The most AWESOME Christmas cake ever!

Robin decided to host a 'Happy Birthday, Jesus' party for all the kids while we were in Illinois for Christmas. Mom's cake decorating skills (she used to do it professionally!) were put to the test to pull this one off. They used 4 boxes of cake mix to create this fabulous (and huge) cake. Craig worked on building the tree (yes, it's made out of cake) and then Mom went to work frosting it.

Once it was all frosted, the kids got to take turns putting the 'decorations' on.
Laura would put an M & M on and then lick her fingers and put an

M & M on and lick her fingers. MMMMMM!!
And here's the finished product, complete with snowman and presents (an exclusive Uncle Craig idea!). Isn't it GREAT?!

Be sure to notice the snowman footprints...Mom's idea!

Christmas...in March

Okay, I know Christmas was like, 3 months ago, but I've been waiting to post until I got some photos from Jon's sister (thank you, Kristin!).

So, here's a fun recap of our Christmas in Illinois!

Abbi and Jacob with our niece, Laura.
Abbi and our nephew, AJ.
Jon with another nephew, Matthew.
Jacob with Matthew. Such a happy boy!
Caleb and Uncle Craig
Uncle Craig peeking at what the kids are up to. My next post will be of the most awesome Christmas cake you've ever seen! Really!
Matthew and AJ fighting over a box...they don't even care about the presents that surround them. They want the cardboard box!
Caleb with Matthew
Our nephew, Devon opening his gift from us. His jaw is open wide!
I think he liked it!Me and AJ

Laura and Caleb

Our niece, Alex and Abbi reading to Laura before her nap.

Jacob and Laura

Abbi and Matthew

Alex and Matthew

Here are the kids with Jon's cousins, Ciara and Noah.

They had a blast playing outside together!

Me and our nephew, Clayton

When you ask Clayton for a kiss, he'll give you one. But if you ask for a BIG kiss, he grabs your cheeks and pulls you in for his famous 'big kiss!'
Jon and Laura playing with her new princess cell phone.

Our kids with Clayton and AJ
Matthew and AJ are only a month apart.

How fun to grow up together!

Alex, Abbi and Caleb
Jon and AJ

Me and Laura. Doesn't she just look like the sweetest little thing?

Don't let her fool you!

This is the REAL Laura!

Letters of Grandma & Grandpa

As people at my grandparents church learned of their passing, some sent emails of condolence. I asked the pastor if he would forward some of them to me. He had a read a few at the memorial service and they were so special. Here are a few...

* I will miss the Eder's. It is just sad to see both of them go so quickly. I know we will see them again in heaven and they will there waiting to greet us like they've done all the years at FBC.

* My friendship with Virginia began sixty years ago when we met at a circle meeting. Kermit and I had recently moved to Everett and I was invited to attend a circle, having already been attending services. Quite quickly a bond was formed with Elayne Funk, Virginia and I. One that has lasted all these years. Church was our family. Through the Clipper Class we met other wonderful friends, not only participating in Bible study with good teachers but also creating a social life. There were parties, retreats at Burton, camping trips. Our children grew up together. The Funks, Eders and Millers all lived in adjacent neighborhoods and Elayne, Virginia and I met for coffee every morning after the kids had left for school and the husbands to work, and spent a short hour together before Virginia left for her church secretarial position. Our husbands got along well and there were weekend camping trips with Walt building huge bonfires and on Sunday morning Frank leading in a church service. Of course we women did the cooking and tending the littlest kids. There were eight of our children: the Funk two, the Eder four and the Miller four. In 1971 the Eders and Millers spent a month driving and discovering Europe for the first time. It was quite an adventure traveling low budget. We came home with many slides and fun memories. I am missing, already, my special friend with whom we could talk to each other about anything and exchange our reading libraries. Virginia was blessed with a very short transition time from illness to life with the Father. I praise the Lord for that.

