King Family
Merry Christmas from Art and Ronda King! Newsworthy events from our year can be found here:
January Sierra is 4 months old and thriving. Her cousin Janae Rose is born in far away Singapore.
February Trotting in from the far pasture, 3-year old Brenden (playing Black Beauty) asks; "Mom, do horses cough?" Searching her memory of veterinary science, Ronda answers, "uh, well, I don't think so." Brenden replies "oh yes they do" and gallops off. During a morning worship Bethani prays: "... and help the soldiers to stop fighting and to all come up to heaven when it's time."
March We take an Easter expedition to Kaneeta, where the whole family camps in a tepee. Everyone enjoys the hot springs, and the KIDS enjoy the tepee. Elissa sews her first outfit, and proudly models her creation for dad.
May We enjoy Art's 10 year class reunion at Walla Walla College and a chance to greet many friends. Ronda begins work in earnest on her flower beds, which are soon award-winning beauties. Sierra starts crawling, mischief increases.
June We joyfully celebrate the third anniversary of Brendens' adoption into our family. A new trampoline goes up in our back yard, providing much summer fun. Elissa celebrates her 8th birthday.
July We fly to Montana for a long-awaited King family reunion. Frank & Lauretta host their four sons with wives, and 12 grandchildren at Lakeview Lodge on Ennis Lake.
August Arts' dad undergoes open heart by-pass surgery. We pray. His recovery is excellent. Betty and Grover host a Rose family reunion with their four children, spouses, and 9 grandchildren on the beautiful Oregon coast. We spend a great week relaxing at Camp MiVoden family camp in North Idaho.
September We all enjoy a Mary Rice Hopkins concert at a local church. Later in the month, the children are enthralled with an afternoon at the Greatest Show on Earth. Sierra celebrates her first birthday by "inhaling" a piece of chocolate cake. She is walking.
October Second grader Elissa writes a letter: TO: MOM & DAD DAD I wish I could have a horse. But it is too much monye. MOM I wish I could have ring's and neklisis. But you will not let me. MOM & DAD I wish I could live in the contry. But you can not find a hose LOVE, Elissa
Brenden has more medical problems and while waiting at the doctors office, showers Mom with questions: "Mom, do we get jelly from jellyfish?" "Mom, before you got me, did you know I was going to be a nice boy?" "Do jellyfish eat sharks?"
November Sabbath afternoon and Art is stretched out in a lazy-boy chair with Bethani on his lap. Fishing for compliments, Art says; "Why do you like to snuggle Bethani, is it because you love me?" "Well" Bethani replies, "most of the time, it's because I'm cold and you warm me up, {pause} but sometimes it's because I love you." All 4 grandparents join us for Thanksgiving, making for a fine, warm holiday. Art and his Dad go skiing on Mount Hood.
December The tree is up and Christmas music is on the stereo. Christmas excitement fills the eyes of our children.
WRAP-UP Though sometimes frazzled with 4 children under 8, Ronda gives warm, loving, and happy days to all of us. Being here as our children grow, talk, write and pray is a great joy to us. We cherish our little Sierra! After 70 dark years, millions are free to celebrate Jesus birth this Christmas. We are reminded to cherish our liberty, and give thanks for God's good gifts in our lives.
With affection and warm thoughts to you . .MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Art, Ronda, Elissa, Brenden, Bethani, and Sierra
Favorite Books of 1991 Kids bedtime stories: "Caddie Woodlawn" and "Magical Mellons" (Carol Brink) Elissa {with daddy} "Watership Down" (Richard Adams) Bethani and Brenden: "Charlottes Web" (E. B. White) Ronda "Alicia, My Story" (Appleman-Jurman) Art "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" (Yancey)