Thanksgiving Week

I look forward every year to Thanksgiving and some great turkey & food but also for time with family that we do not see but once a year.  Ben and Laura (Michael's brother and his wife) live in Vermont and we do not get to see them but once a year.  It was a treat to be able to have them for dinner in our apartment as well as have Rebekah Lyons for dinner as she came in from Colorado!  Looks like we are the stable midwest ones for now. :)  We had a relaxing morning at home for once on Thanksgiving Day and then went to Papa and Mama Growl's house and with aunts, uncles and cousins for dinner- I made Gluten Free carrot casserole and Gluten Free pumpkin pie (Michael's favorite). 

Friday- Michael wanted to be at Half Price Books for their Black Friday sale at 7am- so we got up to a little layer of snow on the ground and we made it just in time for me to be the 100th person getting a $5.00 gift card- Michael was excited!  They spent 3 hours just in the bookstore alone- I ran to a few others stores.  Our day was not complete without a Kohls run, Skyline Chili lunch for Ben who does not have them in Vermont & Goodwill stop (they have a huge store in Cincy with 50% off everything the two days after Thanksgiving)

Thanksgiving Day- Michael got out his French Horn and played- it actually was my first time to hear him play an instrument he used to love and play very well in high school!  And he can still play by ear- amazing! 
Since Laura (Ben's wife) is expecting her 1st child in March- of course, the boys had to have pictures of themselves getting bigger- though I think it might just be from eating too much from the Thanksgiving turkey.  :)  Only brothers would be goofy like that.
We are blessed to think of all the things we are thankful for even as we enter this busy Christmas season! 

Michael & Rachel Santoro!!!

This past weekend Michael & I headed to York, PA for a big occasion- my sister's wedding!  My sister was so excited for this day!  She has been in many weddings and I admire how she has waited patiently and contentedly for the man the Lord would bring in her life!  We are very excited to be gaining a new brother- another Michael- we may need to name our son Michael to keep that name in the family.  :) 

Rachel was a beautiful bride- we spent the week getting our nails done, going to dinner to celebrate and of course preparing for the big day!!!  Here are some pics from the weekend.  I have to admit it was my most tiring trip home- with struggling to sleep some at night- I came home completely exhausted and am still trying to recover this week!!  :)

Today, I am excited to have Brooke & Zoe Kearfott coming to visit all the way from Simpsonville (near Louisville).  How sweet that they would drive all this way to visit!!  I'm excited to see friendly familiar faces!!!




Rache & Mike at their new apartment!




Getting our nails done!



Dear Dad showing off his Muslim Philippino garb!!



Rachel, Josh, Me and Jon- my siblings!



Going To Get Married...

My little sister is getting married this Saturday, November 13th.  I am so thrilled to be traveling to York, PA tomorrow to be able to help with the festivities.  Being so far away it has been hard to be away from her during this special time of her life!!!  Michael is coming shortly behind on Thursday and he has the privilege of sharing the gospel at their wedding on Saturday and I have the privilege of being her matron of honor ( I think that is the one that is married- I get confused!)  So this entry is for my sister!  Praying the Lord prepares you in the days ahead as you get prepared to be married and united as one to your husband!!!

Hebrew Thursday...

The past few Thursdays Michael has begun teaching a class on Biblical Hebrew for the community at Hebrew Union College.  When he was hired to teach this class, I thought well, now is my chance to learn the alphabet that has been on my fridge for the past 3 years!  So needless to say, I am a student of my husband and he is doing an excellent job teaching this class!  We were amazed the first night with the backgrounds of the few ladies that came to the class.  These few had called Hebrew Union and asked about a class.  They are from all different backgrounds and varying beliefs and we feel like it is such a privilege to get to know them and learn Hebrew and think how neat that Hebrew may be an avenue the Lord will use in their lives to teach them about Him!  So please pray with us for opportunities to talk about Christ!  Last week, Michael began mentioning the name for Yahweh in Hebrew and talked a little bit about the history and background of God's name!  It was neat! 

I feel like for the past 5 years I have been in a "Christian seminary bubble" and now since we have moved to Cincinnati- I am surrounded with more unbelievers.  I feel kinda new to this since it has been awhile and I am praying that the Lord uses my relationships with these women as well as the women that I watch their kids to allow me to have opportunities to share about Christ!

Oh and by the way- Michael Lyons is the greatest Hebrew teacher in the world!!!  He really is good at breaking down the language to help you understand- so if you are wanting to learn Biblical Hebrew- I think I could hook you up with a good one.  :)