Lydia turns 4

Having a birthday between Christmas and New Years means Lydia's birthday gets a little lost in the holiday crush. We had mini celebrations with our families when we visited them over Christmas but we waited to have the cake she chose and give her the gifts from us until after we'd returned home.

The cake may look a little familiar since it's nearly identical to the one I made Nathan last year only the plane is pink per Lydia's instructions. One day this fall she asked me which flies airplanes a pilot or a pirate? I carefully pronounced pilot for her. She replied by explaining she's going to "be a pilot when I grow up so I can just be with my Daddy all day long". You can tell how Daddy rates around here. This airplane affection isn't limited to just the boys in the house.

I can't believe how quickly Lydia is growing up, how quickly another year has passed. She is certainly a little girl with her own opinions, feelings, plans, and ideas. Her determinations and stubbornness are still apparent but so are her the creativity, helpfulness, and silliness. Her big brown eyes are always sparkling with spirit and spunk. We love you Lydia. Happy Fourth Birthday!

OPM #2

Here is a video of the Apostle's Clock chiming on the hour. Jesus comes out of a door in the center, each of the twelve Apostles passes in front of Jesus, above small doors with angels open, on each side are smaller doors with nativity and crucifixion scenes. This doesn't do it justice but you get the idea. Enjoy.

Oshkosh Public Museum

Early in January friend from school asked if we'd like to join them at the Oshkosh Public Museum. We pass the OPM on the way to school every day and I've often thought we should check it out but we hadn't made it yet. These friends had won some free passes they kindly shared so we joined them on a Friday after school. The museum has many very interesting displays about Oshkosh history, Winnebago county animals, and special exhibits that change several times each year. We enjoyed our day enough that we purchased a family membership so we can head back anytime we'd like.

1. My boys with our hostesses. Here they are playing in the "Grandma's Attic" which is a hands on display made for kids to check out the way generations passed lived.

2. Here are the five kids in the "Log Cabin." As a family we've listened to nearly the entire Little House series so this was like Laura Ingalls come to life. With girls in bonnets and boys in straw hats they played happily here until the lights were flicked as a sign the museum was closing.

3. Lydia in her bonnet and wooden shoes.

4. Evan 'shooting' one of the wooden muskets.

Presents from Paraguay

One of Hans' gift traveled a long way before he got to open it this Christmas. Nathan's sister, Andrea, has been living in Paraguay working for the Peace Corp for several years. Being Hans' godmother she sent him a special Christmas gift. He received an Paraguaya Futbol jersey, a hat that they wear at futbol games, and a whistle to blow loudly while cheering for his favorite team. Here he's showing off two of the three gifts, the third we heard all day long!

Thank you Andrea. We hope you had a happy Christmas and look forward to celebrating with you in person again someday.

Smith Family Christmas 2009

The first few days of 2010 found us celebrating our Christmas with Nathan's family. Once again we found ourselves in the midst of familial love. Games were played, food was enjoyed, cookies were snitched, gifts were exchanged, laughter was contagious, and memories were made. It was wonderful. Here are a few of my favorite moments.

1. The mandatory family photo.

2. Tammy reading bedtime stories to the kids. If the way to a man's heart is through his stomach the way to a mom's heart is through her children. Our children are so loved by this family.

3. The "original Smith kids" and their spouses played the game Synapse. Lots of laughing!This was the "boys" team.

4. We got to watch our niece/goddaughter Naomi take part in her first Christmas. Wrapping paper was so exciting.

You'd think that a visit where the rosettes didn't turn out at all, the the furnace and water heater went out due to the bitterly cold weather, and then at least three vehicles didn't start wouldn't be much fun. Fortunately the company makes up for it all. Family is fantastic.

More Sledding

Upon our arrival at Smiths the kids wanted more sledding. Thankfully there are plenty of hills in the pasture that were perfect for sledding. The temperature had dropped quiet a bit but once bundled the kids were more than ready to go.

1. Happy Lydia.

2. Evan on his way back up the hill.

3&4. Each of the boys heading down the hill. Watch and listen for Lydia, too.

Davis Family Christmas 2009

My family gathered together at my parents house for our Christmas celebration on December 26 . It was loud (seven kids seven and under), busy (18 people in the house), and wonderful (family, family, family). Here are a few of the many memories.

1. The mandatory family shot.

2. My Dad and youngest niece, Hannah.

3. I taught Ethan how to give Eskimo kisses.

4. Lydia was just a little pleased to hold Hannah all by herself.

On Sunday Nathan headed back to Oshkosh to get in a few days of work while the kids and I stayed with Mom and Dad. We snuck up to my sisters family's house for a day of cousin playing, stomping around in the woods, and visiting. Then her two boys came back to my parents for a big slumber party at Grandma and Grandpa's. The following day we had a mini birthday celebration for Lydia. Finally we headed to my brothers house for some more cousin time, stomping around his house, and visiting. Nathan come back over Wednesday evening and then Thursday we headed down for Smith Family Christmas. Can't beat Christmas that lasts and lasts.

