pitcher

Taking a little break

Dear friends,

As I look back over our blog I can see that it has been several weeks since we've posted anything, and I want to give an explanation for that.

Andrea and I have been sensing a need to take a break from blogging, and have decided to let our blog sit idle for an indefinite length of time. We will be putting more effort into keeping our Facebook pages updated, so you can check in there regularly if you'd like to keep up with our family.

Our apologies to so many of you who have followed our lives through our blog over the past few years. We'll let you know when we get this back going again. 

So, for now, may you know God's blessing and peace,

Ken

A pleasant surprise

As I was at work yesterday I got a phone call from a number I didn't know. As I called back to see who had called, I was a little dis-oriented to hear the voice of my old friend, Gord Jackson. Gord and his family lived in Poland for most of our years in Czech, and now lives across the border in his home country of Canada.

It turns out that he, his daughters Elyse and Emily had come across to Buffalo to pick up Lukas and Jola, a Polish couple currently in North America to build up a support team for themselves and the JV camp in Poland. Lukas's passport was missing a computer chip necessary to cross into Canada, and they needed a place to stay the night. Could they come and crash at our house? Of course!

After a fun evening of pizza, popcorn and stories of old times and our current lives, we all crashed with full hearts grateful for the larger family of God we belong to.

"Another step closer to becoming an adult."

We're proud of all our kids, and especially for some decisions that Zachary has made recently. Near the end of summer vacation he began to work for business man here in Spencerport. Mr. Feltner owns an insurance agency here in town, and he pays Zachary to cut the grass there once a week. He also pays Zachary to help him with yard work at his house when he needs it, which has happened a few times already. Zachary has also been cutting grass for his grandparents, and saving his money for some time. Andrea and I are both proud of how hard he is working. 

After putting aside money for some time, Zachary and I walked over to our bank on Saturday. He brought in his first paycheck from Mr. Feltner, as well as a wad of cash he had been saving in his room. After filling out all of the paperwork he ended up with a good amount of funds in his checking account, and a large amount of funds in his savings account. 

As he finished the process the bank manager handed him the paperwork and said very kindly, "You're one step closer to becoming an adult."

We couldn't agree more.

 

A great, teenage guy birthday party

Nicholas and Zachary celebrated their 17th and 16th birthdays with a very fun birthday party Saturday night. Interestingly enough, they wanted to have it at their grandparents home! Duane and Nancy have a great big garage that can hold a lot of people with a huge back yard opening up into a forest. So the boys invited about 30 of their friends from school, we provided a bunch of snacks in the garage, grandma and grandpa Pitcher helped put the snacks together and kept a bonfire going outside, and we played night games for a couple of hours. A great birthday party for 2 teenage boys and all of their friends!

I was proud of how the boys planned and prepared for the evening, especially Zachary. He really understands strategy and games, so the evening was a success thanks to his vision and careful preparation. We played one long game using 2 decks of cards that combine the game Stratego and Capture the Flag (too complicated to explain here, but you really should play it some time!), and one long, frantic game of Capture the Flag. After eating some cake and other snacks the kids hung out at the campfire and in the gazebo just telling stories and calling other friends on their cell phones (obviously, no party would be complete without cell phones). 

Just a wonderful evening with 2 great guys! We love you, Nicholas and Zachary!

Another special day

Zachary is having a great week! Last night he was inducted into the Christian Honor Society, and today was his 16th birthday. We had a very nice dinner with a birthday cake for dessert, and opened presents after dinner.

To top it all off, and make it even more special, my parents arrived today from Chicago! They have been trying to come for a few weeks but have been unable to because my dad is going through some serious treatments for skin cancer. They have a 2-week window between procedures, so came for a few days.

Even more amazing is that my parent's anniversary is the same day as Zachary's birthday! So, as we celebrated Zachary's 16th birthday, we also celebrated Gordon and Nancy Pitcher's 47th Wedding Anniversary! 

