Blessings

Jinnae is blessed with a great dad and I am blessed with a great husband.

We came home to this note and beautiful flowers.

What a good life we have.

The Bad and the Good

The Bad News:

• My throat has killed for the last week and teaching has been difficult. This morning, I decided to go to a med stop. I have strep throat.


• I had to miss Chloe's baptism today.

The Good News:

• I have medicine now to help my very, sore throat.



• I had a Christmas staff party at my house on Saturday and it was a great time. I am fortunate to work with such wonderful people.



• Jinnae had her first sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa Gerst's. She was spoiled like crazy and loved every minute of it.



• It is almost Christmas!



• I have a wonderful husband, beautiful daughter, and super friends.



• Jesus is my best friend.

Doing My Own Photo Shoot?!

Ok, so I thought rather than getting Jinnae's first Christmas pictures professionally done, I would do my own photo shoot.

Well, having a one year old cooperate for posed pictures is nearly impossible. This is why I teach fifth graders. I say, stand still and smile and they do. My own daughter, on the other hand, a different story. I love Jinnae like crazy and even though these shots are not professional, they are still fun. Enjoy!

Cutting Down the Christmas Tree

On Saturday, we went out to cut down a Christmas tree. It is Rick and I's tradition to make homemade hot chocolate, put it in a thermos, and bring it with us to cut down a tree. Once we pick out a tree, we pour the hot chocolate, and toast the tree a few times and thank it for giving us oxygen, providing a home for animals, sequestering the carbon in the atmosphere, etc. (the last one was Rick's, of course. :))

Jinnae was happy to join in on this tradition too. She enjoyed the hot chocolate in her sippy cup.

Jinnae's First Steps

On Thanksgiving morning, Jinnae took her first unassisted steps. It was two steps and we as parents were so proud. She now stands, takes two steps and falls. It won't be long before she is running all over the place.

Our friend, Tara , ordered her daughter, Vania, some Nike shoes on the Internet. When they came, they were baby shoes. Vania was kind and instead of sending them back, let Jinnae purchase them. Jinnae is now able to wear these shoes and loves them for walking in. Thanks, Vania!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.

We had a wonderful day with family today. We spent lunch with Vicki's side of the family. Great Grandma Gerst enjoyed holding and feeding Jinnae pie and her aunts, uncles and cousins doted on her.

We then had dinner at Rick's sister, Rhonda's. We enjoyed more great food and a fun game of Swap. The boys also had a great time wrestling with Uncle Rick.

We are thankful for our many blessings.

Generous Giving

We have been less busy this weekend which is nice. We had a great church service on Friday night where we discussed and came up with a plan to help others in need this holiday season. There is a website called Other People Matter where you can find needs in your community and help. We also have begun focusing on the Jewish perspective and background of Jesus.

Jinnae is close to being able to walk and is a very happy girl. I look forward to the coming short work week - only 2 1/2 days until Thanksgiving Break! We also are excited to start some new and continue some old family traditions with Jinnae.

This is a picture of Jinnae waiting to go to daycare. Rick is wonderful about getting her ready each morning. He gets her up, changed, dressed, and even does her hair. Here she is waiting patiently on the couch while Rick puts his shoes on. She is very happy in the mornings. I have the privilege of picking Jinnae up in the evening. I cannot resist trying to help out in the morning though and Rick has to remind me that the morning is his time. :)