The Gift of Peace

We didn't go to church the Sunday before Christmas because the kids were both sick. I couldn't sleep the other night (shocking, I know), so I decided to download and listen to last week's sermon. It was by Tim Lundy and was titled The Gift of Peace. It was just what I needed to hear. It was one of the best gifts I received this Christmas, and maybe some of the best 43 minutes I spent in 2008. If you would like to download it to your MP3 or watch the video, click here. I can promise you it will be time well spent. Happy 2009!

Just like Papa

The other day I heard Jeff and Dad talking about taking Nathan deer hunting. I was like, "What? Does he even want to go deer hunting?" Apparently, it was Nathan's idea. They did not actually shoot at anything (intentionally - none of us think Nate's ready for the whole killing aspect of hunting), but they did dress up in their camo and orange and enjoyed some male-bonding time in the woods.

The only deer shot that day were these two (by me with my camera from the front porch):

Christmas Morning

The children woke up at 5:30 a.m. (that's 4:30 central time)!!!! They had so much fun opening their presents. We stayed home in PA for the first time and although it was a little strange for me not being in AR, overall it was very relaxing-no rushing to the next house or schedules. We went to see Desperaux-the movie about the little courageous mouse Christmas afternoon. I wasn't impressed with the movie, but I enjoyed the outing! I've always wanted to go to the movies on Christmas, but we are usually on a four hour trip to Oklahoma to Christmas part III. Overall we had a very relaxing, merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas

We tried to take some pictures sunday at church. I had to share this one because Makayla and Riley looked so adorable!!! The kids sang "Silent Night" for the church and it was very sweet.

Quiet Christmas

It was a relatively quiet Christmas morning at Fisch and Papa's this year. Renee and Amanda did not make it home for Christmas, so we just had 2 crazy kids running around as compared to 7 last year.

Nathan got Spy Gear Night Goggles from Fisch and Papa . Ashley got a baby doll and diapers for the baby.

Here's Nathan trying on the Spy Goggles...

...and I had to try them out too!

Nathan had coffee mugs made for Fisch and Papa with all the grandkids picture on them. They turned out surprisingly cute.

What did Santa bring you?

Nathan asked Santa for a Webkinz cat, spy goggles, and candy for Christmas. Santa obliged and also threw in a basketball goal that is still to be assembled by Jeff. Nathan was most excited about getting his first Webkinz.

Ashley wanted Santa to bring her some Chapstick. I think she got Chapstick and/or lip gloss at every stop we made. Santa also brought her this doll house which has been the hit of the week for her.

We wish you a Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to those near and far! We just got home from the Christmas Eve service at church and have already put out our snacks for Santa and the reindeer. We have been tracking Santa's course on Google Earth. Nathan wants to know when he will make his way across the Specific Ocean.

I hope to put the kids to bed soon and enjoy a little peace and quiet before the big day. Here's wishing Silent Nights for all!

All Things Duggar

Since I admitted in a previous post that I am fascinated by all things Duggar, I feel the need to comment on the latest episode: Baby Makes 18! That's right, the newest Duggar has arrived, and TLC was there to capture the blessed event.

If you DVRed the episode (or maybe that's just me) and are planning to watch it later, here's a word of warning: FF when they are in the Lamaze class and starting talking about cervical softening. Believe me, there are some things you just don't want to hear from Michelle and Jim Bob!

There was a hint that this might be the end of the childbearing years for the Duggar family, and surprisingly, I was a little sad for them. If you missed it, I'm sure they will replay the episode a dozen or so times over the holiday weekend.

All I want for Christmas...

Nathan lost his first tooth yesterday! You can't really see the hole in this picture, but it's there. He's so proud of it! Both of the bottom fronts have been loose for a month or so. His permanent teeth have already started to come in behind them, so I have been anxious to get the baby teeth out. I guess we will have to go to the dentist and have the other one pulled soon if doesn't come out on it's own. Let's hope it comes out soon!

Daddy's Little Girl

Ashley played Ms. Pac-Man at Jenna's birthday party last weekend. Jeff wasn't with us, so I took this picture for him. What a legacy to pass down to your kids!

It's Snowing!

After the obligatory coating of the roads with a layer of ice, it is now snowing in central Arkansas for the first time this season. No pictures to follow, I just wanted to say, "It's Snowing!" Nathan's already been out to play in the snow - all 1/8 of an inch of it!

There has been no official announcement on school yet, but I'm sure it will be closed. Luckily, Jeff has started his 4+ week winter break, so he can stay home with the kids. Unfortunately for me, there are no "Snow Days" in healthcare, so I will still have to work.

