Merry Christmas from the Lyons!

This is our annual Christmas newsletter!

Christmas Rumblings from the Lyons Den

Christmas 2011, Hebrew Union, Cincinnati, Ohio

Looking Back… 

• In January, we enjoyed a quick get-a-way close by to West Chester & Ikea before the baby came to stay.  Michael began his second semester at Hebrew Union.
• In February, our lives would never be the same, as Jeremiah Michael Lyons was born February 7, one cold wintry day. 
• In March, after the church’s meals and Grandpas & Grandmas had gone away, we were adjusting to life without sleep and trying to solve life’s mysteries- how to calm a crying, colicky baby.
• In April, Erin’s family joined us for our Easter celebration in Cincinnati. Jeremiah was a slow growing boy so we had to supplement and feed him extra formula each day.
• In May, Michael rejoiced he made it to the end of a semester plagued with sleepless nights. Erin and Jeremiah enjoyed warmer days to walk at the park.  Jeremiah finally began to sleep!
• In June, we headed to York, PA for a two week family retreat, J’s first time on a plane and trip to Chicoteague, VA beach.  He got his first ear infection while away, but still had a great time in PA.  Erin helped with summer VBS at ECC and we visited Louisville as Michael helped train the new owner of Advanced Vending.
• In July, we welcomed to Cincinnati, our long lost relatives, Ben & Laura Lyons and cousin Jonathan as they moved here to be closer to family (living right below us- now that is close!).
• In August, Michael began his second year in Ph.D. studies, this year, Ugaritic he would read.  Erin helped watch Jonathan twice a week so Laura could help work on the apartment below.
• In September, we celebrated six years of matrimony.  With Pop-pop and Mom-mom Delp watching the baby, we celebrated our first overnight getaway in faraway downtown Cincinnati. 
• In October, we enjoyed serving in our church, ECC- Michael helping teach Sunday School and Erin overseeing a mom’s Bible study and helping in the nursery.
• In November, we enjoyed time with the Lyons/Renner clan in Cincinnati. Jeremiah became a busy, crawling, standing 9 month old baby. 
• In December, with a few colds here and there, we are headed to York for Christmas with family, while Jeremiah thankfully has not (yet) knocked down the Christmas tree.  J

Year’s Reading Recommendations…

As tradition dictates, here again are some of our favorites we read this year.  The reader of this letter can take heart that Erin stopped Michael from putting down such “treasures” as Phonology and Morphology of Biblical Hebrew—who wouldn’t want to curl up next to a fireplace with that delicious title?

From Michael: Till We Have Faces, Lewis; Letters of Calvin, ed. Bonnet; Theology of the Reformers, George; Prophets and Prophecy in the Ancient Near East, Nissinen; The New Testament and the People of God, Wright; Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Ferguson.

From Erin: Baby Wise (Book 1 & 2), Ezzo & Bucknam; Love To Eat, Hate to Eat, Fitzpatrick; Because He Loves Me,  Fitzpatrick; Instructing A Child’s Heart, Tripp; The Faithful Parent, Peace & Scott.

From Jeremiah:   Animals: Baby Touch & Feel; The Itsy-Bitsy Spider (My First Taggies Book); The Big Picture Story Bible, Helm; currently reading (with mommy) The Jesus Storybook Bible, Lloyd-Jones.

On Our Minds This Past Year… 

We are thankful for the year the Lord has given us as we are adjusting to our new home in Cincinnati, Michael’s life as a Ph.D. student, and our new role as parents.  The Lord has given us such a sweet blessing to us in our little boy, Jeremiah this year.  We are thankful for this precious gift as we learn to depend on the Lord for wisdom in raising him. 

School: Michael is enjoying his second year at Hebrew Union College in Bible and Ancient Near Eastern studies.  Although his spring semester was challenging when bringing a little baby into the home, the fall semester has been much better.  We thank the Lord that he is now halfway through his 3 years of coursework.  We are thankful for the “family” of students that he is studying with and getting to know on campus.  After his coursework is completed, then comes a year of comprehensive exams, then the dissertation process.  Although a long road to go, we are affirmed that this is the “right” place to be and continue to trust God with each day in the future.  That said, Michael looks forward to the day he can more freely pastor and teach.  

Jobs:  Many prayers were answered when God provided a job for Michael in January to work at the Library and Graduate Office on Hebrew Union’s campus. It has been a blessing to work on campus and go to class.  What better place to work than in the fast-action spot of a library! Meanwhile, Erin watched a toddler, Olivia, up until the week she had Jeremiah.  Now she enjoys being a stay-at-home mom, while occasionally watching another little girl at home.  Although it has not always been easy, we are continually amazed at all the ways God is providing for us.  Periodically, we have participated in marketing/research studies around the city (we have some hilarious studies we’ve done) and we have tried other ways to bring in money as well (all legal!).  We praise God for his provision.

