A year in photos 2012: Week 48

Monday 26 November

Monet? Boudin? I think David may soon be numbered among my favorite artists... 

And I love his chubby little hands.

Tuesday 27 November

Looking out the window. Hello neighborhood!

 Wednesday 28 November

We got out the decorations VERY early this year. It was all Erick's idea. I think he missed all of it so much last year in Afghanistan that he couldn't wait to start the season.

Thursday 29 November

Snow! Winter is here. 

Two of my favorite boys are shoveling the driveway.

A year in photos 2012: Week 47

Friday 16 November

Back in August the elementary school held a "meet-the-teacher" event. At that event we tried to get a picture of each of the kids with their new teachers. Unfortunately, we were unable to get one with Bailey and her 3rd grade teacher.  Today we finally remedied that problem. Here is Bailey with her teacher Ms. Clark.

Sunday 18 November

Recently our bishop taught a principle that has stuck with me. He likened our testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ to a flame. When someone's flame has gone out, there often remains a small ember burning on the wick. But only for a moment. If we can help someone while the ember of a testimony is still glowing, the chances are better that their faith will return, and we can re-ignite the flame. 

He also taught us an interesting fact. If there is a trail of smoke rising from the wick, you can touch a flame to the smoke high above, and the fire will follow the smoke down and re-ignite the wick. The candle will burn again.

Erick and I tested out this theory today. It worked. I have the coolest bishop.

Tuesday 20 November

My good friend and FRG "battle-buddy" Brittany had a baby shower today. I took some fun pictures for her. 

Thursday 22 November

Happy Thanksgiving!

Before we went to the Army base to have our Thanksgiving dinner, we decided to stop at a beautiful place nearby and take a few photos. I've been struggling with my camera settings recently, so I was frustrated with many/most of the photos from the day. But this was one of my favorites. I just love these two boys.

Thursday 22 November

After dinner, we took the kids to the new 172nd Brigade memorial. Erick told the kids stories about some of the soldiers he knew who had lost their lives during the deployment. We took a moment to reflect on the gratitude we felt for these men and for their sacrifice. I also felt a surge of gratitude to the Lord for allowing Erick to come home safe. I am so thankful to have him with us this holiday season.

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for so many things. This year our Thanksgiving celebration was very low-key. We spent the day as a family. We drove onto the Army base for dinner with Chanda, Tye, and their kids. We stopped for a moment to remember and thank those who have given their lives for us. It was a special simple day.

On the way to the military base, we stopped at a pond and took some photos. I'm super thankful to have Erick home for Thanksgiving this year:

Bailey sat and posed for pictures:

Joey was too busy playing to sit still:

Where do my kids get these crazy ideas... hmmm...

I couldn't get TJ interested in letting me take photos... but I loved watching Erick spend time with David:

I tried to get a photo with Dad and the kids...

Thanksgiving dinner. I love eating yummy dinner when I don't have to cook it. Thanks military cooks!

The food was delish! And I got to share it with those I love:

I absolutely love this family. Chanda was the best battle buddy ever during the deployment. I am so thankful for her. Since our husbands have come home, we have not "needed" each other quite so much. But I am forever thankful for her friendship.

We ran into our awesome neighbors Rori, Todd, and Eireanne eating their special dinner in the same way:

After dinner we headed to the car...

...and drove to the 172nd monument.

Erick told the kids and me about the men he knew who died in Afghanistan. He shared memories of them. He talked about the sacrifice they made. He reminded us to always be thankful for those who fight for good:

And I said a silent prayer in my heart to thank my Heavenly Father for bringing Erick home.

Thanksgiving Day

We started our day with a stop at the lake to see the pretty fall colors. Then we headed onto the Army base to the DFAC (Dining Facility) to eat a delicious Thanksgiving meal prepared by someone else. We joined the Giles and had a wonderful time. We also ran into the Cutrers. We know the best place to get a good meal!

After our meal we stopped at the 172nd Memorial to talk about the Soldiers that passed away during the last deployment. Erick told the kids some stories of the men that he knew. We are very Thankful for the sacrifice of these men and countless others...

A year in photos 2012: Week 46

Friday 9 November

I love my bike. That is all.

Friday 9 November

Erick had the day off work today, and he was kind enough to join me on a bike ride. We had a lot of fun together. This was the view at our half-way point.  The shoe in the water seemed so funny to me... Guess I've been in über-clean Germany too long. Ha ha!

Saturday 10 November

Today we did our first German antique shopping. The antiques were in an old barn. Before the "search" for treasures began, we ate the yummiest goulash soup I have ever tasted. I'm drooling now just thinking about it.

We even bought an antique.

Saturday 10 November

Today we made sugar cookies. The kids were so excited to use the cookie cutters and cut out their favorite holiday shapes. I should really bake more...

Sunday 11 November

This little guy comes out every year around the holidays (as do many decorations). I just love him. This year he was in my bathroom next to a sign that says "Life is Good" and a 12-inch Christmas tree.

Sunday 11 November

After church, the kids decorated the cookies we baked yesterday. I had planned to give them all away, but there was a lot of finger-licking and cookie-licking going on during the decorating. I also found a few long blond Bailey hairs in a few of the cookies. I wasn't sure how much our friends would appreciate all the extra "love" that went into our cookies. 

Monday 12 November

We had a casualty today. It's not a huge deal, but I was a bit sad because it was one of the fun things we had acquired here in Germany. C'est la vie.

Tuesday 13 November

Bike riding day was cut a bit short today. The fog was beautiful, but it got really thick. For most of the ride the fog doesn't bother me. But the last five miles or so, I bike on a fairly busy street. Pulling David in the trailer played a part in my decision to have Erick pick us up. It was still a nice ride.