January Happenings

Making cookies is such fun when it's hands on!

Who wants a plain round cookie when you can make letters and figures with them?

Refilling the scoops like they were loading guns for a war

Since we couldn't make real snow man we resorted to oatmeal cookie snowmen

Complete with raisin eyes and arms and sunflower seed buttons and nose

Gathering sticks for the wood stove...turned into a duel

These kids are so much fun! They remind me of how my siblings and I were growing up

Looking at random family pictures on Mom's ipad

Baby blue eyes

It's not often you find families that are wiling to try (and often end up liking) "strange" foods that are good for you or new raw recipes, AND are great to fellowship with.

A very posed, pre-game shot... in a matter of seconds the table would be scattered with cards and everyone would be focused on their hand as well as whether their partner was signaling them for a win. Thanks for the fun night, Cochrans!

After church the Ahlgrens and Billy joined us to see Divided, a documentary on the dangers of age segregated ministries in the church, particularly on youth groups. It was very well done.

I guess Lillian didn't find it as captivating as the rest of us

We met this man at our chiropractor office. He his almost 90 years old and full of amazing tales! His great-grandfather and grandfather claimed stakes in the Oklahoma land rush (which are in the town we live in) AND he is a World War II veteran who has many incredible stories of his time over seas. I was going to post a newspaper article that gave an overview of things he's done, but couldn't find it. I did find that he was awarded a silver star in 1944

The end of the month brought us back to Missouri where we were able to attend a Winter Ball.

Marscel on the sidelines at a ball? This was the first time that there weren't more girls then boys!

Me and my charming partner going to greet a dashing couple...

The dashing couple.
Melissa made Jordan's vest and converted that dress from a modern sleeveless dress into that Victorian inspired gown. Isn't she amazing?

"Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage."
Theodore Roosevelt

I think top hats should come back in style

Nice watch, Jordan ;-)

"La, my dear, what have I done to merit such affection?"

Making sure we know the dance so our partner doesn't have to say, "Other way Mr. Collins"

Separation anxieties

And you thought London Bridges was just a kids game.

Though blurry, I think this captures the motion of the night...arches, dips, twirls, and spins. A grand time to say the least!

A day at Jordan and Melissa's always makes us have enough pictures for a blog post in itself. So many cute pictures... I mean look at his face... it makes you want to push him around too, doesn't it?

What does January, shorts, and daffodils all have in common? The above picture. With a warm spell the day we were there and daffodils needing to be planted we headed out to turn Sherwood Forest into a fairy land come spring.

"When I see your face
there's not a thing that I would change
'Cuz you're amazing
Just the way you are"

Micaiah blending three seasons: a winter hat, a spring job of marking where the daffodils were planted, and a summer shirt

"See what he's doing, William? Do you think you could do that?"

Joining in... he was careful not to get his hands dirty too

Of course a day at the Niednagels also means lots of pictures with little Locksley.
Hugs with Daddy...

Water for the seeds with Pa...

Taking a snack break with Uncle Marscel...

...and reading with me.
There aren't many one-year-old children I would let hold my pocket Bible, with pages that are so easy to rip, but He was so careful and intent on what he saw as he gently flipped through it.

"Hey, Marscel, look over here!" he turns to me,"What?" "Smile."
Perfect!

Tools make such great props

I recently read an article on photography. While it was mainly on taking childrens pictures I was inspired to try some different ways of capturing moments and Jordan happened to be in the right place at the right time

Like father like daughter... no this is not posed

art 1

art 2

Having a problem with moles tearing up their ground Jordan heard of a new method of getting rid of them... needless to say, he was mildly excited at the thought of being done with them.

I think Jordan was hamming it up for the camera... I think...

Matthew's art

My art

It just wouldn't be a normal visit without a picture of a walk

The only time I've seen Willy not looking his best: when he just wakes up from his nap... and even then with such a wild hair it's kinda cute.

It doesn't take him long to wake up and start posing again

On the hunt for a nasty little varmint

The hunted

The sandwich... hmm, is this some kind of unknown prediction? That was the first thing that came to mind looking at this picture. Wouldn't it be funny if she had a girl?

Back in October we took some pictures with Jack in this outfit that has been passed down from our boys. We brought a few for him to try on and the evening turned into a photo shoot.

He didn't like it when I told him he looked like he needed to go on a diet... He promptly asked to be changed

The next outfit wasn't much better with the elastic in the pants shot

It still made for some cute pictures

He was so happy to be out of the outfit he gave me a kiss

He was such a good sport. It was past his bed time, but he still smiled and got into posing for us

Bye... We love you!

On to the Z's where Matthew and Micaiah will be interning for the month. We were able to participate in Sarah's birthday celebration

Our time with the them is too awesome to put into a few words (since we didn't actually take many pictures) so I shall just give a few highlights...

Working in the kitchen with them is like being able to work at a five star restaurant with famous chefs creating the most amazing gourmet meals.

♪ It's electric...♫

After being snowed in a few days us girls decided to go on a walk (The boys were at work with Mr. Z). The cold was so biting we made it to the end of the road and walked quickly back...

Our faces just about froze in this position

"A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" Thank you for all the encouragement and love! I can't wait till the end of the month to see you all again!

Back in Oklahoma we were able to visit with the Eckersons! When I think of Laura Ingalls family moving out west with no phones, emails, skype, and very slow snail mail it gives much to be thankful for in being able to so easily communicate with those we love all over the world. We are so blessed!