Pianists in the making!

 

Jack and Owen love to play our piano and I captured a sweet duet in progress the other day. I think with Joel as their Daddy, they are destined to be musicians. Oh and a little known fact is that I too play several less useful instruments. Anyone know how leading worship with a basoon, baritone or flute works? :)

Our little artist

 

Jack came upstairs the other day with his etchasketch in hand and proclaimed, "Mommy look, I drew a surfer"! I was amazed because this is the child who hates craft time, coloring or anything artistic. I didn't know he had it in him. But yet, he drew it all by himself without my even knowing he was doing it! Way to go Jack!

Making a Snow Man 101

 

Today we woke up to a couple of inches of snow on the ground. The boys were itching to go out and play and Daddy needed to do some shoveling and well, you didn't have to twist their arms to make a snow man while they were at it! Funny enough, this morning on Playhouse Disney Agent OSO built a snow man and had the step by step process as his mission. Jack paid close attention and walked Daddy through exactly what to do. What fun!!

In Memory of My Dad

 

Toys!

 

The boys are growing up so fast and with that process is the fun of new, bigger toys. Jack got a skateboard and skater-guy clothes, including converse high tops! He looks so big now! Owen got a wiggle bike and is in heaven. Unfortunately, there's too much snow on the ground to ride but winter will come to and end soon or well, in May!

A British Tradition

 

Bekah's Fiance, Steve is from Scotland and brought Chrismas Crackers with him for us all this year. What a fun tradition!

Baby Kate

 

 

Well although none of us got to see her face, Kate was with us! She is an active little girl, more so than the boys ever were! Bekah's roommate Kim, John and Christine, Bekah and Mom and Dad all included her in the gift giving and blessed us with gifts for Kate.

1st Christmas for the boys

 

No, not their first Christmas but the first one this year. We ended up doing half of it Thursday night and the rest on Friday morning. And then we'll have our family Christmas on Christmas. I think we're gonna hear a month from now, "Mommy can we have Christmas again this week?" What a shock when they realize that Christmas only comes once a year in a normal year!

Food, Food, Food!

 

There wasn't a lack of food that weekend, even though i didn't cook everything i had planned.

Relaxing with Family

 

The Potter Family all came together this year for Thanksgiving at our house here in Michigan. We celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday and had Christmas together on Friday. It even snowed on "Christmas" for us! We actually prayed for it!

We had a great time together cooking, eating, hanging out, eating, cooking, sleeping, hanging out, eating, eating, and eating!

Thanks M & D, J & C, and S & B - We love you! JBjok

6 1/2 years and still in love!

 

We wish you a Merry Christmas

 

Brothers and Best Friends

 

The many faces of Jack

 

I remember when my nephew, McGwire went through this phase of not being able to produce a regular old smile. Everytime he tried, you got this crazy face instead. Well, our own Jack has hit the same age and as you can see from the pictures, getting a good smile is nigh unto impossible. Still it was fun trying and he certainly loved being in front of the camera. What a ham bone!!

Is He Cute or What?!

 

We took our Christmas pictures today and I was once again reminded why we don't do them very often. Just to get a really good family shot, we had to reset the camera like a dozen times! The boys are just so full of energy and Owen is the leader of the crazy pack! He is adorable, if I do say so myself, but oh so ornery!! There is never a dull moment with this little guy around!

NTBI Staff Christmas Party

 

I, Bethany, had the pleasure of co-planning this years Staff Christmas Party. We had a beautiful venue, yummy desserts and a great time just hanging out together for the evening. It was also the last hoorah for two staff families.

JP and Sue Marr are transitioning into fulltime ministry at their local church here in Jackson. I have known them since I arrived here at NTBI in 1995. We went through bootcamp together, and I must admit, they saved my life there! We ended up back here at NTBI, ministering together for 5 years and now have met up once again here in Jackson for the past year and a half. I will miss seeing them here but I am thankful they will be nearby. Thanks guys for your faithful service for so many years.

The other couple moving on to other ministries is Mike and Jenny Sullivan. The Sullivans have been here at NTBI for 27 years. Mike has been teaching all that time and is a student favorite! Jenny has done many ministries and they will sorely be missed. Mike has the amazing opportunity to serve on the US Executive Board at our NTM Headquarters in Florida. I know they will be a blessing there and to all the US missionaries serving with NTM. On a personal note, Mike gave me the kick in the pants I needed to make the tough decision to leave college and pursue my training with NTM back in 1995. I am so thankful he stepped out of his comfort zone and followed God's leading when he told me to stop putting it off with excuses and just take the jump. He has also been my boss for 5 1/2 of the 6 1/2 years I have served here at NTBI. I am honored to have ministered along side him and will miss them!

Worship Team Dinner Out

 

Joel and I had the pleasure of taking out the worship team for a dinner before the semester ended. Cody wasn't able to join us and for some reason, Casie eluded the photos but it was a fun night together and Ann Arbor looked beautiful all decked out for Christmas. Now, I know Grace looks less than enthused but in reality she had me in stiches as usual. Thanks guys for a great semester!

Like Father Like Sons

 

 

 

 

As they say, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree and for Jack and Owen that is so true. Daddy is very comfortable in an apron in the kitchen,especially if it has to do with making Italian Food and Coffee. Jack and Owen are learning from the best. Yes, Jack has his very own coffee pot. You pump the water from the reservoire by pushing a botton quickly and voilah! Coffee or well, water that you pretend is coffee!!!

I love my Auntie Christine!!!

 

Jack is a sucker for anyone who will play with him and Auntie Christine has got to have the award for the best play date friend!! We love our visits with J & C and are so thankful they are close by!

the life of a 2 1/2 year old