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Family Camp 2010

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Last week, we had the privilege of going to Camp Au Sable for family camp.  Thanks to a tip from Stephanie, , Israel was asked to be camp pastor for that week so we were able to enjoy what the camp had to offer…which was much, much more than what we had imagined!  This was a first for our whole family since none of us had ever been “campers” before.  From swimming at the water front to listening for the bugle that called us to meals, the boys had a wonderful time.  The boys went to “Kids Kamp” for ages 0-7, in the mornings, which was a good & educational experience for them.  They had activities like visiting the fire station, going to Hartwick Pines, going inside an ambulance, and lots of playing.  Micah was nervous at first, but after some coaxing from his big brother, they decided to go together.  That gave me a chance to join the basket-making class and for Israel to get some work done.  We’re looking forward to when the boys are old enough to participate in more classes/activities and really take advantage of camp!  Here are some pictures from the week at camp:


Our usual place to eat meals

Manu braved the climbing wall and almost made it to the top

Boys at the water front.  Swimming was definitely one of the highlights for the boys.

Walking home after a volleyball game.  It was crazy because both Israel’s and my team made it to the championship game.  But my team decided to let the pastor’s team win.  We figured it’s common courtesy.

On the trail back to Forest Lodge.  Manu and I had many “races” to and from the lodge.

Their favorite teacher from Kids Kamp, Auntie Christine.  She was the reason they kept going back!

These are the 2 baskets I made in my class.  The one on the left was for Micah and the other one for Manu.

Manu next to our over-traveled vehicle.  PS:  Someone during MI campmeeting stole our UP sticker!  If anyone has any leads on this, please let us know.

Bentley (& Alanna ) held the fort back home and took care of the group of colporteurs that stayed at our place for the week.  He was happy to have his new buddy, Giggles, keep him company.  It was a gift from Manu right before we left.

And lastly, here’s a little video of Manu on the swing there at High Adventure.  I was nervous because he was apprehensive before going, but afterwards, he wanted to go again…higher.

Camp Au Sable is definitely a blessing and we’re even more thankful for their dedication and ministry.

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Milestones & Memories

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First of all, I can’t believe my baby is 6 months old.  Second of all, I can’t believe Micah is totally potty-trained (even at night).  And third of all, I can’t believe the triathlon is in 2 weeks.  

Ty is such an amazing baby.  ‘Tis true that the Lord only gives us what we can handle…and He knew that I’d only be able to handle 3 kids as long as one of them was virtually stress-free.  (I hope I didn’t just jinx myself.)  I believe he weighs about 23 lbs or more and he is very long.  Last time I weighed him was a few weeks ago.  He has become an avid left-thumb sucker this past month and he has also grown his bottom two teeth.  He has learned to roll over from tummy to back but has yet to maneuver himself from back to tummy.  And just yesterday, we moved him into his big brothers’ room so the three of them all share their bedroom.  They love it (-at least the two older boys).  ðŸ™‚  

Micah has become fully potty-trained after about 3 weeks.  The incredible thing is that since then, he hasn’t wet all night either.  (Imanuel still requires a pull-up at night…but he is quite determined now to quit wetting the bed!)  It is amazing the amount of pee he puts out every morning.  He sounds like a man.  But I am proud of his progress.  Believe it or not, I used tips from watching the free DVD put out by “Big Kid Central” (from the Huggies/Pull-Ups Brand).          

Imanuel has been in learning mode and loves anything that involves books/reading, triathlons (-his daddy promised to train him for his first triathlon when he turns 7), and bells.  We started a little bell choir with our home school group and during our first performance at a nursing home, Imanuel played his bell notes flawlessly.  It shocked me…but it shocked me more to realize that he is 4 and he will be starting school soon!  We’re also going to enroll him in swimming lessons sometime soon (part of the triathlon training).

