Merry Christmas 2009

Every year seems to have a theme. For our family the theme for the year 2009 was marriage, but more about that later.

First, as we come to the close of 2009 we would like to wish you and your family at very Merry Christmas! And as we speed towards 2010, Happy New Year!


Our year was very busy and blessed. Mark spent the majority of the winter, spring and summer working at The Riffle on the Lower Deschutes. He did a marvelous job of beautifying the property with trees and other landscaping. He saved numerous trees that were improperly planted and created some wonderful shade areas for visitors to enjoy. He learned a bit about irrigation, cows and self-employment along the way. Of course, there were some great fishing trips both to the Deschutes and the Umpqua and his love for Steelhead is stronger than ever. (Ok, I sorta like them too!)


In the fall Mark took his first class at Kilns College - Critical Thinking. I must say he is a marvelous scholar and seems to have found a new passion for learning. We feel very blessed to be a part of Antioch church in Bend and all the opportunities which it affords. Mark is also a part of a vibrant men's group and involved in the Kilns College Concert Series which brings in musicians from around the country.

The kids had a great year. Beanie is growing into a beautiful young lady. She's creative, funny and smart as a whip. She turned 4 in August and I started homeschooling her in the fall. She is learning a lot, has a thirst for knowledge and we expect she will begin reading within the next few months.

She was involved in ballet and tap dance this year and can really move to the beat. During the summer she turned into a little fish. She had a great time at the the pool and enjoyed fishing and camping on our many family excursions. She also made her debut as a flower girl. As you can see she was a vision of lovliness.


K2 turned 2 in March and has become a very fun little man. He has a wonderful sense of humor, an advanced vocabulary and a knack for music. He loves the water and riding his bike, drawing and playing the drums. He has joined Beanie and me for homeschooling and is a smart little cookie. His best friend is his sister and together they make quite a team.


I started the year teaching Stroller Strides and saw significant growth in my class sizes. In August I sold Stroller Strides to a gal who was also one of my clients and she is taking it to the next level. It was a win win for everyone. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to meet some wonderful women and loved the experience of running my own business.

Currently I am enjoying a study of Revelation with Mark through Community Bible Study (CBS). I am also managing my own website and writing 5 different blogs. This in between being a wife, mom, homeschool teacher and over all great gal (toot toot!!)


My main focuses with the website and blogs include, prayer, fasting, book reviews and exposing human trafficking. You can find out more at www.saltandlight3.com and find your way to my blogs at:

http://funkiplanet.blogspot.com - book reviews and helpful information
http://lighthouse513.blogspot.com - prayer and fasting
http://sparklecauses.blogspot.com - anti human trafficking information
http://saltandlight123.blogspot.com - thoughts and ideas from my giant brain (wink wink)

As some of you may know the kids and I were involved in a roll over accident in November. Our car was totaled but the Lord completely protected us from injury. We are thankful that we have a new-to-us mini van and thank you all for your prayers.

So now, about this marriage theme. It all started in the spring with my Aunt Barbara (Hornbeck) getting married to Reuben Welch. Then Paul married Jessi (Stringer) in September. Then Jackie (Mark's mom) married Jerry Hendricks in November and now we're pleased to announce that my mom, Bev, will be getting married on December 28 to Art Ophoff in Michigan. We wish all the newlyweds our best.

As we anxiously await the theme of 2010, we've got some ideas.... awesome jobs, good health, big fish, warm weather (ok, that's mine)..... you get the picture. Pray with us!


Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated. We wish you all the best this Christmas as we remember and celebrate the birth of our Savior. We also hope you have a fabulous New Year and pray that the Lord richly blesses you and your family in 2010.

Merry Christmas,

The Stangelands