Castleberry Annual Letter December 2006

[Names of some children have been removed for privacy]

Dear Family and Friends,
I can’t believe that last year I warned everyone not to expect our annual letter until late January or early February, and here it is the first of December, and we’re actually doing it! Just goes to show that you never know what will happen in the future. Only the Lord knows what a year will hold, and we’re so glad we have a loving Heavenly Father who is planning it all out for us, to give us what is truly best for each one of us.
In July, just a couple of weeks before Steve’s mom was scheduled to come for her annual two week visit with us, we received a phone call from her, letting us know that she wasn’t feeling well, and wouldn’t be able to come. Our first thought was, “the flu, Mom?” but it quickly became apparent that wasn’t even close. After some tests, it was determined that she had advanced terminal cancer, and that she wouldn’t be able to come to our home at all. She is currently undergoing chemotherapy, and the Lord has answered our prayers miraculously, by reducing her cancer by 60%. She feels much better than she did last summer, and we have hopes that this will extend her life.
Other friends we know have also had sad news this year, some with cancer, some with losing a loved one, some with other serious problems. We ask the Lord for comfort for each one, and healing if it is His will. But above all, our prayers for them, as well as for ourselves, is that we will continue to trust Him in all things, that we will continue to praise Him, to obey Him, and to bring Him glory and honor in every part of our lives. We ask His blessings on each one of you, “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him...” (Ephesians 1:19).
And now, a word from each of the children. (Our younger four boys are REALLY into farm life, and want to become full-time farmers someday. This will help you translate.)
Hi, I’m [000] and I’m six this year. I like to ride on our 4-wheeler (SLOWLY, behind a big guy, hanging on TIGHT – note from Mom!). I like doing school, especially adding numbers. I like playing with the train set with {xxxx}. Love, A.P.C. ([000] Patrick castleberry)
Hi, I’m {xxxx} and I’m ten. I had fun this summer hunting squirrels with my BB gun. I had fun going to the beach at Lake Superior and swimming. My favorite thing in school is reading. In winter, I enjoy sledding, skiing, and ice-skating. Love, {xxxx}
Hey! I hope this finds every one doing good. I am 13 this year, it`s been a pretty good year except for a large drought. It was great to buy a Honda four wheeler, two dairy cows, and some friends gave us an English Shepherd dog named Kes. We had some pretty good fun going to the lake this year. Elijah

Hi all, it’s been a great, though busy year. This year I worked for a couple of different farmers, and picked up some good experience in vaccinating cattle, making hay, and other stuff.
This has been a good hunting season, I got an 8 point buck and 2 does. I have been bow hunting some this year, it’s fun, but a lot harder than gun hunting. I’m hoping to buy a banjo soon, I’ve been playing the guitar, which I also like. I really like driving the four wheeler, especially through the river and in the plowed ground. I also like to weld and cut firewood. See you, Ben (16)

It has been a very busy year for me, although nothing really interesting happened to me. I still enjoy working at the local hardware store, and am still in school at Lake Superior College. My schedule is very busy, going to school full time and working when I’m not in school, but I still find time to volunteer with Lakeside Fire Department (Lakeside is the township we live in), and the Douglas County Sheriff Rescue Squad. In Him, Stephen

Hi to everyone! Hope this year has been a good one for all of you. I have had a great one. This year was my first time ever to serve on our township’s election board. I met some really nice people and just enjoyed seeing all of our neighbors as they came in to vote. This year Dad and Mom decided to publish the cookbook that I compiled.(a graduation requirement). I was humbled by this as it is a tricky thing.(we haven’t ever published a cookbook before). So far it seems to be selling! :) As Jeannie mentions in her part of the letter, our town held a celebration as it is now one hundred years old. We spent hours over there as we helped with the set-up. A portion of all the fun was the greased pig catching contest! Did that pig ever squeal..not to mention that it escaped the pen,(thankfully they managed to catch it). Ben and Elijah were the ones that had the job of greasing it, and used up a tub of Crisco on it. Well, it looks as if I have used more than my share of space in this letter! Until next year....Katie(20)

Greetings to family and friends. I can’t believe it’s already time to write this Christmas letter! So here I sit once again, trying to think of something to say. It was a busy year as usual, but busy is fun. Last winter we took a short train trip from Minnesota to Chicago. That was really different, and I enjoyed it. We older kids watched our first Shakespeare play this spring – Julius Caesar. That was fantastic! As others have mentioned, it was a very hot and dry year. This would be the year I chose to try a pumpkin patch. I ended up with enough for one pie! Then this October I turned eighteen. I was able to vote in November which was great. So now I am in my senior year, and working on a fictional book (requirement for graduation.) It’s challenging but fun. It has been a wonderful year, I am realizing more and more what a wonderful family God has given me. We have so much fun together – camping out in our woods, volley ball, swimming and even work. May God bless you guys! For now, Betsy

Hi to all our friends! God has been good to me this year, just as He always is. Sometimes He may not do what we want, but He knows what we need! I don’t have anything too exciting to report this year, but I’m thankful for another year to live in this happy home, enjoy farm life, and do a little more writing. Our township celebrated its centennial this year, and I was able to help write a book on its history. Some of you may be wondering if I’m ever going to do anything else... like, am I ever going to get married? That’s up to God, obviously, and of course I hope He brings the right man soon! But until He does, I’m content and enjoying the life He has for me here. Really. So you don’t have to worry about me. :) (I know I’d be curious!) I hope you have a great year and that you will be continually drawn to the wonderful love of our Savior! He reigns! Jeannie (25)

If any of you are anywhere near northern Wisconsin next year, we’d love a visit. There are lots of fun things to do here (or lots of work, if you prefer that!) .
May you all experience the blessing of God and the knowledge of His Son Jesus this Christmas season.

Much love from the Castleberry Family
Steve and Susie, Jeannie, Stephen, Katie, Betsy, Ben, Elijah, {xxxx}, and [000]