Church: This year, we have become members of ECC, Evangelical Community Church.  We are thankful for the people the Lord has brought into our lives to love and encourage us and for ways to serve the body of Christ.  Michael has enjoyed teaching in Sunday School, Erin has enjoyed going to the Thursday Morning moms group, assisting in VBS and the nursery, and leading discussion for a Bible Study this fall for a mom’s group.  Jeremiah thinks the nursery at church is his ultimate playground!  He is known for his happy and BUSY spirit crawling from one activity to the next.

New Ways God May Grow Us This Upcoming Year…

The Lord continues to stretch us in the area of parenting as we learn how to best train and instruct Jeremiah’s little heart, while also seeing God instruct our own hearts.  Please pray with us in 2012 that God would give us wisdom in training and disciplining him.  The Lord continues to stretch Michael in how best to juggle school, work, family and ministry.  Please pray for Michael as he finds the right balance and pray that his studies would not only remain in his head but also lodge in his heart.  Pray that we would develop meaningful relationships with our brothers and sisters at church and that we would manifest the gospel with those we meet.  Pray for Erin that she would serve her family with joy in the daily ministry of being a wife and mom.  We look forward with joy to all the Lord will do in this new year!

Seeing and Savoring Christ in Christmas…

Each year seems to bring more changes to our household.  But in the midst of the changes, we have further grown to see the security and magnificence of Jesus Christ.  In the midst of pressures to balance work, family, and school, Christ remains all-satisfying.  In the midst of adjusting to an active new baby (soon to be a toddler!), Christ remains faithful.  In the midst of an on-going season of school, Christ is ever new.  In the midst of the loss of loved ones, Christ remains victorious.  In the midst of the ups and downs of life, Christ stands gloriously steadfast.  Our family is learning to value the supremacy of Jesus Christ over everything else this life has to offer.  God regularly has exposed our hearts to us, showing us how we often value other things over God.  We pray that you will join with us in admiring how big our God is in Christ.  May Christ be thrilling to your hearts this Christmas season.  May Christ be enough. 

Treasuring Christ,

Michael, Erin & Jeremiah Lyons

5684 Colerain Avenue Apt. 3 Cincinnati, OH 45239

elyons25@gmail.com, mlyons533@gmail.com, http://melyonsden.blogspot.com

What a Week!

 We are so thankful to the Lord for helping us through this week!  Our car had to go in the shop and the car mechanic said "Merry Christmas" to us as he handed us the whopping bill.  Jeremiah got a bad cold and on top of that- his bottom teeth are coming in.  I guess he is taking that Christmas song literally- that all he wants for Christmas is his "two front teeth."  He has had a very fussy week which is unusual for him.  And Michael has been furiously trying to finish a paper due yesterday!  Praise the Lord it is the end of the week and we will be spending time with family and friends for Christmas.  Tonight we celebrate the Lyons' Family Christmas- just our family. 

Lyons Christmas Party!

 Saturday night we had a Lyons' Christmas party at our house, complete with a snowman chocolate mousse dessert & some yummy spiced apple cider (Laura Lyons made) and some rocking around the Christmas tree with the Chipmunks & a white elephant gift exchange!  It was a fun night together!  The babies enjoyed one another- loved the wrapping paper and each other.  Jonathan decided to take home a long reading list- after all- he has been wanting to read for a long time now all the books he has wrote!  :)

Grandma and Great Grandma!

Cookie Baking & Lights!

Last Thursday, I hosted a little sugar cookie baking party with some sweet girls!  It was so fun to have them over to help me bake and decorate sugar cookies.  I don't know why cookie baking is so much more fun when there are people around to help.  Jeremiah couldn't help, so I had to find some sweet girls to help me!  Nicole, Noel, Maria & Julie were WONDERFUL helpers!  They were so creative in their decorating and they even  helped me to clean up! We even decorated a Christmas picture and then I listened to them play house using Jeremiah as their baby- it was great!  :)

 On Friday night, thanks to Grandma Lyons- we were able to go out on a date to the Creation Museum's Christmas Town.  It was a free event and I was really impressed with all the lights and the dramas they had going on.  It was nice to get out and be together- thanks to Grandma Lyons for watching Jeremiah!

O To Be Like Daddy!

 The other day when daddy was playing the piano, Jeremiah decided to jump right in.  Michael would pick him up and he would play and then he would cry when he would get down.  I mean who wouldn't want to BANG on that piano!  :)  Maybe someday he will play the piano so wonderfully like his daddy!  Or he may be a drummer the way this kid is going! 

Christmas Activity

On Wed. night we decided to do something Christmasy- we went to Krohn Conservatory in downtown Cincy.  They had a neat train display with some lights and poinsettas.  We even saw a nativity that they had set up with a real cow that seemed to moo on cue.  Ben & Laura & cousin Jonathan joined us for the adventure and we concluded our night with some good old Cincinnati style Skyline which the babes made a mess with their cheerios all over the floor.  It was J's first Christmas outing.

