Our Christmas Newsletter

Merry Christmas! It’s hard to believe another year is done! We can look back on this year thanking the Lord for His goodness and enduring love. We wanted to give you a glance at what happened in our lives, so here’s a quick summary of some of the major events of our year.

January- At the end of the month we found out that Tim had testicular cancer.

February- Tim had his first surgery. We were so thankful for how flexible my school was with giving me the time off I needed to be with Tim at his appointments and for his surgery, even though my requests were last minute.

March- At the beginning of the month, we called family to let them know that we were pregnant! The doctor gave us a due date of November 2nd. We also enjoying having Beth visit us during her spring break. While she was here, we were able to take a trip to Jamestown. Another fun event was our trip to Washington D.C. to visit our friends, Garrett and Amanda Lee. It was absolutely beautiful at the Cherry Blossom Festival.

April- Tim had his second surgery. The lymph nodes taken out tested cancer free. We praise the Lord for his goodness! During this trying time, God used the church family at Colonial Baptist to surround us with God’s love and encourage us to look to God. We so much love our church family down here!

May- We enjoyed being able to hear our baby’s heartbeat for the first time. Tim also finished off the school year.

June- This was a busy month for us as I finished my fourth and final year of teaching, and Tim attended a summer school class. One highlight in June was that I had my first ultrasound, and we found out we were having a boy. Thankfully, we were able to get the ultrasound before heading up to Michigan to spend time with our family. We also celebrated our one year anniversary. (How time flies.)

July- We spent the 4th of July in the U.P. with Tim’s family and enjoyed the parade, cook-out, and fireworks. Tim had the opportunity to preach at his home church, and they also threw a surprise baby shower for us. I was thankful that my parents were able to come up for the baby shower.

August- Tim began his last year of seminary.

September- We enjoyed having Sarah come visit us, and she was able to come to the baby shower that the church threw for me. Tim had his three month check-up to make sure he is still cancer free. We are rejoicing at his good report! We also began our childbirth classes at the end of the month, making the coming of Micah seem so much closer!

October- We waited for Micah to come! We finished all of the little projects to make sure we were ready for baby.

November- The highlight of the month was definitely the birth of Micah James Hill on November 11th. He weighed 8 lbs. and 4 oz. We are thankful for a healthy baby boy! We enjoyed visiting with Mom and Dad Ahtila when they came down to meet Micah.

December- Micah had his 3 week old appointment, weighing in at 10 lbs. (He loves his food!) He’s a healthy, happy baby. We look forward to having Mom and Dad Hill and Beth come visit us and meet Micah at the end of the month.

Looking Ahead- Tim has one class left this coming semester, followed by graduation in May. We’re praying about the possibility of going on a trip to Israel with the seminary shortly after graduation. We’re also seeking wisdom as to where God wants us to serve Him after Tim’s graduation.

And that’s a quick look at our year. God’s mercies sustained us, and we’re looking forward to the joys, challenges, and grace that He will give for 2009!
Merry Christmas!

Two Years Ago

Two years ago today, we got engaged! Tim sent an email to all of our family and friends the next day, telling our engagement story. We thought it would be fun to reminisce, so here’s the story. Enjoy!



