Iocco Family News

Iocco Family Newsletter 2011

2012-01-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Another year has rushed by and in the midst of the hustle and bustle we attempt to slow down enough to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday that we celebrate...God's glorious gift coming to earth for us to restore what humanity had broken back in the garden beginning with Adam and Eve. If you're unfamiliar with the passage, you'll find it in Genesis 3. You can also read more about man's fall and the restoration that God provided through “The Child Who Saved Our World” mentioned later.

Here is a brief “run-down” of our year (with lots of photos)...

January: Our family attended a book study “To Walk and Not Grow Weary” along with 2 other families. We shoveled & helped snow-blow our neighbor's driveway during the winter months while they were away. We also planned a “Winter Couple's Night” at Brandon Baptist Church.

February: Early lambing ... Stephen's flock doubled in 2 weeks time. We bottle-fed a ewe lamb that he affectionately named “Clementine”. At the end of the month, we planned a small couple's night with “appetizers” in our home.

March: We received 22” of snow in just a few hours. Stephen had to get 6 stitches in his hand due to an accident with steel in the sheep pen. The two of us continued working on our new bathroom project. Gordy started AiG's “Answer's for Life” study... http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2008/04/28/answers-for-life with 3 other families. We showed “The Bridge,” a DVD about Alzheimer patients to a group of friends.

April: We showed “The Child” (http://www.parentalrights.org/) at the town hall (please look over this site and sign the petition if you are willing). We had the opportunity to assist Pastor Dick Hoff with a AiG video conference at Westport Bible Church in NY. We celebrated a late Easter and had a brunch in our home with our church group. We experienced our last farmer's market and attended our 1^stRight to Life dinner.

May: We made a trip to Michigan and visited our parents and dear friends, the Hawes. God provided for this trip in a miraculous way. While there, we presented a "mini-concert" for the Hawe's assisted living group. After that, we drove down to KY and attended our 2^nd VCC training conference. Valerie experienced her first camel ride as son Greg led. Stephen flew out and volunteered at the museum's petting zoo at the same time that we were in MI & KY. He worked some with training the zorse & zonkey. The last night there, we met Emily Burch at a museum scavenger hunt. Soon after arriving home we planned another “Couple's Night” (this time at the Valley Bible Church). Valerie made a 9-patch comforter for our grandson, Noah.

Enjoying our 2 grandchildren.

Mother's Day, 2011

Dad's flower bed at Telfer Farm

Valerie, her Mom & sister-in-law, Dani.

Gordy, his folks, brothers Doug & Steve, & wives Wendy and Angie.

Our faithful friends, the Hawes.

A warm embrace after not seeing each other for 5 1/2 months.

Eating outside Noah's Cafe.

After the "scavenger hunt" at the museum.

Precious family times...

June: Stephen bought a Katahdin ram from some folks in the N.E. Kingdom. He also started offering his lamb products for sale in a small freezer on our outside building porch, and in October he added some of his lamb products to Champlain Orchard's "farm-stand". Mid-month, we sold baked goods at friend's alpaca shearing competition in Bridport. For Father's Day, Nicholas surprised his Dad and he & brother Stephen sang a couple of special songs for our service. We picked strawberries in the rain. One evening we showed the DVD “Agenda, Grinding America Down” (http://agendadocumentary.com/buydvd/) in our meeting place.

Enjoying a meal with Kathryn at Birdseye Diner.

Father's Day Eve.

Stephen brought a "start" of an heritage rose bush with us when we moved here 10 years ago. It prolifically blooms each year and has a wonderful fragrance.

July: At the beginning of the month, we hosted yard sale. Audrie celebrated her 7^th birthday. Mid-month, we picked up Ben in KY and attended a family reunion with Valerie's folks & siblings in Michigan. On our way out of the state, we visited the Hawes and then went drove back to KY to assist at 2011 Apologetics Mega Conference. One night we visited with the Burch family over
"Chalupe" supper. While we were away, Stephen had to have 4 stitches in his finger from a pruning accident at the orchard.

A couple of projects that Gordy built this year for his boss at the orchard.

