Family

My brother Matt, his wife AnnMarie & their beautiful daughter Ellie joined us on Christmas day before heading off to be with AnnMarie's family.
Ellie will be 6 months next week. She's such a sweet and easy baby. I'm so happy for them!

Christmas Day

We are fortunate in that out families live close by and they enjoy one another's company. My mom loves to host Christmas and the Brindley's come over for dinner every year. We love being all together and we are thankful to not have to split our time and run all over the place. We are so very thankful!

Christmas Eve

First of all I apologize for the grainyness of my photos for the past 4 months. Our digital camera broke so I only have my 3G Iphone camera, which isn't bad, but not great either. Dave and I are getting each other a nice camera for Christmas. Our plan is to get it after Christmas on sale or on ebay when people upgrade and want to sell their old ones!
Anyway, The kids looked so cute I had to take their pictures.

Christmas with the Brindley's

 On Christmas Eve morning Dave's family came over and we celebrated Christmas with them; exchanging presents, skyping with his sister Julie & brother-in-law Pete in Colorado Springs.
The kids had a blast opening presents and playing with everything right away.
Aunt Karen made it in from Pittsburgh, which was a surprise to Lilia. She was thrilled to see her Aunt.

 Lilia played some songs for us on her new keyboard & microphone.

A visit to Morris

 I'm sure those giant eggs look familiar to you. If you've ever visited Morris Arboretum in the past couple of years, then maybe you've visited the giant bird's nest.
Maybe you've played like the squirrels way up in the trees?

We also saw the trains for the first time. The set up is absolutely incredible! The intricate details of the houses is just stunning; leaving you wondering, "How did they do that?"
They had a Thomas & Percy train that the kids loved.

Sillies & Smiles

The kids favorite part was playing in the small log cabin. Lilia was pretending this was her home; cooking for us, getting water from the pump, catching animals and preparing them for our meal.
We needed to head home, but there were so many complaints. They did not want to leave.
Oh, Alex spent the whole time collecting dried leaves and throwing them into the fireplace.

Christmas Party

One of the easiest ways to share about Jesus with International students is to have a Christmas party. This is the time of year when we celebrate Jesus' birth and why not invite our Chinese friends/students to be a part of it?
Last night we hosted a party. Dave said it would be small, 10-15 people. Well it was almost 20 students with 5 volunteers.
We played games, ate food, sang Christmas carols and heard the story of Jesus' birth from the Bible. Dave then explained our need for God as everyone listened. He then encouraged them to visit a Christmas Eve service at either of the churches that were represented last night. (One of which Dave's best friend Pete Manni will be leading worship.)
I think the kids had the best time. Lilia loved showing off her room, playing games and hanging out with the Chinese women. Alex loved being doted over and all the attention.
The kids do have a favorite student though; Walker. When the doorbell first rang Alex ran to the door and yelled, "Walker!"

Walker, Alex, & Lilia

The kids finally went to bed at 10pm! Whoa! I think we are going to make it a very chill week. I know I am exhausted!

Date night

Date nights are amazing. They completely change the dynamic of your relationship with your spouse. For the time your out, you can chat about anything (hopefully not the kids). Last night we went to The Continental, mid-town. It was pretty cool; I'd go back. Last night we hit it up for dessert and drinks.
Dave brought some questions from a book he's reading, "Listening is an Act of Love." They were good questions. They were thought provoking. Even though we've been married for 9 years we've changed; a lot. We also had fun reminiscing about the past; laughing at old stories. Ah, the good ole days!
I used to wear home-made clothes and had long hair. Dave used to care way less about what he wears and now he consistently dresses like he has somewhere important to be.
The point is, even when you think you know someone, take the time to get to know them. Here are some of the questions to ask on your next date, with your family during Christmas or even at work over lunch...

General interview Questions 

• Where did you grow up? Can you describe it? 

• What was your favorite food growing up? 

• What special recipe do you remember from childhood? Who made this? 

• Did you have any pets? 

Yup, we sat in basket chairs. 

• Did you get along with your siblings? 

• What did you do for fun?

• What did you wear? To school? For fun? 

• Did you ever get in trouble? What did you do? What happened? 

• Did you ever have an experience with prejudice, bullying, or injustice? 

• What chores did you do at home? 

• What was your first job? What do you remember about it? 

• What were your neighbors like? 

• Did you have any pets? 

• What were the holiday traditions that you remember from your childhood? 

