Dutch Blitz with Grandma

Aleah's new tricycle. It has a wagon attached on the back. Aleah loves scooting through the house on it.

Here are a few pictures of Grandma playing Dutch Blitz with Abby and Sammy. I've got a video of it that I will try and post later. I've added a few pictures of the kids and other stuff. Oh, yeah...and Sammy lost his front tooth!

Cheese! The tooth next to it is loose as well. Soon we will be calling him 'toothless'!

A day out at Kew Gardens with Grandma.

Today we took Grandma to Kew Gardens. For the last few days we have been relaxing indoors, playing games (DUTCH BLITZ) and chilling out with Grandma. But, Dean is trying to write his dissertation and so we thought we'd better get out of the house for a while. Plus, Grandma doesn't get to see a lot of parks, and gardens where she lives in China so we thought it would be a nice treat for everyone. We packed a picnic lunch, said goodbye to Dean, and off we went got catch the bus to Kew Gardens. We had a lovely time. First stop was lunch inside the children's play area 'Climbers and Creepers', then we went exploring through the gardens.

Cheese!

This an enormous pine tree that has branches leaning over so far they touch the ground. It almost makes a cave like house around it. (Not sure what Samuel is doing there?)

This 'tea house' is opposite the bus stop that we had to wait at in order to head back home. It looked VERY inviting. Especially as the temperature had dropped several degrees while we where out. We said that next time Grandma comes to Kew Gardens we will definitely have to make a tea stop there!

Dryden Christmas

Let the chaos begin!!!

Oh, look, a box to play with!

A magic set for Sam, and a Doodle Pet for Abby.

Christmas Pj's!

Here are a few pic's of Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Unfortunately, I was far too busy on Christmas morning to get any photo's of our Christmas Breakfast. We had Dean's family over plus a few of the extended family...one of Dean's sisters-in-law brought along her sister, and another sister-in-law brought along her brother from South Africa. So in total, counting children and extended family we had 18 people for breakfast! Later we all went to Dean's parents' house for Christmas Dinner and more presents...there was 20 of us there! Can you imagine the chaos!!! Especially when you realize that there were 5 children, 3 guinea pigs, 1 dog, 1 rabbit, and 1 cat amongst the crew!!!! We had a fantastic time, but we certainly did miss the family members that weren't able to be there! Hope you enjoy the photo's!!!

Slideshow

I have added some more pictures to the slideshow on the right. I will try and add photos occasionally so check back every once and a while. ENJOY!!

Hospital Visits are Over.

Just an update for those who mainly keep in touch via the blog page. All friends & family are now out of the hospital and recovering in their own homes. WE all still need prayer though, so keep it going!
PS - I also finally bought some batteries for our camera so hopefully I will be posting some new pictures soon.

Thanksgiving

As I write this blog I'm sure that many of my American friends and family are making their Thanksgiving Day plans. For my English family and friends, Thanksgiving is a day that is set aside (the 4th Thursday of November) to give thanks to God for the harvest, and the new land (Pilgrims). This is a day to get together with friends and family and eat lots of food: turkey, sweet potatoes, vegetables, pumpkin pie, ...and to spend some time reflecting on things that you are thankful for.

Since marrying an Englishman, and moving to London I have tried to share with him and his family some of these great American traditions. Being Christians, it has been very easy to get our family and friends to join us for a day of Thanksgiving. We have celebrated it in many ways, having to be a bit more creative with our time because unlike in the States, no one has the day off work. My children now look forward to Thanksgiving and like to have input on who we invite and also how we celebrate. We do have a few American friends over here that we sometimes celebrate with, and we were planning on doing that this year.