Celebrating milestone birthdays with Valerie's niece Jennifer, sister Gayle, brother Vaughn, and sister-in-law Cindy.

Valerie's dad, brother Vaughn, brother-in-law Glenn, nephews Jesse & Josh, and Ben.

The Burches & the Ioccos on a hot summer evening.

Back at home, Audrie lost her 1st top tooth.

August: Stephen was asked to judge vegetable entries at the Addison County Fair. We represented Answers in Genesis during the fair week. Les, Jenny, Olivia, Brian, Caleb & Charity gave of their time and resources to make this ministry a reality. Greg & Emily were engaged. Stephen began pursuing a closer friendship with Charity McLaughlin. Vermont experienced heavy rain and winds from Hurricane Irene. Our roof leaked a bit and our corn was partially knocked down in the garden, but we were grateful for the Lord's protection and His mercy. We started splitting & stacking wood for winter.

Stephen & friend, Mark.

Stephen "singing in the hurricane" during a "lull" from heavy rain.

Even God's creatures remind us to keep praying for ourselves, our family (near & far), our friends, and our nation.

September: Ben flew home and was able to spend some time with our extended family. Then some of us went up to Maine for a couple of days. Beth surprised Valerie with a "look-alike" blouse for her birthday. We hosted an “Across-the-Miles” bridal shower for Greg & Emily. We continued to split & stack wood for winter.

Old Orchard Beach, ME

Camden Harbor

An unique way of exercise... renting a surrey for an hour.

Kennebunkport, ME

Our family gave us a coffee maker, so we all had to try a cup.

October: Gordy began AiG's newest study, “The Foundations” (http://www.answersingenesis.org/PublicStore/product/Ken-Ham-Foundations-12-part-DVD-series,6881,229.aspx) with 3 other families attending. We planned a “Harvest-time Couple's Gathering” at the town hall. We showed “Indoctrination” (http://www.answersingenesis.org/PublicStore/product/IndoctriNation-public-schools-documentary,6945,229.aspx) to our church group and close friends, Valerie made a log cabin quilt/comforter for Greg & Emily and some of our church ladies helped tie it off. And as always, we continued to split & stack wood.

November: A couple of days before Greg and Emily's wedding, we were able to visit Valerie's parents in Michigan, along with Dick & Velma Hawes. Nicholas and his family were able to drive up a day ahead of us. We had a very full weekend with the rehearsal dinner and Greg & Emily's wedding. We had family & friends attend from Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, New York and Vermont. The wedding service was very uplifting with Pastor Steve Hankins officiating. One week later back at home, we began preparations for our 5^thlive nativity with a work day and rehearsals. Noah turned a year old & started walking. The splitting and stacking of wood continues.

Before the wedding, Ben gave the Iocco/Telfer relatives a tour through the artist's studio. Here we are pictured in front of the manger scene/kataluma prop for the museum's upcoming "Christmas Town".

Uncle Dan, Aunt Dani, Jennifer & Aunt Cindy

Grandpa & Grandma Iocco

Visiting with old friends, the Kellys.

Thanksgiving 2011

December: The first weekend we presented Live Nativity 2011 in our pasture (http://www.youtube.com/user/BDReflet#p/a/u/0/Tsx9XO_P2PY) with approx. 165 folks attending, plus our 32 cast members. During the Christmas season, we sold 45 Christmas trees & some wreaths. Nicholas, Beth & family brought over their tractor & log splitter and helped us split & stack firewood, finishing up our need for the winter.

Without conferring with each other, these ladies all wore scarfs one December Sunday.

Live Nativity Closing

Christmas Eve with family.

God has worked some precious miracles for us this year. Among them were two major prayer requests that were answered. The Lord gave Greg a wife and help-meet (see Ken's blog at: http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2011/11/09/your-love-for-him-shines-forth/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+KenHam+%28Around+the+World+with+Ken+Ham%29&utm_content=FaceBook&ref=nf ). He also allowed his book “The Child Who Saved Our World” (http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781617776410) to be published. If you wish to support Greg in his writing ministry by ordering a special edition copy or a softcover from him directly, please write him at: 3819 Lori Drive, Apt. #5, Erlanger, KY 41018.

