Thank you for checking back.
We are preparing to start another busy School year here at home plus. Our teens are out and about. Katharine is in her final year at USI, Joel is back at the ISU campus in Terre Haute trying his hand at RA. He is in orientation right now and as grueling as the sessions are he is making friends and enjoying being back to work. James is job hunting for the Indy area while doing odd jobs for friends here in Evansville. We appreciate everyday with our big guys knowing the time is short. Life and its fragility is a lesson our younger kids have learned early with having older siblings. Many times we don't appreciate people until they are out of our daily reach. My goal has been to train the thought patterns of our family to appreciate and savor each moment together. God does and is directing our steps, so we can have peace knowign they are where He wants them, we just realize it is not with us they will be used by God. He has a plan for them outside our little bubble of reality.
With Dad at the Zoo
Dad spent his day off with Mom and the younger 3 at the zoo. We had a great time feeding the Giraffes (for a small fee) and watching the jaguar, peacocks and Kookaburra. We bought a family pass for Christmas and is definitely worth a few hours here and there. We can't wait for the Spring to come when all the animals will be out and active. Amazonia is a favorite place to go and hang out watching the Capybara and tapir. I had never seen a sloth or porcupine before so seeing them up close was fun. Its always interesting to see if our favorite the Sand Cat is out and about. And the otters are always ready to play with us.
Micah and Caroline in Amazonia
Our newest Christmas letter 2011
Merry Christmas from the Yoders for yet another year in God’s grace,
2011 is coming to a close but as we reflect on God’s amazing power shown in our lives we are constantly humbled by it. He chooses to use us not based on our ability but by His grace alone. He is to be praised in all things.
May of 2011 brought another milestone to our family. Joel Thomas our 3rd child graduated from our homeschool. He had been taking part-time classes at Ivy Tech for his senior year and finished our school in May. We had a party but I was not able to send out the invitations Joel had made. We had over 100 people even though it was facebook invites and word of mouth. God is good. James was due to graduate in May from U of E but needed a few more credits which he has earned this semester. He will graduate with a Computer Design degree and a Math and Business minors on December 14th at the UE student gymnasium. This ceremony is open to the public so you are welcome to come and see if you like. We will be having an open house the 18th, the very next Sunday from 3-8 at the Yoder house. James plans on getting a job and living at home for the next 6 months to decrease his school loans. We are glad to have him with us a little longer. He has his sights set on Newburgh and loves to bike along the riverwalk. It will be fun to see where God leads him. He is still the snuggly one in our household. The kids can always count on him to watch movies and snuggle. They will miss him terribly but he has promised to have them for sleepovers when he has his own place.
Joel is on his own for a while yet. He has 4 more years at the ISU campus in Terre Haute. He chose Graphic Design as his major and enjoys those classes in particular. He seems to have the ability (like his big sister) to crank out a good research paper which is a good college skill. He loves being on his own but misses all the constant chatter that characterizes our meals here at home. We miss his constant input and bubbly chatter walking thru the house. His presence does make a difference for our family dynamic. I am sure we will notice James and Katharine’s absence more after they go permanently, but for now we miss them in small doses. We are counting down the days for his Christmas break. His roommate is a studious young Chinese/American student named Kelvin. They get along well and appreciate each other. Joel is very involved with CSF (Christian Student Fellowship) it the ISU campus. He has found many strong believers that give him spiritual strength as well as a hand in daily life. Beth (Joel’s grilfriend) is also attending St. Mary’s of the Woods at Terre Haute. She is able to be a part of CSF with Joel, and has made many strong christian friends there as well. It has been amazing how God is able to grow them together in a spiritual focus thru this. Beth is studying Music Therapy as well as joining the Jazz Band and Choir.
Katharine is at USI for another full year. Even though she is fully involved she is patiently waiting for her time to be gone. Right now her goal is to attend Moody School of the Bible. They have an Applied Linguistics Degree she would like to pursue after USI. She would be in Chicago at least 4 years. I guess we would have to visit often and check out all the neat museums and such... :-) She still spends several days a week working at Dance Haven. Who wouldn’t enjoy fitting on pointe/ballet/jazz/tap shoes on little girls and for the finishing touch ordering all those adorable outfits and warmers, and accessories. Katharine fills her time with books, writing, and making cookies with the little ones. SCF for her is the opportunity to be involved at Campus with a fellowship of believers and those who are seeking God. We as her parents are amazed at what a beautiful person God challenges her to become on a daily basis. She is home this semester and loving it. We know her time to go will be soon enough, so for right now we try and enjoy her all we can.