• How do you celebrate special occasions ? Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays? 

• What songs did you sing? Can you sing one for me now? 

• What were your favorite movies and music? 

• What was the role of books in your life? Did you have a favorite author? 

• Have your tastes changed as you’ve gotten older? 

• What was the greatest gift you ever received? 

• Have you traveled? Did you have any adventures? 

• What was your first car? 

• What is your favorite place? 

• When did you first fall in love? 

• What are you most proud of? 

• What was the happiest moment of your life?  

The saddest? 

• Do you have any regrets? 

• What advice do you have for young people? 

• What do you see as the greatest challenge for the 

next generation? 

• Is there something about yourself that you think no one knows? 

• How would you like to be remembered? 

• What are some of the most important lessons you have learned in life? 

• What does your future hold?  

Birthday surprise

Mmmmm....Lindt chocolate. (Eating while I blog.)
So today was a delight. I knew my mom was coming over for a few hours to bring me presents and wish me a happy birthday in person, but then the doorbell rang.
I thought it was Dave coming home for lunch and his hands were full. Well I opened the door and much to my surprise was my brother, Matt and my niece Ellie. I screamed with joy in their faces and hugged Matt as he came in.
We sat around and ate lunch; then I opened presents. I got some really great gifts already and my birthday isn't even until Wednesday!
From my in-laws, we celebrated on Saturday b/c it was Al's birthday, I received a gift card to Blue Mountain. I can't wait to go snowboarding again this year. Maybe I'll go again by myself again or maybe it will be with a friend. Either way I'm happy to be able to hit the slopes!
My mom got my the coolest bird cage thingy with pictures behind it. You have to come over and see it. It's really neat. She also got me a cool tea pot that sifts down into your mug. Again, hard to explain; you gotta see it!
Matt and AnnMarie got me a super cool bracelet. It's handmade and it's just gorgeous. It's so unique and really beautiful. Wow, I can't wait for the week to continue on!
Maybe 32's not so bad.

Starting young

Alex was napping and we still needed another 100 Christmas cards. Dave was home yesterday afternoon because he works Friday nights so Lilia accompanied me to Home Goods. (One of my top 5 favorite stores!) Of course she fell asleep on the way there, but on the way home we got to have a good chat.
She proceeded to tell me how she was telling one of her classmates in preschool named, Guru, about Jesus. She started off with telling him how both herself and him are going to die. (Not an approach I would use.) But her heart was one of love for him. She wanted to make sure that he believed in Jesus and would live forever.
She was sad that he didn't believe right then and there. So I suggested that we pray. I told her that pray changes things. She was surprised and replied, "It does?!" So we prayed for Guru right then and there.

Making memories

As a kid, Matt, myself and our parents would, most years, cut down our own Christmas tree. Now that Matt has a family of his own, he suggested we all head out and carry on that tradition.
We headed out to Wata Farm, near Quakertown and the adventure began! The kids ran around in the woods playing "bear hunt."
We trudged around looking for just the right tree. We each came home with the perfect tree and had a blast doing it!

Saw, saw, saw some more

Helping Poppy cut down the tree 

Nannie & Alex watching

Lilia & Alex helping Shu Shu Matt

Matt, AnnMarie & Ellie

Ellie, 5 months

3 trees, sawing, sweat & lots & lots of fun!

Moving Day

 Dave's youngest sister Karen moved out to Pittsburgh on Saturday. Al, Marilyn, Dave, the kids and myself helped Karen pack up her stuff.
As sad as Lilia was to say goodbye, the kids had a lot of fun playing in the truck.

Up & Down

This weekend will be one filled with up and downs.
Friday we help pack up and say goodbye to Aunt Karen (Dave's sister) as she moves out to Pittsburgh to start her new job. I know it will be difficult for Lilia, but thankfully Karen's dog is staying here. Lilia loves to visit and care for the dog.
The kids and I will spend the weekend at my parent's. We'll go Christmas Tree hunting with my parents, my brother, his wife and their 4 month old (almost 5) baby, Ellie. Then we'll celebrate my dad's birthday Saturday night.
Lots of good times with family; quality time spent.

Lilia's Quote of the Day

So we were in a hotel all weekend.
We were getting ready to walk out the door when I asked Lilia to please put her shoes on.
She was carrying in her arms her blankie and a toy and replied to me, "Do I look like a have a free hand?"
Dave and I laughed so hard and for so long. I know it was with a hint of attitude, but it was too funny. Also, I wonder where she learned that line? I have NO idea!