Sledding

On Christmas Day afternoon we packed up and headed to my parents house. The next day was Davis Family Christmas. We spent the morning outside sledding. This is actually the road my parents live on but since they only have one neighbor on that street we don't worry about traffic.

1. Lydia and I on our way down.

2. Hans prefers to cruise down on his belly head first.

3. Evan prefers feet first on the little yellow torpedo sped.

Opening Gifts

When we actually open gifts has changed year to year depending on our travel plans, but most years we open on Christmas morning. This year was one such year. The kids were awake, the boys even got dressed, and they were playing upstairs until I cranked up Joy to the World on the CD player. Then they came running and craziness abounded. Christmas is very commercialized and there is such a huge focus on what presents kids want that I know some families are tempted to skip gifts, especially in the adults. I can't quite do that despite my disgust with some major retailers. We really try to focus on the giving part. The kids shopped for each other, for both parents, and made homemade gifts at school. We try to emphasise that the point of gifts is giving things to those we love and appreciate. My kids don't really need anything (our house is rather full) but I still love giving them gifts. They're three of the people I love most. Giving is just one of the ways I show them this.

Christmas Eve

Last year I happened to run across a great deal on steaks for Christmas dinner. This year Nathan casually mentioned early in December that he'd eat vegetarian chili all month if it meant he could have steak on Christmas again. I guess he liked it. So I planned steak and then happened to find king crab legs on sale so we went with a surf and turf theme. The kids have had crab legs exactly once before this and still talk about it as if it was one of the best nights of their lives. Hopefully the slow cooked steaks smothered in cheese and bacon, sauteed mushrooms and onions on the side, baked crab legs, seasoned green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and homemade rolls will make it on that same list of great childhood memories as well.

After attending our candlelight church service at 6:30 we came home for cheese, sausage, crackers, a few cookies, kid wine, and non kid wine as we do each Christmas Eve. We light the Christ candle on our Advent wreath, have our final Advent devotion, and marvel at the amazingness of Christmas.

Really, in it all, I hope that the marveling at the amazingness of Christmas is what remains etched deep in all of our hearts.

Cookies, Candies, and other Christmas Treats

During the month of December the kids and I spent lots of time baking. At some point each kiddo had some solo time with me in the kitchen and we also teamed up a few projects too. When all was said and done we made 13 kinds of cookies and candies that were used for 20+ gifts for friends and neighbors. I've always enjoyed cooking with my kids (they all had the chance to start helping me by the age 2) but now it's really getting fun as they can do more and are really quite competent with measuring, pouring, cracking eggs, and even using the mixer. Here are a few shots of us at work.

1. Hans and his finished "gingerbread" house.

2. Evan diligently adding more detail to his.

3. The boys showing off Christmas bark (remember Fall Bark?)

4. Lydia and Nathan (her preschool classmate who I watch on Mondays and Tuesdays) making sugar cookies and adding sprinkles.

Strumming

Another December treat was a visit from my dear friend Denise (known as our Mrs.Smith to the kids). She was in the neighborhood picking up her daughter, Kelly, from school down in Watertown and thought it'd be fun to pop up for a quick visit. She was actually here for less than 24 hours but she managed to find time to play guitar with/for the kids, attend our congregation's Advent by Candlelight, and take me out to breakfast while everyone else at school for the morning. Pretty impressive, huh? She is.

Pictured are the boys taking a turn playing guitar with Mrs. Smith. Just please ignore the giant pile of Christmas projects that is sitting on the ironing board behind them. :o)

Christmas Events

So what have we been doing since the last real post in early December? The month of December was filled with many Christmas events. All three kids were in Christmas services at school/church. My parents were able to join us for Hans' and Lydia's service and Michael and Tammy joined us for Evan's service the next week.

The kids and I also took in a couple of fun local events that we'd never attended before this year. Unfortunately the camera wasn't behaving for either of them so hopefully these links give you an idea of what we saw.

First we attended Christmas in the Air at the EAA museum. There were various musical groups, chocolate tasting, dancing girls, and silly elves that put on a skit. It was cold, snowy, crowded, and yet enjoyed by all.

We also attended Tuba Christmas at Fox Valley HS. Tuba Christmas is a bunch of tuba and other low brass instruments playing Christmas carols while the audience sings along. The event started many years ago in NY but has spread across the country. The concerts are free and really fun. I'd recommend tracking one down in your local area and experiencing one yourself.

finding time

Time flies. Every moment seems to be moving quicker than the last. Just a few years ago it was easy for me to find the time to update this blog several times a week. Now I can't seem to find the time several times a month. From what I hear from more seasoned parents things aren't going to slow down anytime soon either. Given the choice between enjoying the days, activities, and my family in general and blogging about it I'd choose the enjoying anytime. It is my plan to continue to blog, sharing pictures, stories, and our daily lives with you all. Hopefully you'll keep following even at my sporadic pace.

