December

Greetings, one and all! It does get busy around here, so I'll have to fill you in on what has been happening this month!

We had our annual Christmas recital, and it went really well! Each year it is neat to see how much others have improved and hear the beginners. It's always very tense before but, always a sigh of relief to be done, when it's over.

Daniel- playing his violin solo ( which was alot of fun as I accompanied him!)

Caytlin and her friend Stephanie Iorga- playing their harp duet: it was really pretty!

Our family also went to a concert for some friends of ours. This concert was a mix, half was our friends the Patterson's band, and the other half was our friends the Ouatu's and Iorga's string group. We really enjoyed visiting and listening to most of the music!

Above: is the band of beginners, the little blond girl sitting in the left hand corner is Susannah Patterson. She plays clarinet. (Sorry the lighting was low and the flash was to bright so it's a little fuzzy)

Our friend: Janice Iorga, red sweater, playing the violin in the string group.

Another friend: Johnny Ouatu, white shirt and glasses, playing the violin in the string group.

Exciting news came to us on December 16th: our Aunt Lillian had her baby! So off we went to visit our new cousin Samantha Jane Chrispens. We were very happy and it was a blessing to see and hold her!

Samantha Jane Chrispens



December 19th we headed out to Aunt Diane's house for an early Christmas celebration! We had Gondola Pizza for dinner, watched a few classic movies and opened presents. We received a fun game and a puzzle of one of my aunt's pictures! We had a very enjoyable time, as my aunt who is a photographer, let me try out her very nice digital Nikon SLR camera!

We gave Oma and Aunt Diane both some special gifts from the Dutch store.

Me (Ashley), enjoying my aunt's camera, it was so much fun!


Isaiah and Uncle Kevin watching the "Swiss Family Robinson."

The day before (Christmas Eve), Opa came to visit and spent the night! We enjoyed a delicious dinner of Mama's homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes and bread( made with Mama's new mill and Bosch.) The bread didn't rise properly so, it was short and thick, but still delicious!

The next morning, we opened our stockings. The boys got some neat walkie-talkies, I received a piano solo CD and Katie got a new watch. Mama also got a walkie-talkie to communicate with the guys and Opa got a carousel picture frame with a picture of each of us in it, and a few others. Joshua's gift was the best: a new pair of cowboy boots!

Mama thought it would be fun to go to the "Back Bay" and let the boys try out their walkie-talkies, so we did! It was pretty cold so I stayed in the car and listened to my CD. The others went and had a good time but we all took a group picture together!

Afterwards we went to Bolsa, tired some different foods, said goodbye to Opa and headed home.

Christmas Day we went to the Christmas service at church and then we went to spend Christmas day with our Unlce Dan and Aunt Rocio in their new home! We enjoyed another delicious meal, this time it was: enchiladas, taco salad, fresh beans and sauce, tostadas and guacamole and Posole, which is a Mexican soup.

Mama and Aunt Cio preparing the food

Setting the table...

We visited with our family and opened presents. The two little boys, Natey and Joshua got a box of cookies, Daddy got some LED lights, Caytlin got a painting set, Isaiah, Daniel got robots and Ryan, Mama and I got a puzzle. We also got a pumpkin bread mix and a gift card.

Uncle Dan and Aunt Cio opening their presents

Grandma, opening her present.

Ryan showing some of his and others movies.

three cousins: Left to right: Natey, Joshua and Matthew, Uncle Victor's oldest.

Rachel, Uncle Victor's second born, and Natey.

Uncle Victor, holding Emily his youngest, Rachel, sitting next to her daddy, Katie holding
Timothy.

Friends and sisters: Aunt Adriana and Mama

Aunt 'Drana and the two babies: Timothy and Emily

My cousin Christina and I putting together a puzzle

After the presents we got to play Uncle Dan's "Wii" again. That was fun, and even funnier was watching the people play it with your back turned away from the screen.

We had a really good time, and soon it was time to head home. So we packed up and left. Thank the Lord for such a nice Christmas!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (KJV)

Isaiah 9:6

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

Romans 8:28

Christmas Presents!!

A little early, but Mama recieved her christmas present today!

Mama's new bosch and mill! Yay! Now we can start making bread!

Happy Mama!

Mama has been wanting a bosch and mill to make bread and Daddy thought it would make a nice christmas present! They arrived today and Mama is very eager to start making bread! *cheer* We are both very excited!


She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. (KJV)

Proverbs 31:15

All Finished!

Sunday night, we performed our Christmas play, "Second Chances". It went really well and I'm so glad it's over! It was alot of fun but I'm no actress and it really gets to you quickly.

We had ran through it earlier, just the lines, and it had been smooth. After that, those of us in choir left for choir practice which, due to the play, was starting at 4:15pm. We finished choir and soon were all getting ready. Sarah, who played "Katie" had to start applying my makeup. Now, I am no expert in makeup and had never worn it until the other night. So, poor Sarah had quite a time putting my mascara on and I accidentally smeared it on my face! She covered it up with some concealer but I felt ready to burst. I was kinda stuck, I couldn't do anything for fear of smearing my makeup.

