It's a crazy new year . . .

Time to start talking again! I don't know about you guys, but 2006 has been crazy busy. Getting the boys off to their perspective schools and settled is still in process -- but going well. So excited about Jo being at Focus! Everyone try to keep in touch with Constance -- I know she must be lonely ;-) = most of us know how that is. Wes is still trying to get settled - keep him in prayer. I have been sick for a week since working like a dog on science fair at school. We are looking for new housing - not really anything coming forth easily. But we are pressing on trusting the Lord - we know the Lord has good things for us all -- need to keep in touch! Haven't seen Kate and Shawn since last year - and keeping Kimmy in prayer waiting for that baby boy! (Miah too, of course.) Bek came down and helped me out for the week while I was sick and Bobby was here for the weekend too - so at least we get to see them ;-). Dad has been running back and forth to Tennessee trying to get Wes settled in and we still have to get the car up to Wes -- anyway - lots going on - so lets keep each other in each other's lives -- pretty soon there will be one more Callihan to keep up with ;-). Love you all - Mom

Moving On

The Official Callihan Family Blog
I've really enjoyed the activity on the posts this last week everyone! It's really nice to keep in touch - well with most of you ;-) --- eh hem boys . . .

Anyway, we found out today that we will need to be out of our current living space by Feb 14. There is a possibility that we can buy our mobile home and move it, but we will need to find a piece of land to move it to. That would be my preference at this point, I think. Anyway - please pray for us that we will be able to work it all out. I am thankful for the last year to be able to sit still and kind of chill after the big mess (the last big mess), but it is time to move on and we must. So please pray that things will go peacefully and rightly. Thanks everyone.

A New Year Is Now Upon Us All!

It is probably appropriate that I should write something as the year 2005 comes to an end and another one commences.

One of the things that really concerns me as I write this note is that it is there eternally for all to see for as long as blogs can be viewed. This is a bit different from letters sent by email or hand-written. Yes, you can show normal letters like this to your friends or family (not that I’m saying any of my letters are “normal,”), but not with access to the whole world by just having our blog address! That really does bother me because I don’t want to write something that I may regret saying, or that one of you (or all of you) will hold over my head for time immortal. But I guess I just have to be extra careful. Or I can always quote Bobby’s and my favorite line . . . right Bobby?

Here goes . . .

As the year comes to an end, I have to first start by saying “I love you” and “thank you” to my loving wife, Laurie--your mom, mom-in-law, or possible future one, depending who is reading this. The first comment goes without further statement. It’s just true. The second needs some comment. Thank you for putting up with me for 26.5 years now. Thank you for cooking for me all three times this year. 8<) Thank you for your patience with any grumpiness exhibited once or twice over the year. Thank you for tolerating my crazy sleeping habits of going to bed late, waking at 3 a.m., going back to sleep at 4:30 and still getting up at 6:30 for work. Thank you for so many things you do to love me, and care for me, and just continue to be the best friend a man could ever have! I think you’re beautiful and wonderful in every way. I look forward to spending another year, or 30, or more, with you again.

Who’s next? Well, I could do the traditional approach of going from oldest to youngest. But why should I do this? It’s so boring. And I rarely do things in a boring way. Right? You know that. So why in heaven’s name would I do something that lame? Because that will make the boring approach unboring! (Sounds like something I would do, doesn’t it?)

So Jeremiah, you’re next! (He. He.) And what can I say about you and to you, Bud?

First of all, I thoroughly enjoyed the canoe trip up and down the Peace River last Tuesday with you. It made my vacation, really. As you know, I had forgotten that you hadn’t been on the river before. But it was super that you were the one who “christened” the canoe with me! Considering that you and Kim are now in Colorado, I think that is really fantastic. I know Bobby may be a bit jealous that he didn’t get the chance to be first in the canoe, since he has been talking about getting the canoe out on the river for a number of weeks. And we saw some great creatures, like the gator, the Anhinga, three or four Great Blue Herons, several small and great Egrets, and that cool Kingfisher who kept following us up- and down-river. (By the way, I think that other bird was a Little Blue Heron; it kind of looks like one I found in the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Florida.) It was a special time, son, and I’m glad we had the moments to share together. Let’s do it again sometime, ok?

