Merry Christmas

We were preparing for our traditional Christmas Eve dinner with Oma, our children, grandchildren, and neighbor. The turkey was in the oven, the table ready to be set, and Keith was going to help me with the Christmas Tree. I went down stairs, and in the hall my foot went squishhhhh! Ah oh, Keith must have tromped snow in. The next foot went squish as well. I hollered for Keith and we traced it to the hot water heater. Needless to say, we had cleaning up to do, and the tree didn't get put up until after dinner, and our guests left. The grandchildren had a wonderful time and we were entertained with their enthusiasm.

After it was all over Keith put up this fantastic tree to surprise me. I think it is adorable.

On Christmas day we went to Oma Allart's where we had dinner with my siblings and their family members. We had a short program. Cirrus sang "Jingle Bells".

I read a story, Lindsay played the piano, Kyle told a story, and played the piano while we sang. It was fun. At home, Cirrus received a princess crown, necklace, and mirror.My favorite part of the evening was when Cirrus adorned Ariana with her crown, necklace, and mirror. Isn't it amazing that little girls just do these things naturally?

Then there are boys, in particular, Crimsel. Without saying a word he seems to say, "Don't touch my cars!"

Great Oma with Ariana.

A Snowy Day and A Fun Time

We woke up to a picture card snow fall. It was beautiful, but cold.

Thank goodness we have a brave soul who is willing to clean up the snow. He loves wearing his "klompen" for yard work and snow removal. He says he feet stay warm!

I decided that sugar cookies are the thing to serve with vanilla ice cream and ligon berries for dessert for Christmas Eve Dinner. So I enlisted the help of little bakers. Ari didn't want anything to do with her apron or hat.

Sampling the cookies was the best of all!

Sinter Klaas

Sinter Klaas Day is on December 5th. we gather as an Allart clan and celebrate Dutch Christmas. This year we invited our Thai friends Judy and Jensen. If you ever want Thai food you ought to go to Judy's restaurant. It is the best Thai food I have ever had.

We hear a presentation about Sinter Klaas and Swarte Pete, sing Dutch Songs, put out our shoes, and go to "sleep". It really is a time for giggles and whisperings. When the children "wake up", they find their shoes filled with goodies.

Arianna is a girl after my own heart. She was very excited about the madrin orange, but you'll notice what she decided to eat first.

Mary Jane had surgery for a torn tendon, Daniel is demonstrating is lively side, and we had a surprise visitor. All in all we had a wonderful evening.

Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you'll have a Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0183913358

UEA Weekend

Early Monday morning we went to Aberdeen, Idaho to pick up fresh, dirt still on, potatoes.

This is where Grandma Widdison grew up. Her father was the station master, and they lived in the railroad station. After Great Grandpa Peterson passed away, the family moved to the little stucco house on Main Street. Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Peterson are buried in the Aberdeen Cemetary.

After looking around Aberdeen, we went to Lava Hot Springs. We took a side trip and found a fantastic pizza shop with an interesting view.

Friday Evening

Good Luck?

A few days ago we went into the new house and found a woodpecker stunned on the floor. He had tried to fly through a window. We have been finding residue of a bird in the house, but hadn't seen one. Yesterday, when I was cleaning up sawdust from drilling holes in studs, I found this feather. I think it is beautiful. Is there a legend or myth about a woodpecker in your house? Is it good luck, I hope?

A Time for Reflection

The Wedding Day

Well, we can tell what was important to this Oma. I didn't take one photo of Aaron & Faith , however I have several of my precious grandchildren. This is the only picture I have of all six. Ari was not happy... I think it is like asking squirrels to line up for a photo. Here is a happier Ari.

Primary Program

A week ago Opa and Oma went to Cirrus and Crimsel's ward for the Primary Program. Mommy (Emma) and Cirrus were up on the stand, and Crimsel sat on Opa's lap. Crimsel was very reverent. Cirrus had her part memorized and spoke clearly. Mommy said her part nicely too. The whole program was wonderful. Oma and Opa think that Cirrus was the star of the whole program, with Mommy coming in second.

Traditions

After every General Priesthood Conference we get together as the extended Allart family to have the men share something important.

Then... we have

banana splits!

We all know the effect

sugar

has on certain people.

We all had a good time.

Gold Medal School

Well, well, well... Our school has been nominated for a special award. We are high-lighted in one of the Gold Medal Schools newsletters. http://www.hearthighway.org/gms/month.html Our fifth and sixth graders have been walking and/or running during their afternoon recess. So far they have walked over 900 miles. Because of my knee, and then the minor surgery on my toe I have been relegated to the position of "Spray the Students as They Come By Queen". Now that it is cooler the kids still ask me where the spray bottle is. I wonder how long this title will stick. One day Cirrus and Crimsel came to visit with their Mom. They decided that they would run with the big kids. Cirrus took off with Crimsel close behind, churning his little legs. About a quarter of the way around Cirrus spotted the swings and beelined, kitty corner for the swings. Like a devoted little brother Crimsel followed without hesitation. It was pretty funny to watch.

Sad for me...

SIGH...
The district blocked the link I had that went to my blog. It only worked for 24 or so hours. Oh well... I'll just need read blog updates at home. It is probably better that way.

Hmm. Does this work from school?

Happy Anniversary

This photo was taken by Keith the Friday before our anniversary from our sunrise porch at the new house. It looks like he put a heart on it just for me.

What's Blue and White?

Well, I guess you can tell that school has started; there seems to be less time for things like blogs. I am really blessed with a good class this year, and am looking forward to doing some creative projects with my class this year.

I think you all know that we purchased a new washer and dryer. We put down vinyl floor tiles. Keith did most of the work while I supervised from the hall way. I painted and moved the curtains inside the window frame. I think the room looks better. Yeah! for clean clothes!! :)

What's New at Beehive

When Keith was leaving Monday morning devotional, Faith passed and held her hand up to her face as she walked by. Later Keith went over to take a couple of pictures. The first time Aaron told me about Faith, I asked him to describe her to me. He said that Faith looked like Snow White. We're happy for both of them.

Tah Dah... The Winner Is...

You can see the results of the poll, and the final winner is Almond Boter Koek.

To the left are Oma Allart's recipes for Boter Koek and Almond Boter Koek. Because the recipe was given to me verbally many years ago, I guess I have altered it slightly. My recipe is also here. I entered in in the ward recipe book, and they slaughtered the name of the recipe.

The Ribbon

Last Saturday, our ward had an old fashioned picnic with a bake off. Keith and I were busy most of the day baking. First, we made pie crust for lemon meringue pie, and then a sugar free berry pie. While the berry pie baked we made the lemon pie. Then we made boter koek, and then made macaroons. All in all, we barely made it on time to enter our goodies. One of our goodies took second place. Now it is your turn to vote, use the poll on the right hand side of the blog. Which one do you think took second place? After a week we will let you know how the event turned out.

The New Baby

A Funny Perspective

In July we went to David and Sarah's in Arizona to help out while the new baby arrived. The night before the baby came the boys were having a grand time looking at each other through their legs. It was pretty funny and we laughed really hard.