Gary and I celebrated our 25 wedding anniversary early this year. Our wedding day is November 22, but that is too cold and busy to go to Florida, so in Aug/Sept we took all the kids with us to celebrate it together at my sisters house and Disney. We were able to spend the weekend between LeAnn and Lisa’s houses. My other sister Ami joined us from Tampa and my Dad from Alabama. It was short but precious. Not only did Micah Caroline and Seth get to see where their aunties and cousins live, LeAnn and Rob took us on their boat to see the ocean and we were able to roll in the waves of the Gulf for the very first time. What fun we had! For the next 6 days after that we spent together as a family at Disney resort and the parks. We stayed on sight and came and went as we wanted without a schedule or plan. It was nice to sleep in little and stay up late seeing the parks til the end. The teens were able to do some school in the mornings since they were missing their second week of college. We really enjoyed this and the little kids are already asking when we can go back. I love the fact that a little bonine and lots of “Hank the Cow dog” books on cd can get you to Florida. We didn’t sleep much on the way there or back but it was worth it. I must confess I was quite surprised at how much the little kids enjoyed roller coasters. For Seth and Caroline it was their first time riding anything bigger than the Holidog. They loved it and can’t wait to try the big ones at Holiday World next year. We experienced true Japanese, Italian, and African food. Everyone was a trooper and was willing to taste most of it with mature comments afterward. I guess they are all growing up. We were on an adventure together.
Micah is in the 5th/6th grade these days.He enjoys being precise and independent. We have branched into a middle school science book that requires note-taking, labs with notes and observations and tests. This has been what we use to transition to independent study with our older ones. So far he is learning much character and I am amazed at how ready he is most days to assume these responsibilities... then... on other days... I guess that is why it is a transition :-) He still enjoys the Legos, problem solving games and leadership roles. Ages of Empires, Carmen San Diego and Zoo Tycoon remain favorite computer games. He is having fun with a science program thru Lego Education that teaches gears, levers, pulleys, etc. He and Seth challenge each other to build better machines than what is listed.
Caroline is in the 4th grade this year and quickly becoming a young lady. Her taste in decorating is always present whether she is signing her name or deciding how to rearrange their bedroom. Micah and her recently acquired new beds and sides of the room. She has the ability now to rearrange her space. It is exciting to watch the 3 of them enjoy each other and yet have that desire for alone time. She has a cut out and design fashion kit that she likes to do alone on her bed. Always ready for girl time, she appreciates the fact that Katharine is available more often than before. They enjoy coming up with a fun dessert or planning something pretty to wear and accessorize. Caroline likes to have things in order with her school work and often has the date ready for anyone who asks because she has already planned her day. She loves calendars and pocket organizers as well as the cutest little notebook. Animals could be her passion if we had more. As it is, she makes friends with all she finds. She has an assumption that they will tolerate and eventually warm up to her if she is patient and persistent enough. It usually works quite well. They all 3 enjoy watching “Wild Kratts” on tv to learn all about the unique characteristics of animals. Caroline is always the servant-hearted one; looking to see what needs to be done and sticking close by. She is a joy to have in the kitchen or elsewhere.
Seth is quite the young man now. In 2nd grade and newly 8 He is determined to outman anyone. He has an intense drive but enjoys the company of his siblings.He loves the challenge of seeing how fast he can climb run and jump. He loves the trampoline and trees. However, he is still the snuggle guy that makes sure his “friends” (stuffed animals) have a cover and pillows at night. His best buds now are “Zach” the leopard back pack and “Beth” the webkins leopard he picked out at Disney. Beth is sure to be beside him during special movies and celebrations. She needs to experience the fun too. Be sure to look for her in our disney picture.
Gary and Laura are doing well. It is wonderful to think back to when we started our family together .How God has blessed us and faithfully provides all along the way. Gary still enjoys doing projects with the boys and making things in his wood shop.Car fixing never ends. We were able to work together as a family this year with Camp Reveal’s summer camp for inner city kids. We enjoy having all of our kids along side of us while we interact with children in need of love and patient discipling. Our church devoted 3 weeks to running or helping other leaders in making the camps happen. Gary and I usually trade off and work with Camp Shakamak week for the IFCA regional church camp in May. Gary served as a Junior Camp counselor and James, for the first time,as a Senior Camp counselor. We are hoping we all may go next year since Seth and Caroline might be old enough to last thru the many hours of physical activities that happen during Junior camp. We didn’t get to go camping with our camper, but had many bonfires and families over to enjoy the night sky with us at home. Laura had hysterectomy surgery in Feb to try and relieve the chronic back pain she has had since carrying Seth. It got progressively worse with each pregnancy. Yes it took away the pain, for which all of us are truly grateful. Laura is not on continuous pain meds for the first time in 8 years. God in His perfect timing , sent us an OB doctor who understood and addressed our needs and concerns. As we look forward to the Christmas time to come and the new year, we miss our many friends we have not been able to connect with this year. We think of you often and pray you are able to Praise a God and Father who truly loves you in concrete and eternal ways...”A savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord!” From all of us Yoders, Merry Christmas!
