A Quick Trip to the Store

Today my sweet hubby drove me down to the post office and store due to icy road conditions. Danielle came out to say good-bye, and Donia snapped a few pictures for us. When we got to the store our nephew, Eldon, was working, so we were able to get a shot of him as well! :)

Book Reports

Today at lunch we enjoyed listening to the book reports Danika and Dustin had been preparing for English this past week. Bradley "awarded" them with birthday balloons in lieu of flowers. They did a great job! (Thanks to Mr. Rich for all his hard work, too!)

Derek's Birthday Party

Saturday evening we met for chicken and cheese enchiladas. They were Derek's request, but we all loved them. After that followed a gift opening... (Danika and Donovan drew Derek a special map for his birthday.) ...and a cake. :) (Decorated by his sister, Doreen) After a fun game of "Outburst", we played Fiddle-Faddle, at Derek's request.

Glimpses from Greenville

This is Danae's first painting class and project. We enjoy seeing her work. Danae and one of her "sweeties" at work. Dalene and one of the "cherubs" she gets to enjoy in her room. Dalene got sick last week, and was cheered by this bright balloon which her roomie, Carrie, got for her. Joann. our niece, was baptized last Sunday and enjoyed a supper with family afterwards. Here, Grandpa Matthia.

Derek turns 18!

Danika and Donovan worked hard to make Derek's birthday special today. They set the table, made him special pictures and built a large assortment of Duplo creations to decorate his room. This evening Bradley, Derek and I went out to eat. We enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship.... and some very good food!

Getting out for a Walk Again

During the very slick conditions Doreen and Donia had ventured out. Doreen fell down 6 times, and Donia twice. Last night, though, more of the street was free than icy. The girls took a walk with their cousin, Lynette, who had come up for piano lessons.

The Last Days with our Oldest Girls

The last days were especially packed full of fellowship time! How thankful we are that Dalene and Danae got to come home again. One last fun cookie baking time with their big sisters. Dustin fixed up Danielle's bed for her on this night. The oldest 6 and Bradley played a fun game of Balderdash. :) Danielle showing off her building project. Danika wrapped herself in a black gauze before she went to sleep. It was quite a sight when I went in and found her asleep already. Recently she has had Handel's "Messiah" playing when she goes to bed. Naenae and Dani enjoying some last minutes together. Devon on "Farewell Evening"

Sickness and Beauty

For some reason I was not able to write on the post from Saturday anymore, so I will just say here, that Derek had been sick Saturday, and early Sunday morning he fainted coming back from the bathroom. I heard something fall, and found him on the floor of his room with a cut over his eye. So he and I made a trip to the emergency room where they checked him out and eventually sewed up his cut. Every day we have added a new patient. The sickness consists of fevers and coughs, with some vomiting, mostly due to their throat and chest conditions. We told Mr. Rich to take the day off on Thursday, and added Friday now, too. Too many little sick kiddies. Lord willing, they will be well on the road to recovery by Sunday. Today, when we looked out, everything looked especially beautiful. After lunch I walked around our deck and took a few pictures. Wow...the beauty and variety of God's creation. The leaves on the right side reminded me of a seahorse. :) The background is simply today's grey sky!

Saturday, January 3rd 2009

For devotions Saturday night we sang and I enjoyed playing along on my flute.

More Cold and Snow

Dustin rubbed that snow ball for a good long while. It looked pretty next to a freshly sliced orange. Dustin, Donovan and Danika enjoyed the moister snow that allowed them to build a bigger, more detailed snow man.

Pictures that Dalene Shared

Pictures that Donia and Danae Took

Donia saw one of her little friends from last fall's retreat for young adults and their families. They were at the church in Tübingen when the campers arrived there after the camp. Just under the clouds. Devon with Robyn, the only one of three brothers who did not break a bone while skiing in the past month. Donia, our Kamikaze, ready to dive-bomb down another hill Danae adding to the natural beauty of Switzerland The view from on top across the valley towards Interlaken. Doreen and Lynette waiting for the lifts to open one morning. Twice they were closed for awhile due to high winds. Dalene and Anne-Christine, one of her roommates. More breath-taking scenery. Leonie, Danae and Lorraine ready to go again. Wow, that looks pretty steep! Derek is in the blue jacket and ready to head off. A quick rest during lunch break at the bottom of the ski lifts. Danae and Derek going up on a lift.