thank you all for your prayers!

Winter Fun

2013-03-19T12:07:00.001-06:00

Ice Skating!

This was the first year our family enjoyed ice skating since moving to NM, as well as our first time skating in the great out doors instead of an indoor rink, and we were happy to have it be with such great friends!! What a grand time!

Me, Nathan, Andrew, Jessie, Tyler, Starla, Danny, Jared
Jack and Admiral :)

Skiing!!

Beautiful views from the top of Sunrise Mt.

This activity has become a favorite among our family and near-by friends giving us the blessing of making memories as we glide through God's beauty together.

Tyler and Dad

Although we spend a lot of time gracefully falling...

... we sometimes even look graceful on our feet! :)

Graceful or not... it's all about the fellowship!

Natasha, Jessie, Nathan, and I

What We've Been Up To

2013-02-06T15:39:00.005-07:00

Life continues to keep us at a steady pace... full with work, school, ministry, and day-to-day activities. Here are highlights from the past few months...

Tyler, in IV Tec class, furthering his education as an EMT. Although intense at times, he's appreciated the knowledge and opportunity to learn new skills.

Along with his usual work of trimming and shoeing, Quint has had the opportunity to apprentice and share his equine knowledge. He's thoroughly enjoyed teaching others.

Caring for Wesley and dog grooming continue to occupy my time-- love every moment of both!

Reading... a favorite activity before nap time

Caught ya! :)

Best Buds!

We love to feed the animals together! :)

Andrew had the opportunity to work in Tennessee with his friend, Jonathan, to assemble a large order of lettuce harvesters before the deadline. He learned a great deal, and enjoyed his time on the Dysinger farm.

Andrew's home away from home for 2 weeks

Sand blasting metal pipes

Inside the sand blaster

The finished product!!

After the first 2 weeks, we joined Andrew on our way to Maryland and helped in the shop too.

Marking and cutting fabric for the baskets

A fun evening celebrating Kirsten's birthday

Ministry at the Show Low church in Arizona

The four of us kids provided the music for the service.

Tyler gave the message

Our hardware store gives us the opportunity to meet many new people and build relationships with the regulars as we seek to supply the needs of our community.

Going over the next order

Merchandise

We sell feed too

A new shipment

Splitting and stacking wood with Danny, our friend from Germany

It was such a blessing to spend time with you, Danny!

Family, Friends, & Fellowship

2013-01-16T18:03:00.004-07:00

Reflections on the last couple of months have us thanking God for His goodness and counting our many blessings as you, our family and friends, are among them!!

Before Thanksgiving, we were blessed by Australian company... The Walker family :)

Our puppies loved all the attention

Katie & Marv

Adelle & Maci

Hannah fell in love with the horses :)

Preparing meals together was a lot of fun!

It was a challenge to keep Emily out of the sink... ;)

Hay stacks with pineapple... the Australian way :)

Happy birthday, Uncle Alan!

Miss you, our Aussie friends! Our time together was way too short...

Thanksgiving Day

"Gratitude is born in hearts that take time to count up past mercies..."

Singing and recounting blessings

Thankful for friends

Sawtooth Mountains

An afternoon hike with friends

Missing Andrew and Natasha who were away.

"Gold Dollar" pictures :)

The winners!

In the middle of December, we made a quick trip to Maryland to visit family and attend the wedding of our friends, Alex and Samantha.

The day before the wedding

The boys with their friends, Alex and Akeem

Surprising Aunt Mary Carol with a visit. She had just been released from the hospital the day before. It was a delight to sing Christmas carols to her and her friends down the hall!

Aunt Mary Carol is very dear to us all-- especially mom!

Time with the cousins on Dad's side was a highlight! Its been way to long since all 12 of us have spent time together. What fun it was to catch up on each other's lives!

Top left to right: James, Quint, Andrew, Brett, Tyler
Middle: Brittany, Rebecca, Michelle, Jonathan
Bottom: Ally, Jodie, & Annie

GYC in Seattle, Washington

Rebecca, Esther (from Australia), Kirsten, Hannah

An afternoon walk around Seattle. Fun memories! :)

Visting friends in Colorado after GYC

Going for a bare back ride through a foot of snow!

Andrew Turns 24... Today!!

