happenings

Our latest happenings in these wintry months: skiing and ice skating.  

 We still ski at the snow dome since there are no mountains in northern Germany.   The kids ski while Jane and I roam about.  Rick did try to take Jane but they didn't have skis big enough.  

Ice skating on the Machsee.  The lake hasn't frozen over in years but we lucked out to have a very cold winter this year.  So the kids got to go exciting on this lake, which is in the middle of Hannover.  Fortunately, we skated on it just in time.  The weather has warmed up and the lake is no longer skate friendly.  

my little sunshine

The other day on our drive to church I was having one of those "I'm failing as a mom" moments.  Terribly unproductive but they still pop up and get me down.  I was sitting in the front while the kids were jabbering in the back.  All of sudden Chrissie began saying, "My mom is the best," and then she listed all the things that I do.  I was shocked and humbled.  She brought sunshine into my grey morning.  She always does.  

With turning six, Chrissie has claimed all sorts of things one being that she must help me with the 'kids.'  Jane goes to her for comfort.  Matthew goes to her for protection at kindergarten.  I know I can rely on her for help, for honesty, and obedience.  She is such a good example to me and I feel blessed to have her as my daughter.   

Advantages

 There are many advantages to being small and Jane has found one.

 Is this really who I get to hang out with all day? Life is good.

Chrissie's 6th Birthday

 Chrissie's birthday began with "Fasching" or a carnival at Kindergarten.  All the kids dressed up and they basically had a big party with songs, games, and food.  

 And then she came home and we got ready for her "tea party" birthday party.  She invited six friends, two from kindergarten, three from church, and one from her violin class. We had four that were able to make it.  Her invitations were in the shape of a tea pot and I wrote on them:
Liebe "child's name"
Wir feiern Chrissie's Geburtstag
am 17.2
von 16:00-17:30 Uhr
und Du bist zur Tea Party eingeladen
Deine Chrissie

 Chrissie insisted on having grass and horses on her cake. 

 We made necklaces.

 I met a wonderful friend, Luciana (above photo), whose daughter plays the violin with Chrissie.  They come from Mexico and she made Chrissie this amazing Pinata (below).  The pinata was just too beautiful to break.  Luciana has been so kind to our family and has made us many mexican feasts.