Also in May, Greg was commissioned by AiG to do the artwork for the “children's section" on whales in the July-Sept. 2001 issue of the Answers magazine, (http://www.answersingenesis.org/PublicStore/product/Kids-Answers-Mini-magazine-Vol-6-No-3,6901,0.aspx). He did a wonderful job!

Nicholas remains busy in his dental lab, making crowns and bridges, etc. He continues his passion for hunting, but another new interest is training to be a volunteer firemen. That seems to be right down his alley. Please keep this new adventure (and him) in your prayers.

Beth continues to be busy with Audrie's schooling and an active toddler. She continues to manage their Golden Retriever business and is a very capable wife and mother. A recent update... she and Nicholas are expecting #3 blessing at the end of September 2012. PTL! :)

As earlier mentioned, Nicholas and his family drove their 5^th-wheel out for the wedding, however before coming home he went on a 5-day bow hunting adventure in Ohio which had been planned for the past year. He experienced an uneventful week until the last day around 4:30 pm. The big buck of his dreams followed after a doe in front of his sights, and well, the rest is history. Let's just say he was a very happy boy. If you would like to see a photo, please click this link and look on the older post dated: 11-11-11 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunfish-Valley-White ta ils/18 244 9893973

During the Christmas season, Ben reenacted the part of a shepherd in “Christmas Town”, the museum's walk-through drama/live nativity (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=304252336271796&set=a.237242162972814.69483.164175656946132&type=1&theater). He has been enjoying his work at the museum with various exhibits & projects. Recently, his work was mentioned on Ken's blog for the new "Lucy project"...

http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2012/02/04/lucy-to-take-up-residence-at-creation-museum/

Here is a photo of Ben with some of his artist friends (Jon, James, and Travis) in the new art studio.

Ben was commissioned to do artwork for the Answers magazine which has recently been released in the January-March issue. His work embellishes a two-page article about “nephilim” (giants). This season, the museum made 2 new Christmas cards from Ben's artwork...

http://www.answersingenesis.org/PublicStore/product/Beautiful-Jesus,6938,0.aspx

http://www.answersingenesis.org/PublicStore/product/Behold,6940,496.aspx

Stephen works as a pruner at Champlain Orchards where his father works too. He continues to care for his flock of sheep, his horse & donkey, however his young lady friend has somehow become his top priority. :) Our home has been somewhat quieter this year with Greg's move last December, but the Lord has been faithful and we have all adjusted fairly well.

Thirty two years ago, on a wet and rainy December evening, we were united in marriage. Soft glowing candles shone from the windows. Two Christmas trees with blue lights sparkled at the front of the sanctuary, and white poinsettias with silvery blue ribbons enhanced the scene. Time goes so fast! Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could experience 32 more years together? God has been so gracious to us. :)

We send you all our love and pray that each of us will draw even closer to Jesus Christ as our Lord in this new year.

O come let us adore Him. Merry Christmas!

With our love,

Gordy & Valerie

A sneak preview of our 2012 newsletter...Greg, Emily & Ben's Vermont visit, January 2012.

A tally of Creation Museum pass users...

2011-06-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

As of January 2011, 38 people have borrowed our Creation Museum passes... 4 from Schroon Lake, New York , 4 friends from Port Henry, NY, 3 people from Chicago, Illinois, 1 friend from Sudbury, VT, 8 new friends from Waterford, Vermont, 4 "old" friends from Lake Odessa, Michigan, 4 new friends from Middlebury, VT, 3 friends from Westport, NY, 3 missionaries from Hotevilla, Arizona, and 4 dear family members from Warrenton, Missiouri & Whiting, VT.

2011-05-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

Iocco Family Newsletter 2010

As we reflect back on this past year, we give Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior our inadequate but heartfelt thanks for being ever present in our lives. He has been faithful to supply our needs, help us with struggles, give us wisdom & strength to cope with our circumstances, relate with people, and help us in the small everyday tasks of life. He has given His word for us to follow and has reminded us that we need to be more faithful to take it, apply it, and use it everyday. May we obey the Voice that calls us to Himself because we believe.