We were so glad to have you with us to finish out the year, too. I love you and Kim so much. I’m also so proud of what you are doing with your life. Being a leader at the Focus Institute, fulfilling the calling GOD has for you at the moment is something any dad would be proud to see happening to his son. As I think about your life, you have numbered your days with grace and purpose. I know it is just beginning. What lies ahead will be superior, too.

I’m also so very excited that you two will be introducing the next generation of Callihan’s to the world! You do realize that it is your child that will start the Gene Callihan family’s third generation, don’t you? Even though Demian is 28, Howie is 27, Jonan is 26 and Calen is 25, you are the first one to become a father in the family line of Papa’s grandson’s. That is a special legacy and I’m so glad that this generation will start from a godly purpose and initiative. I wish you every blessing of the New Year, son and daughter-in-law. Speaking of you, Kim, I love you just like my own daughters. You are such a sweet spirit of grace to all of us. Thank you for putting up with me and my quirks. I know that you didn’t have a choice in father-in-laws when you decided to marry Miah. Sorry about that. And you look so good carrying that fat little baby boy! Kids, remember to pursue your ultimate desires with one hand reaching out to the Father to direct you and the other pointing toward the unforeseen future, anticipating the path, though unknown and dim before you. The Light will go before you if you trust His everlasting beacon to lead you.

Bekah! What can I say? You have done so well so far. You have a great husband, Bobby, who exhibits such love toward you, and patience in tolerating his father- and mother-in-law. Good taste, good choice, good job finding this guy! We’re so glad Bobby is part of our lives. We have enjoyed being with the two of you so much this year at your new home, our place, and other places. Speaking of your home, I have observed that you are quite an interior decorator! What focus! What intent of purpose! I am so impressed that you repainted the same wall twice just because it didn’t come out as you wanted it to the first time; and you did it without complaining one bit. You must have learned that trait from your mother, because I wouldn’t have the patience for it.

Being together as a family at your place was a highlight of the year. You welcomed us all in and made us feel so together. It was lots of fun working with Bob to finish fencing the yard too. I enjoy working with Bobby. We actually do good work together. I wish he had been around when we were in Frankfort. (Except for the fact that you both would have been teenagers and I would have been spending most of my time keeping you two apart, so maybe I’m glad that wish didn’t happen.) We love you guys. May this year bring you together in prosperity and peace beyond your greatest expectations! We hope for your best and trust that every plan and desire will be fulfilled by the Almighty through His Son to you.

Kate! It’s your turn. You’re amazing at anything you do. Your new job is so cool. How you are moving up (and getting raises) almost every time we talk to you is impressive. We know that you will be blessed in 2006, no matter what decisions you make and directions you go at work. So don’t worry about what you have to decide; just ask the LORD for wisdom and believe He will give it to you. Just step out making your choices as prudently as you are capable of doing so. Shawn and you are both so talented in your fields. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a future in which at some point you both are working together, like mom and I do, fulfilling your goals as a couple who wants to honor Christ in every way. Shawn, I don’t understand what you do very well with all of that graphic artistry you are involved in. But your talents impress me. I’m glad to see you fulfilling your dreams in your career. I’m sure you will get to the place you want to be in the future. It will happen as you continue to pursue the Fulfiller of dreams by faith in His plans for you.

Here’s a thought for you both to take into 2006: You may feel blocked at times by things that you wish weren’t there as obstacles to where you want to go. But an obstacle is only one if it keeps you from getting to your destination. Otherwise, it is just a marker along the pathway. It’s all a matter of perspective, of attitude, of character. Stay focused on your goals, and the obstacles will pass by behind you as reminders of where you have been along life’s trail.

We’re so glad you are nearby. We wish we were able to see you both more often. But it is a gift that we get to see you when we do! It was a lot of fun being with you two overnight in November at the Zero-G hotel. Let's do something like that again sometime this year. I love you both so very much too. You’re special to me in so many ways! May the Grace of the LORD Jesus extend His hands to you in everything in this coming year. We don’t know what the future will bring, but I am believing along with you that it will be a good one for you both, whatever that entails. Lots of love to you both!