Israel completed his first triathlon, Hawk-i, on Sunday, June 6, 2010.  We were so proud of him as he finished nearly 20 minutes faster than his trial race a few weeks earlier.  On July 11, our 6th year anniversary, we’ll both be participating in the Belle Isle Triathlon in Detroit.  We’re both going to be on relay teams with Israel doing the swimming portion and I’ll be doing the biking portion.

We drove down to Michigan Camp Meeting 2010 in the Freestyle and Leon.  We’re thankful for Leon because Bentley was able to drive down with us and he’s come to view Leon as a second home.  On the first Sabbath, Israel was ordained into the gospel ministry.  That was a very special experience for our family and a true milestone in Israel’s life.  We’re so thankful for all of our family and friends who attended.  

In just less than 2 weeks, we’ll be heading down again for CAMPUS l.e.a.d.s.  A couple weeks after that, we’ll be at Camp Au Sable for Family Camp with Israel being camp pastor, then U.P. Camp Meeting at Camp Sagola at the end of July.  To top off the summer, we’ll be back downstate at the end of August for Stephanie & Jeff’s wedding!  We’re hoping sometime before then, we’ll be able to sneak in a week of vacation.  Lots of plans but hopefully lots of fun too.

This is also a memorable time for us because taking place right now in Atlanta, GA is the 59th General Conference session.  At the 58th GC session in St. Louis, Israel and I found out that I was pregnant with our first son, Imanuel.  So, within the 58th and 59th sessions, we’ve had our 3 boys.  And we now have a new GC president, Ted Wilson.

We’re so thankful for God’s guidance and leadership in our lives.  He has proven time and time again that He is in control and He has carefully mapped out plans for us and all we need to do is stay faithful and trust Him.  There are so many more updates that I can think of, but it’ll have to wait until another time.  

Here are some memorable pictures and a special video that the boys made to remind us of the importance of daily studying His Word (-they thank their buddy Elisha for teaching them the song!):

 

We are going to miss Ian & his family!

 

The boys & Abuelo.  Ty got to meet him for the first time!

 

Ty wearing the pink PJ set that was passed down from both Manu & Micah.

 

At “Harmuhnee & Harabuhgee’s mall” for lots of playing & yummy treats.

 

Brothers

 

Training partners

 

 

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Lala, Nana, Mama & the boys

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From April 13-27, Lala and Nana Margie came to stay with us. Israel was scheduled to be in France for evangelism meetings from April 15-26. On the Thursday that he left, he drove to Marquette airport then flew to Detroit where his first layover was. And he never got any farther. The volcano that erupted in Iceland shut down all air travel into Europe temporarily. So, after a few days stuck in Detroit, he ended up driving back home with Daniel who happened to be downstate for that week. It was nice because we got to spend more time together and for the first time in a while, the number of parents (including 3 mothers!) in our house exceeded the number of kids. This resulted in scrumptious meals, plenty of playing for the kids, wonderful conversations, fun outings, 2 birthday parties (for Nana & Lala), an immaculate kitchen, a clean house, and a virtually stress-free 2 weeks! We were so blessed to have them here and we were so sad to see them go. Here are some of the highlights from their visit:

– receiving all of the special gifts from Lala & Nana (like Bible Bingo, books & clothes)
– Lala finding our big green ball in the woods
– Bentley protecting Nana from the porcupine and other porcupine stories…
– spending a couple days at Camp au Sable
– doing a sauna together
– Ty’s first solid feedings of rice cereal & his first haircut!
– all of the boys getting haircuts by Nana, a professional hair-stylist!  <–a separate post soon to come
– lots of walking/playing outside & being healthy (except for eating all of that cake)
– many trips to Walmart
– and plenty of hugs and kisses  🙂

We hope we can see them again soon! In the meantime, we have pictures to help us remember our fun times together. 
 

Lala & Nana, thank you so much for coming!