However, there has been a lot happening here to distract us from being thankful. My best friend has been in a psychiatric ward for the last week due to situations she got herself in because she suffers with Bi-Polar disorder. Dean's mum was taken into hospital with chest pains early Monday morning, and the doctors are running tests to see what is going on with her. Dean and I are having to sort through some circumstances within our fellowship, as well as Dean and the other elders at Twynholm working through finding a pastor to fill the vacant position. Between counselling people, hospital visits, supporting Dean's dad and Pat's elderly parents, looking after the children and the children of others, all added on to the regular things that we do, I must admit that we are feeling weary. With all this going on we decided that we couldn't possibly plan a big Thanksgiving celebration.
This morning, however, while I was cleaning the kitchen I decided to put on one of my favourite Christian radio stations from home (FL). The Joy FM. At the time they were playing a talk from Charles Stanley on 'Why it is good to give thanks.' Not really what I wanted to hear at the time, but I put it on. God is good and faithful, isn't He! He knew that I needed to be reminded to give thanks in everything! ...'It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.' Psalm 92:1&2
God is faithful, and His loving-kindness is everlasting. With all that is going on around me I have been feeling very anxious about things, and again this morning I was reminded that...'The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6&7
My prayer is now that through thanksgiving to the Lord for all that he has done for me, my heart and mind will have the understanding and peace that it needs during this time. I pray that all of you take some time and and reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. May you feel God's blessing on you even today!

PS - We have run out of Macaroni and Cheese!!!! Here's your chance to do a Random Act of Kindness!

Pumpkin Party!

Tonight we had a family/sunday school Pumpkin Party. This time of year is quite a trial for Christians, it seems. Trick or Treat: do we or don't we? I grew up 'trick or treating' in the US, but I know that over here in the UK it seems to be a much bigger problem for Christians...maybe it was when I was a kid, but I was unaware of it??!! SO, in order to let our kids have some fun and also bring glory to God at the same time (which is what Christians should always be striving to do), we have developed a 'Pumpkin Party'. Everyone brings their own pumpkin to carve, we have some food, play a few games, carve pumpkins, then listen to a little script that shares the 'Pumpkin Gospel'. We end up talking about how we need to let God's light shine out of us like the candle shines out from the pumpkin. We had a great time tonight, and even had some new kids from the community come. Aleah was our mascot, as she walked around in a little pumpkin outfit that her Nanny picked up at a 'car boot sale'. Dean's dad took the pictures because our camera was out of batteries.

Long awaited update

I am so sorry that there hasn't been an update since last Saturday! Shortly after I finished posting the blog about Aleah still being in the hospital, Dean rang and said that she had picked up and the Doctory had checked her and was happy to discharge her! Praise the Lord! Thank you to all who were praying for her, we appreciate each and every prayer. Bridgette (the nurse) asked if we would consider staying until her shift was done, just because she enjoyed chatting with us. ;)
The reason why there hasn't been any blogging since then, is that we left for a much needed family holiday on Monday. We rented a cottage in Woodbridge, Suffolk with a great family we've gotten to know over the last few years of doing a summer youth conference. They have 2 kids (girl, 11 and boy,8). We had a fantastic time doing lots of fun outdoorsy things and playing some great family games. I forgot to take the camera, but Dean was able to take some pics/videos on his phone, so I will get them posted soon. Also, our friends are going to send us some pictures as well so stay tuned!
We also went to a place called 'Diggerland' today! How amazing is that! We drove and operated some great JCB's and diggers...what a blast!
Hope you all are well!

Aleah update!

