8

Caleb Joseph Gammons has been a part of our lives for 8 years.  He has been his own unique person right from the very start.  I'm not sure if it is just that he is the second born, but he is so much like my brother Joe.  Regularly, after Caleb has said something or done something Amanda and I look at each other and just say, "Joe."  I love my brother (whose birthday was two days ago), so it is fun to have a miniature version of him around.

Caleb and I went for our normal breakfast this morning.  He is so sweet and special to be with one on one.  I asked him a number of questions.  He said that the job that he would like to have some day would be a scientist or a veterinarian.  One of Caleb's favorite presents from Christmas was a book about frogs, toads and salamanders.  He would make a great vet or wildlife biologist.  He's our frogman in the summer, spending hours down at the pond.

We love you CalJo.  Happy Birthday!  May God bless you and grow the fruits of his spirit in your life this year as you seek to know him more. 

Little Lucy Ruth

Lucy Ruth turns 2 years old today.  Like a fine wine she has improved with age.  She is talking a mile a minute and loves to be able to communicate her many ideas.  She is so sweet and makes our life even more of an adventure.  She is Mommy's helper ("no Daddy's helper").  She loves to be outside and doesn't have a lot of sit still in her.  We pray that God will continue to lead her along the straight path as she seeks his kingdom.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LULU!

Merry Christmas

 Benjamin (9), Lucy (almost 2), Andy, Matthew (6), Burley, Amanda, Molly (4) and Caleb (almost 8)

It's been a very busy fall and winter at the Gammons home.  Shirley is almost moved in next door.  The kids have been busy at church and with schooling.  Amanda is keeping the house together, schooling the three boys, working with the girls and welcoming a new puppy.  I have loved the new adventures that the farm has brought.  We have experienced so many of God's blessings this year: a new home, closeness with friends, continued joy at church and always marveling at God's goodness to us in our family.  These are only the gifts.  More than anything this year I am thankful for my God.  In him is true, eternal and everlasting joy.  May your family be grateful for the blessings and truly treasure the one from whom all blessing flow.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John 1:14 ESV)

Wintery Night

I flooded the pond last night.  It was so pretty out, I wanted to take these pictures.  We finally got the lights on our fence working.  Next step is mending the fence.  That may have to wait for Spring.

First Skate at Providence Pond

The boys tried out the pond for the first time last weekend.  We are excited for what the winter will bring.

Wet Dog

It's raining in Minnesota.  After he got all dirty the other night, Burley got a bath.  I had to share these two photos.

Gammons Christmas Party

When Amanda and I were first married and we lived in Grand Rapids, we had a number of very memorable Christmas parties.  My brother and his wife and my sister all lived in town and it was great fun.  We haven't had a Christmas party since then.  Last weekend though, we renewed the tradition with some friends from church.  We had a blast.  As usual the kids outnumber the adults two to one.

 

Highlights for me were the scavenger hunt, singing carols and watching the kids make memories.  We are already looking forward to next year's party.  You can see all the pictures at the link below.

December

A Motley Crew

We spent the Thanksgiving holiday with my mom and Tricia's family in Northern Michigan.  It was a good time had by all.

New skis

When my mom was here this fall, she got cross country skis for all the boys.  Today was our first day out.  It was great.  We are so thankful to live in a place where we can do this just outside our door.  The boys started on the driveway and once they got that down they headed into the back to break some trail.  When I watch the boys in situations like this, their personalities all stand out so prominently.  Matthew is our natural athlete.  He looked as if he had been skiing all his life, very fluid and effortless.  Caleb is quiet and determined.  He put his nose to the grindstone and got to work.  Ben started out complaining about the cold until he made it into a race with the other two.  Then his competitive side came out and he was off.  Molly, our sweet little girl, came out and stuck right next to Matthew.  They are best friends and it's fun to see how much she loves him.

We look forward to many more days of skiing at Providence Farm.  Thanks, Mom, for the skis.

The race is on.

And Ben is the winner.

See all the skiing photos here.

December

Burley update

Burley is doing really well.  As long as we are minding him, he stays out of trouble.  Just like a puppy though, as soon as we turn out backs, he's either chewing or using the bathroom inside.  We've figured out that we can't turn our backs.  Like anything that has long term payoffs, the front end work is a bit daunting.  We're already beginning to see the results though.  When I have liver treats in my pockets, he'll do whatever I want him to do.  He loves to sit on our laps in the evening and be close.  We are sure thankful for this new adventure.