Christmas Blessings...

 

To all of our dear friends and family:

This year has brought so much to our lives that a simple picture and “Merry Christmas” on a card just didn’t seem right.  Thus, you get the awesome pleasure of our yearly news.  Hope you don’t mind!

To start, when 2011 was coming to a close I decided my word for the year 2012 would be “Faith”.  Boy, did I not know just how much that little word would be so big for us!  We have seen many changes within our lives over this year and I can’t even begin to tell you how much we have grown.  Grown in our faith (there is that word!) with God, grown in height (the kids are getting huge!), grown in intelligence (yes, my kiddos are genius’!), and grown in relationship with each other (and some of you!).  2012 was an awesome year here at Winston Manor and we can’t wait to see what 2013 brings!!  Now for the good stuff:

Jeremy:  After much prayer decided God was closing one door and opening another.  Has a new job and gets to spend an absurd amount of time with his children.  Loves the Lord and trusts in His plan and timing.  By the way: He is the absolute BEST husband and daddy!!

Denise:  Gets to stay home with all 5 kiddos and love on them all day.  We do manage to get some school done!  Followed God’s call for Brogan to go to Rwanda.  Yes, I got the privilege of tagging along!  And, let me just say it was AMAZING and INSPIRING!!!  Since out trip others have been both inspired and encouraged and have raised enough money to support the education of 18 Pastor’s children in Rwanda!

Joshua:  Junior in high school, Traveled to Europe, Cast as the role of Frank in Huntsville Community Theatre’s “Cheaper by the Dozen”, Varsity baseball and cross country and Suma Cum Laude while at AOA, Youth Council and Leader of the Youth Deacons at church, Mission Trip to Amarillo, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, started classes at LoneStar Montgomery College, still working at McKenzie’s BBQ.

Codey:  Freshman in high school, Made Varsity homeschool baseball team, Mission Trip to Amarillo, Co-leader of Youth Missions Team at church, Works for a landscaping company, Got braces just a few weeks ago, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Brogan:  5^th grade, Narrator & red part of the rainbow in Huntsville Community Theatre’s production of “Wizard of Oz”, Explorer in American Heritage Girls, Reporter for 4-H Food Club, 4-H Rabbit Club & Sewing Club, plays basketball & soccer, Followed God’s call on her life and traveled to Rwanda, Africa for 16 days this summer and made new friends!, Continues the work on her ministry ‘Cases of Joy’ and has committed to returning to Rwanda in July 2013.

Christian: 1^st grade, Plays basketball and baseball, Made All-Star t-ball team, Loves Amana’s, his friends, schoolwork and playing outside, Learned to tie his own shoes, Overcame a scary skull fracture, Accepted Christ as his Savior.

Rylen: Pre-K, Played t-ball but loved soccer more, Wants to go to Africa next time we go (but he is going to have to wait just a little bit longer!), Learned to ride a bike without training wheels, And, well, he is just Rylen!!!

WOW!!!  Looking back and writing this there have been a lot of things that make 2012 special.  I know I left some things out but you probably didn’t want me to go on anyway.  As always, you can check out our family blog.  I haven’t done a great job of keeping it up this year by I am going to make more of a point of it in 2013.  You can also follow Brogan and her ministry to other children at www.casesofjoy.blogspot.com. 

One last thing: Brogan and Joshua were cast in an Independent Film in the summer of 2011.  It is debuting at the San Antonio Christian Film Festival in 2013.  We saw a sneak preview a few weeks ago and it is unbelievable!  I would encourage you to check it out at www.IndescribableTheMovie.com.  You will be inspired and moved!

And, this about sums everything up…

 

                           Rylen (5), Codey (14), Brogan (10), Joshua (15), Christian (7)

 

 

We wish you a very blessed Christmas and 2013!!!

Love, Jeremy & Denise, Joshua, Codey, Brogan, Christian & Rylen



Sock Hop

Our church had a 1950's style Sock Hop Christmas Dinner Theatre this year.  The kids did great at singing their songs and serving dinner.  It was a fun night! 

Prairie Primer: December

 

For our December Prairie Primer meeting each student researched a different state and presented it to the group.  We also had a fun gift exchange and enjoyed yummy food.

Dewberry Farms

We went to Dewberry Farms with one of the Homeschool groups that we are a part of.  The kids had fun, as usual, and didn't want to leave!

Linus Project

Brogan's AHG group made blankets to be donated to the Linus project.  The Linus project hands out the blankets to children in foster care and to police stations.  They made over 50 blankets!

Soccer Tourney

 

Brogan had a soccer tournament this weekend.  They were her last games of the season and she played awesome.  She is a real player.  We would have never known it but she has a natural ability to play and has a lot of people looking at her.  Way to go, Triple P!!!!

We're Heading Back!!

 

We feel called to return to Rwanda in the summer of 2013!!!!

Your prayer support is welcomed as we begin another journey to Africa!

