A Winter Wonderland!

MICHIGAN IS THE WINTER WONDERLAND WHERE WE SPENT OUR CHRISTMAS VACATION!

As I began uploading photos, I realized just how many we had taken and how many fun things we did while in Michigan. We certainly enjoyed the outdoors! So, after beginning this post, I decided to make it the first part of our adventure.

PART I: Skiing and Ice Fishing with Grandma and Grandpa Johns



One of the boys' Christmas gifts from their grandparents was a day of skiing. The boys had never been skiing. Annie was excited to take them, because she taught all of her kids how to ski when they were little. And it was one of their favorite family activities in the winter.

Here is Annie with the boys. We were waiting for the boys to get fitted with skis.
Anderson getting his boots on and a little instruction for first-timers.

Daddy's ski camp at the top of the Bunny Hill.

Kris' cousin Brandee spent the afternoon helping Anderson learn to ski.

Ryan getting help from Grandpa

One thing for beginners: no poles - that would be too dangerous. Anderson was very disappointed with this. However, he was able to hold onto one of Grandma's like this and that helped a lot.

And here they are on their own. It was amazing to see the progress each of them was able to make by the end of our time on the mountain.

They DEFINITELY want to ski again, although next time Ryan wants to try snowboarding! Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for taking us skiing!

Something Kris' dad enjoyed doing in Michigan during the winter was ice fishing! He was excited to take the boys out on Lake Mitchell to do a little ice fishing. There were snowmobiles and four wheelers out on the ice that day, so it helped me to feel a little bit safer! In fact, I even enjoyed ice skating that afternoon out on the lake. I had forgotten how much I loved to do that! (Sorry, no pictures).

Here is Chad getting the holes ready for the boys to fish.

Ryan and Anderson getting ready to head out onto the ice. That speck to the left behind Ryan is Chad out on the ice. Sorry there aren't more pictures, but I was too busy ice skating and forgot to take my camera out.

Thank you to Aunt Mary and Aunt Patti for shoveling the snow to make an ice rink. We had such a wonderful time in Michigan! Look for more pictures soon, but that is all for now!

Merry Christmas

There will not be a Johns Family Christmas Card or Letter this year. So, if you were wondering where yours has been, know that you have not been forgotten!

The Lord has been so kind to bless us with many wonderful friends and family members. Please know that we think of each of you often, especially during the holiday season. May your family experience the true joy of this wonderful season. Here is a favorite poem of ours for you to enjoy.

O The Gift of Gifts

Source of all good, What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts, thine own dear Son, begotten, not created, my redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute, his self-emptying incomprehensible, his infinity of love, beyond the heart’s grasp. Herein is wonder of wonders: he came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like him. Herein is love: when I cannot rise to him he draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to himself. Herein is power: when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart he united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreate and the created. Herein is wisdom: when I was undone, with no will to return to him, and no intellect to devise recovery, he came, God-incarnate, to save me to the uttermost, as man to die my death, to shed satisfying blood on my behalf, to work out a perfect righteousness for me. O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds, and enlarge my mind; let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore, my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father; place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with them upon my redeemer’s face, and in him account myself delivered from sin; let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my heart, embrace him with undying faith, exulting that he is mine and I am his. In him thou hast given me so much that heaven can give no more.

-The Valley of Vision

Awe, C'mon! You Know You miss them, too!

THE EIGHTIES!!!!

Here we are reminiscing. . .
No, it wasn't just for the fun of it, though it was fun. This year's Integrity Fall Dinner had an 80's theme. Sally said that when she saw me walk in it reminded her of high school - HA! No, Kris' mullet was never THAT bad - but he did have one and it was permed - LOL!!

Here you go, Maegan!

Yes, I did crimp my hair, just like the old days!

Another topic:

Visit this link to see our four adorable Christmas Elves http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1195367220

Ponytails!!

Before I cut the boys' hair the other night, Kris and I had a little fun. Trevor wouldn't participate, so here's two pictures of Ryan and Anderson.

Ryan wanted his hair buzzed for b-ball. By the time I was finished, I didn't want to cut anymore hair that evening. Trevor lucked out with no hair cut - but soon enough! Definitely by Christmas.

Don't forget to check out "Considering Lilies" at the bottom, as I have added a new thought for you to ponder. Something that encouraged me the other morning and I wanted to share it with you. May it encourage you today!

Trevor's Birthday Party

One of my favorite memories from Trevor's birthday is the way that he anticipated his party. He had very specific ideas of the way he wanted things to be. For instance, he wanted a "Boston Red Sox" party. (Another story - the rest of us are Tiger's fans in this house). He wanted to have a time where they just played and he wanted to have some games. Here he is making a poster to greet his friends. He allowed Ryan and Anderson to help, but they could only draw things related to the Red Sox:)
The Poster

"Play" time started with a friendly game of football. Here's Trevor's team in the huddle.

Big brother trying to tag Trevor.

The teams lining up.

Live action photo!

The baseball cupcakes - - looked much easier than they actually were!

Birthday boy

So adorable!

Along with baseball cupcakes the kids had rootbeer floats and Cool Ranch Doritos - all at Trevor's request of course!

Balloon Stomp

Trevor and Anderson; the last two survivors face off. Yep! Anderson was the victor.

The Birthday Gang

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!

Trevor turned seven on Sunday. It is so hard to believe that our second oldest is seven. The time has gone by so quickly. Trevor is such a joy to have in our home. He is wild and daring, though gets hurt often in his fun. He is sweet and caring, known as my little helper. Lately, his favorite chore is folding towels!

On Sunday, Trevor requested Sam's Club Cheese Pizza after church. Gordon came over and joined us for the afternoon. We had a small family dinner later that evening with cake, ice cream and presents. His party with friends is this weekend, so more birthday pics will follow.

Here's our birthday boy on his special day.

Remember when he lost a tooth just days before his birthday, well two day later he lost another. Here he is showing off his missing teeth.

Yes, it's Trevor's birthday, but boy were his brothers excited about this gift from Papa and DeeDee.

Our boys: ages 8, 7, 4 & 1

A Sweet Moment From Our Day

Ryan and Anderson getting warm before school started. This was a sweet moment for me, because I love watching their little friendships develop.