2008
Another year has swiftly passed by and we find more changes have come upon us... we are now grandparents! We are happy to announce that our second daughter, Joanna, and her husband Stephen had their first baby (Nicolas Stephen) on Wednesday, October 22nd weighing 6 lbs and 15oz. Grandma and Aunt Emily arrived in Grand Junction, CO, the night before Nicolas was born and were glad to be a part of the welcoming committee.
We are also happy to announce that our oldest daughter, Dena, and her husband, Nathan, are expecting their first baby (a boy!) the end of February. They just live 15 minutes from us and have continued to help us in our music ministry. We averaged about 4 to 5 programs a month this past year—but this month alone we had 12 programs; which kept us “harping” around a lot. We’re not sure what our music ministry will be like in 2009, but we plan to continue with whoever is available. Paul and Emily are really progressing in their music abilities and have recently been hired to play at weddings and special events as a harp & flute duet, so there is a lot of potential with them. Mark also progressing in his music abilities and people who have come to our programs through the years have noticed a big change in his skill level lately.
Anthony (18) is at the end of his high school studies, and looks forward to working some for his brother-in-law, Nathan, in construction and also making harps with his father at the shop. He also has done some farming this past fall, but his most recent adventure was herding cattle in the mountains of Colorado the old fashioned way on horseback. He just loved the wide open lands and the beauty of the mountains. We really appreciate Anthony’s contribution to our harp programs... he plays cello and guitar which adds a special touch to the songs.
Paul (16) just got his driving permit and is looking forward to working this summer for his brother-in-law, Nathan, in construction and then graduating from his high school program here at home in the summer of 2010. He juggles many instruments in our programs.... you’ll see him go from the hammered dulcimer to the mandolin, to a penny whistle, guitar, flute... and then sing. He really enjoys recording music on his computer and putting together home videos.
Emily (14) is now a 9th grader and has really put her heart into her music lately. She continues with harp, but also plays flute, penny whistle, bowed psaltery, and sings with Dena in the programs.
Mark (12) is usually the champion at ping pong here at home, as well as many other games. He impresses people at the programs with his ability to play not only the harp, but the mandolin, penny whistle, and the bowed psaltery. Mark is an active guy, and flies through his 8th grade school work, so he can go outside or play a game.
Alex took on a full time teaching schedule this fall which has been a challenge as harp orders have increased. Recently his ten-string Davidic harp became popular with those using harps for ministry to hospitals, and orders came in for his Roma Rosa harp as well. So this year he has been stretched a bit more, but seems to be on top of it. He looks forward to taking the seniors from his school on another trip to the island of Grenada this spring, and was given the responsibility of organizing the whole event. Sue continues as usual at home giving her energies to home schooling, home making, and the home business. She enjoyed her first trip out west to Colorado to meet her first grandchild, and to spend time with Joanna and Stephen. We are truly grateful to the Lord for good health and strength to continue in the work that God has put.
From left: Anthony, Emily, Alex, Mark, Sue, and Paul
