Stories to Tell

Christmas 2013

Christmas is nearing and it is time to write a letter once again. Life is busy in our house, as with all of you, so fitting it in is not always easy. I am nearing the end of school right now, so it is crunch time for me to get my school work all done and time to study for my exam. But, by the Grace of God, it will all get done.

Since last January, I have been in school at Columbia Bible College, studying to be an Education Assistant. I was in school from January – April, and now from September – December. In January 2014, I start my practicum of 70 hours in a school, and then I graduate in June 2014. I am looking forward to the end of this amazing journey that I have been on. I have met some amazing people in this program, made some fantastic friends, learned so much at school and from others, grown in my faith and education, and so much more. It has been a great year. It has not gone without its challenges though, as it can often be overwhelming. I worry about getting good enough marks, succeeding, and doing a good job as an Educational Assistant. All I can do is my best and hope that is enough. My family and friends have been such a support throughout this journey in my life, and I am so thankful for that too. Our parents have helped with babysitting, when Verne and I are both out, or been on call. Friends have taken the kids on the weekends when I had weekend courses. We are so richly blessed!

Throughout this schooling, I have also been busy with subbing as a TA in our school, which is such a fantastic learning experience. We have also done skiing again last year, but I decided I wanted to switch to snowboarding, which I was able to try and loved it. I am looking forward to learning to do it better this year. Kyleigh and Kaleb are also taking up the challenge with me this winter, which will be fun, but Verne and Alex are sticking to skiing. I continued in coffee break last winter, but have stopped this season, as school was too much. I am part of a fantastic women’s bible study. We have lunch together every two weeks (at whoever’s house is hosting), and then have the bible study after lunch. We are already growing so much with one another and feel blessed to have them as my friends. We have great and open discussions with one another. I try to remain active, and am in a boot camp with some other ladies at our church every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We run it together, and hold one another accountable. It doesn’t cost us anything, and we do it at a track that is near our house. Another set of great ladies whom I get to know and can call my friends. I did a mini triathlon in June with Irene Pol and Jeanette Hoeksema in Lake Padden. It was a swim in the lake, which was a little nerve racking, but I did it. I was proud of my final results. I also took part in the Abbotsford Police Run and ran 10 km. I never thought that I could ever do that, but I surprised myself. I am looking forward to doing these events again next summer! My kids say that they are doing the run with me next year….hopefully that happens!

Verne has once again, been so blessed in his job. He keeps busy each day, even though some days it can be very tiring. He has been busy writing deals, but he has had his fair share of deals falling apart also. It can be quite frustrating, but he keeps plugging away. He needs time to unwind, and uses his bike for that. This year, he signed up for three bikes races/rides, and loved it. He biked a 170 km Tour de Whatcom (it was a ride, not a race), biked the Whistler Grand Fondo, which was 122 km (race, not a ride), and did a Langley ride, which was 100 km. These were good challenges for him, and I think he will do a few of these rides again next year and try to beat his timing. Verne is also a deacon at church, which takes a bunch of his time. It is not always easy for us, but we are (somewhat) getting used to his busyness.

Kyleigh is in grade 6, and loving her teacher, Mrs. Jessica Deboer. Kyleigh will be having her until spring break, as her teacher is expecting a baby. Kyleigh is a little nervous on who she will get, as they just love their teacher, but I am sure a replacement will be just fine. Kyleigh does well in school, but has to try hard, just like our other kids. We will have to see what their report cards have to say about their school work. It is so fun watching our little girl grow into a little lady. She is babysitting for us, which has been so wonderful. When she babysits, we put $5 in a jar, and it is our holiday fund. This is a great way for the kids to cooperate while we are gone and helps us to save for a holiday. Every Monday night, as I am in school, she babysits here (as Verne is usually out), and it has gone really well.

Kaleb is in grade 5 and also loving it. He has Mrs. Linda VanSpronsen and Mrs. Natasja VanRhee. He is learning and works hard at school. He is very active, so it can sometimes be hard for him to sit in class. The teachers are aware of this, so they try to keep the kids active as best as they can. There are 15 boys in his class, so it makes for a very active class. Kaleb burns his energy by playing hockey. When Verne pulls out of the garage, Kaleb plays hockey until it is time for school. Kaleb is often playing street hockey outdoors also. Kaleb is also part of our Christian Hockey league, playing ice hockey. This year, he is the assistant captain of his team, the Blades. He has the same coach as last year, Don. Don has such a love for his boys and treats them as his own. We are so thankful for a fantastic coach. When we were first into hockey, someone told me, “The hockey team will become a new family for you.” Wow! They were so right. I look forward to watching the hockey, but I also look forward to sharing time together with the parents of the players. We have also built some fantastic relationships.

Alex is in grade 3, and has Mr. James Kanis has her teacher. This is his first year as a teacher, and she is just loving him as her teacher. He has a gentle and kind heart, which is such a great attribute to have as teacher. She loves her social time, so of course, recess is her favourite time for her. Alex has no complaints about school, but she really doesn’t complain about much. She is easy going and goes with the flow of things.

All three kids still take piano lessons. This year, we made a switch to another teacher, as their original teacher was having a baby. It always takes time for them to get used to another teacher, especially when the teaching styles are so different, but they have grown to love her. They have to do more theory and learn things different, but that is ok. We all benefit from learning from others, as each person is so different.

We have had great summer, taking some holidays here and there. We spent a big part of our holidays with great friends at Kokanee Provincial Park. It was a much needed time to relax and enjoy one another’s company. The kids all had others to play with, so they were never bored either. We had a very dry summer, but the rain found us when we were there. Time for the tarps, umbrellas and boots! We managed to leave after the sun came out again to dry things up, so it wasn’t that bad packing up. I also headed up to Vernon to visit my sister Esther and her family for a few days, and like usual, had a blast with them. We did some hiking, relaxing, catching up, playing cards, and more bonding!

This year, Dad and Mom Stel also celebrated some momentous occasions. Mom celebrated her 65^th birthday in May, Dad and Mom celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary in June and Dad celebrated his 70^th birthday in October. The boys from Ontario flew out for the anniversary and Dad’s birthday, which was so nice to be able to celebrate as a family for this. The trips were short, but work must continue. When they came in May, we headed to Vancouver Island for the day, as adults, taking in some of the sights. Our family was also able to go to Ontario for last Christmas, first time in a long time. We had a great time, bonding with our loved ones. It was nice to all be together once again. It is such a blessing to have family to spend time with.

My family seems to keep moving away each year, spreading around the land. This year, Belinda and Rick moved to Summerland, giving us another place to visit. It is sometimes so hard to try visit all my sisters, as one is Calgary, another Vernon, and now Summerland. For trying to visit Melissa and Rochelle who live in Chilliwack and Sumas, WA, it can often be hard enough. Life just keeps getting busy. I am thankful for cell phones, email and unlimited long distance plans. We spend a tonne of time talking, emailing, and texting one another. Nothing beats the times we get to actually be with one another though. Those times are to be treasured!

We hope and pray that all is well with your family. We are thankful for a year of great health and amazing blessings. We are thankful for a God who continues to guide and lead us. May God continue to be with you all and keep you in His care.

Verne, Christina,

Kyleigh, Kaleb and Alexandra

Stories to Tell

Monday, March 10, 2014

Doing changes!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

sorry

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

VanDusen Garden Lights

Monday, December 30, 2013

From Our Family to Yours

Cousins - Dec 27

Blog Archive

About Me