2012-11-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Andrew is a caring, compassionate, people loving person. He's loyal and devoted. His love for reaching out to people in our community is contagious, and has inspired us to join him in avenues the rest of us may never have thought of. Teaching is one of his many talents. He is very motivated and is a hard worker; loves to keep busy, and thrives when his shop is full of engines that need fixing. He has a purpose for living; to honor the Lord and spread His love and truth to others. So much joy is brought into our home by the way he showers love on all of us in a way that is uniquely Andrew's. This expression compels us to love him all the more!

Andrew's highlights of the past year

Honduras

-Working at the orphanage

-My little friend, Cindy

-Meeting Oscar and continuing to build that relationship

-The water falls and other great times

My boy Jack-o!

-Hikes and tadpole hunting

-Making him a shop dog

Briggs training in Kansas City!

-Time with Dad, Ty-boy, and John-boy

-learning new skills

Trips back to Maryland

-Time on the family farm

-Time with Alex & Akeem and many other close friends

Biking!

-Blind bike ride

-The opportunity to meet Courtney, and the privilege it was to get to know her and learn from her experiences.

-500 mile bike trip, which I rode in memory of my Aunt Sandy

(Check out the blog: Pedaling 4 Prevention)

-Time with friends

-The feeling of accomplishment at the finish line

So looking forward to next year!!

The Grand Canyon

-Time with MomMom and the family

Camping at Glacier

-Fellowship with friends

Luke & Chantee's wedding

-Witnessing of a beautiful union

-The opportunity to help by organizing prelude music

-Time with friends

Campout with Jared, Nebb boys, and my bro!

-Great talks, great memories!

Family time!

-Projects together around the property

-A.T. Your Service & South Western Supply

-Biking with Becky

-Racquet ball; a new activity we all have really enjoyed as a family and with friends!

-And just being at home with my family

Learning to trust God more fully in every facet of my life.

A Dusting

2012-11-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

"Nature and revelation alike testify of God's love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature...

Think of their marvelous adaption to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain [snow], that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creators love...

God has bound our hearts to Him by unnumbered tokens in heaven and in earth. Through the things of nature, and the deepest and tenderest earthly ties that human hearts can know...

He has sought to reveal Himself to us." Steps To Christ

Some of our favorite things to do...

2012-10-29T13:03:00.001-06:00

Family projects!

Our poor green houses have felt a little neglected this year...

but working together made the clean up process more bearable. :)

We were able to salvage quite a bit of produce from the plants before pulling them out... Especially from the pepper plants.

Preparing peppers to be dried

Gifts for the neighbors

rosemary and parsley

Random shots

Painting the shed. It was in desperate need of a complete make over.

Staining the house

The boys like to make every job a little more interesting. :)

Happy Birthday, Becky!

2012-09-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40:3

Rebecca turned 19 on September 9th. On the cloudiest of days, she brings sunshine to our home. We boys wouldn't know what to do without her, especially now that we are working full time. She selflessly picks up the slack in our household duties and cooks some really amazing food. It means a lot to us that she makes time for the things that really matter; such as fitting quality time with each of us into her already full schedule. But above all, we love the way her cheerful spirit and love for the Lord inspires us to be honorable young men for Him. Thank you, Becky, for being an encouragement to us... We love you!

Rebecca's highlights of the past year

Honduras!! new friends, serving and learning, interacting with the children at the orphanage, waterfalls, markets, and many new experiences.
Tennessee memories- working, canoeing down the Buffalo River, swimming, laughing and just having fun. A&P class with Grandpa Dysinger.
Travel and time with friends- GYC, Maryland visits, OKFCM, Kentucky, and camping in Glacier National Park.
Times spent with the neighbors- work b's, camping, lunches, music practices, ministering together at Texico Conference, and other fun memories.
The joy of taking care of Wesley- watching him grow and learn so many new things. (I'm learning to potty train... :) )
Hammock time
The "kids" (Muffy, Maci, & Marv) :)
Family time- talking, working, or just being together.
Truly experiencing God's love and grace throughout this past year.

Pedaling 4 Prevention

2012-09-05T18:41:00.000-06:00

The motivation behind this post is to announce and promote a more than 500 mile bike ride from Baton Rouge, LA to Natchez, MS and up the Natchez Trace National Parkway to Nashville, TN on October 1-5, 2012, that I (Andrew) and 3 others will be participating in.

