Monday, November 24, 2014

JEAN WISHES EVERYONE HAPPY THANKSGIVING

My family and myself wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.  It is a time, not only for us, to be joyful together, but to give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings He has given us throughout the year.   Sometimes in our lives, we don't take the time to stop and thank the Lord like we should and now is a special time.

I have so many things to tell.  Kevin and Bridget came to our house one evening for dinner.  After dinner Kevin announced that as of January 1st, Michael will not be an employee of his and would no longer be working for him.  Michael went into shock.  Kevin said he had taught Michael everything he knew and now it was time for Michael to go on his own.  He could ask Kevin advice or in an emergency ask for help, but it was time he went on his own.  Michael didn't know what to say.

Michael looked at David, then Edward and Thomas and saw the smirk on their faces and knew something was up.  So he asked what was up. On our farm we have a small barn, in fact have a couple of them, that we use just for storage.  David was thinking of taking them down.  Kevin told David he had taught Michael all he could and it was time he went in business for himself.  So David had remodeled one of the barns so Michael could have his business there.  After dinner, we took him to the barn and showed him.  He couldn't believe it.  How we had remodeled it under his nose and he didn't know it.  With Kevin's help, we had a lot of tools in there that Michael will need.  David , Kevin, Edward and Thomas went shopping and bought these tools for Michael.  Michael had tears in his eyes.  He couldn't believe this.  There are things that he still needs, but Christmas is coming.

There is more than enough work for both of them - so they won't really be running against each other in business.  Kevin promised Michael, that they will both have to close up a day once in a while to go either fishing or hunting depending on the season.

Edward is still learning taxes.  He is taking a correspondence course and working with one of Elmer and Anna's sons that does taxes.  That is another business than needs more people.  Edward can work in an office, but can't start his own business until he is 18.  He does the work and Elmer's son checks it.  Of course, starting out, Edward made some mistakes, but now he is doing great.  He enjoys his work, too.

Thomas being so new with us, we didn't know what his trade would be.  Of course all are farmers, but we feel they should have another trade for the winter and in addition to farming.  Well, we found that Thomas' trade is word working.  He does beautiful work in furniture, toys, and more.  David Sr. and his Father couldn't believe the beautiful work he does.  My husband David said Thomas does better work than he does.  So now David and Thomas are thinking of taking one of the smaller barns and making a wood work building out of it.  That would get the mess out of the big barn.  Now, every time they do wood work there have to drag everything out and put it back where they would have their own wood working area.  I think it will get them to know each other better and make Thomas feel more in the family.  Not that he doesn't now.  Just that the men talk more together when they are working together.

Bishop Joseph and Martha gave us their courting buggy to use as we have three sons at courting age.  The two of their son's that used it are married and the next two of their children coming of courting age are girls.  It is still hard to have three young men using one courting buggy.  We will have to see what we can do.

As Christmas is drawing near, we are getting a bit worried about Katie's great-grandparents again.  Grandmother Olive said she and Grandfather Albert have it all under control.  So I hope she is right and we don't get as many presents as we did last year.  Katie is doing well and speaks Deutch almost as well as we do.  She is also doing well in reading.  Also, she gets the eggs from the chickens, feeds them and does other outside chores.  Katie also helps in cleaning, collecting clothes on washing day, cooking and more.  She also does much better in Sunday services.  It's hard to believe that next year she will be starting school.

Susan is doing well in school.  She enjoys it very much.  Like Katie she does chores inside and out.  Now, she also babysits Katie and David Jr.  while we go out.  If it is for any long time, we leave one of the brothers home to keep watch over them.

David Jr. is grown fast.  Now he does small chores inside and out.  He likes to follow his Father or one of his brothers around.  We are starting to teach him to read, counting and more.  He thinks he is bigger than he is and can do more than he should.  We have to watch him.

I know Elmer told about the Birthday Party he and Michael had at our home.  We were also at John and Sarah's wedding and Elmer and Anna's 30th Anniversery party that Bishop Eli had.  Some people in the outside world think that we don't have such fun.  If they knew us, they would be wrong.  We have our time for worship, work and enjoyment.  In fact, we try to mix all three together.

Also, please remember as the Christmas Season starts that it takes a lot of gas and mileage to get all the pictures that go on here every day.  So if you have a little extra you can send it to Marilyn at: mab112148@yahoo.com.  I know it would be greatly appreciated.

Be With God,
Jean

15 comments:

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Everyone,

Jean is back this week !!! The weather is in the 60's today, but to change tomorrow.

Marilyn

Tom said...

Sounds like a wonderful active family! Tom The Backroads Traveller

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Tom,

I guess they are.

Marilyn

Evie said...

I loved reading this Jean it was lovely to catch up with all the family

Yes we should all give thanks

It is so heartwarming to hear of you all helping each other

Happy Thanksgiving and many Blessings to you all

Evie

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Evie,

I will see that Jean gets your message.

Happy Thanksgiving to you,
Marilyn

Vickie said...

So nice to get caught up with the family.
Oh dear. I forgot about Katie's grandparents.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Vickie,

Will see that Jean gets your message. It is so nice when she tells of the children.

Hugs to Mabel and Henry,
Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Great post, Jean. Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on the kids etc. may the Lord bless each and everyone of you out there in "cyber"land- Marilyn, posters and readers alike. Pan z wami ( that's Polish for "The Lord be with you". Carol

annie said...

How wonderful for Michael, and for Thomas coming up too! It is so good to read of the encouraging way you help one another. I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all have so much to be grateful for. God has been very good to me. Blessings!

Ingrid said...

Hi Marilyn, such a great post today. Please tell Jean I really enjoyed this post.Happy to hear of all the good news of recent events,and so glad that everyone is doing well.I also wish them and everyone else a Happy Thanksgiving Ingrid

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Carol, Annie and Ingrid,

I will see that Jean gets your messages. Jean likes to talk about her children. So glad they have such good news.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Marilyn

Willow's Quiet Corner said...

Thanks for the updates, Jean! Wow, sounds like everyone has been busy! It's exciting for everyone to be excelling in their chosen work!

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving! Be safe, stay warm! :)

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Willow's Quiet Corner,

I will see that Jean gets your message. It's good that they all have two jobs.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Marilyn

Countryside Reflections said...

It's always so nice to hear from Jean and get the family up-dates. It sounds like everyone is happy and doing well.

Doreen

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Doreen,

Yes, they are all doing well.

Happy thanksgiving,
Marilyn