Christmas Eve 2009

May the PEACE of knowing our LOVING Savior was born fill your hearts with JOY.

Tasty Tuesday

Bekah, this is for you. Sorry there are no pictures as our camera is misbehaving. This may or may not become regular. I make no promises. :o)

This is a variation on a recipe I created for Christmas 2003. I think it's an improvement on the original. Enjoy.

Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

1/2 c. butter (no substitutes)

1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

2 bags milk chocolate chips

2/3 c. seedless raspberry jam/jelly

1 package of dipping chocolate

Melt the butter in a medium size sauce pan over low heat. Don't brown. Pour in milk and whisk together. Add chip and jam and whisk until chips are melted and the consistency is smooth. Pour into a glass bowl to cool. Cool several hours (or days) until the mixture can be rolled into 1 inch balls (I use my smallest cookie scoop.) Place rolled balls on a wax paper lined baking sheet and freeze until firm (If leaving in freezer for more than 6 hours cover with plastic wrap.). Melt dipping chocolate in a double boiler or in a mini crock pot. Dip each truffle and let set on another wax paper lined baking sheet. To distinguish these from other chocolate candies I drizzled the finished product with some white chocolate tinted pink. Recipe makes about 85 truffles depending on size.

*The original recipe omits with jam and replaces it with 1/4 c. Kahlua. I've also done this recipe with orange marmalade for those who like the chocolate oranges that come out at Christmas.*

Oh, Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree isn't pretty by many standards. It's not perfect. The ornaments on it are a hodge-podge that have be collected for over 30 years. Tonight as we put it up and decorated together as a family I thought about this tradition of a Christmas tree. It's not really the most religious of the Christmas traditions. I know the thought that Luther started the tradition but really, a tree in the living room doesn't have much to do with our Savior-baby in a manger. That said, it's one of my favorite traditions. For as long as I can remember I've loved putting up the tree. It truly is one of my favorite nights of the year. Now as I shared the tradition with my own children it's even more special to me. As I opened the ornament box and handed things to my kids to be hung on our tree I took the time to remember each ornament. Each one has a story that was shared aloud tonight. Nathan and I both had grandparents who gave us an ornament each Christmas so there are many of those, there are some apple ones from Nathan's teaching, there is a soldier bear from the year Nathan was on active duty, each of the kids hung ones that say "Baby's 1st Christmas." There are special gifts from friends far away in years and miles, there was the one I got from my kindergarten teacher 25 years ago and the one Evan got from his last year There are several from a Christmas wedding shower thrown for us. There is one from our first Christmas in our first house. There is one with a picture of our college, and even a section of paper chain Nathan made for me when I was counting down days till Christmas 9 years ago. There are memories in each ornament that hangs from our tree. But even more there are blessing. Our tree is a blazing picture of a blessed life. We have been loved by grandparents, parents, and friends who have given us tokens to remember that, we have been blessed with schools and learning, we have a home, we have three precious children, we have a strong marriage, we have a Savior. That's what hangs on that tree. Those little ornaments, tokens from the past, are little reminders of blessings every day. That's what makes it the most beautiful tree to me.

Thanksgiving, Really

Over the four day Thanksgiving weekend we spent time with both side of our family. We arrived at Nathan's parents' house Wednesday evening and promptly began the merry making staying up until midnight laughing, playing games, and drinking wine. Thanksgiving Day we followed tradition and it was spent with his extended family at Grandma's house. Friday my sisters-in-law and I headed out for some Black Friday action while Nathan and the kids helped his dad do some burning of brush and miscellaneous fun farm stuff. Saturday most of my family went Christmas tree hunting and then we all had dinner at my parents. Sunday we went to church with my parents, had a quick lunch, and headed home. Busy trip but loads and loads of fun with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins galore! Laughter, caring, sharing, and cuddling the newest babies on both sides! Do you think either Nathan or I took more than a handful of pictures? Nope. These are the best of the few we have to offer-some of my family dragging Christmas trees at the tree farm and the boys helping my Dad cut down their tree. I guess we were just having too much fun to bother with stopping to take the pictures. Oh, well. We'll try again at Christmas.

November Bonfire

On the Saturday before Thanksgiving we had a beautiful fall day that we wanted to savor for just a little longer. To lengthen our time outside we had a bonfire after dark. We've had bonfires before and we've had beautiful fall days but what I liked best was that it was dark by 5pm. This meant we could have the bonfire after dark and still get the kids bathed and to bed on time. All three kids thought they were getting a treat by staying up late and then Nathan found some sparklers left from 4th of July as a bonus. It's the little things.