Not the sharpest knife

So our little Karis has always impressed us with her "command of the english language" and her comprehension of all that is going on around her. It might be tempting to brag about all her brillance as if we possess some stroke of genius in parenting. But God has graciously given us Jotham who is a little bit clueless. He talks, alot, and even uses some large words. The problem is he just doesn't seem to understand the words he uses. Since I know that someday he will (Lord willing), I wanted to capture a recent conversation with him that made me laugh.

Daddy: Jotham, how old are you?
Jotham: Five (actually he is 2 1/2)
Daddy: Jotham, what is your middle name?
Jotham: slight pause Purple

His new expression when he I am not giving him what he wants, "Mommy, that's not true."

But so sweet when he said to me at breakfast yesterday, "Mommy, you a cutie."

Love that little guy.

Sickly Child

It is said in many great books that one of the characters had a weak constitution. That seems to be an accurate description of our little girly. From her ear infections and allergies we are often visiting the doctor. She was sick over Christmas and was just recovering back to happy childhood when she came down with the stomach virus this past week. Poor girl has throw up every day for week! If you think of her please pray for a full recovery and pray my washing machine doesn't break!

On an update note, she is such a sweety with her charming blue eyes and dazzling smile. She turned one on December 18th. It is amazing how quickly the time has flown by. Last year at this time she was just starting to sleep at night, after weeks of partying from 11 to 3 am.

Her stats are 75 % for height and 25 % for weight. She is cruising but not walking and her favorite word is "Hi", which she loves to say every time she sees a person. She says "hot" near the fireplace and she also says "girl", whenever I open a specific book because I tried to teach her what a girl was and she didn't quite get it. She has a bit of a temper, much more than our other two did, but seems to be pretty responsive most of the time.

She loves her brother and sister and today was clearly following Karis around from room to room. Jotham & Karis love her and love making her laugh and Jotham tolerates her not so gentle affection very well, especially since it usually comes while he is getting his diaper changed (if he would just learn to go on the potty the problem would be solved).

Girly- maybe one day you'll read this. I just want you to know that I just love and adore you. I would keep you my baby forever but I'm equally excited to meet the little girl inside of you.

Upsurd

Sometimes our society does some crazy things. In our local county there is bill that is being proposed to allow people who "perceive" their gender different than what it actually is to have access to public restrooms, locker rooms, etc. Crazy! Anyway, if you live and vote in this county and are interested in learning more or signing a petition to get it voted on by the public (rather than just enacted by elected official) go here: http://www.notmyshower.net/

My Very Talented Niece

My 16 year old niece, Ashley, has an eye for photography. While we were away in NJ she played around with my camera and took some great shots. There are some of my favorites. The first is my other niece Ashley, her sister. The second in my Mom and the third is my cousin's son, Will, I'm not sure what you'd call him, my second cousin once removed I think.

Christmas in NJ

On December 24th we go to NJ and celebrate the Savior's birth with my family. It starts off with Sauerkraut Soup at my brother's house, made by my brother. This was some my grandfather used to do and when it got to be too much my brother took it over. I have kept up the tradition by never actually trying the soup. But my husband and Karis both love it. For those us who don't partake of soup my sister in law, Linda, make a feast of ham and mac & cheese and other yummys. And what is amazing she did all this having a 3 week old baby- she is remarkable. I guess my brother can get some props for 1 - making soup 2 - finding a fantastic wife.

That evening everyone spends the night at my parents. We read the Luke account of Jesus' birth and go to bed, waking up to mounds of presents under the tree. Funny story is that this year Erik sorted them all before he went to sleep and woke up to find my Mom had mixed them all up again and even hid his presents all over the house. The day ends with a huge feast my Mom cooks for 20+ people. It was delicious as usual.

What a joy it is for us to have two families to spend the holiday's with. We come home with amazed at what a kind, loving and generous God we have. Not only has he richly provided for all our needs, he blesses with silly things we want BUT even more gave his own Son for us that we might know life in him. What a Savior we celebrate.

Christmas in York

We love spending time with our families and the traditions we have with them. Erik's family is gracious in moving everything forward one day, so we celebrate Christmas Eve on the 23rd and Christmas Morning on the 24th. This allows us to get to NJ and celebrate the holiday with my family.

We celebrate in York with Erik's parents, his Aunt Sue & Uncle Doug, his cousin Heidi & her husband Matt and their two girls, Kayli and Laney. Karis and Jotham love playing with Kayli, she has lots of energy and just loves to play. Laney has one of the cutest smiles I've ever seen. She is just a few months older than Mercia and is so sweet.

Christmas Parties

I've been a bit behind on blogging our holidays and hope to catch up a bit over the next couple of posts.

One of the highlights of our Christmas and the blessings of our home is being able to host Christmas Parties. This year we were privileged to have three parties at our home. One for Erik's CG Leaders, one for our friends, and one for our CG. It was such a honor to host the leaders from our church that Erik cares for. We are truly amazed by how much they love the Savior and sacrifice to serve his people. Having our friends over for a Christmas party has also become a fun tradition. I think it is the "Game Night" Christmas Party with all of Erik's crazy games and competitions. These people are so dear to us and have loved and supported us since we came to this church 6 year and we would not be were are with out them.

I didn't take many pictures at the first two but was able to take some of the crazy CG party. At this one we have five couples and their collective 13 children all in attendance. We (the CG, not Erik & I) plan the party really to bless the kids. It includes a family candy hunt, pizza making, gingerbread house making, worship and lots of mess. The kids seem to have a great time and the parents love how much sugar the kids eat while they are here. Below are two pictures of our time.