* Initially when I read this, I wanted to tear up and cry…but then I reflected on “Mr. Frank” and our families’ first visit to the front entrance of FBC on an early Sunday morning where a tall, thin, older gentleman greeted us and made us feel so welcome that we knew we were home; it was almost like being in the South. We knew immediately that Christ had brought us to this door and His light shown from the heart and face of this man. Mr. Frank always remembered our names, our children’s names, regarded and had time for each of us, was never in a hurry or too busy for us, even when he wasn’t feeling well, and had a concern about everything in our families’ lives and shared what he was praying for us about…every single Sunday. Mr. Frank was the most dedicated Christian to our communities’ lives and our family rejoices that both he and Ms. Virginia will now certainly reap what they sowed on this earth as they now stand together, before our Father, and are told what good servants they were and a job well done! We love you Mr. Frank and Ms. Virginia. Thank you for being an amazing brother and sister.

* Tanya and I LOOOOOOOVE the Eders. They have been such dear friends. They have been some of my most favorite people at FBC!!!

* Frank and Virginia were the picture of a Christ centered marriage. Worshiping and serving together they are a picture of God’s plan for marriage; a true hope and inspiration to all of us to put Jesus first and experience God’s blessing in our relationships.

* From the pastor: Your grandparents reflected the life of Jesus to our congregation and the community of Everett. My own grandparents were the most influential persons of my own family when it came my spiritual life. I know that my grandmother prayed for me every day and told me that God's hand was on my life. Your own grandparents have passed on the spiritual baton to you. Be very proud of your spiritual heritage and be encouraged that Frank and Virginia are cheering you on in the grandstand of heaven as you run the race that God has set before you. Run faithfully. I have prayed and will continue to pray for your whole family.

Ponderings of my heart

I went home this past weekend to attend the memorial service for my grandparents. I think this is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced. But there are many things I don't want to forget about this weekend.

* How hard it was to breath walking into Grandma & Grandpa's house and not see them sitting in their chairs in the living room.

* Standing with my cousin, Darren, by the living room window telling him that I wished Grandpa had made it a little longer so I could say good-bye. Darren told me to be glad I won't remember Grandpa that way. He was down to less than 100 pounds.

* The place in the mausoleum where Grandpa & Grandma's urns are. Grandma's box has a rose engraved in it. Grandpa's has a mountain scene.

* Crying with Mom in the aisle of the sanctuary. I'm so glad she was there.

* Hugging Nanny and wishing with all my heart that she'll live a long time.

* Singing How Great Thou Art and Great is Thy Faithfulness at their service.

* The church was packed.

* The letters that Pastor Brian read from people who could not attend the service. Grandma & Grandpa touched so many lives, both young and old.

* A few days before he passed away, Grandpa told his pastor that he just wanted to go be with Virginia and asked if that made him a selfish man.

* Sharing memories in Grandma & Grandpa's living room with Aaron, Uncle Bill, Dad, Sera, Uncle Mike, Uncle Guy, Ashley, Tanya, Aunt Laurie, and Aunt Linda Friday night after the service.

* The slide-show of Baby Island...that was really Vietnam. Poor Dad.

* Grandma didn't like pancakes; she liked waffles.

* Going through their house. Grandma had impeccable taste in everything.

* Uncle Mike telling me that Grandma's Bible could have no better home than mine as he handed it to me.

* Aaron got Grandpa's Bible.

* Karen's strength.

* Uncle Bill sharing about the theme of the pastor's message, which was faithfulness. Grandma & Grandpa were faithful. Faithful to God. Faithful to each other. Faithful to their kids and grandkids. Faithful to their friends. Faithful to their church. They taught their children right from wrong, who it turn taught their children. Their legacy is one of faithfulness.

* The cuckoo clock (which hasn't cuckooed in years) cuckooed right after Uncle Bill shared the above. At ten after eight.

* Walking through their house for the last time and finding it difficult to breath again.

* The smell of Dove soap in the downstairs bathroom.

* The smell of coffee upstairs.

* Cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast.

* Grandma was always 'just tickled pink' when we would visit.

* Grandpa gave good hugs. I just want one more.

* Sitting with Dad on the cushion-less couch at Garden Court and crying with him when we had a moment alone.