We bikers are riding in memory of loved ones who have prematurely passed away from preventable diseases and to help raise funds for medical research, care, and education. We would appreciate your prayers and support.

For more information, to make donations, and to keep up-to-date on the ride, please visit our website: Pedaling 4 Prevention

One of the Greatest Wonders...

2012-07-06T15:42:00.000-06:00

The Grand Canyon is recognized as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world, breathtaking in its incredible splendor. Its not just an icon of beauty, however. Its a solemn witness to the mighty power of God, who is the omnipotent Creator of all things. For the beautiful rock strata of the Grand Canyon, with the evidence of their deposition under widespread waters, speak of God's awesome power and justice.

We've been so blessed to have our grandmother visiting for the past 2 weeks. During this time, we spent a couple days at the Grand Canyon, which was a dream come true for Mom Mom.

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.

Psalm 145:5

... And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm... Psalm 40:2

We all enjoyed our one-on-one time with Mom Mom.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8

Great are the works of the Lord... Splendid and majestic is His work... He has made His wonders to be remembered... Psalm 111:2-4

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

He brought forth streams also from the rock and caused to run down like rivers. Psalm 78:16

You formed the mountains by Your power and armed Yourself with mighty strength. Psalm 64:6

Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee... Jeremiah 32:17

Therefore, as we gaze in silent wonder at its unique magnificence, we are reminded of the words of the psalmist... "Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of Your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy." Psalm 65:8

Learning To Truly See…

2012-07-05T15:09:00.000-06:00

I, Andrew, had been looking forward to joining Blind Bikers Across America ever since my friend invited me to apply with him. Although being excited about the upcoming adventure, it was a little intimidating not knowing whom I was to be teamed up with and what to expect until I arrived at the event. I had hardly ridden a tandem bicycle before much less with an unsighted partner. All of the apprehension subsided when introductions and the first few practice rides came and went. What a lesson in trust! Courtney, my tandem bike partner, and I hit it off right away. While undertaking 110 miles of incredible biking, we talked almost non-stop about her life, my life, the sights of the bike journey, and countless topics. My life was greatly enriched by getting to know her and by the conversations that we shared. God unquestionably had His hand in grouping us together.

This trip was packed full of one exciting thing after another. Along our route, the Natchez Trace Parkway, we stopped to explore some historical landmarks and creation's wonders. About three quarters through our first day of gradual inclines and steep demanding hills, a waterfall beside the parkway was a much-coveted excursion. What a refreshing respite to rinse off and cool down from the heat and arduous biking.

Friday we toured Helen Keller’s home; it was her birthplace, where Anne Sullivan, her teacher, taught her to speak through sign language.

We were so fortunate to explore the entire house. Most can only gaze into each room from a barred entrance, but being privileged to be with the group from the Blind Bikers Across America, we were able to see and touch everything from inside the rooms, not simply from the doorways. As a captain for the event, I was the eyes for my partner, Courtney. This was an incredible lesson from history and a vivid lesson in serving others … this is a memory that will be permanently etched in my mind.

After touring the house, we made our way outside where we saw plaques and monuments.

The water pump where Helen's teacher, Anne, finally was able to break through to her.

We also came across the tree where Helen did most of her learning. Mike, a very determined individual, decided that if Helen could climb that tree to learn her lessons, he could climb up it too! It was exciting to watch him strain for the next knob to place his hands, pull himself up the last bit, and sit up there with a big smile on his face at his accomplishment.

While preparing for the trip, my mindset was that of desiring to be a blessing, an encouragement, and a help to those our society sees as handicapped. Yet, I came away the greater for the experience; deeply blessed and feeling encouraged. I learned to truly see life in a new and different light, to appreciate God’s gifts and provisions more deeply, and to enjoy serving others more fully.

I’m definitely looking forward to next year!!

Happy Father's Day To The Best!