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The Gracious Reunion

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During our last trip down for Ian’s dedication, my sister met Ty for the first time.  It was special because not only did my sister name him, but Ty is also indirectly named after her.  My dad chose the Korean names for our kids.  Korean siblings (& cousins) often share a generational name syllable in addition to their family name.  So, in our kids’ generation, their common name syllable is “woo” which is derived from the chinese character meaning “friend”.  Imanuel’s name is “Sun-woo” (good friend), Micah’s name is “Hyun-woo” (wise friend), and their cousin Ian’s name is “Myung-woo” (bright friend).  Ian is named after my dad whose Korean name is “Myung-keuk”. 

When Ty came along, my dad decided to name him after my mom and sister who both share a common syllable, “Eun” which means “grace” (or “silver”).  So, Ty’s name is “Eun-woo” (gracious friend).  Their three names are special to our family because not only do all three of them share a common syllable though they span three different generations, the other part of their name is their generational name syllable shared with their siblings.  In our family, our names have been instrumental in giving us a sense of identity and belonging as well as pride in who we are.  It is my prayer that our boys will share in those bonds as they grow together in the Lord.        

Graces
Three of my favorite people, Ju-eun, Eun-bok, and Eun-woo, at their first reunion. 

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Easter with Grandma Karen

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This past weekend, Israel was in Georgia for GYC BOD meetings.  The kids and I were able to spend some time with one of our favorite people, Grandma Karen.  Since we’ve moved to the U.P. nearly 4 years ago, Karen has sat with us and helped me take care of the boys during church.  Thanks to her, our boys have learned how to sit quietly (for the most part) while the preacher preaches.  She has put together Sabbath bags for Manu and Micah, and each week, she puts different books and quiet toys in them.  Even when she is away for the weekend, she makes sure to drop off the bags at the church so the boys will have something new and quiet to look at during church service.  That is how it all started, but Karen has become so much more to us. 

She remembers the little things.  None of the boys’ birthdays have gone by without Karen remembering to get a present & card.  (And she makes sure to get a little something for the other kids’ too so they don’t feel left out.)  And every time we see her, she always has a little snack or treat to give the boys.  We have been blessed with wonderful church members, but Karen is extra special.  The boys absolutely love her and we know she loves them so much too.

She has become a part of our family.  Not only does she keep Israel in line when it comes to church business, she makes sure we are taken care of.  I remember a few times when she called to tell us about coming snow storms.  We usually had no clue, but we were able to be prepared when we got snowed in.  Then she gave us a weather radio to make sure we would be prepared.  Embarrassingly enough, a few times she’s offered to shovel our roof because the snow would be dangerously high.  Israel would then make sure to get that taken care of (-by hiring some guys to do it).  She is an amazingly strong and capable woman and she gives us guidance when we need it.

Most importantly, she loves the Lord.  She has endured severe trials in her life, but has come out victorious.  She is filled with wisdom and knowledge, and I love spending time just talking with her.  She keeps it real and is always willing to learn and grow.  I appreciate that about her.

That is why spending so much time with Grandma Karen this weekend was so wondeful.

Sabbath afternoon at the park


Easter Sunday dinner out


She surprised the boys with special Easter baskets filled with fun things!

There are very few people outside of family, that you are able to love like family.  She would definitely be considered one!  Thank you, Grandma Karen, for being such a special part of our lives.  We love and appreciate you so much!

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Spring 2010

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While there are still some scattered remnants of snow on the ground, I think I can (almost) say with certainty that spring is here!  There have been many changes in the Ramos household: 

1.  We have developed a monthly menu for all of our meals to eat healthier and to help streamline our shopping and spending.
2.  We are trying to grow our own herbs this year.
3.  We started working out.  (I’m training for a 5k and Daddy is training for a sprint triathlon!)
4.  We started taking the kids to the public library in Houghton where the boys have already enjoyed storytime/crafts, playing on the kids’ interactive computers, and checking out lots of books. 
5.  Imanuel is 4 years old and can almost wipe his butt by himself!  One of his b-day gifts was receiving his own library card.
6.  Micah often tells us that he would like to go pee pee in his pickle cup (-the pickle jar where he is supposed to go pee in) but has only done it once.  Hopefully some day.  Other than that, he’s still eating, singing, and acting silly.
7.  Both Imanuel & Micah have the exact same size feet.  So, now they share hats, undershirts, neck ties, socks, and shoes.  Manu weighs 38 lbs and Micah weighs 36 lbs, but Manu is several inches taller still.
8.  Ty is close behind at 20 lbs.  He is now 3.5 months, he wears size 9-12 month clothes, and is now sleeping 9-10 hours at night!
9.  Bentley has a lady-friend, Edna, who has been making daily visits much to the chagrin of her owners. 
10.  The kitties have finally ventured outside!


