our days & our ways: pictures are pictures

If we only knew what was to come the following few weeks, we might all have a face like Vivi's in the picture! Ha! On the bright side of things, this was the most snow our city has received in 10 years! One day of pure bliss, and odd/ creative looking snow creatures all around town. By dinner, no one would have known it even snowed, it all melted so fast.

As I ponder our move (December 17th- close to a month ago) I wonder if we knew all we were headed for, if we would have signed the papers. Then, I am reminded by God's sweet and gentle Spirit that it is He who is guiding us. He is opening many doors. These strawberry/ potato/ bean paste santas were hand made for each of our kids by our sweet neighbor who lives directly under us. (And to my delight is joyfully ok with all the noise we bring :).

I can't even think of one thing in this house that doesn't / didn't need fixing. At first, it was really fun to have a "fixer-uper." But then, when we all began to get sick, the constant cold water wasn't so exciting and the hesitant factor as we plugged in and turned on the 3rd or 4th thing in the house waiting for the breaker to switch off, lost its thrill. But amidst bummer after bummer, we have been truly blessed. Jesus has been constantly by my side. He has been my strength and the most wonderful gift.

We had our family gift exchange on Christmas Day. Cade picked "Broady."

6 chompers- what else could I ask for?

Pictures are pictures- they will come and they will go, but the Word of the Lord will stand forever!

I feel excited when I get a good shot. I love the memory stamped in my brain after looking at a cute picture. I love that I might not forget this moment because of a picture. But in reality, one day all of these pictures will be a pile of dust and ashes! Pictures are not eternal! But thanks be to God that He is, and our souls are! "Isn't that right Mr. Bear?"

"Caedmon sure knows what I like!"

After Caedmon realized his gift from Dad was ticking, it still took him a while to figure out what it was...

...a new watch!!

All the girls asked for a barbie and got a barbie. The hot activities during quiet time lately are: dancing and singing contests, mock weddings, and of course, playing barbies!

Christmas cookie time- after the fact. Better late than never!

(This took place right after I finally got the kitchen to where I wanted it- dishes, towels, fridge all in the right spot. And right before we were told to get everything out of the kitchen to re-wash it and seal up the doors so the mold spores don't spread anymore :(. )

Independent Olivet knew exactly how she wanted hers decorated.

Notice Lily's solution to a gingerbread man with his head eaten off.

Not only does Obs rock the frosting, she rocks the paint as well! She is a girl who gives her all to whatever she is doing.

Our friends Jenny, Austin, Eliot & Ian came over for some play time in our new home. We are so thankful for our relationship with their family!

Occasion: we finally got our packages from GG & Gampy, Nat & Tim & Phil and Danielle!!

Location: our bedroom.

Temperature outside: in the high 20's.

Temperature inside: low 30's at best.

We cranked up the space heater and had a blast opening such thoughtful gifts!!!

~~Aaron Rogers~~ Josh sporting his new hat.

What perfect gifts!! I was literally going to take the kids down the block the next day to look in stores until we found mittens!! The kids LOVE them!!!

Lil was satisfied that she just painted her nails blue that morning.

Caedmon announced, "These are the coolest gloves I've ever seen!" (a generous comment, though they are pretty awesome :)

Dass made roaring noises the rest of the night

(Thanks Nat & Tim!!!)

We also got an amazingly thought through package from Phil & Danielle. I think they knew exactly what we needed after living here for 8 months! Thank you guys!

My mom always surprises us with some kind of puzzle and sporty game for Josh. She knows him well! Him and Cade already figured out a few ways to put this circle thing together and take it apart again. (Something Lily and I will never fully appreciate :)

No one took a picture of me and my goodies- but I am so thankful for some awesome lotion and soap, cute specialty food items, TOWELS and so much more. Thanks mom and dad!!!

We feel so loved!!!

wow, more gifts?

Josh's friends picked out a few random and special toys for the kids.

peek a boo bear

a little towel… something for everyone!

Now- for a quick look at the reason we had to move out for about 5 days… yuck. If you look close enough, you can see the fuzziness of the mold growing. It still gives me the eebee gee bees.

It smelled even worse than it looks.

And these aren't even the worst of the pictures. Thank all of you who where such a support system of encouragement. Wow. We feel loved and cared for by our awesome friends here and in the U.S. We have learned so much through this trial and especially realize where our GREATEST strength and help comes from.

Our wonderful friends let us stay in their home (while they were in the U.S.) while Josh and some cabinet guys got the mess cleaned up. We were blessed in so many ways by their generosity. (The cabinet guys laughed at Josh for wearing a mask over his face while helping out. Josh was upset they didn't care. Then as they started taking boards apart and discovering more and more disgustingness, they commented that they have never seen anything so terrible.)

The "kids" package from GG and Gampy arrived while we were in our friends' home. Perfect timing. The kids had so much fun tearing into it and claiming toys.

Cade got this bad boy put together in no time. He has been playing with it every day since!

Olivet would still be wearing this skirt if it wasn't for the wash!

The girls' first Ken dolls! The one on the left actually sings!

Vivi happy to have clothes of her own!

Hadassah's adorable outfit

(random funny moment: just today Olivet (2) was seeking out her siblings for help and screamed, "KIDS!!! HELP ME GET MY CLOTHES!")

August- with no more ear & sinus infection- enjoying his new outfit!

getting ready for the build

sweets for the sweeties

So Josh is gone for a class in another city from Sun- Sat. We are all moved back in and seems that mold is all taken care of. Some sweet friends called on Sunday, the day Josh left, to ask if they could come over and make jiaozi with the kids! So thoughtful.

The kids had so much fun. I'm not sure what Caedmon was eating, but he didn't stop laughing all night long!

A teaspoon full of ground pork and onions was to be stuffed inside this wonton wrapper. Olivet had no fear or caution and dumped about a fist's worth in each of hers. She is fun to watch. It was also fun to watch Rebecca try to repair her creations.