On Tuesday, we also went to Ikea with Emily Doughman and Rachel and Abby for their story time and kids eat free lunch.  Jeremiah and I tried their meatballs and mash potatoes and they had a cute story time and we got a little doggie.

Dumpster Diving & 10 months

I can't believe Jeremiah is 10 months old!  We are so thankful for the little guy the Lord has given to us!  This month Jeremiah has undertaken a new profession- we hope it does not last long but we shall see- dumpster diving!  Maybe has learned it from the people we see doing it outside our window or maybe he is intrigued by what is inside that big tall "thing" in the kitchen or maybe he is bored or maybe he is obsessed with standing up- who knows the kid loves to explore!  This morning I ran in to clean up the bathroom real quick which is off limits to him lest he decide toilet diving is next and lo and behold, the kid is sitting on the floor with a big chocolate cookie he pulled from the top of the can.  So what does any good boy do- he eats it.  :)  So I hear boys get into and love dirt but do they also love eating trash????  Oh my... you can't turn your head for second with this one.  We still love him and think we will keep him. :) 

Sarah Brown's Visit!

Sarah Brown came for dinner last night and she brought Jeremiah's first Christmas presents!  He had so much fun opening the two books she got him!  He will love reading those books Sarah- thank you!  He definitely enjoyed tearing the paper!  I am so thankful to live near this sweet college friend!  What a blessing to have her so close!  I always admire Sarah's servant heart and love for people and definitely puts people before herself!  She is a great nurse!!!

In Faithfulness He Afflicts...

Today, I just was feeling plain discouraged.  I was feeling unmotivated and sad and lonely for some reason.  I realize sometimes that blogging can be such a "me" focused activity and that sometimes I can easily paint a rosy picture of life when the truth is life can be hard and the days can seem mundane.  Our family has been sick all week, it has been rainy and cold- I  have no where to go to take walks, no buddy to take walks with (except my little buddy)- these are the lies that were pervading my mind.  Michael has been a trooper all week and has been sleeping on the couch so I can get some sleep and yet I still grumble and complain.  And despite Jeremiah's cough, he has been a trooper and has been cheerful and happy- only I have been the one to get down. 
 
And yet I call this to mind and therefore I have hope...

"Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.  Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.  I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me."  Psalm 119:73-75

How I pray that on days like these- others would see me and rejoice because I have hoped and am hoping right now in His Word!  In faithfulness He afflicts!

Nativity

 Last Christmas before Jeremiah was born, Grandpa & Grandma Lyons gave him the Little People Nativity set.  It is so cute and the other day I got it out and he loves to play with it and squeals with glee at the little peoples or rather bangs them on things but that is a start. 

 This was Jeremiah a month ago- but I was trying to squeeze him in my brother's old Christmas outfit- he is too big for it now.  The Lyons' den this week has been struck with germs.  :)  Thankfully after a good night sleep for all of us last night- things seem to look brighter today and we hopefully are on the mend!

To Auntie Rachel!

We love you Auntie Rachel and Jeremiah wanted to give you a message and say thanks for the shirt that he is sporting on this rainy yucky day in Cincinnati!  We can't wait to see you at Christmas and Uncle Mike too! 

Israel

So... we have a big decision to make in the Lyons' house in the coming weeks.  Michael has the opportunity this summer to go to Israel for 7 weeks this summer- pretty much all expenses paid.  I would love the opportunity to go with him but we would have to pay for all my expenses.  My parents could possibly watch Jeremiah for part of the time or we could possibly bring Jeremiah with us the whole time.  The first three weeks is touring in Jerusalem.  The last four weeks is an archeological dig in Tel Dan (north Israel).  It sounds like an amazing opportunity for Michael and possibly for us as a family.  The only questions are the financial stuff and answering the question- is it crazy to leave a 1 year old for 2-3 weeks with my parents? or is it crazy to take him along?  Those are the questions we are facing.  It seems like a daunting decision task in the future.   We are praying for much wisdom from the Lord in this!  Please pray with us that the Lord would lead us and make it clear what we should do.

Bee in a Box

 As I was taking out some flowers from the garden today and trying to spare some of them from the deadly frost, I got a package in the mail and lo and behold it was a happy garden bee!  Now, I know it is almost winter but I was very happy to get this cheery bee!  I just had to put him in the hallway in one of my plants!  Thanks dad for being so thoughtful and sending me a surprise package and a sweet little garden bee!!!  I guess it goes a long with my buzzzzzy little boy these days!  Thanks dad!  Love you lots! 

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

 So what have we been doing this week?  Well after the turkey dinner faded away, Jeremiah had a chance to play with Lena Elliot on Tuesday.  He loves having other children to play with.  And we have been decorating for Christmas!  So far Jeremiah has not knocked the tree over, he hasn't even really went over to the tree too much- so far so good!  I have tried to put as many Christmas decorations as I could out of reach.  Other random things- poor Michael has gotten a cold on top of LOTS of homework to do and papers to write as he wraps up the semester.  And Jeremiah now successfully can shove cheerios into his mouth and really loves them!  :)