Christmas Eve

A tradition for Christmas eve is spending it with the Porvazniks. Time at the grandparents and with the uncles and Aunt Theresa. Then there is the opening up of "one" present and it usually being jammies. Yep, it happened again! Then we get our note written to Santa, and go outside and leave treats for the reindeers. Off to bed, but this year we were a little late because we were up playing our new game!
We loved the pretty presents and gifts from our favorite sewing teacher, Mrs. Russ.

Ms. Russ gave the girls a wonderful treat for Christmas Eve with their new matching jammies for themselves and their dolls. They are just so precious.

Grandma Porvaznik finished these coats and wanted to pose with the girls. If we lived up north we could get a lot more use of these, but her thoughtfulness and love in handmaking them is very appreciated.

Uncle Shmerl could not stand it any longer that we do not have my grandmother's piano here at the house yet...he is so concerned the girls are missing out. So, he got them this Casio keyboard to use and learn on. I hope they have some deep hidden talents when it comes to learning all the music theory.

And Grandpa and Grandma came through with the BIGGIE.....Wii!!!!!!!!!!! The girls were over whelmed and so excited! We hooked it up and they got to show the Gparents how things work. It was a perfect present and the time with family was super wonderful.

Roman Feast

This Ancient Civilizations semester ended with our study on Rome. We celebrated a job well done by this great group of kids by having a Roman Feast and having an evening that included the Dads. We decorated with columns, mosaics, standards, laurel wreaths, stolas(garments) and food from that time period.


This is a costume, Olivia wanted to wear...not a surprise to anyone!

We had representatives from every township and tribe. Notice the gladiator on the far right.

These were the standards that each student made. It represented them, and they understood that each camp set up a standard in battle so the enemy would know who they were coming against. I loved how we were able to incorporate so much of the words that Paul wrote to us in various books of the bible. We took the time to learn about the armor of the Roman soldiers and the armor of God which we are challenged to pick up and use daily.

The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

The kids just fell right into character by lounging on the pillows and at the tables. They loved breaking off the chunks of bread and drinking the "wine".

This was the foods of the feast. We had lamb, chicken, olives, artichokes, and many other super great things to eat. We all were full by the end of the night.

The best part of the night was when the group of kids raised their glasses in a toast to all of us parents and our hard work for them.

This was the whole room. Yes, doesn't it look like Pontius Pilate was there with us?

These were two bums we found hanging around outside and welcomed in....after all it is Christmas. Not really, just two of the Dads!

Let the celebrations begin...

With ten days to go, we have already partook in some great holiday gatherings. We had our church party, which is like a variety show. The girls stayed dressed up in their pretties, while being a part of a finale and signed part of the song, The Revelation. It is on the playlist on the side if you need a boost! It was just wonderful.

Pastor Ron shared a story about his best Christmas ever, it was of a night spent in a lonely not so quiet barn structure with noisy and smelly animals. It gave a different perspective on the "Silent Night, Holy Night" idea.

Our extended family gathered for some good company, food and a small gift exchange. The kids (not you Kelley!) had a blast and these kids just keep on growing!

Two weeks ago, the girls had their "winter" recital and they shared a song using flags. It was so worshipful and sweet. No one got banged in the head or lost their flags!

The girls and their Papa (great-grandfather). What a crew!

This is Ms. Barbara's little ballerinas. We love her so!

Centered. Pressed. Pulled.

What an amazing experience we all were a part of during our visit into Dillsboro, NC. I had the idea to go and ask the great, funny and talented guys at a local pottery shop for a favor. We visit the shop every time we are up in the area, the pieces are so beautiful and unique. Joe Frank and Travis are the owners and they were swayed by my charm, I am sure. They offered to do an individual pottery lesson for each of the kids, which they DO NOT usually do. It was one of those life memories.

It got me to thinking afterwards. I have sung the song about being the clay in the Potter's hands. I have read the verses even. But, this day I watched it happen. There were many necessary steps. First the clay MUST be centered, and it needs to be on a firm foundation. Next, while things were spinning, pressing must occur. Hard pressing. Then almost immediately, the pulling begins. But now it is more gentle. Water is dripped in, so things are more pliable. Stretching occurs. After the bottom is stable, pulling of a different kind occurs, and the shape changes. Squeezing must occur next. Yet, it is with a pressure only known to the Potter, does the shape take form and the uniqueness of that piece is made. I have personally felt the pressing, pulling, squeezing, and I can only hope that my Potter sees a piece of clay he wants to use.
This is inside the shop, it is just lovely.

Pulling.

Isn't this just like the Lord, gently guiding us with direction.

Pulling.

Pressing.

Some works of art.

Trimming.

Adding water to make it more pliable.

Gently guiding and instructing.

Thankful and oh so pleased.

Serving Him, not them.

There is much wisdom being shared by this woman. Enjoy, it is worth your five minutes.

Thanksgiving...better late than never!

Friends and neighbors joined together to have a feast and celebrate this great day of thankfulness.
There was an abundance.

And then came time to pass the afternoon with a great game of POKER!

How funny was it to be minutes from Harrah's Casino, but we had some teaching to do first. We never made it to the reservation.

Everyone had too much Cheerwine and not enough canned readi-whip!

The factory, Hiking and Krispy Kreme (hot)

We had such fun times over our week up in North Carolina. Here are a few of the highlights. I did not get to take pictures while all nine of us were playing Lazer Tag, it was five kids against us adults. We won. I kicked butt. It was such a hoot.
Can you tell Amy won the boxing match? She was sore for a day or two.

Chaice is a good shot!

This cool game/ride was a roller coaster simulator ride. They were cracking me up because they were screaming and laughing.

Posing at the tree before our night at the Factory. Good food and great fun.

This old, old house was on the property we went and explored off of Betty Creek Road. How was it still standing? I bet these old walls could tell some stories. A few squirrels made me flinch a time or two, but I could have stood there for hours just staring at the past that surrounded this home.

I saw this sight as the whole sky was grey, but a hole appeared and the sun made itself known on the side of the mountain. It was so amazing.

Only because the water was flowing, did I let them drink out of it... and only a sip or two.

We found a little creek to explore up in the hills between Sylva, NC, and Franklin, NC.

Rock, paper, scissors passes the time while the donuts are cookin'!

The HOT sign was on.

This girl loves her some donuts....this was trip number two on the same night ! We had to end our night out at a play in Hendersonville, NC and the Flat Rock Playhouse. We saw a great performance of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever".

Hot cocoa and a fresh donut...after a few hot ones....oh, well, splurge every once in a while.