Thanksgiving in Billings, MT

I headed with the kids to Billings for 12 days for Thanksgiving. Ben was able to meet us for 4 days at the end of the trip. The day after we arrived, the weather turned and it got COLD and snowy. I had to buy Bella a snowsuit so she could go outside and help Mimi with the kittens and shovel the snow. I couldn't believe that the cold really didn't phase her at all, although she really didn't enjoy getting all bundled up! Being there made me miss the snow... it is so beautiful... but definitely NOT the cold. I guess this southern living has made me a wimp to cold (actually I've always been a wimp... it's just made it worse).

Ann was so wonderful. She was so great at taking the kids (mostly Ethan) in the mornings, so I could get a little extra sleep and during the day, so I could get out and do a little shopping and go to Starbucks (not a big deal unless you live in a place where Starbucks doesn't exist) a few times!!!

A few very exciting things happened while we were there. Dan and his girlfriend got engaged on Thanksgiving Day... Operation Sanny Say Yes, was what I called it... Ben and I were right there apart of it, helping Dan scout out when Frannie left work, so he could be waiting at the corner to surprise her with a sign that said

Frannie

Will You

Marry Me?

It went off with out a hitch and the element of surprise was bigger then anyone expected. Thank goodness the traffic wasn't any worse or Frannie could have caused quite the accident when she stopped her car just outside the traffic circle when she saw the sign.

We are really happy for them and are excited to see how God works in them and through them as they plan a June wedding. Congrats Dan & Frannie (soon to be auntie Sanny... as Bella calls her!) We'll be praying for you as you prepare move into this next stage of your relationship!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. Being able to spend such an important time with family is so great. Ann does such a nice job as hostess... her table settings could take on Sandra Lee's any day! And the food too... and it's all Homemade!

Somethings I am thankful for this year:

A risen Savior in Jesus Christ!

Being able to experience God and be confident in who I am in Christ

A husband who continues to love and support our family through his dedication to his job.

2 happy (most of the time) and healthy children

To live in the United States, where I am free

Loving friends and family

Mini Album for Grammy Shaub

Grammy Shaub (Ben's Grandma) who lives in Lancaster, PA asked for a photo of Ethan a while ago... It has taken my until now to get this little mini album together to send to her. I always have good intentions, but sometimes I get carried away with projects, that it takes forever to finishes them, if they get finished at all. BAD!
She was super excited for us to have a boy, because Ethan will carry on the SHAUB name. She is such an amazing women. She is 94 years old and super vivacious and spunky. Last time we were in PA (last September) she bent over and picked Isabella up! Can you believe that??? What an amazing women. Not only is she strong physically, she is an one of the most dedicated prayers and women of faith that I know. I am so thankful that our children have such a strong Christian heritage from their Grammy Shaub.
We are planning a trip out to PA in the spring and can't wait to see everyone and introduce Ethan to his Great Grammy Shaub!

Anyway, this is the finished product for Grammy Shaub:
The album is held together by a 2 inch ring.
Back & front of album:

Chillicothe Trip

We took a trip to Chillicothe, TX on Thursday.

Man I love this place. Last years trip was just as fun. It is a prime photo op location.

We went to a little BBQ restaurant for lunch and then to the Pecan Store for photos and to grab a few goodies. They have the BEST pecan treats. They grow their pecans right there next to the store. So everything is super fresh.

Trip to San Antonio

Last week the kids and I drove down to San Antonio to visit my good friend Dawn and her three kiddos. Dawn's husband is deployed at the moment, so it was fun to be able to just be girls without husbands. We had a fabulous 5 days... jam packed with late nights (we didn't go to bed before midnight once), lots and lots of yummie treats, a few games of Manchola, a trip to the zoo, lots of shopping and lots of memorable chats.

I sure can learn a lot from Dawn... She is the most organized person I know, a wonderful hostess and great friend!

The kids had a great time and played well together. I am looking forward to this aspect of being in the Military. I know that our children will have friends from all over the United States, travel lots and have different experiences.

Here are some photos of our fun visit.

Bath time... sorta crazy!

Story time... even crazier!

We met my friend Katie Marthens and Lily there (her husband Cale was in our wedding party and they are now stationed in San Antonio also). It was so fun catching up with Katie and seeing Lily.

Dawn and I snuck away kidless (well Asher was with us... but he doesn't count, because we didn't have to tell him to sit down and or don't touch that once). We went to the shopping and to the cheesecake factory. It was a fun night.

The kids playing dress up

Ethan and Asher taking a bath... We joked that Dawn must make some good whole milk, while I make skim... just look at Asher's pudgy legs. He is only 4 months old.

It will be fun to get our families together every few years to see how they all grow. When we met in Grand Forks, Dawn and Jami just had Addie... When we got together January 2009 we added Bella and they added Dair and now... there were 5! Who knows how many there will be next visit!!!

Thanks so much Dawn. You are such a great friend. Looking forward to our next visit down the road!