1 + 1 = 4!!

We are delighted to announce that there is another little one due in October!! Congratulations Alan, Rachel and Kendrick. We cannot wait to meet this new precious bundle of life!

“For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him." 

1 Samuel 1:27

February

When you surrender areas of your life to God it is amazing to watch Him orchestrate it way better than you ever could have. 

During family devotions we commit our day and schedule to our Heavenly Father and I have seen Him honor that prayer time after time. Since Dad's business is seasonal work the weather dictates a lot of what we do and the weather is not something that you can plan on far in advance which makes it challenging to schedule when we need to be on the road and when we need to be at home. But God always works it out and this year has been no different! 

Long story short we made the decision to stay home the beginning of this year and what a blessing that ended up being! Our Grandma Wissmann turned 91 in February and was losing health pretty rapidly. It was so special to be able to take the two hour trip down to see her as much as we could. 

{this picture was from a while ago but I didn't have a recent one with all of us.}

The girls decided that their room was in need of a facelift! So in free moments they painted the walls and Stephen made them a new bed just like the one they found on online. I'll post pictures of the finished room when they get the last few projects done.

This year we had a couple weeks of gorgeous weather in February which meant we needed to start working in the fields. Another amazing blessing from being home.

Working on music is always something that needs done. We were able to get quite a few new songs worked up which means that a new cd will (hopefully) be in the works this summer.

Hopefully you enjoyed a glimpse into our February!

A man's heart plans his way,
But the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

January

This year has been a little bit different than previous years. Usually we head out on the road the middle of January and don't arrive home until March but this year there were a number of things that made us realize that we needed to be home instead. It was different for all of us and though we missed the annual trip that we have taken for 10+ years in a row it was good to get projects done at home and have a consistent schedule.

Here is a quick glimpse into a our highlights from January!

Being home during through the winter meant that we were able to enjoy more of the snow that came. Which in our house means that we get to make doughnuts!

When our friend was moving to a new home we took care of all the kids for the day so the adults could focus on getting everything moved. The house was filled with their little voices and lots of toys! We spent the afternoon making and frosting cookies for them to take home.

Time with family is always a huge highlight! Dad had a meeting down south and so some of us were able to join him and spend a couple of days with Andrew and Kori at their new home in Florida.

And a quick stop in Kansas on the way home to see Alan, Rachel and Kendrick.

The guys spent a lot of time turning a space in our new shop into an office / recording studio. Since the work is still in progress I'll post more pictures of this later.

"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, 

And do not return there, But water the earth and make it bring forth and bud, 

That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." 

[Isaiah 55:10 -11]

Hello Again!

Wow! 
What can I say except that I am sorry for not updating this blog for the last couple of months. We are greatly humbled by each one of you that read the blog and follow our family's journey. There has been a lot of mountain tops and valleys so far in 2017 and God has shown Himself faithful each time. 

I am going to pull out some pictures, take some new ones and try to start blogging consistently again. So, get ready for a bunch of new updates coming soon!!

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory 

Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth." 

Psalms 115:1

Gingerbread Fun

During our Christmas reunion, we pulled out an old family tradition and had a gingerbread-house decorating competition. 

Yes, our family can become quite competitive, so enthusiasm was rising high as we rolled out the gingerbread and carefully cut the pieces to size. We assembled the houses and waited for the frosting to dry so the grand event could commence.

(Making donuts for nibbling during the decorating process!)

We covered the table in edible 'building materials' and divided into three groups: 

Girls, Guys, and the Young Decorators.

The girls hard at work

Charissa did a great job heading up the Young Decorator's house. Their goal? Fit as much candy on the house as physically possible! 

The guys' house

The conversation was lively as the house decor took shape.

Sister love!

"Can I please eat them all, Mom?"

The sweet 'littles'

The girls'

The guys'

We held a final vote on our Instagram account. 

And the winner is...

The guys! (pictured right)

Wedding Photos

One of our highlights from 2016 was Ryan & Ruth's wedding day. 

What a tremendous day filled with so many beautiful moments and remarkable, specific answers to prayer. Our hearts were overflowing with rejoicing and thanksgiving.

We have oodles of wedding photos to share with you, but at the couple's request, we will be sharing them in our family e-letter instead of here on the blog. 

We really don't want you, our blog family, to miss this! 

(In addition to all the other family news and notes in the e-letter.)

So jot down your email address here and look for an email with the photos and stories landing in your inbox soon. We're excited to share!

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Family Christmas

The warm glow of the tree. The aroma of Christmas baking. 

The lively banter of multiple conversations, laughter, and good-natured teasing. 

Babies cooing & squealing. Hugs. Giddy excitement. 

To say we were all thrilled and grateful to be together for three days over Christmas is probably an understatement! As our family grows and changes these days of reunion are savored more than any culinary delicacy or dream vacation. 

As each car pulls into the driveway, our house is literally filled with shouts and squeals. The front door swings open and a mad dash is made to claim the first hugs and grandbaby-holding. The strains of Christmas music quickly fades to the background as the happy chatter rises in volume. 

Family -- truly one of God's most precious gifts. 

Here is a peek into our gift exchange celebration: 

Our tradition is to have the youngest family members (who are walking) help Grandma by passing out the gifts. It's so wonderful having so many little people in the family!

Dan & Bethany's family

Matthias, Stephen, Hannah, & Susanna

Each year we draw names for the gift exchange, which is top-secret until Christmas. 

It's always a treat to see the thoughtful, fun gifts which bring out each individual personality and interest! 

We had lots of baby-holding this year!

Alan, Rachel, & Kendrick

Kori & Alaythia

Ryan & Ruth

Elizabeth & Matthias

Susanna & Stephen

Andrew & Kendrick

Another tradition is to take new individual photos each year and someone is in charge of putting them in the frames and wrapping them. They hang on our display wall wrapped in Christmas paper through the month of December.

Then, at our family Christmas, Mom opens the packages to reveal the new photos. 

For Dad & Mom this year we children pooled together a group gift of an all-family vacation this summer. With so many schedules to work around and travel distance involved, it's getting more and more difficult to all be together. So this will be a gift for everyone!! 

I think Dad & Mom were delighted!

Matthias, Andrew, & Stephen

Nathanael & Caden. 

Andrew & Alaythia

We sincerely hope your holidays were meaningful and joyous. 

What an incredible season to celebrate! 

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel” 

(which means, God with us).

Matthew 1:23