P.S. I have set up a new family website to post pictures and school projects. You are welcome to visit. yodersworldofwonder.weebly.com
2011 is coming to a close but as we reflect on God’s amazing power shown in our lives we are constantly humbled by it. He chooses to use us not based on our ability but by His grace alone. He is to be praised in all things.
May of 2011 brought another milestone to our family. Joel Thomas our 3rd child graduated from our homeschool. He had been taking part-time classes at Ivy Tech for his senior year and finished our school in May. We had a party but I was not able to send out the invitations Joel had made. We had over 100 people even though it was facebook invites and word of mouth. God is good. James was due to graduate in May from U of E but needed a few more credits which he has earned this semester. He will graduate with a Computer Design degree and a Math and Business minors on December 14th at the UE student gymnasium. This ceremony is open to the public so you are welcome to come and see if you like. We will be having an open house the 18th, the very next Sunday from 3-8 at the Yoder house. James plans on getting a job and living at home for the next 6 months to decrease his school loans. We are glad to have him with us a little longer. He has his sights set on Newburgh and loves to bike along the riverwalk. It will be fun to see where God leads him. He is still the snuggly one in our household. The kids can always count on him to watch movies and snuggle. They will miss him terribly but he has promised to have them for sleepovers when he has his own place.
Joel is on his own for a while yet. He has 4 more years at the ISU campus in Terre Haute. He chose Graphic Design as his major and enjoys those classes in particular. He seems to have the ability (like his big sister) to crank out a good research paper which is a good college skill. He loves being on his own but misses all the constant chatter that characterizes our meals here at home. We miss his constant input and bubbly chatter walking thru the house. His presence does make a difference for our family dynamic. I am sure we will notice James and Katharine’s absence more after they go permanently, but for now we miss them in small doses. We are counting down the days for his Christmas break. His roommate is a studious young Chinese/American student named Kelvin. They get along well and appreciate each other. Joel is very involved with CSF (Christian Student Fellowship) it the ISU campus. He has found many strong believers that give him spiritual strength as well as a hand in daily life. Beth (Joel’s grilfriend) is also attending St. Mary’s of the Woods at Terre Haute. She is able to be a part of CSF with Joel, and has made many strong christian friends there as well. It has been amazing how God is able to grow them together in a spiritual focus thru this. Beth is studying Music Therapy as well as joining the Jazz Band and Choir.
Katharine is at USI for another full year. Even though she is fully involved she is patiently waiting for her time to be gone. Right now her goal is to attend Moody School of the Bible. They have an Applied Linguistics Degree she would like to pursue after USI. She would be in Chicago at least 4 years. I guess we would have to visit often and check out all the neat museums and such... :-) She still spends several days a week working at Dance Haven. Who wouldn’t enjoy fitting on pointe/ballet/jazz/tap shoes on little girls and for the finishing touch ordering all those adorable outfits and warmers, and accessories. Katharine fills her time with books, writing, and making cookies with the little ones. SCF for her is the opportunity to be involved at Campus with a fellowship of believers and those who are seeking God. We as her parents are amazed at what a beautiful person God challenges her to become on a daily basis. She is home this semester and loving it. We know her time to go will be soon enough, so for right now we try and enjoy her all we can.
