Africa

We have some big news, Trevor is going to Tanzania, Africa in a couple weeks. This is so last minute, but so God. Here's the story: Our church has been planning a mission trip to Africa since before we moved here two years ago. We knew about it from the beginning, but didn't feel like the timing was right for us to go because of the kids and because of the cost of the trip. So that was it, we thought. However, just recently two of the men (a father and son) had to back out of the trip due to the father's battle with cancer. The father is doing okay, but just isn't strong enough to go out of the country and do manual labor. Still we didn't think much about it. Then last Friday, Trevor told me that several people had been trying to get him to fill the vacant spot because God had laid Trevor on their hearts. Trevor apparently was the "go to guy" because of his familiarity with international traveling, his "physique" of course, and the fact that he had a current passport. I asked him if he was considering it and he told me no because we just couldn't afford it financially. Plus, we have always done our trips together and he knew it wasn't possible for both of us to go. End of discussion.

Then on Sunday during church, one of the ladies going on the mission trip got up to request prayer for the people going to Africa. While she was speaking I felt God tell me that I needed to give Trevor the freedom to go to Africa without me. After church, I told Trevor that I didn't feel like God was telling me that he for sure needed to go to Africa, but just that he had the freedom to consider the possibility of going without me. We began praying about it and that is when everything came together. Financially, the team had to come up with $10,000 to pay for the materials they will be using while working in Africa. That amount is already accounted for. Then individually every person had to come up with $2,600 on their own. However, since some of the expenses from the previous two men were nonrefundable Trevor's price came down $1,000. Then a donor anonymous to us donated $1,000 on Monday evening towards the mission trip, which brought Trevor's cost to just $600. All the doors seemed to fly open for Trevor to go to Africa, so he began asking his co-workers to pray and sought out his bosses blessing. Doors have remained open, so Trevor committed to going to Africa yesterday. He then sat down to tell one of his friend's at work about how God provided him with the money to go to Africa. His friend then silently reached into his own pocket and said "well, I guess this is for you too. God has laid on my heart that I am supposed to give this money to someone, but I haven't known who that person was, but I think it is you." He then handed Trevor another $150. Can you believe it? What an awesome God we serve! We aren't sure why God wants Trevor in Africa, but we feel confident that He does want him there and so he will be gone Feb 28th through March 11th. Please praise God with us and pray for Trevor and the rest of the team while they are gone. What a mighty God we serve!!!!

Celebrating Josephine Lucille Curtis Gaskill

Vincent and Josephine Gaskill's Wedding Photo (June 12, 1935)
My Grandma made her own wedding dress.

Not many people live to be 100 years old, but my grandma did. I loved hearing her talk about her childhood. She used to tell us about how she rode her horse and buggy to school. How she got her teacher's certificate and taught in a one room schoolhouse before she was married. How one of her sister's got a cut on her foot while walking barefoot in their family's pond. Her wound got infected and sadly she ended up dying as this was before the discovery of penicillin. Grandma had seen so much in her lifetime from telephones to cell phones, from TVs to DVD players to computers. What amazing things she had seen. My grandma was a quiet lady, who lived by example. She was a strong lady, both physically and mentally. I am most thankful for the strong Christian legacy she has left behind. Who knows where I would be now without her example? She will be missed.

Our family was very involved in Grandma's funeral. My siblings, my cousins, my girls and I all sang a song that we had sung at our grandpa's funeral 10 years ago. Unfortunately I can't remember what it is called? My cousin, Dee Dee, played the flute. Another cousin, Darin, sang a solo and my Aunt Joanne played the piano for the service. Other people got up and told memories of grandma including my dad, Sue; my uncle, Rod; my brother, Dave; and my brother-in-law, Dan. Dan had one memory that I had forgotten about. He told about how whenever my grandma greeted people she used to hold their face between her hands and then kiss them right on the lips. That was totally my grandma! He said that she did that to him the very first time he met her, which took him by surprise. How funny! It was a very special service, other than the fact that the pastor could not seem to remember my grandma's name. Can you believe it? She called my grandma Florence 70% of the service, which was really annoying. The pastor caught herself after about the 5th time, but then continued to alternate between calling her Florence and Josephine the rest of the service. The pastor even called her Florence when blessing the casket and giving my grandma back to Jesus. Good thing He knows her name!!!

Some of my siblings: Dave Wheeler, Debi, Me, Sue, Dad, Dave Gaskill, and Rick.

My sister, Debi, and brothers, Dave and Rick.

Cousins

We had a nice time visiting with family during the visitation and funeral. Debi's family and Rick and his wife, Krystal, all traveled back home from Colorado. My dad and Sue made it back from Arizona and we of course made it back from Michigan. Dad and Sue got us all hotel rooms on Friday night in Manchester, where my oldest brother Dave lives. That gave us all more time to visit between the visitation Friday evening and the funeral Saturday morning. It isn't often that all of my dad's kids are together, the last time was 10 years ago when our grandpa died. We really enjoyed that time together as a family. Thanks again Dad and Sue. I love you all!

Becki's Retirement Party

Becki retired from Rockwell Collins after working there for 37 years. Trevor had planned on surprising his Mom by coming back for her retirement party. However, due to my grandma's death we were all able to come back to celebrate with her and the rest of the family. She had a very nice party with a steady flow of people. She received many kind words and gifts. Bob and Becki plan on spending several months in Sun City, AZ enjoying the warm weather and exploring the area. Congratulations Becki for a much earned repose. We are proud of you!

Trace is 3 Years Old!

Trace's new Rescue Heroes collection. Thanks to The Issa's for their great hand-me-down toys. We hit the jackpot!!

