Counting Down

Throughout the month of November we have been counting our blessings.  To begin, we attended a church retreat in Rothenberg this month and had such a great time.  It was a lovely city to see!  We bundled the girls up and strolled down the street of the quaint, little town.  We shopped in many Christmas stores and enjoyed a delicious cup of hot apple cider.   I felt like I had walked into a life-size Christmas village.  I think it would be a lovely place to visit when it snows.  To add to the list, we celebrated Thanksgiving by stuffing our faces with food as we sat around the table with about twenty of our friends. Being around such great friends made it not so bad that our family was so far away.  Lastly, our church took a trip to a Christmas tree farm. Although we didn't get a tree for ourselves, we enjoyed the tractor ride out there, and dined at a nearby mill afterward.  We are glad to have been able to see a bit more of Germany, and count these experiences in our blessings!

Today is Dec. 1st.  Ben is with the band in London.  They are playing in the British Military Tournament, which sounds pretty awesome!  On Saturday the queen will be present.  For anyone interested, a brief discription of the tournament can be found at: http://www.britishmilitarytournament.com/.  He sure is enjoying playing, but it has been an adjustment to us all to have him gone so much.  this morning Natalie told me, "Mom, remember dad leaves us?"  We are counting down the days until he gets back (4!).

Decorations are out, tree is up, Christmas is on it's way.  One of my favorite parts of getting ready for Christmas is advent calendars.   I have a really fun advent calendar that is the shape of a house, and when you open each door, a different carol is played.  And of course there is chocolate!  What a great start to the day!  This is how we are counting down the days until Christmas, our first Christmas as a family of four!  It ought to be twice the fun! (24)

We are flying to Texas to spend the holidays.  The girls and I will be staying for a month, and boy we can't wait!  We are so excited to see our family, and for them to meet Miss Avree.  This is the longest that we have been away.  We have a lot of family Christmas traditions and are so glad to be able to be there to be a part of them. (19)
Let the countdown begin!!!

As you and your family begin the preparations of Christmastime, don't forget the reason for the season.
Thank you, God  for the most precious gift of all! (forever)

Excited to be on a trip, cuddled up in bed at the hotel

Rothenberg, Germany

Christmas tree farm, trying to stay warm and not get muddy!