* Eating tuna fish sandwiches at the dining table with Sera, Aaron, Uncle Mike, Aunt Linda, Aunt Laurie, Dad and Darren after cleaning out the apartment at Garden Court. Girl scout cookies for dessert.

* Darren looks really good wearing Grandpa's hat.

* Actually pulling away from Grandma & Grandpa's house for the last time in the back seat of Aaron and Sera's car. Dad in his truck saying, 'it smells like cookies in here!'

* Burritos at Aaron & Sera's.

* Decaf coffee with them before bed.

Grandpa Eder

Frank M. Eder

Feb. 27, 1917-Mar. 6, 2008
Frank Eder was born in Seattle, WA but at the age of two moved with his parents to Granite Falls, WA, where he grew up, attending and graduating from high school there as valedictorian.
He worked in a grocery store in Granite Falls and was also elected as City Clerk. He attended W.S.C, now WSU, for a year and was in the ROTC which qualified him for the Corps of Engineers where he spent some time in the Alutian Islands before returning to Seattle.
Frank went to work for the Snohomish County PUD in 1949. Rising through the ranks to Internal Auditor before retiring after 32 years. He was then asked to work as a construction auditor, on site, for the Sultan Dam project. After its completion in two years, Frank was credited with helping see the job completed on time and within budget.
Frank married the love of his life, Virginia, in 1942 in Everett's First Baptist Church. Frank and Virginia were very active in their church and he served many functions over the years, including president, treasurer, business manager, deacon, trustee and many others.
Frank was an avid outdoors man and loved hiking, rock climbing, skiing, and camping. Frank and Virginia also loved to travel and visited 38 countries.
Frank is survived by his children, John (Linda), of Wenatchee, WA, and their three children, David, Kristi and Darren, William (Bev), of Caldwell, ID, and their daughter, Nichole, Mark (Karen), of Poulsbo, WA, and their children, Aaron and Amy, Lauri (Guy) Donaldson, and children, Tanya and Ashley, of Everett, WA; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Virginia; sister, Margaret Tyler; and brother, John.
Frank and Virginia will be remembered at the memorial held on Friday, March 7, 2008, at First Baptist Church.

To Be Educated

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute, and can write withperfect penmanship, but have not been shown how to communicate with the Designer of all language, I have not been educated.

If I can deliver an eloquent speech and persuade you with my stunning logic, but have not been instructed in God's wisdom, I have not been educated.

If I have read Shakespeare and John Locke and can discuss their writings with keen insight, but have not read the greatest of all books - the Bible - and have no knowledge of its personal importance, I have not been educated.

If I have memorized addition facts, multiplication tables, and chemical formulas, but have never been disciplined to hide God's Word in my heart, I have not been educated.

If I can explain the law of gravity and Einstein's theory of relativity, but have never been instructed in the unchangeable laws of the One who orders our universe, I have not been educated.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus and species, and can write a lengthy scientific paper that wins an award, but have not been introduced to the Maker's purpose for all creation, I have not been educated.

If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the Preamble to the Constitution, but have not been informed of the hand of God in the history of our country,I have not been educated.

If I can play the piano, the violin, six other instruments, and can write music that moves men to tears, but have not been taught to listen to the Director of the universe and worship Him, I have not been educated.

If I can run cross-country races, star in basketball and do 100 push-ups without stopping, but have never been shown how to bend my spirit to do God's will, I have not been educated.

If I can identify a Picasso, describe the style of da Vinci, and even paint a portrait that earns an A+, but have not learned that all harmony and beauty comes from a relationship with God, I have not been educated.

If I graduate with a perfect 4.0 and am accepted at the best university with a full scholarship, but have not been guided into a career of God's choosing for me, I have not been educated.

If I become a good citizen, voting at each election and fighting for what is moral and right, but have not been told of the sinfulness of man and his hopelessness without Christ, I have not been educated.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it, and come to know Him, Whom to know is life eternal, and glorify Him by fulfilling His purpose for me, then I have been educated!

By Carolyn Caines