ThanksGIVING

 



Recently I was encouraged by two instances of generous giving by my Christian school students and Sunday school bus riders. It has been such a blessing to me as I view spontaneous giving to others as a sign of growth and maturity.

One of my students/bus riders told me that she and another student would be taking a needy bus rider to the mall to buy her a Christmas dress. My heart was warmed at their thoughtfulness. I expected them to ask me for a ride. Instead they made the walk by themselves on a  cold and blustery Saturday. The next day in church I noticed the little girl sparkling in her new blue dress from Kohl's. Later the instigator of the good deed excitedly told me that she was able to buy her two dresses instead of one!!! This blessed me so much. It was so sweet to see her reaching out to someone in need.

Last night a student handed me a $15 gift card to Starbucks with a sweet thank you note attached.  How did she know I was trying to cut back on my Starbucks spending? What a blessing!! At this time of Thanksgiving I am thankful for students who are maturing and reaching out to others. May they continue to do so!

Christiana's First Birthday!

 

 

 

 

Happy 1st Birthday Christiana!

 

 

Christiana's 1st Birthday was a special time of celebration!

 

 

 

The table was set...

 

 

 

 

Dinner was prepared...

 

The party dress was laid out for the birthday girl...

 

The favors were assembled...

 

 

 

  Pink Parfait  or California Salad

(A special family recipe)

 

 

Grandpa, Grandma, Auntie Shera and Auntie Stefanie arrived...

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Christiana!

 

We love you!

 

 

 

Christiana's Adventures

 

 

Christiana's First Time Apple Picking!

 

She loved her green apple!

 

 

 

 

 

Christiana loved playing at the ocean this summer!

 

 

 

Christiana discovers a leaf at the Esplanade on the Charles River

in Boston.

 

Christiana Grace



Christiana Grace ~ May 2014

 



40 Years in Medford

On May 4th, we celebrated New England Baptist Church's 40th Anniversary. My parents arrived in Medford 40 years ago with two small children while not knowing a soul, and started the New England Baptist Church.

New England Baptist Church, Medford, Massachusetts

40 years of ministry in one place is almost unheard of especially in New England known as the "Graveyard of Preachers." As their daughter, I am very proud of them for this great accomplishment with God's help. I am grateful to have grown up in a great church and Christian school and for the way my life has been spiritually impacted by this ministry.

 

New England Baptist Church, Medford, MA
(You may need to click on picture for a clearer view.)
 

I am thankful for my mom's fervent spirit who even after so many years still cares and reaches out for souls. I am thankful for my dad who is a steady, consistent soul winner and continues on even at the age of 71. Countless lives have been impacted by their ministry. To God be the Glory!

Dr. Thomas and Marilyn Michael

First Jar of Baby Food!

 

 

Tonight Christiana ate her first jar of apple sauce. She ate almost the whole jar in one setting! Such a momentous occasion!

 

Year in Review

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

I'm very sad to say that I did not order enough Christmas cards this year. I am sorry if you did not receive a card. Hoping this post will suffice...

                                ~Our Christmas Tradition at the Boston Pops in December~

           Josh stayed home with Christiana so I could attend as he knows how much I enjoy it!
           

 

~Our Precious Daughter, Christiana Grace, Born In October~

 

Stefanie, Esther, Aleta & Shera
 (Sonja was with us in spirit.)

 

~Beach Front Shower in September~

 

I was blessed with a wonderful baby shower and was given so many beautiful things. My family pitched in together and bought me a Britax B-Agile car seat and stroller set which has already been invaluable. The stroller is compact and light which makes it so easy to pull out of the trunk and use. 

 

Esther flew out for the special occasion and gave the devotional which was excellent!

 

My Aunt Mary Anne was also able to attend making it extra special!

 

 

 

Such a cute cake and theme! 

 

 

~Fall and Fracture in July~

 

Not pictured (Due to unpleasantness) but equally memorable was my fractured wrist in July. I could not drive for two months. Thankful especially for my mom and Josh who drove me around and for the extra rest due to not being able to drive anywhere...like the mall etc. My cast was removed a few days before school started. Timing was Providential.

 

~ Bible Club in July~

 

Also not pictured but vey important were the 100 souls who attended our Bible Club in Somerville  over a 3 day period. Josh was great at running the program with our helpers while I rounded up the kids.



Can you find me? Aka Where's Waldo? :)

 

~New Job in February~

 

I started a new part time job as an administrative assistant/paralegal at law firm in Boston in February. The perks were an awesome view of the harbor and city, a nice boss and coworkers, and free lunch upon occasion. So thankful for the experience!

 

This year has brought many transitions, challenges and blessings. I am thankful for God's help and strength. May 2014 be a blessed year for all! Happy New Year!