300th Post!

 

It's hard to believe this is our 300th post! We started this blog when our oldest was born in 2007, and here we are, 6 years later, still blogging away. Thank you for making this journey with us!!

 

We're a little behind with what's going on with us--and boy, has it been an eventful last few months. (As always, right?) We were looking forward to Thanksgiving in France with some dear friends of ours who just moved to Germany. They live about 2 hours north of us, so we planned to meet near Strasbourg to celebrate Thanksgiving and see a few Christmas markets together, along with spending some very anticipated time together.

 

Unfortunately, two days before we were to leave, Ellie came down with a fever. While this was not that concerning (she has had many fevers in her short 4 yrs) what became terrifying was the seizure she endured while laying on the couch. I can't begin to recount for you my terror in realizing what was happening to her (I was sitting next to her on the couch when it happened) and my utter inability to do anything to help her. As soon as the seizure subsided, I did the only logical thing I could think to do--I called Jon. He immediately directed me to call 112 (or 911 in the States) so I did. The ambulance came, E came around, very disoriented and not speaking, and off to the hospital she went. Thank the Lord Jon arrived home in time to go with her in the ambulance while I got things ready to meet them there. Thank you to our dear friends who jumped into action to help us--watching Miranda, bringing meals, sending messages on facebook, and of course, praying for us. During the scariest moment of my life, I thank God for His protection on our family and especially on Ellie.

 



Sleeping at the hosptial

 

While the fever lasted only 1 1/2 days, E stayed in the hospital to be watched for any more seizures. She didn't have any (thank the Lord!) and was released Thanksgiving evening. She got to pick where we ate for Thanksgiving (since we had so much to be thankful for!) and her choice? McDonald's.

Hooked up to her EEG

 

 

Feeling better

"Best Sisters Ever" as they call themselves

As you've guessed by now, we had to cancel our plans to meet our friends in France. And while we were disappointed in that, it seemed a small price to pay to know Ellie was healthy and back to her old self. So we celebrated by attending a Christmas market a bit closer to home--at Burg Hohenzollern. It was a cold, clear day, but as it was the last time we'll make it to the castle, we were happy to see it decked out in Christmas finery.

After such an eventful ending to November, December came in much more quietly. Here's Kate and Jon with a project they worked on for Kate's kindergarten class--a Christmas tree decorated with pictures of her family and friends. She presented this to her class and what we love most about it is her choice to put " I Love Jesus" on the trunk. <3 p="">

 

 

Ellie's kindergarten had a fun Adventssingen, where parents were invited to come hear the kids sing and join in the singing too. I don't have many pictures as I was taking video, keeping an eye on Miranda, and trying to sing in German, but it was fun.  

The PTA at Kate's school hosted a Bingo night, and I thought the girls would enjoy going. So I signed us up. Unfortunately, Jon couldn't break away from work to join us, so I enlisted help from our wonderful neighbors. Thanks, guys, for helping me get the girls dinner, keep an eye on them, mark bingo cards, and keep track of all our stuff. Whew!!

Ellie and her "bingo buddy"

Mid-December brought the girls' ballet recital. This was Ellie's first recital, and she was super excited about it. They have attended ballet since the summer, and really enjoy it. (At least I think they do--they don't talk too much about it!) Ms. Helen does a great job with all the kids and is a patient and gentle teacher. We were joined by some of our German friends, and it was fun to bring them with us and introduce them to getting on post. ;)

Kate and Lizzie, the flies

Fly, Ms. Helen, and Cinderella's mouse

 

 

One fly and three mice

 

 

Celebrating a successful recital at the BrauHaus afterwards. Such fun with friends!

 And of course, our littlest one continues to move, grow, and get into mischief. Miranda loves to make messes, follow her sisters around, and climb on the table. Just the other day, I found her trying to climb on the bench where the girls eat. Sheesh! It's hard to keep up with her--seriously, you have to have your eye on her all the time. But she's adorable, sweet, sleeps like a champ, and loves to eat. She's not walking yet, which I'm trying not to stress about, but she zooms around when she crawls.

And here are a few recent shots of Christmas just yesterday! Daddy and the girls about to divide out the presents. Jon and I were thrilled the girls slept until almost 8!

 

 

 

How we kept M pacified (food)

 

The girls with their piles of presents

 

Merry Christmas!! We had a wonderful day together, and look forward to spending time with friends (the same ones we didn't get to see at Thanksgiving) this weekend. We pray you have a wonderful Christmas and take time to be thankful for God's blessings in your life! As I write this, we are all healthy and that enough is something for which to be extremely grateful. Frohe Weihnachten from Deutschland!