Josiah . . . what a year! What a year. The lessons that you have had to learn in 2005 have probably been as hard as anyone needs to experience at such a young and tender age, my son. I am still saddened by the pain you went through. You are on a very different road from the one that began 12 months ago. You were thrown a curve ball. It looked like it was going to come right over the plate when you finished so well at Biloxy. Then all of a sudden it curved to the outside corner . . . but somehow you still were able to smack it out of the ball park! (How do you like my baseball analogy, Guy?) The financial and physical effects could have been devastating. I know you are grateful that there were people all over the world, literally, who prayed for you and extended their blessings toward you. I’m certain their intercession helped you in ways that we don’t even know.

This was certainly a hard year for you, but also looks to have been a good one too. The provisions for your medical care were amazing. We have been blessed to get to know Constance. She is so sweet, so smart, and we can see that she cares for you very much. We look forward to getting to know her better this coming year. You have some very great opportunities before you, at the Focus Institute, and as you prepare for your future as a man. Learn the lessons that Jesus is teaching you through His Holy Spirit at this time in your life. Listen carefully for Him to speak to you through your circumstances, including your tenuous health, your new contacts, the classes you take, and what you read in His Word and your books. He has much to say. If you take heed, and pay attention, you will hear what He has for you. But don’t stop there. Once you hear, respond rightly toward Him by faith and action. We are very certain that whatever awaits you, the Infinite One will have every resource there for you to rely upon, and make a way through. We can’t wait to see where your path will take you in the months ahead. We trust the Great Physician to give you Health and His Shalom this coming year! Anyway, you know you’re loved very much.

And last but not least . . . Wesley. You’re da bomb! Right now, I’m trying to write some thoughts to you, and you’re literally interrupting me to talk about your future college plans. But that’s just like you, Wes. Always moving on . . . on the go . . . full of energy . . . wanting to take every moment that you are given and make it something great! I wonder how Becca does it? She too is impressive. We’re so glad to get to know her too.

What does the future hold for you this year and beyond? Well, we know it will be an adventure, whatever it is! You’re only 18 and already a Junior at Bryan. That’s quite an accomplishment. Mom and I are very proud of your attainments so far. You are starting out well, not only in your academics, but in your desires for GOD. Continue in your pursuit of faith, seeking diligently until you find what He wants you to grasp. We can assure you that if you keep up the pursuit, He will allow you to attain the end that is best for you. We know because we too have taken that road and attained at the other side. May the Door that you desire to open lead you on a path that is full of Life, Health, and Wisdom for all of your future days! The love of an Infinite GOD is assuredly yours, along with ours for you.

To my family, all of you, I bless you. And I am so blessed too. I have some of the greatest people in the world surrounding me, yes, and tolerating me, too. What more can I say? Just Happy New Year, and hang on to your seats, 2006 should also be quite a ride, whatever way it goes!

In Jesus and His love,

Pops

Happy Email!

Hi Everyone!! Christ+mas was fabulous!! Shawn & I had a relatively calm New Years, we were both asleep by 11:00pm. It is hard for us to stay up late as we are getting on in years.

Thank you all for making Christmas wonderful! The gifts were over the top and there is nothing like the 10 of us all bundled into the cozy Warner residence(refer to Shawn's recent blog.) Kim & Miah, it was wonderful to see you after such a long time...we miss you here, pretty much every weekend. Obviously, we are thrilled about the upcoming arrival of the baby and you will have lots and lots of visitors, so be prepared. Wesley and Josiah, I don't talk to you two nearly as often as I should. You are going to have to jump into the blogging world so your big sister can keep up what is going on in the crazy lives of the Callihan boyz. It was great to play football with you again, brings back fond memories. Rebekah & Bob, you are fabulous hosts. Your house is beautiful and you are wonderful at accomodating everyone's ridiculous needs. Of course, Bob and Mom always have to go overboard with the food and it wouldn't be a partaay if they didn't. Sidenote: pumpkin pie was the best! Popski, the doo-rag looked great, and your new nickname is Kip(see Napoleon Dynamite for more info.) Even if your hairdo is ridiculous, you are still the best dad in the world. Lastly, Bekah & I were discussing that one of the best & most surprising moments of the weekend was watching Shawn get totally into the caroling. I was, of course, hiding in the background with Serif. I love you Shawn.

Christmas came and went. 2005 is behind us. It's 2006; the year of the first grandson and many other big changes, I'm sure. We will see where God leads through the year. I will be praying for safety & security for all. So, I love you all. You are the bestest!

Happy Email.. ahem, I mean.. Happy New Year! (Ask Mom about that.)

BTW When are we taking a cruise?