Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas Treasure

There is no question for either Tiff or I that this is where our treasure lies (our bank account can certainly attest to this as well). We have had a very enjoyable holiday season- amidst the ice storms and the snow. After a mild Fall, Winter has blazed in with fury. If it isn't raining ice, or blowing snow, the sun will be shining, and the temperature will be in the single digits (as James's red nose attests). But this year has been very different than past years in Iowa, and we have begun to spend more time together, enjoying each other, and less time worrying about how we're going to make a go of it here. Sad that it has taken us two-and-a-half years to get to this point, but hopefully the next two-and-a-half years will be as smooth as the last few months have been. Some days, Iowa feels a little like home in this regard... One of the most enjoyable things we have experienced lately has been seeing Noah become more active in his willingness to take care of his younger siblings. He is a special boy - very pure in heart - and we probably push him a little more than we should. I have to constantly remind myself to let him know how wonderful of an example he is to our family. The other kids really love him, and so he plays an interesting leadership role in our family - with the other kids taking their cues from him regarding how they will treat each other. As you can see, his example is closely watched, and emulated. What an awesome kid!!!!



WE CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!!

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!! As you can tell, the kids were just a little excited for Santa to come. We had a wonderful Christmas this year, so much better than the last one - when we all sat around dreading the idea of the pager going off, and wishing we were in Utah with our family and friends. We missed everyone this year, but we spent a lot of time together as a family, playing games, singing songs, reading stories etc. On Sunday night we had a Christmas party with our neighbors. I had to peel a sack of potatoes, and Isaac came and sat down on the kitchen floor to help me. We peeled potatoes for an hour and sang Christmas songs the whole time. It was a highlight of my Christmas season.


A Birthday Bash

These are from Lucy's birthday. Thank you for sending her gifts, well-wishes, and birthday cards! We are constantly feeling guilty about the expense and hassle imposed by being so far away from everyone. As you can see, we are training her to become the next Shania Twain, pink cowgirl boots to match her pink microphone and a little leg thrown in just for kicks!

Smiles...



These photos were taken by our neighbor Garrett Wood. James is the smiliest little one we've had. He keeps on growing at an enormous rate. He is still well over the 90th percentile in height and weight, and fits into 12-18 month clothing and he's not even six months yet. He is a constant source of joy...