In which Jana spends the night and we get a tree

We had a really nice weekend, even though we are battling colds and both Finn and Lily were stricken with mysterious vomiting episodes on Friday night. Jana came over on Friday, and thankfully everyone woke up feeling okay on Saturday morning.

Breakfast!

Three peas in a pod

Story time

After breakfast we ran some errands in town, went shopping (with three kids IN the cart where do you put the groceries? :), and then out for "pizza e pasta" at our favourite Italian restaurant.

Buon appetito!

We also bought a Christmas tree - and it was still on the roof of the car when we got home!

(Neil comments: "OF COURSE it was. I tied it on!")

Contrary to German tradition we decided to put it up already. We are leaving on the 26th, so the tree has to go on the 25th. This way we'll get to enjoy it for two weeks.

Neil and Lily did a good job putting the lights on the tree.

After a fun-filled day Lily fell asleep on the couch at 5:30, and was in bed for the night at 6pm.



On Sunday morning we found one of the electric candles broken because a furry someone had gotten tangled in the cord and pulled the lights down. We are on our last replacement, so from now on the cats will get locked out of the living room at night. And I will go find more replacements. Finn and Lily did a great job putting the ornaments on the tree, and ...

... the train tracks around it.

Done!

Who, ME!? You can't prove anything, lady...

What we are dancing to these days

The one song Lily wants to listen (and dance to) all the time right now is this chillin' version of "Jingle Bells". Last night she got Finn to join her for a little performance.





This weekend we are going to get our tree. Not sure yet if we will go cut one ourselves or buy a pre-cut one. We are all battling colds again, and got a lot more snow last night, so we'll see!

Making memories

snow forts and snowball fights

.
going down the sledding hill (and not surviving the little ski jump)

.
rosy cheeks and wet snowsuits

.
hot punch and cookies

.
Advent calendars - oh the excitement every morning!

.
Advent Sunday celebrations
.

eating nutella crêpes by the fire

.

Playmobil nativity scene (who says they didn't have elk in Bethlehem?)
.

candles and Christmas lights
.

cleaning boots for St. Nick to fill
.

Jesus in our hearts and on our minds

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Truly a magical season!

Jesus called a little child, whom he placed among them. And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:2-3)

Snow days

First a little

then some more

and then A LOT more!

"Oh no, Mama! Dragon bites!"

Our mode of transportation to preschool these days. Lily loves it!

It's a winter wonder land out there, and we love it!

Driving is a different matter, but so far so good.

The Perfect Breakfast

On a day when you wake up to the world looking like this

the perfect breakfast is made from this

and this


SOOOOO GOOD!

Ever since Glen made porridge from steel-cut oats at Ryan's cabin (you can click on those links) last year in Canada I have wanted to make my own. I am not a huge fan of oatmeal, but this tastes completely different. I can't find steel-cut oats here so I resorted to putting organic oats in my food processor for a few seconds, then sift them to get the dust out. It works! I cook one part oats in a little less than 3 parts water with a pinch of salt and while it is cooking (about 30 min) I let the frozen raspberries thaw out on the counter. With a spoonful of fresh cream over top and a nice cup of coffee this is just SO good.

Now - if only my kids would eat it. :)

P.S. If you are visiting Canada or the US soon and want to make me REALLY happy you could bring back a tin of steel-cut oats for me. (Hint hint, Martina and Martin. :)

So Thankful

So thankful for
.
BELONGING
For knowing I am a child of God, and for belonging to the Body of Christ.
.
LOVE AND OUR MARRIAGE
For being good for each other, and (most of the time :) good to each other. I love you!
.
RELATIONSHIPS
For family and friends, and for our community

Happy Birthday, Ulli!

ABUNDANCE

For having all we need, and so much more.

HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE
For not having to worry about whether we can afford to get treatment or not. For good doctors and hospitals, for Finn's pediatrician and Grandpa's ongoing recovery.
.

AND, OF COURSE, ALWAYS AND FOREVER FOR

this little ham

and this little turkey

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends and family in the US!