It's that time again...

"Elf Yourself" is back with even more cool dance moves. Click here to see the video.

Fun in the sun and SNOW!

Ever since we first started talking about moving to SW Florida we knew we would all miss what little snow we were use to. Little did we know you can find 70 tons of snow on a 83 degree day in early December! Welcome to Snowfest.

Brandon was king of the 4-7 year old's snow mountain (you should see him throw a snowball)

KK loved sliding down...

...but she needed help up (yes I was the only adult playing in the snow)

While waiting in line to play in the snow KK pulled her pants legs up because she was hot. I just found that so funny that I had to take her picture.

So we waited in line for more than 1 1/2 hours to play in the snow for 5 min but we all agreed it was worth it and we can't wait for Snowfest 2009!

Because I know Racheal will ask... they bring in huge blocks of ice and put it through a chipper, then they make 3 huge fenced in "mountains" (0-3, 4-7, and 8+). It is all outdoors each year no matter what the temp is and you wait in very long lines to get five min of "snow time". But there is also a big snow themed fair/festival going on with rides, rock wall, etc.

Blogging is HARD WORK!

Just so we are all clear, Racheal and Renee (and any other mother who blogs) are super moms! I just can not figure out how you can find the time to do this so much. We did some stuff last weekend that I knew going into I wanted to blog about and I'm just now finding time to turn on the computer. I'm typing in the dark because my kids finally feel asleep, in my bed. I have a sink full of dirty dishes, a ton of laundry waiting to be folded, and way too many Christmas/Birthday gifts in need of wrapping. But, I figured if I did not get on the computer soon I might forget how, so Hello everybody!

Ashley's First Christmas Program

Today was the annual Christmas program at Ashley's preschool. The two year olds only came on stage for a few minutes. They didn't sing a word and were completely mesmerized by the older kids who were singing and ringing their bells. All you can see of Ashley in this video is blonde hair and knee socks:

I asked her this morning if she was going to sing her songs in the program, and she said ,"No". At least she didn't try to take her clothes off. I was afraid that would be an Adams Family Tradition. Whew! (See here for details.)

With Papa after the program

Great Minds Bake Alike

Apparently, making gingerbread cookies is the thing to do this week. Nathan has been asking me to make some as well. I don't have gingerbread man cookie cutter, so we improvised: gingerbread snowmen, Razorbacks, and assorted other shapes.

(I know...the Razorbacks look more like a crossbreed between a hog and an anteater. Maybe next time I will shorten the snout!)

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree.....

We don't have very many family Christmas traditions since we usually are not home on Christmas- we're usually in Arkansas/Oklahoma. But going to the Christmas tree farm, cutting a tree, and drinking hot chocolate is one of my favorite Johnson family Christmas traditions. Again we had fun, but it was very cold!!!

Silent Night, Holy Night

Life Point had a float in the Washington Christmas Parade. So not only was I busy making cookies (see previous post) but shepherd costumes as well. The float turned out really good, but the weather was in the 20's. I volunteered to drive the Trailblazer and pull the float!

You Can't Catch Me I'm The Ginger Bread Man!!!!

We had a crazy busy weekend. We had a get togeter at our house Friday night with some people from church and Jeremiah wanted to make gingerbread cookies. I've never made them before. I'm not exactly known for my baking skills, but let me just say they were awesome! By far the best cookies I have ever made. The kids had a great time decorating them!

Basketball - Part 1

The mom of one of Nathan's friends at school asked us to sign up for the Immanuel Basketball League. Our first team sport (T-Ball) went pretty well, so I signed him up. He's on a team with his 3 best friends from school. Let me just say, we have a LOT of work to do. For 6 year olds, basketball is so fast paced with the dribbling and the stealing and the changing ends of the court...whew! God bless the coach. I couldn't do it.

Here's Nathan with his coach and team. The have a little devotional at halftime.

And then they end in prayer. Apparently, my child has converted to Islam. That's him on the left bowing down during prayer time.

Picture Show

While Renee and Amanda were home, we took all the kids to see the new movie Bolt. I thought this picture of Mom and all the kids in their 3-D glasses was funny:

Mom holding Micah, Ashley, Nathan, Jeremiah, Brandon, and Mikayla. Renee (and Lily), Amanda, and I sat in the row behind them.

Catching Up

I'm a little behind on my blogging the last few weeks. Up until this weekend, I've been a little behind on everything...sleeping, laundry, Christmas shopping, wrapping, decorating, and more.