 

If you feel called or able to contribute financially we would be grateful for your support.  All contributions are tax-deductible when made to One27 Ministries.  No amount is to small!

Thank you for partnering with us however you are able.

 

 

Halloween Festivities

This weekend we had lots of fun with some great friends playing games, carving pumpkins and finding our way through a maze.  Everyone earned  tickets and claimed prizes to take home.  A great time was had by all!

 

 

 

Our church had a Fall Festival with lots of fun games, a chili cook-off, a rock wall and hay ride and candy and prizes at every booth.  Brogan won a door prize (a huge tub of cheese balls) and a cake from the cake walk and, while the boys didn't win anything, they had a ton of fun.

We also went out to the Fairgrounds again this year for the WCFA Halloween Carnival and spent way to much money on tickets for the games, as always.  However, the kids had a ton of fun like usual and we came home with lots of cupcakes and goodies!

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Who's the silliest of them all?

 



Sweet 16!!!

Happy Anniversary, My Love!!!!

 

 

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, Rylen

Rylen David Winston is 5 years old today!!!!!!!

 

 

Soccer Pictures

We are in the middle of the season and here are their lovely soccer photos taken by their Momma.....

 

 

Celebrate

Brogan's friend, Ashton, asked Brogan over to celebrate her upcoming birthday.  It happened to fall on the same weekend of Brogan's birthday.  That wasn't a big deal for Brogan but they were so sweet in including Brogan in the celebration.  The cake included both of their names.  Such a sweet touch. 

Ashton's mom surprised the girls with a makeover team and a photo shoot as part of the festivities.  They all had a great time!

WCHC September Service Activity

The service activity for WCHC this month was tye-dying pillowcases for MD Anderson Children's Hospital in Houston.  The group had a great time and made 28 pillowcases!!  I was busy helping on this one so these pictures are borrowed from a friend:

 

Tye-Dye Bike Ride

 

The kiddos had a fun bike ride with Daddy before lunch today!!!

Missing these faces...

 

We were just there a few months ago but I'm missing these precious faces something terrible lately.  I have on my heart that we are supposed to be going back sooner than next summer.  Please pray for clarification as to wether or not we are supposed to go back and when that should be.

 

I have been able to share about our trip and needs in Rwanda with several different churches, individuals and groups since we have been back.  Many have stepped up to help pastors fund the education of their children and many others are praying about how they should be helping.  Please be in prayer for these individuals as they make their decisions.  Please also be in prayer for our family as we share and decide what our role in the future is.

 

Please also be in prayer for some opportunities that are coming up with one of the homeschool groups that we are a part of.  I have shared with them about our experiences in Rwanda and some of the needs there within the school.  They are interested in partnering to help in some way but need clarification on what that should look like.

1st Soccer Games

Rylen and Brogan had their first soccer games today.  Rylen is so excited to be running and kicking a ball instead of standing in the outfield waiting for something to happen.  He is super fast and can get to the ball quick.  I think this might just be for him! 

 

Brogan played way back when she was 4 but wasn't to fond of the sport.  Her friend plays and asked if she wanted to play her on her team.  Because they would be on the same team, Brogan said okay.  Turns out her speed is an asset and she is picking up the game and having fun!

 

We have a fun season ahead!!!

Yippee For Me!

My hubby who loves me so surprised me with a new laptop last night!  Yeah Me!  Now I have something that is all mine *insert happy dance* that my kids will not *repeat 3 times* get their grubby little hands on.  I know, I know that sounds so bad and the fact that I'm so excited about still doesn't make it it seem any better but it is so true.  I am really really excited that I can keep the blog up better now!  For some unknown reason the home computer won't bring up blogger dashboard so there is no blog updating for me.  Until now!!!!!!  Did I say Yeah Me!?!?!

Anyhoo, be expecting some upates and some backdates coming very soon!!!

Now on to a date night with the older kiddos.  A movie and dinner!

Posting Soon!

A visit from Esron

 

Esron came to visit!!!!!

Esron, the Pastor that we worked with in Rwanda, came to the US for a Pastor Conference.  While he was here he visited churches that have sponsored or helped the churches in Rwanda.  We loved spending some time with him, showing him around Huntsville and taking him to the best BBQ in Huntsville.  Rylen and Christian loved meeting him and want to go to Africa even more now!

 

 

 

Prairie Primer Group: week 1

This year for our school we are studying the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the time period that she grew up in.  We are also getting together with several other families twice a month for some fun crafts and projects.  This was our first meeting and the kids had a blast!

 

 

 

They made cornhusk dolls, smoke houses, calico pockets and had a ton of fun with friends!

H2O September Service Activity

 

Our service activity with the H2O group this month was tye-dying pillowcases for MD Anderson Children's Hospital in Houston.  This group dyed 20 pillowcases and had a blast doing it!  Way to go kiddos!!

First Day of School

Our first day of the new school year and we took these great back to school pics!!!!

