When it all starts to sink in....

I received a homeschooling reward this weekend that I just wanted to share with you all. Earlier this week, during our Bible studies, I was trying to impress on the boys that not only do we need to read our Bibles but we also must take time to speak to God and build a relationship with him. Just like you speak to your friends everyday it helps you grow closer, you should talk with God everyday. Prayer is more than just "thank you for this wonderful food, Amen".

The other night, the boys were in the living room watching a movie or something. Dennis was back in their room putting up some stuff on their wall so I went back to see what he was doing. Sean has all kinds of "signs" he made taped up all over the walls. I noticed a new one hanging up by his dresser. It was a list of all the things he's supposed to do everyday.

• Get Dressed
• Brush Teeth
• Brush Hair
• Read my Bible

And added at the bottom, seemingly new:

• Talk to God

It made me smile.... sometimes things they are told DO sinking through!

:)

A Year in Review

I made a video today of pictures that we had taken through the year.
I set it to music to make sure you have your headphones or speakers ready. :)

So much happens, yet a year goes way too fast!

Enjoy the video! :)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

The boys were up at 6am this morning... so excited to see what they got!

We certainly had a white Christmas this year! It started snowing in the morning on Christmas Eve and is STILL going at 3pm today on Christmas day. We have at least a good foot out there.

Elizabeth was the last one to wake up! The boys finally asked, "can we just wake her up!" haha!

She discovered her rocking horse right away.

Daddy had to open his present first! He had no idea that it was for him. I told him last night that it was a "family surprise" and he kept asking "what's in the big one" all night long.

He was very surprised that he got a guitar!

The boys then started on their gifts.... Elizabeth was still enjoying her horsey.

Finally she got down to open something.

She needed no help! She knew what she was doing.

Elizabeth thought the Nerf darts were chapstick so she wanted to make sure her baby had chapstick on too.

Ryan and his Lincoln Logs.

Both boys got these little books answering questions about the Bible.

Playing with her kitchen set.

I told Sean to give me an angry face!

Elizabeth was so worn out her angry face came naturally. HAHA!

Ryan and his War axe.

Merry Christmas!!!

Ryan turns 8!

Well I suppose now that it is Christmas Eve, I should get pictures up of Ryan's birthday. hahah!

He had a great birthday. It was on a Sunday. After we got home from the morning church service the boys changed out of their clothes into something comfortable lightning fast. Then they ran over to the presents waiting and ready to open!

Ryan got some Legos! :)

And MORE Legos...... haha



Look at his face on this one, he got some of those "silly bands". New, very popular bracelet things in the shapes of objects or animals.


Aww a stuffed animal that he asked for.


And a nerf gun that ALL the boys (big and small) had fun playing with afterwards.


Later on that evening we had the Ryan's Dirt cake. We took it to church to share and have a good time with our friends.

Christmas Markets and a Party

I have lots of pictures again, so give them time to load up. :)

This first set is of our recent Christmas Market excursion in Stuttgart. Some of you probably have seen these already, this is for the benefit of those of you who have not. Skip on through to the newer Christmas party pictures if you've already seen these. :)

The weekend before last we took a quick trip downtown to do some Christmas shopping. It was SOOOOOOO crowded!

But at least we got a quick taste of som Kinderpunch... which is the main reason we went. HAHA!

Elizabeth enjoyed her Pommes (French Fries).

CHRISTMAS PARTY!!

On Friday, we had our Church Christmas Party. As usual, it was a blast!! The pastor and Mrs Thornsley had the "Busnauer" cater for us so all we had to do is bring in dessert. The food was yummy!!!

After dinner we did our gift exchange. First the Children!
Here the Pastor is telling the children about the true meaning of Christmas while they wait anxiously to be given their gifts.

Elizabeth receiving her gift.

All the children piled around while each one unwrapped their gift.

The dads had the job of de-packaging the toys. LOL

Then we had the adult's White Elephant gift exchange. The fun begins!!
Dennis was the first by pulling the number 1 out of the basket!

Showing off his gift in case anyone wanted to "steal" it. haha!

The first gag gift of the night... notice the toilet paper and plunger! HAHA!

We had a whole lot of fun this year. There was no limit on how many times gifts could be stolen, so several items passed through many hands!

The infamous "duck"!
This gift is in the exchange every year and it's the gift you "dont want!"

While the adults were playing... the little ones kept themselves company playing with their new toys!

Merry Christmas from all of us!!!