Trace's new Hawkeye football outfit. Thanks Grandma Becki and Grandpa Bob!

Ball Pit

Family Party at The Playstation

Aliyah and Kaylee

My baby boy is 3 years old, that is both exciting and sad. Exciting because he is learning so many fun things and becoming more independent. Sad because we no longer have a "baby" and he doesn't like to cuddle like he used to. Trace is an energetic little guy, who is "all boy". He loves to run, jump, and climb. He has a great sense of humor and is very social. Here are some of the fun things he enjoys:

• Trace still loves balls. It doesn't matter if he is rolling them, kicking them, shooting them, hitting them, or throwing them. He enjoys them in any and all forms.
• Trace has developed a new found interest in Star Wars, much to Daddy's delight. He has a light saber, which he likes to use to get the bad guys while watching his "Clone War" DVDs. He also enjoys playing with the little guys and space ships. Daddy of course knows their "real" names. Mommy still needs to learn them. 
• Trace loves sucking his thumb. It is in his mouth about 60% of the time, especially when he is tired. We have told him that he has to stop sucking it when he turns three, so we'll see how that goes... 
• Trace loves playing with his sisters. They all enjoy jumping on the trampoline together and playing house, where Trace is the baby. Kianna and Trace seem to have a special bond, since they are a little closer in age. They especially enjoy making food together with their little kitchen.
• Trace loves helping Mommy in the kitchen whether it be unloading the dishwasher or helping me cook. He also enjoys wearing an apron, little does he know it says "Diva In Training". I think we need to find him a boy apron one of these days...
• Trace enjoys writing his name. He can make a "T" pretty well, but is still learning the other letters. He really enjoys making circles and has recently discovered the thrill of using scissors.
• He likes to look at books, especially look-n-find ones or books with flaps to open. He enjoys reading books himself, so Daddy will read a sentence and then Trace will repeat what Daddy said so he can read. It is pretty cute. 
• Trace LOVES playing games. He asks to play a game almost daily. He is really good at matching things, so dominos is one of his favorites. He has also recently discovered puzzles and is having fun with them. 
• Trace is very social and would much rather play with someone than by himself. He really enjoys going to Kids Care to play with his friends, while Mommy exercises. Trace is great with names and taught Mommy the names of three of the other kids there. Trace also has enjoys going to bible school, while Mommy goes to her bible study. He has quite a few friends there that he looks forward to seeing. 
• Trace also loves to sing. Just before his nap today he was singing "Jingle Bells" quite loudly. He also likes "B-I-B-L-E", "My God is So Big", "Who Let the Dogs/Cats Out", and the "Mommy/Daddy" song, which are songs that we each made up. 
• Trace likes to talk on the phone and is often reaching for it when I am talking so he can say hi, whether he knows the person I am talking to or not. 

We were lucky enough to be in Iowa to celebrate Trace's 3rd birthday with our family at The Playstation. The adults had a great time visiting while the kids played. Trace was especially happy to see his cousin, Bryker. They are just 10 months apart and are becoming good buddies. Trace originally wanted to have a Star Wars themed party, but then he discovered cake balls and requested those instead. Again the power of balls. Happy Birthday Little Guy. We love you so much!

Grandma Gaskill

My sweet Grandma Gaskill passed away this morning in her sleep. Although she will be missed, I consider this to be a blessing because she was 100 years old and is now in the arms of Jesus, her heavenly father. Not only that but she had recently been diagnosed with leukemia and had taken multiple falls, which left her very sore. She now has a new body and can see, can hear, and can remember things like she could in her younger days. What more could I ask for?

My grandma was a wonderful Christian lady, who lived a very meaningful life. I'm so thankful that she and my grandpa left our family with a Christian legacy. My grandma was very active in her community and church. She loved quilting, crosswords, taking pictures, gardening and attending my cousin and I's sporting events. Her and my grandpa even made a trip to Illinois to visit me at Olivet. They were very supportive. I'm very thankful that my kids were able to get to know their Great Grandma Josephine. Trace will carry on the name Curtis, which was my grandma's maiden name. I love you Grandma, but am happy for you that you are now in heaven with Jesus and grandpa. I love you!

Sunroom Redecorated

Trevor switched the TV's and entertainment centers in the Den and Sunroom and added surround sound (we miss our theater room in Iowa a bit). Not being big fans of yellow, we repainted the sunroom a color called Mink. Trevor installed new roman shades. The update was completed with the new pillow covers Keri made. Eventually, we hope to get new carpet but until then here is the big reveal.

Before

After

Before

After

Meet Snuggles

A week before Christmas, we got an e-mail from some friends back in Iowa who were looking for a new home for their 2 year old, Maltese, named Sam. We had been contemplating getting another dog ever since Allie died a few years ago. However, we didn't want to mess with training a puppy, while raising three little kids. We told our friends we were interested and picked Sam up as soon as we arrived in Cedar Rapids. They told us we could have him for a couple of days to see if he was a good fit for our family.

We are excited to announce that Sam is a good fit for our family, although his name was not! Due to Trevor's sister being named Sam, we decided to rename our dog to Snuggles. We have found that to be a very fitting name as he loves to snuggle up in our laps. The kids are thrilled to have a dog!!! Kianna got to take Snuggles for Show and Share at school today as they are studying the letter "M" (Maltese). She was super excited to show him to all of her friends. Kaylee has been so cute. She had been asking for a dog and had told Trevor that if she got a dog she would feed him and water him. True to her word, she has diligently requested that I set her alarm 10 minutes early each day so that she can get up and do her chores. I'm thrilled with her level of commitment and anxious to see how long it lasts...