2012-06-18T18:43:00.000-06:00

Where would I be without my father? I'm sure I don't know. This past year I've come to appreciate him in greater degrees as a close confidant and friend. Not only from working with him on a daily basis, but from learning from the wealth of wisdom he holds in life experience. I don't know what I'd do or where I'd be if it hadn't been for his input in many of this past year's life situations. I know God divinely placed him in my life for such a time as this…

Where to begin… there are so many incredibly awesome areas of my dad’s life that have greatly impacted my life. Innumerably my dad has given up his desires and life for us all. Over the years countless stories of the early days of family life have sifted to the surface asserting the sacrifices he has made in our behalf. Working day and night shifts to make sure that we were in need of nothing. His continual forgoing has spoke volumes to me that words or other means would never have. I praise the Lord for you, dad, and the example you have set not only for me but others. Love you.

I’ve been blessed beyond what I could have asked for throughout the past many months. These blessings have come due to working along side my dad. He has given me an education that no traditional school could have given. Late last year when we opened a retail store in the hardware and feed industry, I was to learn far more than just what nuts and bolts cost. I’ve been able to enter into my father’s brilliant business mind and learn from the pearls of wisdom that he has gained along the many years of his life as an entrepreneur.

My dad has taught me the importance of keeping integrity as a high priority in my work along with every area of my life. His daily love for God has inspired me to also have a love for my Creator and to please Him through the choices that I make for my future.

A father's love towards his little girl, and her's toward him, is nothing to be compared with. There's something to it that I can't explain… Something so deep and precious, something that cannot be replaced or duplicated by any other thing. I think it must be a special gift from heaven… A gift that every father and daughter should posses. Its a relationship quite similar to that of every Christian and their Heavenly Father, really. I am so thankful for the gift of my dad and the relationship we share. The blessing from my daddy's sensitive words, the look of tenderness and deep adoration in his eyes for me as he has and continues to guide me through the paths of life, his constant love and care, all remind me of the tender compassion and unfailing love of my Heavenly Father. And I have found that this tender affection between us grows even stronger, just as it does with my Heavenly Father, as I choose to willingly give my heart in perfect love and submission to him…

Thank you for being the best, for all those growing up years when you would tuck me in to the song, Butterfly Kisses, for all the daddy/daughter dates, for being an example to me of my Father in Heaven, for just being you and showering your love upon me.

Forever and always, I'll be your little girl…

We love you Dad!

Happy Birthday, Quint!!

2012-06-16T21:37:00.000-06:00

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:9-11

Quint turned 25 on June 14th. His life has been one of maturity. We (us 3 youngers) have always looked up to him as our example. He has a quiet yet compelling personality, encouraging those around him to serve the Lord with their gifts and talents... with all they are.
We love you Quint!

Quint's highlights of the past year

Recently, I was talking with a friend and we were commenting about how much one year… one month… one week… one day… and even one moment can hold. Yes, even one moment can change life, our perspective, and our plans. This year has held many such moments.

I love my work!! I love to work with horses and meet knew people.
This year we had several opportunities to travel- GYC in Houston, Texas, our mission trip to Honduras, Oklahoma Family Camp where we spent lots of time catching up with friends from across the country.
Riding horses with Becky (and sometimes friends) up in the hills, mesas, and mountains surrounding our home.
Cattle drives with the neighbors.
Lots of family time talking.
Learning more about God's enduring love and promises.
A prayer of the year, " God be merciful to us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us. That Thy way may be known upon the earth…" Psalm 67:1-2

Texico Conference

2012-06-15T17:01:00.000-06:00

Last weekend was our 3rd year in joining friends to provide the music for our Conference Camp Meeting. Because of our busy schedules, there was very little time to practice this year. The Lord really blessed our efforts (and our fingers). Unanimously, this was the best year yet!

Joshua, Stefanie, and I playing, Morning Has Broken, for special music

Pie Town men's choir singing, Here is Love

Fellowship around the meal table was often the place to find animated conversations and lots of good laughter.

Putt Putt Fun

Sweet friends

Fun times... beautiful memories

Maryland

2012-06-15T15:53:00.001-06:00

I'm a little behind on posting due to our internet being down at the house, but I still wanted to share about our time in MD... even though it's a little outdated.

During the week we were there, we stayed on the Ketts' Family Farm where my grandparents live. It was so nice to see and visit with the family again. For some its been over a year!

We all thoroughly enjoyed times alone in thought and prayer as we walked along the country dirt road beside the fields where the horses peacefully graze, read and study on the dock with the sound of the waves patting along the shore, or walking through the fields listening to the birds sing.