The photo at the top is Zachary holding all of the paperwork he needs in order to get his driver's permit. These at the bottom show the crazy side of my folks, holding the cards they received from us.

Praise God for creating families!

Zachary inducted into the American Christian Honor Society

Andrea and I were so proud to watch Zachary be inducted into the American Christian Honor Society tonight at Northstar Christian Academy. Based upon his grade point average, work ethic, Christian testimony and character he was accepted into this national organization along with a good sized group of kids from the school.

The Christian Honor Society is based upon advancing Christian Scholarship, challenging Christian Leadership, honoring Christian Character and stimulating Christian Service. We love the sound of that!

We're so proud of all our kids, but it was special for us to see Zachary honored in this way: something that he truly does deserve.

Another fun aspect of the night was Nathan serving the refreshment as a member of Junior Honor Society. If he continues in this club he'll be inducted next year.

Another round of birthdays

It seems like every other week we have a significant milestone in our family! This weekend was truly a momentous occasion: Grandmother Verda Wallace celebrated her 95th birthday! She incidentally shares the same birthday with her son, Duane, so we also celebrated his 72nd birthday.

We as a family gave her a beautiful corsage to wear to church yesterday, the actual day of her birthday, and it was beautiful. The pastor announced from the front her birthday since you don't often actually have 95-year-olds attending church on their birthdays. Wow! 

After church we went out for lunch to Cracker Barrel, Grandmother's favorite restaurant. We ended the day with ice cream and gifts at our house after evening church. 

All in all, a wonderful day.

(photo at the top is from a recent breakfast Andrea hosted on our front porch-nothing to do with the birthdays; just a great photo!)

Fall 2010

A lot of signs indicating that Fall is settling in here in Upstate New York. Cider in our fridge. Pumpkins on our front porch. Leaves turning on trees everywhere. Apples in fruit stands...

We've always liked the Fall season because of the milder weather, tastes of the harvest and beautiful leaves. This year, however, this season of harvest has me thinking about how sometimes seasons of transitions bring forth different kinds of fruit in our lives. This seems to be true in our family as well. A new openness in our teenagers. Peace in Andrea and I as we start new jobs and activities. Deeper unity in us as a family. 

God is good, and we're loving this season.

 

Start of School, Fall 2010

The kids went back to school three days ago, and are thrilled to be back at Northstar. They've had a great couple of days re-connecting with old friends and making new ones. Zachary had to miss the first two days due to being sick, but was finally able to start today.

We're anticipating another great year as Nicholas is now running cross-country, Zachary is the captain of the Mastermind team, and both of them will be trying out for basketball. Nathan is continuing his guitar and voice lessons while adding piano this year. Grace is still sweet Grace, and is excited about being a 6th grader.

God is good, and we love our four wonderful kids.

  

Two big weekends

 Life has been so full these past few weeks that we've neglected our blog! I'll try to fill you in over the next few days on the happenings in the Pitcher family.

The last weekend of August and first weekend in September were huge for us for multiple reasons. First off, we celebrated Mother and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary! Duane and Nancy tied the knot on August 28, 1960 in Wilmont, Arkansas. We celebrated 50 years of life, family, work and ministry at our favorite restaurant, Red Fideles with a reception with over 100 friends. A highlight for us as a family was having uncle Jason here for the entire weekend as he and Andrea basically pulled off this huge event. 

 We're glad for the blessings of family, and that we can be here for these significant milestones.

This past weekend was more than just a Labor Day holiday thanks to a wonderful visit with our dear friend and fellow missionary from Czech, Greg Strock. Greg flew in on Friday night with a suitcase full of our favorite Czech chocolates, and generally brightened up our home for a few days. Andrea and I took him to our favorite restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario, Canada and then to Niagara Falls. We also enjoyed some quiet days together playing games, talking on our front porch over warm cups of coffee along with other glimpses for Greg of our lives here in Upstate New York. 

We're thankful for the history we have with old friends!