The 2003 Flanders Family Update










We had a terrific time at Crier Creek’s Family Camp again this July. Jonathan won a “First Aid Award” for the care he rendered wounded campers throughout the week. Jennifer was given the “Shopping Award”, having returned from a day trip to nearby Columbus with six antique bar stools and a nearly-life-sized statue of three children on a slide. Doug would have earned a “Packing Award” had one existed, for managing to fit these purchases into our 15-passenger van for the drive home, along with five mountain bikes, three suitcases, six backpacks, two diaper bags, three car seats, 11 people, and a jogging stroller!


Joseph, who prefers to be called Rob for reasons beyond our comprehension, celebrated his sixth birthday this month. Despite having occasional panic attacks over the thought that his tonsils might grow back, he remains fairly laid-back and easy-going. He’s the self-appointed doorman to half of Tyler — visit whichever restaurant lets children eat free on any given night of the week and you’ll likely find him manning the entrance, holding doors open for fellow diners. Bethany spent several days with her grandparents after turning 14. Nana pampered her with manicures, pedicures, and trips to the mall, where they shopped ’til they dropped. Beth’s learned to make soap, can tomatoes, quilt, and crochet, but her most life-changing accomplishment this year may have been breaking her parents’ rickety old four-poster while demonstrating some powerhouse karate moves. The replacement mattress, box springs, and frame have been so much more comfortable (and quiet) than the old ones that we almost wish she’d sparred with the bed years ago.

November found Rachel potty-training and Isaac rolling over and saying “Mama”. Jennifer stopped sewing window treatments for the new house long enough to make the requisite Pilgrim and Indian costumes we wore to our home school group’s Thanksgiving Feast, complemented by moccasins, bows and tomahawks the boys crafted themselves. We decided to send this update a month early, to prevent its getting lost in the shuffle of the upcoming move, which appears to be just days away now. It has been exciting to see our new home materialize before our eyes, looking even better than we’d originally envisioned. As we turn our thoughts back to that stable in Bethlehem, though, we are reminded that another place is being prepared for us — and what a glorious mansion it must be, with over 2000 years in the making! As we celebrate the coming holiday season, we pray that each of you will put your faith and trust in the One whose sacrifice makes it possible for us to call heaven our eternal home: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. May God grant you a meaningful Christmas and a fruitful New Year. Let us hear from you soon!
Leave a Reply