Colossians 3:17

January/February

After the holidays, we began our usual routine of participating in Middlebury's "Winter Farmers' Market". This year it was held at a new location, "American Flatbread" the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. Gordy took on the job of putting up and taking down 7 signs for the market each week. As usual, we sold our baked goods, photo cards, Ben and Greg's art cards, some of Stephen's produce, etc. until the regular farmers' market began in Mid-May.

Mid-January, after a long search, to their delight, both Greg and Ben purchased their vehicles on the same day. Ben bought a Ford Explorer, and Greg bought a Toyota Corolla.

Stephen had 2 top wisdom teeth out. He found a doctor in Rutland that would extract them for half of the price of oral surgeons in our area. This was a blessing and thankfully his surgery went very well.

During the frigid days of winter, Stephen would step inside his hoop house and bask in the 50 - 70 degree warmth. There's nothing like the fragrance of tender growing plants in the dead of winter.

At the end of February, we received wet, heavy snow which partially collapsed our grape arbor.

Gordy began his 6th year working at Champlain Orchards. He provided help for many projects such as maintaining various machines, building cabinets, making donuts, slicing apples, field work, irrigation, plumbing, etc. His boss invested in an orchard about a mile down the road, so Gordy began renovating a 200-year-old barn on the property, along with remodeling a "relic" of a house in the Spring. This project is still ongoing.

Our two hogs (Flora and Flintwitch) were butchered and we have benefited from their ham, pork chops, ribs and breakfast sausage all year long.

We began renovating our downstairs bathroom and adding a new bathroom to our bedroom area. As you well know, projects like this cause much dust and debris. We hired our friend, Greg Moore, and he did an excellent job replacing the worn floors with beautiful tile. Believe it or not, these 2 projects affected 6 rooms in our house. You know how it goes, one thing always leads to another.

Main bathroom (before)

Main bathroom (after)

Back in early February, Ben was contacted by the museum exhibit director about applying for a "sculptor" position at the Creation Museum, so he filled out an application and began praying about this unique possibility.

Also, Ben faithfully completed one commissioned piece, and 2 other paintings for a Brandon Artist Guild show.

Iocco newsletter (continued)

2011-05-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

March/April

After almost a year of study, our group finished the 13-part "Answers Academy" course from AiG. This was an excellent program for building solid foundations from God's word.

Stephen decided to make one batch of syrup from one run of sap during sugaring season.

Nicholas and Beth told us that they were expecting a baby at the end of November, and we all rejoiced with them. What a happy surprise! :)

Ben was interviewed, and after much prayer and consideration accepted the position at the Creation Museum.

On April 1st, Ben and his buddies gathered for one last softball game, and afterward we gave him a surprise "farewell gathering" with 62 supportive friends and neighbors attending. The weather was perfect and there were many sentimental thoughts (and tears) shared that evening. At the end of the evening, many of the men and Ben's friends encircled him with a time of prayer. It was a precious evening to many of us.

Ben moved to Burlington, KY on April 7th, and begun work on the 12th. Nicholas kindly let Ben borrow his suburban, so Gordy and I caravaned with him to help with the move.

About 2 weeks later, Greg heard about an opening at the museum for a Children's Illustrator
position. The exhibit director encouraged him to apply immediately. Because of this, Greg began learning how to paint using Photo Shop on the computer.

He did very well, and throughout the summer produced many unique works of art. Months later he found out that another had been hired, however Greg willingly accepted this as God's plan.

In the meantime, Greg finished 3 new paintings. Some of you have seen "Passing Storm" on Greg's blog (pictured below on upper right). We also really like "October Morning" (lower middle) and the unnamed landscape painting (upper left). It has a "patriotic" feel to it. :)

Please continue to Part 2...

2010 Newsletter, Part 2.

2011-01-17T04:14:00.000-08:00

Greg donated his painting, "Noah's Ark: Voyage End" to the Creation Museum. It was graciously accepted and cataloged in their archives.

Our group began a 6-week study called "God Provides" in early April, with our 3 men taking turns in leading. Then Greg began an 11-week study for youth and their parents called, "Demolishing Strongholds" at the end of the month. Greg did an excellent job of leading this study (produced by AiG). We recommend it to those desiring to effectively witness in today's culture.