 

 

Mission Trip Update

So sorry that we were not able to update like we thought we were going to be able to!  I have gone back and done daily updates so you can at least see what was going on.  I know it isn't the same but at least you can read about our days and see the beautiful faces of the people we were with.  Hope you enjoy the updates!  And, thanks for praying for all of us while Brogan and I were away!

Just like anywhere else in this world, the needs there are plenty.  There is so much that could and needs to be done.  Our family has been forever changed by this trip and we can't wait to see how the Lord will use us in the future there.

Rwanda last day

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Rwanda update



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Rwanda Update

Sorry that we have not been able to update since we have been here!  Internet has been sketchy and while we have been able to get on from the phone that hasn't always been the case from the laptop.  You have to pay to use the internet cafes so we have not been able to access like we thought we would.

Things have gone really great!  We have been in the schools and churches doing some pastor training and for the next two days we will travel out into the countryside to visit remote churches and church plants.  At the church in Kabuga yesterday two women accepted Christ as the Savior.  It was awesome to be there to worship with the people!

Thank you all for praying and please don't stop.  There are so many needs here.  I will try to update again but may not be able to add more pictures and give a bigger update until we get home.

Rwanda update



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Rwanda day 6



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Rwanda day 4

Today is saturday so we were able to sleep in.  Brogan and I are scheduled to go to a Bible study with the girls choir today but I'm not sure if that is what we will actually be doing.  Things change here so much.  There are no schedules and they just go with the flow.  It is kinds messing with my scheduled personality that I have at home.  It's a good thing I can "fly by the seat of pants" also!

So, above you see the beautiful faces of the Youth Choir.  They are mostly girls, only a few boys, and they are between the ages of 7-17.  A lot of these children are orphans (which I didn't know until several days later).  I had planned to do a Bible study on Esther and Daniel and their faith and obedience in the Lord and those that are their elders.  Turns out I didn't have to do much reading, teaching or explaining.  The girl in the turquise shirt on the left knew the entire story.  I asked what they could tell me about Esther and she stood up and told me the entire story.  Basically, word for word what I had written down to explain it.  She knew all the details and names of everyone and did a great job relating it for everyone.  I found out later that she has been raised in a Muslim home and accepted Christ as her savior about 2 years ago.

Our time with this group was awesome!!  John Bosco is the leader of the Youth Choir and he is doing a great job with them.  His desire is to finish and release a CD of their songs and sell it.  This would provide extra money for the choir and the church.  So far they have two songs done.  They need around $3,000 US dollars to finish the CD and get it ready to market and sell.  (If you feel called to help it would be a great blessing to these children and the church!)  The girls tried to teach Brogan to dance and well, she moves a lot like her Daddy so that didn't go so well.  They sang some songs for us and were really happy to have us there.  Most of all, we were happy to be there.  A 30-45 minute plan turned into almost 3 hours.  After we finished singing, dancing and Bible study we blew up balloons and handed them out.  Those were a big hit!  The girls all loved Brogan and had lots of questions for her.  Will she stay, will she come back, what does she eat at home.  I thought that one was interesting.  "What do you eat at home?  Do you eat beans?"  Beans are cheap and a staple here.  You see little ones snacking on raw beans and they might be some of the only things they eat.  So, the "Do you eat beans?" was a question that I am sure they expected her to say "No" to since she is from America.  God-thing here:  She does eat beans...and a lot of them!  See, beans and rice is a staple in our home because it is cheap and we can feed a lot of people on a little money.  And, when I say a staple I mean every 7-10 days we are eating bean soup or beans and rice or beans and cornbread.  So, when they were expecting a "No" Brogan pipes up "Yes".  The response "You eat beans at home?"  Brogan, "Yes.  All the time!"  You see, God was preparing her for this moment her entire life.  This moment was a connection between girls who live across the world from each other and have very little in common otherwise.  You see my dear sweet Brogan, as much as she doesn't get everything she wants she still has more than she needs.  And, while we made her some cute skirts for this trip, and are going to leave them for the girls, the fact is that she gets to wear something different every day that we are here and still has a closet full of clothes at home while these girls are wearing the same thing everyday.  And, while Brogan has a family that loves her and cares for her, some of these girls don't.  And, while all of that and so much more could seperate them instead, the fact that she eats beans often just like they do has bonded them in a way that means so much to these girls.  She IS like them...even though her skin color and her geography and her circumstances are different...she IS like them!

So for all those that questioned why we would allow her to come to Africa and why we would spend the money on a 9-year old to come over...

THAT IS WHY!!!

Brogan and I have played a ton of Uno and SkipBo games.  She has won all but maybe two.  I think somehow the cards are rigged.  I got tired of playing, actually losing, so she begged me "Please mom.  I promise I'll go easy on you." and started giggling.  Does that look like a face that will go easy on me?  I think not!  We have also played some volleyball, with a beach ball, as well as we could.  The people here at the hotel love watching her play outside.  I'm not sure that maybe they haven't seen a little white kid before.