Sculley Family 2006
Passages . . .
Most of you already know of the passing of Karen’s brother, Eugene, at age 44, in September, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor in the summer. We miss him dearly but are comforted in knowing that He is with our Lord Jesus Christ and we will be reunited again one day. Our prayers are with Eugene’s wife Christine and kids Ava (5) and Miles (3).
We also mourned the loss of 3 other males in our lives this year — Karen’s great uncle Larry passed at age 96 (married to Alice for 71 years, and pastor for over half a century); our friend Rick died in a work-related accident at age 33; and our friends’ baby Baribefe died at 16 months. We are grieved but know each one is in heaven today praising God!
We welcomed our newest nephew / cousin, Andrew, in August, the latest addition to Ellissa & Marc’s family, joining Matthew (5) & David (3). Grandpa & Grandma (Gene & Ardell) now have 11 grandkids on the Tiller side!
Paul’s Mum & Dad (Grandma & Pa) keep us up-to-date with our Aussie family. David & Cathy’s son Elliot (18) just graduated from high school, and Anne’s daughter Kristina (14) continues to enjoy her activities there. We hope to see the Aussie clan in 2007!
Sculley boys
Michael (11) is eager to bring home his puppy (our family tradition is to choose any pet within reason when they turn 11). He is really looking forward to traveling to Russia in February, as he is the only one in our family who hasn’t been overseas yet, and he wants to be a missionary one day. Michael is full of joy & occasional mischief and loves people & God.
Jonathan (almost 13) is gearing up for his special 13th celebration next month (when Paul will call him into manhood). He is very goal-oriented and loves to complete his weekly school assignments early. Jonathan is thrilled to be in his own room for the next 2 years (Peter & Michael are roommates again). He loves hanging with the guys in the ‘hood. Jonathan, explaining to Esther why Mummy has so many meetings, said “It’s because Mummy is on the lead team, and when they meet, they have to decide what the next meeting is going to be about.”
Peter (15) is a laid back, organized guy who enjoys his friends, computers, “Monk”, & games like laser tag, Apples to Apples, paintball, & ping pong. He continues on the pre-college track, earning college credit this year in Computer Science and Economics. He regularly wins math awards in state & national contests. His armor collection now includes shield, helmet, & (huge) sword, all battle-ready real armor! Peter went on a summer mission trip to Louisiana, where he helped clean up some of the devastation from Hurricane Katrina. He is a second dad to all our girls who love to curl up on his lap. A Peter quote this year – “Nobody can get any rest around here”
Paul continues to bring home the bacon, often in the comfort of his new recliner in the family room — gotta love telecommuting! Aside from being a super husband and dad, he still teaches Sunday school, is an online shopping whiz, Karen’s personal travel agent & our computer tech.
Sculley girls
Karis (6-1/2) continues to astound us with her boundless energy and creativity in coming up with new ways to test limits. She loves school and has her own unique understanding of how the world works (e.g. “your hair is connected to your brain”). She is ambidextrous, switching effortlessly from one hand to the other as needed when writing. Karis exudes confidence and spunk, and keeps us all greatly amused with her antics and sayings. She readily adopts younger children as instant friends and has a gift for making people feel welcome.
Esther (6-1/2) loves to write and draw and take care of her babies (Anna, Abby, etc.). Her favorite toy is a cell phone, regardless of whether it works or not. She takes life pretty seriously and is diligent with all her school work. Esther has a sweet and sensitive spirit. She enjoys ballet and piano (Peter & Jonathan tutor the twins in piano practice). Funny quote—“Faith comes from believing not singing.” Esther has overcome much adversity in her life and has a wonderful determination to do whatever she sets her mind to.
Cascade (9-1/2) still loves to dance and sing. She loves “Inspirations,” a wonderful Christian dance troupe, and also takes ballet and worship dance. She joined a choir with Peter this year. She enjoys creative pursuits of any kind, and is usually in the middle of several knitting or sewing projects. I can’t keep up with how many friends of all ages she has! Cascade is thrilled to be online now with her own email, which she checks almost as often as Karen.
Karen continues to enjoy wearing multiple hats as wife, mom, home school teacher, prayer ministry leader, math club coach, . . . She is easily bored so usually has hundreds of projects going simultaneously. Every day is an adventure with God and an opportunity to connect with lots of people. She loves hanging out at our fire pit, dreaming, being creative, encouraging others to be all God created them to be, and watching our lovely children bloom and grow.
Stay in touch!
We’d love to hear from you . . . you’re welcome to visit, too!
Paul, Karen, Peter, Jonathan, Michael, Cascade, Karis, Esther
“See what an incredible quality of love the Father has given us, that we should be named and called and counted the children of God!” (1 John 3:1)
“We take the good days from God – why not also the bad days?” (Job 2:10)
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2)