Stephen decided that after several years of raising chickens and selling eggs that he wanted to down-size, thus Gordy and I inherited his flock. I learned how to feed and water chickens each morning (which was something new for me as the boys had always done it). I might add that I "fought off" 3-4 determined broody hens while gathering the eggs daily. Gordy helped out on the weekends. We sold eggs to local neighbors, at the market and to the Middlebury Natural Food Co-op until November.

Stephen still has his horse, donkey and sheep to care for daily.

A "spring snow" came at the end of April, which gave an opportunity for Ben's brothers to build him a snowman and send him photos. Flowers and snow mixed together is rare and fun to remember.

May/June

Tate Publishing Company out of Mustang, Oklahoma accepted Greg's manuscript for publication. This was an answer to our prayers as Greg has been seeking a publisher for the last couple of years. Immediately after being accepted, Greg diligently worked on over 25 new pen & ink illustrations, so he is not only the author, but the illustrator as well.

At present the editing process is well underway, and Lord willing, "The Child Who Saved Our World" will be published by Spring 2011. :)
Update as of June 15, 2011: Greg's book will be released to bookstores nationwide on 6 September 2011. Tate Publishing has just posted it for sale on their website at:

http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=9781617776410

Please check it out.
Greg will have some books in his possession by mid-July, so you may contact him directly to order your copy.
Thanks for your support. :)

May the Lord bless the work of Greg's hands for His glory.

Our sons bought us a "web-cam" for Mother's Day, so the family found great satisfaction and joy in being able to "see" and keep in touch with Ben over the miles. Also, on Mother's Day afternoon Nicholas, Beth and Audrie came over for a visit.

Our dear Christian friend, Ellen Schrock (age 96 1/2) passed away Mother's Day weekend. While living in Michigan God used her to teach and inspire me in my quilt-making efforts. Also this year, our friends Betty Rutz and Fran Monroe passed on. We will miss their friendship and the part they played in our lives.

Our kind neighbors, the Isenbergs, again allowed Gordy and I to use their tandem bike for "joint" exercise together. This year we rode down to Swamp Road and enjoyed passing through the covered bridge and over the railroad tracks, completing a 6 mile course. Someday we hope to own a tandem ourselves .

In mid-May Gordy, Stephen, and I drove to Michigan by way of Canada. We used our "Enhanced Drivers Licenses" for identification instead of passports. We idled on the Blue Water Bridge for an hour while waiting to enter through US customs.

We enjoyed our time with both our families before driving down to our destination in Petersburg, KY. There Gordy and I attended a one-day training session to be certified volunteer Video Conference Coordinators for AiG, while Stephen an d Ben enjoyed some brotherly time together.

Happy Father's Day, 2010!

Stephen sold some of his home-grown produce at the local farmers' market, along with our baked goods, etc. Up until this summer, Gordy always accompanied me to the market, but with him needing to work on bathroom projects and cutting winter firewood, Stephen and Greg assisted me this year. I was grateful for the guys willing help, but greatly missed my husband by my side.

July/August

Quechee Gorge, also called Vermont's Little Grand Canyon, is located 1 1/2 - 2 hours away from us. One Sunday our family decided to visit and discover it's natural beauty. There we enjoyed winding trails, steep climbs and a rushing river. We had a family picnic together before leaving for home.

A few years ago Greg found through his genealogy studies that we have long lost relatives buried in Tunbridge, VT. So, the next weekend we made our way over the Green Mountains to a little cemetery up in the hills called, "Ordway Cemetery". There we found 13 stones engraved mostly with Ordway names. In the back we found my Dad's relatives, Moses and Susannah Ordway who were buried there almost 200 years ago. Moses would be my great, great, great, great, great, grandfather. This discovery made us feel a bit more a part of this land called Vermont.

At the end of July, Gordy, Greg and I traveled out to KY for a short visit with Ben. Gordy and I took a short tour through the museum with Ben, while Greg had an interview, then we headed up to Michigan to visit with relatives, some whom we hadn't seen in over 4 years.

Please continue to Part 3 ...