REMEMBERING 2007

I usually send out Christmas cards but time (and life) got away from me. Maybe that is what happened in 2007; LIFE. Which is good; life has been good to us. We have learned to take life as it comes to us, to relish in what God has blessed us with: family, friends, a home, food, work, travel and so on. Life in its simplicity is what I have learned from Karl. We want to share what we have done in 2007.

January

We started the year with surgery for Joshua. He had his tonsils removed and came home with an IV that I had to change for 3 days. - We did our annual 'Hunt Dinners' with family & friends.

February

Skiing in Idaho

Sledding in Minnesota

Christl came home for a long weekend! Then Karl & Anna went to Idaho for some skiing with Christl. Since they went somewhere Joshua and I drove up to Minnesota to spend time with Barbie and my nephews for some sledding in MN. - My parents celebrated 41 years together! -We got together with friends for a 'Chili Cook-off' and Karl came in 1st place. - Karl & Anna did their first Daddy/Daughter dance together - Anna is in gymnastics and loves it.

March

Karl & Anna go see 'Ralph's World' in concert - Opa, Barbie, & Chase (10) celebrate a birthday! - Anna goes to her first Christian concert with friends to see 'Newsboys' - While I go with my friend to Bloomington, IL to a women's conference, 'Hearts at Home' - I have been learning to knit by taking classes every other month

April

Happy Birthday, Oma, Pete and Jesse in heaven. - Joshua starts gymnastics - We letterbox as soon as the snow melts. For info in letterboxing go to www.letterboxing.org/- We hosted a fundraiser for a mission trip to Brazil for my team at Al Capone's Hideaway and Restaurant.

May

Karl turns 37 (your getting old honey...ha), Anna is 7 & young Carie turns 32 - We did some camping and canoeing - I went on an overnight retreat with my Brazil team - I was baptized at First Baptist Church of Geneva. What a wonderful experience and expression of love and faith for my Father in heaven.

June
Teachers, translators, Brazil team and some of the kids

God's intervention, my sponsor, Nathiely

I teach VBS (vacation bible school) at First Baptist and then I run off to the airport to teach VBS to the kids in Brazil! Brazil was wonderful, the kids, the culture and the experience. I sponsored a girl, Nathiely (above) - Kids start swimming lessons - Picnics, zoo, fun outdoors stuff.

July

Camping in the Badlands where the rattlesnakes live!!!!
And we heard one rattling in the night!

Somewhere in Wyoming...I think.

South Dakota



Joshua singing out at Christl's

I return from Brazil with a new perspective on my life. I will be forever changed. - Brandon & Chase come down for a visit with mom, Kate - We went on a road trip across 5 states. Karl, myself, Anna, Joshua, Brandon & Chase all of us in a rental for 17 days! We started in IL to WI to MN for a one night rest to SD (Badlands) to Mt. Rushmore to Cody, WY Black Hills to Yellowstone to Sun Valley, ID and back.

August

Hanging out in Minnesota!

More swimming & gymnastic lessons for both kids - Happy Birthday to Brandon (13), My dad and my mom - Hoss has a gig - Cougar game with fireworks - A big moment for me that Anna accepted Jesus into her heart.

September

Wonderful Anderson family reunion picnic! - Karl and I celebrate 9 years of a wonderful marriage - My dad goes to Mexico to reconnect with his family - Camping at Kohler State Park - I am happy to homeschool Anna in 2nd grade and Joshua is starting preschool here at home.

October

John H. birthday - John & Carie celebrate 4th anniversary - I found out that I have asthma and using an inhaler on a daily basis - Pumpkin carving and for us our first 'Trunk-or-treat- parties.

November

I learned how to can and I have been busy making jams of all flavors and homemade BBQ sauce - Joshua turns 4 - Karl does his hunting stuff on the weekends - Thanksgiving was celebrated at our house. We had such a wonderful time just being together. We prayed for those family members that are watching over us. - Anna is involved with 4-H and Faith Keepers and Joshua is involved with Contenders in Faith

December
Our wonderful Aunt Maryann, Christl, Oma & me ;)

Anna, Chase, Brandon & Joshua enjoying the blizzard!

My family!

My knees hurt...

I turn 41 and I am happy about getting older!! Carie & John are expecting twins! December is a family affair. Christl, Barbie and Speltz come into town. We do all kinds of family gatherings and its all squeezed into 4 days! I wouldn't have it any other way. We celebrate Jesus' birthday with a cake and singing the 'Happy Birthday' song. We learned about the kneeling Santa prayer:

KNEELING SANTA PRAYER The sleigh was was all packed, the reindeer were fed, But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed, "Dear Father, " he prayed, "Be with me tonight. There's much work to do and my schedule is tight. My sack will hold toys to grant all kids' wishes. The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes. I can do all these things, Lord, only through You. I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do. I do this only to honor the birth of the One, That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son. So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob, Please, Lord, remind them who gave me this job." Amen

As I look back at 2007, all the things that we were able to do and achieve is only because this is Gods plan, His will. I am truly thankful for all that I have.

By being baptized last year I have opened up my heart to His will.
By opening up my mind I have come to understand Karl's motto, "Simplify" (we actually have a sign in the kitchen as a reminder!).
By opening up my arms, my children can come to me at anytime for me to hug and hold them tight whenever they want me.
By opening up my hands, I have enjoyed baking bread from scratch and now I really don't mind cleaning.
By opening up my eyes, I can see His creation in a new light by homeschooling His children and enjoying the outdoors with my family.
By opening up my ears, I can hear the laughter and cries of my family. To truly listen.
By opening up my soul, I have all that I could ever hope for; God's love, hope, and faith. The best of all my family and friends.

I wish you all a Happy New Year and many blessings in 2008!

In His Glory & Service,
Karl, Lisa, Anna & Joshua