"Sushi"

A weekend away

We are having a great time at Regional Staff Conference in Arlington VA. It's such a beautiful town. It's like Philadelphia meets Charleston with some of the houses. Love it!
The kids are having a blast staying in a hotel! They are sleeping better each night and with each nap.
I am getting to have great conversations with old and new mom friends.
God is showing up and doing a lot of work in my heart to change me from the things I worship other than Him.
I met a girl named Anna that reminds me so much of my dear friend Emily who lives overseas with her family. I love it!
I discovered a store called, The Paper Source. Oh SNAP! I could spent countless hours and money there. I wish I could work there, but I would spend all my paycheck in the store (plus I'm not allowed to have another job working with Bridges and I'm thankful for that).

Little boys & cars

I apologize for the lack of blog posts lately. I haven't been on the computer much, which I guess is a good thing.
So Alex has moved on from balls/sports obsessions to cars, including Thomas the Tank Engine, which he excitedly watches EVERY day, without fail.
Someone gave my mom a huge original (iron cast) collection of matchbox cars. Dave's mom also went up into the attic to pull out Dave's old collection. In terms of cars Alex is set!
As you can see from the picture below he doesn't go many places without at least 2 cars, generally many more than 2 though. He wants many of them in his crib and if I took them out he would be very upset. When he sleeps at night I just tuck them into the corner of his crib. It works out just fine. I knew I had to capture this on film to show him this adorable passion when he's older.

The sights of fall

Gingko trees

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Always Prepared

 Somewhat early one Saturday morning Dave, myself and the kids headed out on our somewhat usual trek of walking to Clark Park, playing and then strolling through the growers market.
As usual I had packed a very large mug of tea, and much to her personality, Lilia packed some essentials that you see pictured to the right.
It was a frigid morning! The kids tried to run around to warm up to no avail. I asked Lilia if she wanted to try some of my tea to warm up. She was willing.
She pulled out a toy wine glass from her bag and I proceeded to fill it up; topping her off as she would finish off the small portion. It certainly helped, she warmed up nicely!

Quote of the Day

"It will always remain true that a preacher, a teacher, a parent will achieve more by encouragement than by scolding."  - William Barclay

I'm not really into quotes; in fact I can't stand quotes. I hate seeing them posted or up and around. For some strange reason they make me want to rebel. 

However, William Barclay has changed my world around. Almost every time I open his book I am writing something down and wanting to share it with others. Amazing!

This quote is going on my fridge because I have a hard time remembering to encourage when my natural tendency is to scold.

The Navy Yard

Dave discovered the Navy Yard one day on his bike. When he saw it he knew he had to take us down, along with my dad.
Friday morning my dad and his buddy George came with us to the Navy Yard. George worked there for some time painting ships, and preparing them to go out.
George told us lots of stories and walked us through what it was like. It was so cool. My dad was shooting his camera at almost everything he saw. It was a great morning!
Then we topped it off we donuts at The Federal Donut on 2nd street. Dave met the owner waiting in line to get into Greenfield Elementary school. We tried so crazy kinds like, blood orange, nuetella, key lime and chocolate raspberry. The place was off the hook busy at noon on a Friday. They only sell donuts and fried chicken which they were just about sold out of when we left!

George worked on this air craft carrier in 1983.

Urban Outfitters also has offices there. They use the old buildings that line the ships. As we explored the area the scenery was blowing me away. What an incredible place to work! To be in those old buildings and have such cool surroundings would foster such creativity! In that moment, I longed to work there. (There's not a chance I could for various reasons, but it was fun to dream of what it would be like.)

Campus campfire

 Wednesday evening we played on Penn's campus. It's about 16 blocks from our house. The grounds make for a perfect playground that encourages lots of creativity.
On this particular day Lilia wanted to build a campfire. We collected sticks and sat around the campfire. It was hilarious to see Lilia's leadership ability come out. First she had me draw a campfire. Then she was directing me around with how many sticks to collect, leaves and fire according to the fire "recipe" I drew for her.

The Fine Arts Library

Rocks rock!

 On Wednesday morning I had a conference call that I knew would last close to an hour. After we dropped Lilia off at school, Alex and I headed to Kelly Drive to get in some exercise and enjoy the beautiful fall weather. We made it to these boulders just in time for my call. Alex played trucks on the rocks for the full 45 minutes without even moving.

Trick-or-treat!

Candy dump-trucks!