A True Break

What a wonderful Christmas break.  I must say- we truly took a break.  Although we were sad to say good bye to some old traditions, slowing down and simply living with no schedule for a week and enjoying life here together did our hearts good.  We didn't get to go to Snoqualmie Pass, WA skiing as usual between Christmas and new Years, we had a very rushed fondue Christmas Eve due to 3 services Rob had to do, and we really missed alot of friends....BUT- new beginnings are refreshing and new traditions-well- were necessary.  We began our break with 9 girls in the house for a sleepover and cookie making...phew that was exciting! We fit in making "pigs ears", eating fondue, making gramma's bread, and finishing the homemade sibling presents.  During the break we slept in, stayed up late, and enjoyed PLENTY of "screen time."  I got a cold- which forced a few sedentary days but that ended up being a great thing.  Sometimes my "go go go" mentality is really not what the other 5 people in the family need.  God was good to us- we slowed down.  We realized that since we arrived in Indiana- we have hit the ground running and we were so tired.  Isn't it amazing how we continue to find out that God knows us better than we know ourselves??!!  I am not sure why this surprises me, but I guess I like surprises. 

As we watched the days go by we find ourselves back in the swing of things. School has begun, sports are underway, and schedules are conflicting on the calendar.  As we head into this new year let me tell you a few amazing blessings....

1. I think we have found a piano teacher.  We could never replace our teacher in Ephrata and this "piano search" has been such a burden, but  I believe we have come to the end of the search.

2. The kids were so excited to return to The Master's Study (their part -time school).  Even though the transition to this type of schooling has been SO difficult (mostly for me) and full of many doubts...they seem to really love where they are!

3.  I have started to exercise again!! YAY!!! It has been way to long

4.  Sammy is making progress.  Many of you know that Sammy's transition here has been the hardest and we have had discoveries of learning difficulties.  His heart seems a bit better, he is not as angry, and we see glimpses f slow progress with his reading. Please continue to pray for him.

Happy New Year to all!!!

Best friends now share a room and participate in nightly readings together

Lots of treats

Finally- a fireplace!!!!!

Showing their wares.....favorite yearly homemade gift from cousins

ok more treats

Lots of snow, and sickness in house allowed for a 4 day Harry Potter marathon!!!! What fun

Trying to fit our beloved fondue tradition into new home and Christmas eve schedule

Yay!!! Christmas morning!

Another part of our break recipe...lots of games!

Christmas Cheer

It always seem such a whirlwind no matter how I plan it! The Christmas season has come and gone (but we are still celebrating with tree, music, and all). We had a wonderful Christmas  and New Year celebration but cannot seem to make it last long enough.  I am not ready, by any means, for the start of schedules and activities and school but we are trying.  Early mornings just are NOT happening though. There are more updates and pics to come and I am making a goal to try to blog a bit more to keep updates flowing.  Hope everyone had a great Holiday season.

"Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse....the children were nestled all snug in their beds while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads."

Christmas morning elation!!!

All hands on deck...Christmas tradition- making pigs ears.

Only 9 and already has great pigs ear technique!

And....more sweets

All I want for Christmas......

Prized Christmas present...basketball hoop!

Winter Happenings

The winter is underway and Christmas is almost here!! I have so enjoyed all the fun celebrations....performances, parties, sweets, traditions, and simple slow times.  Joseph's play has been amazing and we are entering the last weekend of performances.  He has become quite the little actor.  Annabelle has her first gymnastics meet.  It was a non- competitive practice meet.  I haven't watched her in so long and it was a delight to watch her, improving so much.  MacKenzie and Sammy are just enjoying a slower winter schedule with all the fun happenings of Christmas.  We have cherished our at home evenings and reading our Advent favorite..."Jotham's Journey!" We are preparing our hearts and minds for a precious celebration and remembrance of what has been and what is to come.



The Biggest tree yet!!!!

It is quite a tree, hung 3 feet longer than the Suburban, fell over twice, and it is still drinking water1

Such fun with friends

It didn't fall over until ALL the decorations were on

Our snazzy little gymnast

Sweet girl

She did the "lip thing" all day....nerves!

Happy times

I really don't love the opening of decoration boxes...anyone with me??



A Star is Born

The advent season is underway and I am trying to enjoy every moment of it!  We have so many exciting things happening, but top on the list is......The Velveteen Rabbit!  For the past several months Joseph has been rehearsing for a big production of this Christmas play at the local theatre. He is definitely a little actor and we are so proud of him.  He has impressed everyone, especially with his lines memorized 2 weeks into rehearsals and mastery of solo songs!!  Opening night is tonight and the play will run for 3 weeks and I thought I would give you a taste, or preview, depending on where you are from. Enjoy!