Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's

We did a lot of cooking and eating. Here is Grandma and her littlest helper.

Josiah was helping too--decorating the tree with Uncle Darin.

Josiah is VERY proud of his gingerbread house.

After church on Christmas Eve.

Most days Adeline will not allow her picture to be taken. Some nights, though, she's can't get enough of the camera.

Hanging stockings. . . I LOVE this guy's smile.

Christmas Morning

Addie's present was a felt playhouse that fits over our dining room table. It was an idea I totally stole from some craft websites, but it was fun to make!

presents are waiting. . .

the chaos begins! Well, truely, the chaos began several days earlier, when we arrived with our four childrern and dog. Together, there were 18 people, 3 dogs, and a cat sleeping in that house at night, with various other groups of people and animals coming and going. It was wonderful!

We'd like to dedicate this post to Waller's Market. This locally famous butcher provided all of the meat for our seven days and nights of feasting. If you're in southern Illinois, go in and ask for your meat cut the way Dave likes it. They'll know what you mean.

Flashback. . . Christmas preparations

Bear with me while I catch up on blogging some of our holiday fun. During the month of December we cut way back on school and enjoyed playing, cooking, shopping, and reading.

Our tree looks smaller in this house with such tall ceilings.

our advent calender.

This year we also started doing nightly devotions around a Jesse Tree.

And, of course, making lots of gingerbread cookies. Here is careful Sam.

Si has a somewhat different approach to decorating.

Messy or beautiful, these cookies don't stand a chance! We have to admit we ate everyone before they could make it to any neighbors.

A belated Christmas Card

A belated Merry Christmas from our family! My holiday cards go out later and later each year. I think last year they were "St. Patrick Day Cards." So this year Jess and I decided that an updated blog would have to suffice. Think of it as an eco-friendly Christmas greeting!

We have enjoyed our fall and winter here in Fort Leavenworth, KS. Jess's school schedule leaves him plenty of time for family and we have felt so blessed to have this time together. Although we've fit in some soccer, ballet, and home school groups, the semester has been intentionally quiet and un-busy. . . if you can call homeschooling with four children un-busy. I guess you could say that our days are very full but we get to choose what fills them. We anticipate a change of pace soon, so we are taking full advantage! By the time we send our Christmas letter (or will it be a Christmas email?) next year, we'll be writing from a whole new home and job! (And no, we don't yet know where that will be!) Ah, the excitement of Army life.

This year Sam, 7, has grown tremendously in courage. He is eager to try new things and is developing into a strong leader. When it comes to soccer, Sunday School, our home school group activities, and Lego Club, Sam gives it his all.

Ella Rose, 5, is my best helper. She consistently steps up cheerfully and quickly when there's work to be done around the house or when her baby sister needs care. Her dancing and singing may slow down the work a bit, but it's worth it because she's a joy to watch.

Josiah is our friendly and cheerful little boy. He is full of energy and quick to make friends. At three and a half, Si is our most quotable right now. He is simply hilarious. He loves to help me cook, but when it comes to dinner time, we must consistently remind him "No weapons at the table."

Adeline, oh, Adeline. What can I say? This girl's got spunk. She has a persistence and tenacity that we hope to mold to be a little more useful for Christ and His Kingdom :) In the meantime, she is talking up a storm ("trouble" and "cookie" are her most used words right now--are you getting the picture?) and although only 20 months old, she may be potty training soon because she refuses to keep a diaper on. She is exhausting and funny and we love her to pieces.

Oh, and I shouldn't leave out Amos! Those of you who know our rambunctious 3 year old black lab would be happy to know that he is doing great here in Kansas! Everyone said give him 2-3 years and it was true- he is a great pet! We even took him on vacation with us this Christmas to houses filled with new people and animals and excitement, something we couldn't have dreamed of doing last year. The kids, especially Sam and Addie, love him and love on him--and don't tell anyone, but I like having him around.

All of my pictures of our Christmas celebrations are cropped, red-eye removed, and ready to be blogged, so be watching for more soon. We have LOVED reading letters from family and friends and hope your new year is filled with good things!!!

Love, Sarah, Jess, Sam, Ella Rose, Josiah, and Adeline

your turn

you caption this one. if you're still reading this blog after too few blog posts!

Adeline and her best pal

think this girl needs a haircut?

snow days

no time for words, just enjoy these pics of the kids enjoying our first snow.

A Good Find

Post Wide Yard Sales are incredible events. Two of my favorite days of the year, really. This fall I didn't shop much, because I wanted to sell. But this one find down the street made my day (even if my poor husband had to ask people off the street to help him carry it--it is massive and very solid!) Guess how much I paid for this buffet-- $20!!!!! Sure it needs a lot of work-the hardware was outdated and the finish was bad, but for $20 I knew I had to tackle it (even if it did cause a little maritial friction).

ready for the finished product? Even Jess didn't believe the transformation:

Ta Da!

With next to no money and a little work, our dining room has gone from "What are we going to do with a dining room-we havent' had one of those before?" to one of my favorite rooms in the house!