Aleah went downhill on thursday! She had to have an N.G. tube put down her nose because she stopped eating and drinking. She decided that she had enough of that at some point during the night because she pulled it out. Which was fine because she started eating and drinking again. Friday she made great progress and it was all looking very positive. Saturday morning they turned off the O2 to see how long she could go without it. When the Doctor came in to check on her she was walking around the room talking to him, and he had to chase her around a bit to listen to her chest. He said that if she manages to stay off O2 until his next round (5 - ish) he would discharge her! After that she started going downhill. She is now fighting off a fever! She is however still able to keep her SATS up and hasn't needed O2 yet. So there is still a chance. I am having a break from the hospital while Dean sits up there for a little while. Abby and Sam are beeing looked after by Pat and John ( Dean's parents) while I gather some things and get back up to the hospital.
Dean has had a great opportunity to witness to one of the nurses that is taking care of Aleah. As soon as she heard he was a pastor ('man of the cloth') she let him know that she was an evolutionist. Dean challenged her thinking, and actually made her realize that she is more than an evolutionist, she is an atheist. She didn't really like that term, but has definitely listened to Dean ...although she thinks it's all rubbish. Dean has given her a DVD entitled Two Ways to Live. She said she might have a look. Bridget (the nurse), has been wonderful and very friendly throughout this time. She has certainly kept us entertained! So, if you think about it, pray for Bridget...who knows, maybe the reason Aleah had to go to hospital is so that Bridget could hear the Good News! Isn't God great!!!!

Poorly Update.

Hey everyone, thanks for all of your prayers and concern, Aleah is on the mend but is still in hospital. The doctors have said that if she has a good night tonight then she can come out tomorrow (Saturday). I'm gonna put some more video up here so that you can visit her in hospital even if you live far away! Although this week has been a stretch, in terms of running to and from hospital and tough seeing your little one sick not being able to help much, it does make me remember to give thanks for family and friends that care and the other 300+ days of good health that God has given us. We'll keep you posted. Dean.

Poorly Aleah!

OK, this is my first foray into blogdom it's usually Kris that is organized enough to update our blog but she can't right now because she is staying with Aleah who was admitted to hospital last night :( She has a chest infection and is being treated with inhalers and oxygen and is making steady improvement :) So please keep her in your prayers and thoughts! I have a little phone video clip of her being cute while in hospital that I will attempt to post - We'll see how it goes!

School Webpage

I've added the children's school webpage. If you click on SHOWCASE and then you can click on each class' page. Abby is in Year 4 and Samuel is in Year 2. If you click on RECEPTION you may even find me (kris) at work.

To Mothers everywhere

One of the mothers of a child in Abigail's class sent this out to all the Year 3 Mums. I found it quite humorous. Enjoy!
http://www.findinternettv.com/Video,item,1646633813.aspx

Happy Birthday Abigail!

Yes, we now have a 9 year old in our house! Can you believe it!? Abigial had a great birthday. She had a small sleepover on the Friday night before her birthday. Two friends came over to spend the night, then in the morning we picked up one more friend on the way to see a movie. The girls spent Friday night eating pizza, doing crafts, and watching 'High School Musical'! We sent them to bed just after 11, but at 2:30am I woke up to giggling and running down our hallway! YIKES! Needles to say Dean tld them all that they needed to go to sleep, which they did - very quickly. On the 18th (birthday) we had a family dinner at Abby's favourit restraunt 'My Ole Dutch'. It makes huge pancakes, sweet and savoury. Thanks to all our friends and family who sent gifts and cards, made phone calls, and joined us for dinner. Abigail felt very blessed!

Facebook pictures

Ok, I figured out that most of you in fact, all of you can't get the photo's I've posted. So I figured out how to get them off facebook and put them on the blog. Here they are.

Aleah is officially walking!

Yes, she's finally done it! Aleah is walking everywhere now! She seems to have very strong legs and loves to walk everywhere we go. GO ALEAH!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school for Abby and Sammy. Abby is now in Year 4 and Samuel is in Year 2. They were both very excited and ready to go by 8:00, we didn't need to leave until 8:30 so that was fantastic! They both enjoyed their days and were very happy to see their friends again.

"Bee Afraid"

On Monday, Abigail found a bee (alive) inside the bathroom. Without saying anything to us she gathered her supplies: goggles, oven mitt, tea towel, and plastic cup and took care of the problem. It was only when I spotted her walking through our flat with her bee fighting gear on that she told me what she was doing. What a brave girl! What creativity!