Gary and I celebrated our 25 wedding anniversary early this year. Our wedding day is November 22, but that is too cold and busy to go to Florida, so in Aug/Sept we took all the kids with us to celebrate it together at my sisters house and Disney. We were able to spend the weekend between LeAnn and Lisa’s houses. My other sister Ami joined us from Tampa and my Dad from Alabama. It was short but precious. Not only did Micah Caroline and Seth get to see where their aunties and cousins live, LeAnn and Rob took us on their boat to see the ocean and we were able to roll in the waves of the Gulf for the very first time. What fun we had! For the next 6 days after that we spent together as a family at Disney resort and the parks. We stayed on sight and came and went as we wanted without a schedule or plan. It was nice to sleep in little and stay up late seeing the parks til the end. The teens were able to do some school in the mornings since they were missing their second week of college. We really enjoyed this and the little kids are already asking when we can go back. I love the fact that a little bonine and lots of “Hank the Cow dog” books on cd can get you to Florida. We didn’t sleep much on the way there or back but it was worth it. I must confess I was quite surprised at how much the little kids enjoyed roller coasters. For Seth and Caroline it was their first time riding anything bigger than the Holidog. They loved it and can’t wait to try the big ones at Holiday World next year. We experienced true Japanese, Italian, and African food. Everyone was a trooper and was willing to taste most of it with mature comments afterward. I guess they are all growing up. We were on an adventure together.
Micah is in the 5th/6th grade these days.He enjoys being precise and independent. We have branched into a middle school science book that requires note-taking, labs with notes and observations and tests. This has been what we use to transition to independent study with our older ones. So far he is learning much character and I am amazed at how ready he is most days to assume these responsibilities... then... on other days... I guess that is why it is a transition :-) He still enjoys the Legos, problem solving games and leadership roles. Ages of Empires, Carmen San Diego and Zoo Tycoon remain favorite computer games. He is having fun with a science program thru Lego Education that teaches gears, levers, pulleys, etc. He and Seth challenge each other to build better machines than what is listed.
Caroline is in the 4th grade this year and quickly becoming a young lady. Her taste in decorating is always present whether she is signing her name or deciding how to rearrange their bedroom. Micah and her recently acquired new beds and sides of the room. She has the ability now to rearrange her space. It is exciting to watch the 3 of them enjoy each other and yet have that desire for alone time. She has a cut out and design fashion kit that she likes to do alone on her bed. Always ready for girl time, she appreciates the fact that Katharine is available more often than before. They enjoy coming up with a fun dessert or planning something pretty to wear and accessorize. Caroline likes to have things in order with her school work and often has the date ready for anyone who asks because she has already planned her day. She loves calendars and pocket organizers as well as the cutest little notebook. Animals could be her passion if we had more. As it is, she makes friends with all she finds. She has an assumption that they will tolerate and eventually warm up to her if she is patient and persistent enough. It usually works quite well. They all 3 enjoy watching “Wild Kratts” on tv to learn all about the unique characteristics of animals. Caroline is always the servant-hearted one; looking to see what needs to be done and sticking close by. She is a joy to have in the kitchen or elsewhere.
Seth is quite the young man now. In 2nd grade and newly 8 He is determined to outman anyone. He has an intense drive but enjoys the company of his siblings.He loves the challenge of seeing how fast he can climb run and jump. He loves the trampoline and trees. However, he is still the snuggle guy that makes sure his “friends” (stuffed animals) have a cover and pillows at night. His best buds now are “Zach” the leopard back pack and “Beth” the webkins leopard he picked out at Disney. Beth is sure to be beside him during special movies and celebrations. She needs to experience the fun too. Be sure to look for her in our disney picture.
Gary and Laura are doing well. It is wonderful to think back to when we started our family together .How God has blessed us and faithfully provides all along the way. Gary still enjoys doing projects with the boys and making things in his wood shop.Car fixing never ends. We were able to work together as a family this year with Camp Reveal’s summer camp for inner city kids. We enjoy having all of our kids along side of us while we interact with children in need of love and patient discipling. Our church devoted 3 weeks to running or helping other leaders in making the camps happen. Gary and I usually trade off and work with Camp Shakamak week for the IFCA regional church camp in May. Gary served as a Junior Camp counselor and James, for the first time,as a Senior Camp counselor. We are hoping we all may go next year since Seth and Caroline might be old enough to last thru the many hours of physical activities that happen during Junior camp. We didn’t get to go camping with our camper, but had many bonfires and families over to enjoy the night sky with us at home. Laura had hysterectomy surgery in Feb to try and relieve the chronic back pain she has had since carrying Seth. It got progressively worse with each pregnancy. Yes it took away the pain, for which all of us are truly grateful. Laura is not on continuous pain meds for the first time in 8 years. God in His perfect timing , sent us an OB doctor who understood and addressed our needs and concerns. As we look forward to the Christmas time to come and the new year, we miss our many friends we have not been able to connect with this year. We think of you often and pray you are able to Praise a God and Father who truly loves you in concrete and eternal ways...”A savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord!” From all of us Yoders, Merry Christmas!
P.S. I have set up a new family website to post pictures and school projects. You are welcome to visit. yodersworldofwonder.weebly.com