Grandma Jenneth

Grandma Jenneth, Joel's maternal grandmother, passed away on January 11. So glad that we made the trip to New Jersey to meet her last March. Such a sweet Christian lady. Her service was beautiful. She attended a predominately African American Baptist church so her minister and several members of her congregation made the trek to West Virginia for her funeral. It was great to hear the "Amen" and other supportive comments during the service. My favorite hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing", was sang. And so many wonderful stories were told. And, of course, testimonies were shared of how this life is not the end. We will see her again because of Jesus Christ!

We had the chance to meet lots of new family members and see some historical sites for our Remke family. The children were great during the services and the 1800 mile drive. It was a trip well worth taking. 1. Joel's early childhood street, 2. Joel and his parents in front of the house he lived in as a baby in Charleston, WV, 3. Bruce in front of the house his parents lived in when he was born in Charleston, WV, 4. Bruce's childhood home, 5. WV Capitol Building, 6. Aunt Judy and Uncle Warren, 7. Cousin Cody, 8. Aunt Norma and Uncle Dale, 9. Uncle Steven, Aunt Karen, Sarah, and Joy
1. Jennifer and Alex, 2. Aunt Cleo and Donna, 3. Aunt Lois, 4. Uncle Dale and Aunt Betsy, 5. Uncle David, Donna, Aunt Norma, Aunt Betsy, and Uncle Boyd, 6. Cemetary in Jane Lew, WV, 7. Headstone for Grandpa and Grandma, 8. Bruce and his brothers in law

Christmas 2011

1. Christmas 2011, 2. Super Boys, 3. Christmas dinner 2011, 4. Roman, 5. Fish are friends not food, 6. Christmas Nativity 2011

We had a quiet Christmas at home this year. Over the course of my two weeks of work, everyone was sick except Adelle and I. Sadly our main photographer was sick on Christmas so we have few pictures but it was still a pleasant Christmas Sunday. We took our time opening gifts, allowing the children to play with toys as they opened them. I liked it this way, it made the fun last longer. Our Annual Christmas Eve Nativity was interesting with random costumes coming from the dress up box. It makes it difficult to tell who is playing what. But the spirit was still there as we read the Christmas story from the Bible.The children are growing up so fast. Some days it makes me sad, other days I think time has stopped and they will be young and dependent on me forever!

Adelle in the news

Adelle was in the news. Granted it was in November but we just watched it today. She did a great job! So proud. Click here for the video

Sunday afternoons

We got to church at 8:30 in the morning now instead of 1:30 in the afternoon. It makes for long Sunday afternoons at home. The kids and I were going a little crazy today while Joel was gone home teaching. What am I going to do with all these children all winter long in this small apartment? Sorry Fevzi-- Joel hasn't uploaded the Christmas photos to the computer yet :)