Mr. Pau came back stage and prayed with us all- which was quite an encouragement, as I wanted to do a good job for the Lord. He was very kind and listened to all the questions that came flying at him after he finished praying.

6:00 pm came quicker than we wanted it to! Soon the congregation was singing "Joy To The World" and some of us backstage joined in. Pastor seated everyone, prayed, and the play began.

The play began with a scene of a secular high school choir singing "Jingle Bells"

The main character Sawyer, Kyle (white shirt), is a christian young man who really loves the Lord and is a strong testimony to his friends. His best friend Tanner, Justin (tan shirt), is an unbeliever who laughs off religion and next to him is Katie, Sarah (turquoise blouse), who is also a strong christian. Ally, Joanna, on the end is an Atheist and can't stand religion.

They decide to go shopping with two others, Blake and Carleigh, at the mall. On the way home, Tanner and Sawyer get into a bad accident and end up in the ER. Tanner calls Katie and the others; he's ok, but Sawyer is still in there. Tanner is anxiously awaiting any news from Sawyer's relatives. The others join him and wait, but because they are not family, the nurses won't tell them anything. Tired of just sitting , they decide to take a walk outside.

Outside the hospital, they come upon a "Living Nativity". Joseph (Ryan), Mary (Me) and the Shepherd (Johnny) explain to them the gospel and answer all their questions. Tanner is feeling convicted as they head to the hospital and wondering if God is giving him a "second chance" to life.

Back inside the hospital, they learn through a news report that Sawyer has died, but that at the same minute he died, his cousin was born. The friends are heartbroken and Tanner realizes that he is missing something and he asks Katie to go with him to the chapel to have a "talk with God."

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (KJV)

John 3:16

Life Stays Busy

True to the title of this post, Life is staying busy and as the Holidays approach we find it busier.

The exciting news is our little Timothy is now standing! I saw him stand yesterday while I was folding the laundry. He popped his head out and smiled! He is growing so fast and we love our "fat baby"!

Last night was our church's Christmas Play Rehearsal. Sorry, but it's been so busy I never really had a chance to mention the play! Mr. Pau (one of the fathers at our church) is directing the play, "Second Chances" and Ryan and I are playing Mary and Joseph. We ran over the play twice. It is always a challenge for me to remember to speak loud enough so those in the back can hear. It was a good practice, and we had fun!

Mr. Pau, director and Brian, "Blake", looking over the script.

Ryan, Joseph of Nazareth....

Abbey, an extra, talking to me in the "Living Nativity" scene.......

The living Nativity.....sorry about the lighting.....

Here are the 5 main characters......Sarah: Katie, Joanna: Ally, Nichole: Carleigh, Justin: Tanner and Brian: Blake.

Daddy's Christmas company party was also last night. He took Oma to it and they had a great time! Actually, it was kinda funny, alot of people thought Oma was Daddy's wife!

Well that's the latest news! Have a good rest of the weekend!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

Romans 8:28

Another Thanksgiving To Be Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving, one and all! I hope your Thanksgiving was as pleasant as mine.

This morning Mama woke up at 6:00am and started the turkey. By the time I woke up the house was smelling very good! I got up and raced to the kitchen, OK not literally! Mama was cooking the gravy and she greeted me. No time for talk though, it was 9:20am and our church's Thanksgiving service started at 10:00am. So I found myself racing down the hallway to dress the three little ones.

Soon we were all on our way to church. The service, as always was good but, during the service Dad's cell rang. It was Oma. She was at our house waiting and the doors were locked. The service ended, a quick visit with some friends and we were on our way home.

Oma soon left and we began to work. Mama had me make the stuffing and while I was doing that Aunt Adrianna, Tina ( my cousin) and Grandma arrived! The younger kids were all excited and so was our dog Winston. Daddy had to make some trips to the store but soon we had the meal ready! Daddy prayed, thanked the Lord and it was time to eat.

Mama, cutting the celery for our stuffing....

Me, sauteing the celery and onions.....hot job...

Our turkey: came out really good this year, not to dry....

Mama removing the potatoes in the turkey...

Tina and Caytlin visiting and waiting for dinner....

Mama and Grandma (her mom) peeling yams...

Daddy and Timothy-thoughtful pose....

Aunt Adrianna (my Mama's sister) and Isaiah

Our table, it's kinda dark sorry!

Daddy enjoying his dinner....

my handsome brother and me.....

Three hungry cuties.....

Christina ( Adrianna's daughter) and I talking-she's always so much fun!

A lovely sunset to close the day.....

I really thought this picture was a perfect way to end. I'm thankful to the Lord for His blessing and I am privileged to be His child! I am so thankful for His gift to us of salvation and the promise of eternal life!

Hope you have a good weekend! The Lord bless you all!

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Psalm 100