Our first outing to the park by the canal.


His nicknames include: “Tai-bai-bo”, “Tae-bo”, and “Ty-Ty”… he’s our 20-pound-3-month-old wonder.


Bentley and Edna during one of her visits. 

We are so happy that Spring has decided to make her appearance early this year.  🙂

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Happy 30th Birthday, Israel!

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In a few hours, on February 26, 2010, Israel will turn 30.

I first met Israel when he was 19 years old. I had just turned 18. We started dating a year later and we’ve been together ever since. Over the last ten years, there is no one in this world who has been able to teach me, forgive me, change me, or love me more than Israel. Through all of the changes we’ve gone through together – from college days, to GYC, to entering the working world, to marriage, to pets, to pastoring in the U.P, to 3 boys!! – he’s still my best friend. This is why there is no one in this world who has more reason to celebrate and be thankful for his birth.

Many would know him as a spiritual leader, an ambitious dreamer, or a generous friend. But for three little boys, he is their hero. He is everything they want to become. And if they do, I couldn’t be prouder.  So, this is something special from them…for them.  Happy Birthday, Daddy :  Click HERE 

More celebrating to come in the morning…

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Christmas 2009 at the Ramos’s

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On Christmas Eve, Daddy and Manu came back from California and arrived home past 11pm.  We woke everyone up and opened presents.  Lots of special gifts for Grandma from the boys!  We’re so thankful she has come up to help take care of us for the month.


Micah got a new blanket, Manu got a toy baking set, and they both got bath markers and a board game.


Bentley even got a stocking with gifts this year. 


We made carob/coconut crunchies and baked & decorated Christmas cookies in the afternoon.


Manu Claus delivering a Christmas stocking with a special present inside!


Brothers, Micah & Ty


Each year since we got our Christmas tree, we’ve added one ornament.  We started this tradition when Grandma Karen from church gave Micah the first one commemorating his first Christmas in 2007.  Last year, Manu picked out the moose.  This year, we got another one from Grandma Karen for baby Ty’s first Christmas. 


Was it a silent night?

    
Some of us were up all night!  🙂 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and truly appreciated God’s gift to us through His Son, Jesus. May we learn to love Him more! 

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On the Eve of Christmas

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I’m writing now on the very eve of perhaps the most special Christmas ever.  My third baby boy was just born 12 days ago and my precious nephew is finally where he belongs – at home.  Seeing your loved ones hurting is the perhaps the most difficult experience one can go through.  But the Lord has been faithful to us.  He has used such a severe trial to strengthen our family, our friends, our churches, and ultimately our trust and love for Him.  There is no doubt in my mind that Ian Jukes Namm is a special child with a high calling.  And I’m so proud to be his aunt and I’m so proud to call God my Father. 

God bless each of you this holiday season as we remember the greatest sacrifice ever given!

(And this is where I would put a picture of me holding baby Ian.  One day soon.) 

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Happy Birthday, Baby Ian!

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So, we found out this morning, that my brother Jukes and sis-in-law Aileen gave birth to their son, Ian Jukes Namm.  We are so thrilled and can’t wait to meet him!  Imanuel has been praying for his baby cousin (& baby brother) for some time now.  I was happy to share the news this morning to him and he was so excited.  The first thing he said was, “So I can hold him now?!”  🙂  Hopefully there will be more details to come very soon!