December Already !?!

It is hard to believe it is December already, where did 2008 go? Although, as Dad A. said Sunday night, there’s still the whole month of December, and it promises to be a busy month!

As I mentioned in the last post, we had a get-together with the A. family on November 22. This was to celebrate Mom’s birthday, and Christmas Part 1. I have only a few pictures from the event.

Isaac received a really nice wooden train from his grandparents.

I love Laura’s glasses!

It was so nice that Aunt Cora could join us, and also that she could stay with Mom & Dad for a few days.


My grandmother also moved in the last few weeks. She had been living in an apartment complex for seniors, so she had her own apartment, and was on her own for all her meals, and everything else. She has now moved into a retirement home, where there is more care available, and all meals are provided in the dining room. Oma was on the waiting list for over 1 ½ years, so we are very thankful that there is finally an opening for her. So far, she is adjusting well, and we are thankful for that as well. However, since she has moved, she has a lot less space, and no need for many of her things. My mom and her siblings have been busy cleaning out her old apartment and last Saturday they “hosted” and “Open House” for Oma’s grand-kids. We could go and choose whatever items we would like to have. My mom and her siblings went earlier to choose some things, and then the grandkids chose from the remainder, and believe you me, there was still plenty to choose from. Some of my siblings/cousins stocked up on kitchen items (cutlery, containers, etc). I chose mostly “luxury” things, items we don’t need, but help make a house a home, and it is special to have them since they were my grandmother’s.

Here’s a picture of some of the items. The spoon rack was Oma’s, as were some of the spoons, but some of the spoons we had already. I especially like the cross stitch, since Oma made that. Rob and I will look into getting it framed so we can display it in our home.


I’m thankful to have some things from my grandparents, and it is really neat that we were able to do this while Oma is still with us. Often, this kind of thing happens after the grandparents have passed away, so I think it is special that we could do this now. This way Oma can know we that have her things, and are using/appreciating/enjoying them. I made a thank you card for Oma this afternoon, I’m quite enjoying doing this, and my card-making skills are improving (if I say so myself :) )

Thanks to Jan-Tina for getting me started on the craft/hobby of card-making, and to Cher, for a good starting set of supplies, and for this card, the pinwheel idea.

Saturday and yesterday I put out my Christmas/winter decorations. I do not decorate our home for every season, but only a little bit for fall, and then more, but different (obviously :)) decorations for Christmas. It makes our living room especially, look so festive. Unfortunately, my picture-taking skills combined with my lack of knowledge on our camera’s capabilities render my attempts to photograph the lights dismal failures. But the pointsettia is lovely, and I like the ornament-filled hurricane lamp as well.



For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace

There will be no end,

Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,

To order it and establish it with judgment and justice

From that time forward, even forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7