Sledding at the ruins

The snows continued coming, not always sticking, but it has been snowing quite a bit.  After 2 days of snow, without much accumulation to count for it, and the weather calling for sunny days ahead, we made a quick run to the Ancient ruins up by our house for a quick sledding adventure.  And everyone had a blast. 

 Elias sporting his snow pants and intrigued by the gloves

 Elli, always eager to exuberantly celebrate life!

Sometimes I look around and find it hard to believe I live where I do.

It looks like Ethan's off to conquer some Black Diamonds, on his sled. 

Bracing for the thrill that keeps them asking for one more hill!

Can't believe how much he looks like his Dad and his Papa Frank!

 

The look of accomplishment.  Conquered the slopes!

In the seeds

In a small side conversation on one of our Thanksgiving skypes we were discussing the fruit trees in our yard, and this years crop of 10 persimmons.  Dan asked if we had heard about the telling sign of the persimmon seed.  Apparently if the seed is shaped like a spoon, we'll be shovelling lots of snow this winter.  If it's like a knife, we'll be chopping away at a lot of ice.  There was also a seed shape telling of a mild winter, but I can't remember what that one was.

Several days later, I enjoyed a persimmon (Elias and I are really the only ones in the family who like them).  It had snowed again and I was curious to see what was in the seeds.

 They look like spoons to me!  (I tried to capture the snow in the background, but unfortunately you can't see it.)

So this has become a common afternoon activity; hot tea and a board game inside where it's warmer.  Apparently in the month of November, we had more moisture (rain and snow) than we did all last winter.

I shared the signs of the seeds with 2 local friends.  I honestly thought they would have something similar as "old women talk" (literal translation of what we call old wives tales back in the States) is prevalent.  But they had never heard it.  They've come back to report seeing more spoon shaped seeds and have shared what it means with others.  Oh that seeds of Truth would spread so quickly!

Our Live Christmas Card!

This was today's creative notion!  They came into the kitchen all ready for their "play!"  The set up for the show is about as great as the actual presentation, but I thought I'd shorten it for viewing purposes. 

Hope you are getting in the spirit of Christmas too!  We sure are!

Getting in the Spirit!

We put our Christmas tree up the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  It's a little earlier than usual, but with such an early onset to winter, Christmas music and the tree sure make it a lot more bearable.  We will also take the tree down right after Christmas, as we'll probably leave for the capitol on the 27th. 

 Elias discovering the Fisher Price Nativity Scene.  The cow is his favourite "character" and he is often found carrying it throughout the kitchen, moo-ing.  He also likes to put everyone on top of the stable.

 Ethan and Daddy working together to set up the tree.

 The final product.  If you notice much of the bottom third (in Elias' reach) is bare.  Don't know what that says of our parenting style?  The only disappointment was to find none of our lights working.  And you really can't find them here.  So we have friends hunting 220V Christmas lights in Turkey for next Christmas.  This year, the tinsel is the back up.   

 Elias enjoying all the excitement.  I just can't believe how much he's growing and changing!  And check out those hands . .  they're big and great at grabbing! (and throwing!)

The day before Thanksgiving, Ethan got the idea to put on a Christmas play.  He took on the rolls of Joseph, the wise men and shepherds.  Elli was Mary, complete with baby Jesus in her belly at one point and a "popped right out" delivery!  Elias got selected for the sheep, "cause he can say 'ba.'  I honestly enjoyed the little production and didn't get the camera until later.  Sorry, for no action shots, cause believe me there was action!

 Mary and Joseph

Mary, complete with facial paint from a project earlier that afternoon, and baby Jesus tucked inside my kitchen floor bucket with an array of leaves.  

Creativity is definitely not lacking!  It brought such joy to my heart to see how Jesus' story is being written into the hearts of my kiddos.  And, they want to share it!

Our Thanksgiving

We had a good Thanksgiving, celebrating with 2 other American families and Ethan's new teacher (YEAH!!!) that live in town.  We had lots of yummy treats, complete with paper plates, canned cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes that our friends from Arkansas brought out to us.  That was a wonderful blessing, just being able to throw the dishes away!

We started the holiday festivities with soup together on Wednesday night.  When your English speaking relationships are limited to such a few number, you inherit a lot of things from one another; sometimes one another's traditions.  We shared pots of chili, potato and pasta fagioli soup.  I was delegated the "inspiration" soup (which is fun for me!)  I learned how to make my own Italian Sausage, using ground beef, and was happy with how the frozen zucchini from our garden turned out!  I also made some Spiced Pumpkin Bars (with cream cheese we found in the capitol in October and I've been saving for a special occasion!) and Peppermint Patty Brownies.

 One of my delegated dinner elements was the dinner rolls.  I guess you could say I love the Wilton Silicone muffin "cups."  I think I made over 45 rolls!

 E and J found a Turkey in the capitol; not the traditionally large American bird, but we all enjoyed slices.  Austin got deemed the carver.

 A highlight for our family was watching the K-State vs. Texas A&M game.  The sound didn't download the best, it just required some fidgeting, and we didn't have K-State's last possession of the game, but it sure felt like a true Thanksgiving, getting to watch some good football!

We all really missed family this Thanksgiving.  In the course of Thanksgiving week, I think we skyped or called family at least 5 or 6 times.  Having recently been back, it's hard to know a new what you are missing out on!  We are so blessed to have the family He has given us; both there and here!

Getting bigger!

 It has been a while since I've posted pictures of the kids.  Gogo has been asking for some, and has been very patient in the waiting.  So I thought I'd share with everyone!  They sure grow up fast!

Elli, playing dress up, with her 12 year old "best friend!"

 Elias just had 3 random teeth pop through.  I'm hoping that will bring an end to the diarrhea.  He's walking everywhere and is talking his little gibberish all the time! 

 My BIG boy!  I'm just amazed at how big he's getting.  He's grown over 2 inches since we arrived in the end of March.  He's really taking off with reading, which is fun to watch. 

Cheering on the Cats!  Ethan has decided that he can love both "Whoo, Pig Suey" (AR Razorbacks) and the Wildcats.  I think the guy can perceive more of the family loyalties than we all realize!  They sure keep my heart and my days full!    Hard to believe another is coming sooner than we think! 

The belly shot

20 weeks, again!  Nothing like repeating a milestone you thought you already conquered! :)  But this is me and baby E at 20 weeks!  This little one is moving more and more inside me, which is always fun!  I'm at the point now where it is clear, even in my corta, that I'm pregnant!