Christmas 2011 Happenings

Merry Christmas!

This year brings much joy to our family! It has been so long that I have written anything and I felt quite guilty for not getting more published on here sooner! As I reflected more on this, I have realized that the adjustment to America and life here really does take an adjustment period. We returned 3 1/2 years ago, purchased our home 3 years ago. Life this year has begun to slow down more and more. Maybe this is just what it seems, but it seems like it has slowed much more than the fast paced decade and 2 years that Nathaniel and I have faced in our marriage. Yes, we recently celebrated our twelfth anniversary!

As I reflect on this past year, I can think of one of the significant changes has been in a shift of focus to the kid's and their desires to be more involved in extra curricular activities. Life seems more settled, but it definately has not fully halted in activity level. If anything we seem to be going much more now than in the past.

This summer we began lessons in swimming, gymnastics (for Eliana) and soccer teams for all. They played, Nathaniel coached the boys team and fun was had by all. We went out to Colorado to participate in my brother's ceremony of marriage. We then also travelled to the Black Hills in August with a Brazilian friend. I discovered a love for my garden and watching plants grow than any other years before.

The school year began in full tilt at the end of August. All of the children are now at the same school much to their mother's relief! No more daycare! Yea!

Eliana began full day kindergarten this year and was SO excited. Who knew that picture day and the first recess in the snow could be so anticipated! She loves school and learning. She turned 6 at the beginning of September and part of her gift from the family is ballet lessons. She has been a little ballerina all year so far and loves going to her ballet class.

Gabriel began 2nd grade this fall. He loves science, math and social studies the best and is our construction genius at home! He started cub scouts at the end of last year, and he has been involved all this year completing several badges. He loves to build with Legos and this fall took a lego class after school. Another favorite is strategy games (which he can beat his dad at - a feat that is quite difficult to do). He recently took up oragami and his top Christmas wish list item was more paper for oragami!

Joshua started 5th grade this year!!! It's hard to believe that he is nearing his teen years! He too began cub scouts last year and really love it. He will be earning his arrow of light badge coming up in February and desires to pursue becoming an eagle scout. He began soccer at school this year and is quite good at it. He also took up trumpet lessons with his uncle Wade and has done phenomenally well. He will begin playing in the school band in January.

I continue to work at Chapel Hill Academy. I love what I do and how I can share about God's love and His revelation through the academics. I completed Orton Gillingham courses two summers ago and have been using this in the classroom last year and this year. I love first grade and their love for learning!

Nathaniel continues to work at Securian in St. Paul. He hopes to move into a different role within the company at some point. His piano instruction has just blossomed this year. He added an extra night of lessons to accomodate all of his new students! Nathaniel continues to create new music. This year the Securian sound choir performed two of Nathaniel's pieces.