Mom picked up my kids from school on Friday, and they spent the night with her. Jeff and I went out to dinner and then did some Christmas shopping. We turned in about 10:30, and I didn't get up until 8:30! I can't remember the last time I got 10 hours of sleep!

On Saturday, I wrapped all the presents we have bought (still not quite done with the purchasing, though) and got reasonably caught up on the laundry. This afternoon, we decorated the tree and put up a few things in the house.

So, I feel like I am just about caught up on everything. Now let the mad rush of Christmas parties and gift exchanges begin!

Hotel Adams

I said earlier this evening that I felt like we have been running a bed-and-breakfast at the Adams house. We have had company checking-in and checking-out all weekend! On Thursday, Amanda and kids stayed with us so that we could get up early the next day for some Black Friday shopping.

This was only my second time to do the day after Thanksgiving thing, and I must say, I don't really get it. Unless you're shopping for a specific, big-ticket item, I don't see the point of getting up before dawn. (For the record, we did not get up before dawn. More like 6:45 or 7.) I did have fun with Amanda, Renee, and my mom. Thanks again to the guys for watching all the kids!

The Fowlkes spent the night with us after the game on Friday. Jennifer and I did some more shopping on Saturday. It was much less crowded, and we were much more productive. Living in Mountain View, she is shopping-deprived, so we are very hard core when we get the chance to go.

Then after they checked out Saturday, the Johnsons checked in. They spent the night with us last night and went to church with us this morning. They headed back to PA after lunch and are spending the night in Nashville on their way home.

Overall, we had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We got to see most of our family and friends, had great food, and did a lot of shopping (and a lot of laundry)! Hotel Adams will be back open for business soon. If you need a place to stay in LR, just let me know!

TGE08

Happy Thanksgiving! Per Fischer Family tradition, we celebrated last night. Luckily, we did not have a last minute change of venue like we did last year! It was such a fun and surprisingly relaxing time for our big extended family. Now that the kids are bigger, they can play by themselves, and the adults can actually have conversations.

Nathan, Jeremiah, and Brandon sat at the "Big Kids" table. Mom bought them matching shirts so that she could take a picture for her Christmas cards (see above).

Mary Beth, Ashley, and Lydia at the "Little Girls" table

Each year, we write on the tablecloth what we are thankful for.

O, Sister Where Art Thou?

Amanda and the kids made it home for Thanksgiving already. I have to give her credit for making the 20+ hour trip by herself with the kids (again!) As you might imagine, she was dragging a little bit today.

Now we are ready for Renee and family to get here, too. We haven't seen them since May! This is the longest amount of time we have spent away from them since they moved.

But how do you hang it?

Amanda had this cute picture of Brandon and KayKay. I thought this was too cute not to share...

Whoever has my name for christmas....

Apparantly I'm hard to buy for. So to try and help out whoever has my name this year I have made a list. On top of my list is the "Snuggie". I mean I don't know how I've lived through two PA winters and not had a snuggie. Aaron and I laugh every time we see this commercial. By the way- whoever has my name better know I'm just kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Kittens

We got two new kittens for the boys from our neighbor for Jeremiah's birthday. The past two days have been interesting to say the least. The black one is "Blackie" and the gray one came with the name "Grayson", but we are unsettled on the name. Yesterday, J was calling her "Queen Fu" Thank God he forgot about that one by morning. We'll keep you posted on a name...

Happy B-Day, JJ!

Jeremiah is 6 today! Sorry, we waited until too late to call, but Nathan wanted to leave you a birthday message:

first snow

We had our first snow today (1-2 inches). This is the only picture that turned out.

The kids played a few minutes before school started this morning.

"Please sigh and return"

I guess it is important for Kindergartners to have a visual reward/punishment system. I've heard about other teachers using stoplights and such, but in Nathan's class, each kid has a "Fry Box". They each start out with 3 fries in their box. If you misbehave, you have to pull a fry. Most days, Nathan keeps all 3 fries in his box, but today he lost one again for talking too much. The parent is supposed to initial this little report each day and return it to school. I noticed today that it says "Please sigh and return" which is exactly what I did. : )

More Brother/Sister Pics

What a difference a year makes...

Fall 2007

Fall 2008

I took the same picture (same pose, same location, yes, Nathan's even wearing the same sweater) this morning that we took around this time last year. It's amazing to see how much Ashley has changed from last year. I think this will be an annual tradition, but I might have to spring for a new sweater next time. Nate's just about to outgrow the 5T!