Mission Accomplished!

Most of us have, at some point or another,  have had to fight the battle of the bulge.  It is certainly not easy.   The middle of March Vern and I started on a weight loss journey.  Our program constituted of eating a LOT less, exercising a LOT more, and praying every day many times a day for God to help us to not give into our cravings.  I am extremely proud of my hubby who has lost 60 pounds.  YEA,  WAY TO BE, VERN!!!!   Even though we worked very hard at it to see results, we know it was only through the Lord's strength that we have made it to our goals.   For any of you out there that are also on that journey, keep pressing forward, step by step, day by day!

Bringing Home the Bacon

Titus has been home with us for about 7 weeks now.  We have really enjoyed the face to face contact once again.  We are even sneaking in a few hugs!  I am trying to keep him well fed.  Although, I don't know if I am succeeding or not.  While in university or Bible School our children have come home to look for work so they can earn money for the next school year.  Vern and I start praying several months before hand that God will provide something for them.  We are so thankful that one week after Titus arrived home he found a job.  YEA GOD! He is working on a cement crew pouring foundations to houses.  He is working long hours and comes home exhausted and usually with some souvenirs from work in the form of cement all over his body, clothing, and shoes. 

Dyck Family Moments

We had the joy of making it out to BC for a week to spend time with Vern's mom as well as many other family members.  BC is an awful long way from here.  How we wish there weren't so many miles in between us! We sure made a lot of great memories together! Our niece got married during our time there, so that was a special treat to be able to celebrate that special event.   Since Vern and I have been trying to stay fit we went for many walks especially in the early morning.  It was so fun walking while enjoying the beauty of God's creation with mountains all around us.  The week went by way too quickly but what a treat it was!

Loving for a Lifetime

Last week my parents celebrated their 60th anniversary.  This past weekend we were able to celebrate this big event.  We made some very special memories together as a family.  I have only been around for 54 1/2 of those 60 years.  Ten and a half months after they got married my oldest sister was born.  They have had children in their home for over 59 of those years.  They have faced and continue to face many challenges in life and in their marriage.  They have raised 15 children and I think they have done a pretty good job.  But as anyone knows raising children is not easy and is demanding.  With a family our size they also lived through many very lean years.  My dad took on a second job and my mother did work from home.  There have been some incredible health challenges through the years.  And now these last years my Dad has been the care giver for my mother as she battles Parkinson's disease.  They have lived through - "For better or for Worse", "For Richer or Poorer", "In sickness and in Health",  "To Love and To Cherish, Till Death Do us Part ". The example of love and commitment for a lifetime is seldom seen it today’s world.  Yet, for my parents the longevity of their marriage and their selfless love for one another is not only a testimony of God’s faithfulness but a demonstration of God’s love shown between two people. 

 Mom and Dad June 22, 1957

60 Years Later 

Mom and Dad with all their children 

Our extended family, however we are missing many who couldn't make it. 

It was a joy to have Aurora there celebrating with us! 

 My sister-in-law Anna, did such an amazing job with the decorations!

What fun making special memories together!

Family Fun

Most of the time I am miles apart from my mother on Mother's Day.  However,  due to us being in the city for Caleb's graduation it was an extra blessing that we could spend the weekend with my parents.  With coming from a family of 15 children it is not that often when we are in the city and get to see all of them within two days.  What a treat it was to enjoy some great family time together!

Crossing the Finish Line

Last Saturday we had the joy of making a trip to Chicago to witness our oldest son Caleb, graduate from Moody Bible Institute.  Caleb has spent the last couple of years studying at Moody through their distant learning program.  It has not been an easy journey for Caleb as he has juggled working shift work, as well as being being a husband and dad and involved in our church.  He sacrificed a lot, especially in sleep, to finish strong.  However, Caleb graduated with highest  honors with his
Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies.  The morning of graduation Moody hosted a special breakfast for all the distant learning graduates and their family.  It was a very meaningful time and really added to the joyous occasion.  Before Caleb crossed this finish line he started the race in getting his Masters of Divinity in Biblical Languages.  If you think of him you can pray for him as he continues to juggle life with work, family, and his continuing education.  He finished his first Greek class and is starting on his first Hebrew class.  So the middle of the night studies continue.  Way to go Caleb!  We are so very proud of you!

A Breath of Fresh Air

With over half of our children living hundreds of miles away we greatly value any time we get to spend with any of them.  Last week Ruth was able to come home for five days.  Her life is busy as she works full time and is going to school to become a nurse practitioner. Therefore, it was so very special to have her home.  Since Ruth hasn't been home for 16 months she met Gavin and Evie for the first time.  😄 And it was great for the rest of her nieces and nephews to get reacquainted with their Auntie Ruth.  We made some of her favorite meals, enjoyed a couple of walks together, and of course shared many cups of coffee as well.  How we treasure the special memories we made together.