Around the farm~

At the beach near Mom Mom's house

A day on the river with family

A view of the farm from the boat

Little Kinley Rae Deen- the newest addition to the family. So precious...

Cousins

left to right- Andrew, Matt, Josh, Tyler, Aaron

Abby and I

Friend time too

Tyler's childhood friend, Nicholas, graduated from the Naval Academy. We were privileged to attend a bagpipe concert he preformed in as well as his graduation ceremony.

Graduation Day

Throwing of the hats

Nick graduated with honors as the 24th in his class of 1,100 graduates. He has been commissioned into the Marines, and with a major in Arabic, will most likely be sent over to the Middle East. He continues to be in our prayers.

Maryland by way of Kentucky

2012-05-25T14:45:00.002-06:00

During our trek to Maryland, we stopped by our friends, the Trouts, who operate a dairy farm in Sedila, Kentucky. Twice a day we enjoyed the new experience of learning how to milk cows.

Cleaning up after milking- Andrew hosing out the parlor

Running water through all the equipment

Feeding the calves was one of my (Rebecca's) favorite jobs!

My little friend, Johannah

Going for a joy ride

Buddies- Andrew and Josiah

Andrew fixing small engines with helpers, Josiah and Jessie

Johannah helps hold and give just the right tools.

Johannah's goat heard

A day of rest and an afternoon walk around the farm

In the evenings and between chore times, we enjoyed games of volleyball. Winners were privileged to more sleep the next morning, while the rest woke up to undertake the 4am milking. :)

Group shots

Top row, left to right- Tyler Trout, Tyler, Caitlyn Trout, Carleigh Trout, Rebecca, Ally Terwilliger, Courtney Trout, Andrew, and Zack Terwilliger
Bottom row- Johannah, Jesse, and Josiah Trout

We thank the Lord for the gift of friendships, fun times, and sweet memories!

Muffin News

2012-04-24T13:35:00.000-06:00

Here's a little update for all who have kept our little Muff in prayer...

After only three weeks, her healing and recovery have been miraculous! She's already jumping up and off the couch and my (Rebecca's) bed, going up and down the stairs, running all over the house to chase toys or to welcome people as they enter the front door, and bossing Jack and Buddy around outside.

Here are some before and now shots...

In the vet's office

Removing stitches

Now one can hardly tell!

She still has some lumps and bumps on her broken shoulder and favors her left leg, although she is beginning to use it more. We are thanking the Lord for this miracle puppy!

And back to playing in the green house. :)

A Tea

2012-03-19T10:07:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, we joined our friends, Matthias and Stefanie, to provide music for the Socorro Hospital's benefit tea. This was to raise funds to build an access enabling patients with wheelchairs to enjoy the hospital's healing garden.

Matthias and Andrew playing a duet- Be Still My Soul

Stefanie and I playing, Morning Has Broken

Dr. and Mrs. Bassler

The boys talking with our state representative, Don Tripp

Several people asked if we were all one family… imagine that!! :)

We had lots of fun preparing and playing together, and were blessed by the opportunity to serve.

"The pure air, the glad sunshine, the flowers and trees, the orchards and vineyards, and outdoor exercise amid these surroundings, are health-giving, life-giving.

Physicians and nurses should encourage their patients to be much in the open air. Outdoor life is the only remedy that many invalids need. It has a wonderful power to heal diseases caused by the excitement and excess of fashionable life, a life that weakens and destroys the powers of the body, mind, and soul." Ministry of Healing, pg. 264

Happy 21st Birthday, Tyler!!

2012-03-15T08:46:00.000-06:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are for good... to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

All who know Tyler have been blessed by his out going, fun loving personality. He's the social character, always eager to meet new people, ready to send a smile their way.

We love you Tyler!

By the way... All who might be wondering, his birthday is the 11th. We were too busy celebrating to post. :)

Tyler's highlights of the past year

Seeing God's hand in my life and the revealing of His will.

Enjoying time and working together with my family.

Spending time with friends.

Travel!!! Honduras-- Experiencing the culture of another county. Kansas City with Dad, Andrew, and our friend Jonathan.

Working as an EMT-- The ability to help someone in a life threatening critical moment to conquer their problem, allowing them to live longer with their loved ones.

Learning the ways of retail and working in the hardware store... I love it!!!