How majestic is Thy name in all the earth,
Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!
Thou dost make Him (the Son of Man) to rule over the works of Thy hands;
Thou has put all things under His feet.
O LORD, our Lord,
How Majestic is Thy name in all the earth!
Psalm 8:1, 6, & 9
Dear Friends and Family,
Hope you've enjoyed this Christmas, and now the start to the New Year. So many uncertainties around us, yet one certainty that can secure us in the midst of it all:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
Make sure you have Him as your foundation- your Rock!
There's not much to say right now, except that God has certainly brought us through this past year, and for that we are thankful. We know He will see us through 2011 as well.
Last January found us still living with David's parents. We did some sledding in the cold- lots of fun but the temperature was enough to fry whatever tiny connection was holding on in our old camera. Amelie turned 3 that month- her kitty-cat cupcakes reflected her love for little animals (dogs and cats).
In February we began preparations to rent from Aimee's cousin here in Greeley. It was nice to set up house again, after 10 months of sharing household space with David's parents, but at the same time has held the challenge of resuming/recreating patterns of organization that fit in a different space and lay-out.
March brought another camera (pictures again!) and the highlight that month was a visit from an out-of-state auntie. We enjoyed a day trip up to the snow in Rocky Mountain National park- saw lots of elk and a certain 4-year old was taught about the dangers of playing on snow-covered ice under a bridge, away from the eyes of his mommy!
With April, May, and June came warmer temperatures, flowers, gardens, and helping Aimee's grandpa a little with rhubarb harvest (he sells 100's of pounds each summer to local Farmer's Markets). David's job at Advanced Aerotechnologies Group took an unstable turn, and Aimee started supporting nursing moms from home on a very part-time basis with the local WIC clinic. Josiah turned one year in June, and was very proficient at refusing solid intake. He had firmly decided that Mommy was his preferred source of sustenance (and did for several months after that as well!). David and Aimee had the pleasure of attending the Christian Home Educators of Colorado Family Conference in June, as well. It was a very encouraging and enriching couple of days at the Denver Merchandise Mart, where we heard speakers minister on the subject of the family, and learned practical tips for the day-to-day efforts of home education, as well.
We enjoyed a fair amount of water play in hot July and August. July also brought an impromptu trip back to Ketchikan after the unexpected homecall of David's previous employer and friend, Josh. We realized and gave thanks for the godly impact he had, not only in the lives of those in own family, but in the lives of so many around him. The fellowship we were able to have with family in Christ during this time was needed and very precious. In August we had motorcycle visitors from Fairbanks, AK; a very enjoyable time was had together. (We shook our heads in awe as we watched them drive away- how many people of retirement age do you know that hop on a Harley and drive from Alaska down through the Lower 48 and back?!)
In September we took advantage of the continued days of warm (hot!) weather. We took a family camping trip (some would argue that we were very brave, while others might have thought this... umm, less wise), which involved four-wheeling ("Dad, can we be done driving in this ditch?) keeping a 4-year old, 3-year old, and 15-month old safe around a campfire, and teaching the potty-trained members of the family about the natural simplicity of digging a hole in the woods for one's personal needs. This, of course, resulted in a humorous incident the second day of "potties" being dug about 3 feet from the fire ring! All-in-all, it was a fun trip (despite Josiah crying at least 50% of the night because of not having his own bed!) and we look forward to our next camping experience as a family this next year (hopefully several experiences). At the end of the month we took in the Radial Engine Exhibition out in Akron, CO (Akron is short for "middle-of-no-where-out-east"). David advertised his mechanical experience on radial engines with a T-shirt we made the night before.
Silas turned a big five in October. He enjoys working with letters and reading (to a certain limit per session!), and of course, trains are his major fascination. We enjoyed a birthday lunch at White Fence Farm (southern chicken dinners), as well as a separate birthday celebration with a cousin who shares a close date. Most notably, Josiah finally REALLY started eating food and walking after 15 months of age.
November brought very short hours for David at his "regular" work, and he picked up extra hours at local car dealership (parts sorting- not sales!) and with home improvement work for family members. We enjoyed one of the TWO snowstorms of the Fall, and celebrated the marriage of one of Aimee's cousins. We celebrated Aimee's birthday around Thanksgiving time, and ended the month with a fun tour of Hammond's Candy Factory in Denver.
Finally, December! David's work increased to full-time, and we are thankful that he has a bit more understanding of his boss, and what kind of reactions to expect in various situations. Christmas was spent with family- although we do confess, it felt like a bit too much driving! The kids, energized by the excitement of gifts and sugar, didn't seem to feel the exhaustion that we adults felt by the end of the weekend! The most important part of Christmas is remembering Jesus, the Son of God, born as a human baby in Bethlehem. A humble birth, yet announced by angelic hosts! (Do you know anyone else with that kind of birth announcement?!) So often we leave the story there, but it isn't just a story suited for celebrating a holiday once a year. Jesus grew to be a man, perfect and sinless- crucified on a cross, buried in a tomb and then resurrected on the third day by the power of God. What's the greater purpose? To restore mankind from sin to relationship with God. Each one is responsible for repenting of his/her sin and believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. This, my friend, is God's greater plan of salvation- encompassing far more than the single event of Jesus' birth!
The past year of 2010, in retrospect, feels like a blur. As you have just read, however, there are obviously many events that do stand out in our memories. Many of these are recalled with happy emotions- times that were certainly laced with laughter and joy, while others bring up feelings of sorrow. Through it all, though, we know that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We don't know about tomorrow, but we do know that God is sovereign. As David's mom says, there isn't anything that happens that hasn't already crossed His desk.
Praising God for His hand in all things for the coming year- both in our family and yours,
David & Aimee Baxter
Silas, Amelie & Josiah
All things came into being by Him,
and apart from Him
nothing came into being that has come into being.
John 1:3