She said yes.
After a long four months of papers, presentations, reading, and projects, Kristen and I planned to go out to dinner to celebrate the end of the school semester. It was to be her treat as a "congratulations" for finishing up. I still had one more paper left to complete, but since she was leaving to go home to Michigan on Thursday, we planned on Tuesday night as our "date night." Tuesday night also marked the eve of 13 months of dating. I had been doing some planning, however, and knew that tonight would be more than simply an "end of the semester" celebration.
You see last week, which was actually one the busiest times of the semester, I made time to do a little bit of—shopping. A friend had given me a phone number for the "ring lady," so on Tuesday I met with her to pick out something nice. I found something I liked. I went back on Wednesday (in between school reading) to confirm the setting and to see it looked like with the rock in it. However, at the end of the meeting, I wasn't quite sure that what I had picked out fit Kristen's personality. And I was worried the band might be too bulky. I had already told the lady "yes" and left to go home, but my mind was not settled. Well, I kept thinking about it and wondering about it. That evening I went over to give a get-well card to my girlfriend who had come home early from school that day because of sickness. As I sat with her, I looked at her hand and pictured what the ring might look like on it. I wasn't sold.
Instead of paying for the ring that night as scheduled, I called the lady back and asked to see more bands. Thursday afternoon I was back over looking at more options, praying for God's wisdom. She showed me a few more that she had in stock, one already looked much more like Kristen. We were on the right track. After a few more minutes of looking, she kind of gave an "Oh," and pulled out another ring. It was beautiful. Amazing! It was a white gold setting that was just perfect—it was delicate, feminine—everything that fit Kristen. And it was a little bit different—which fit me!  I was sold. She could have it to me by Monday.
Hmm…still needed to call her dad. I had previously swiped her parents' cell and home number—figured it might come in handy some time. But after trying the cell and getting a lady's voice, I realized I didn't have her Dad's cell number. Kristen's roommate, who was helpful as far as a ring size goes, proved to be helpful yet again in procuring her dad's cell number. Called him, Thursday. Got the OK. Things were rolling.
As I had previously said, we had already made plans to celebrate the end of the semester. Perfect! She wouldn't even see it coming! And I got to pick the location. So, on what seemed like a whim, we were headed over Tuesday night to Regent University Campus and the Swan Terrace Restaurant. Also at this time of year, they have a section on campus behind the restaurant all lit up for the holidays: A nice, romantic place to walk around after dinner. (Funny—on the way over, Kristen saw the lights and said, "Oh Tim, could we walk around there after dinner?" Could she make this any easier?)
Dinner was excellent. We had a fireplace table for two—thoroughly enjoying the atmosphere and each other's company. I had previously placed the box in my inside coat pocket. Minor point: the ring box had a light inside of it that shone when the box was opened. Pretty cool. So, after dinner while in the restroom, I made the switch from my inside coat pocket to my outside coat pocket—more accessible. And we headed over to see the lights.

They were beautiful and right next to the lake on campus. Trees and bushes were all lit up in a myriad of white lights as Christmas music floated through the evening air. (Funny: a thought went through Kristen's mind which she immediately brushed aside—"This would be the perfect place to get engaged.") After walking around and through the lights we sat down on a park bench. As we sat together and enjoyed the sounds and scenery, I wondered if now was the time. A few people lingered in the area, and others would occasionally come and go. I thought it would be best away from other people—so we could enjoy the moment together. As we sat there, Kristen looked over to a covered walkway and asked if those were more lights she saw over there. So we got up and walked that direction. (Like I said before, could she make it any easier?) Once under the walkway, we turned back to look at the lights and just stood there to admire the sight before us. I knew it was the time. I pulled out the box and opened it. Kristen was shocked. I dropped to one knee—and well…
she said Yes.
Then came the phone calls, and text messages, and showing everyone. What an exciting evening!
So everyone…we're engaged!

Micah Likes It!

Having spent Thanksgiving with Tim and Melinda and hearing about how young Winston loved his swing when he was a wee young lad, it got Kristen and me thinking. Micah seems to love getting rocked. He seems to like motion because he’s out like a light when he’s in the car. Maybe he’d like a swing.

Well, we got him one. And he likes it! And mom and dad like it because it quiets him down and puts him to sleep (sometimes).

Micah went to the doctor yesterday for his 3 week-old appointment. He was born 8 lb 4 oz, and dropped down to 7 lb 12 oz at his first doctor appointment. His goal was to gain back the 8 oz he lost at this appointment. Well, Micah—a lover of food—succeeded expectations. He weighed in at 10 pounds even—gaining not 8 ounces, but 2 pounds, 4 ounces! We’re thankful for our healthy, chubby baby.