Contagious Update

Well, unfortunately I had to come home early from our Youth Conference, 'Contagious'. Dean's mum was not well enough to look after the children. So, Dean drove me home on Tuesday afternoon to relieve his mum. The kids and I ended up having a great time together despite the weather not cooperating. God is good and gives us what we need when we need it. Dean had a great week at the conference and was blessed by the teaching he sat under, as well as the studies he led during the week.

Contagious

Well, Dean and I are off to Contagious in the morning. Contagious is a youth Bible Conference that runs for a week. We will be taking 2 of our youths and joining about 150 other teenagers from all over the UK, between the ages of 14-19 to study the Resurrection for a week. There are about 30 leaders that make up a great team, and we all have a fantastic time. We study in small groups in the morning, split into two groups for 'seminars' from 10-1, break for lunch and some fun, then we all meet up again for 'the big preach' in the evening. It's hard work, and pretty tiring, but we all come away having learned a lot about God, His Word, and ourselves.
Please pray for us as we leave our 3 blessings behind. Dean's parents will be looking after them for us and we are very thankful to them for supporting us in the ministry this way.
Don't know if I'll be able to blog until we get back next Sunday afternoon.

Thank You, Connie!!!!

We want to say a big THANK YOU to our friend Connie who sent us some goodies from the USA.
We had pancakes for dinner the night the package arrived! Aleah has now discovered the delicious new taste of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, and she loves it. Thanks, Connie...what a treat!

Unfinshed story

I know, I still have to finish the creationfest story...I'll get there soon, I hope!

The tooth is out!

Samuel's tooth has finally come out! We were on a road trip on Saturday and he was trying to eat an apple, because I said it would help his tooth. He started complaining that his tooth was hurting a bit. A friend of ours who was with us sitting next to Sam told him that all we needed was some tissue to get a good grip on the tooth and it would come out. So, we found some tissue and our friend Leanne pulled the tooth out! There was very little blood, which was fortunate because Samuel does not like the sight of blood. He was very happy that his tooth was out and that the 'tooth fairy' was going to bring him 1p!!! Boy, was he surprised when he woke up the next morning and the 'tooth fairy' had actually put £1 under his pillow!!!! The tooth next to it is loose now, and I think that it might actually come out a lot faster than the first one!

CREATIONFEST '07

We're back from Creationfest '07. We had a blast! The camping was the roughest bit of camping I have ever done, but we still survived. In the end we had 34 people with us, including 3 children under 10, the youngest of which was a 2 year old. (No, we did not take Aleah with us...she was saved the chaos by Dean's parents.)
We loaded up to mini-buses and and our van with people and camping gear by 10:30am Friday (8/3) and arrived in Woolacombe, Devon around 3:45pm. It was then 'all hands on deck' to set up all the tents and start the dinner arrangements. We were camped on a beautiful HILLSIDE farm with the bare essentials: 2 showers per gender (for the whole campsite), and about 7 port-a-loos on a hill! Let the fun times roll!!!
The festival itself was great! Lots of things for everybody to do, seminars, concerts, bouncy castles, kids club etc. It rained Friday night and all morning on Saturday. Not a heavy rain, more like being inside a big cloud rain. It brightened up around midday on Saturday and by the time RU went on stage it was beautiful. The team drew a big crowd and looking around many people were moved by their message, including some of the youth we had with us. One of the girls with us dedicated her life to Christ that afternoon! Praise the Lord! We had a lovely time around the campfire introducing yet even more English people to the great American S'mores!!
Sunday was a beautiful sunny day so we decided to hit the beach! It seems as if everybody in the UK had the same idea, because it was packed!!! I have never in my life seen a beach and sea as crowded as the one we were at on Sunday! There were surfers, body boarders, skim boarders, and swimmers everywhere! I felt sorry for the lifeguards, because you couldn't see 2 feet in between everybody. The team had to go back to the Festival for a show at 5 so half of us headed back to get showered and the rest stayed at the beach for a little while longer.
Around this time I had developed a pretty bad headache and was really hoping for some rest out of the sun, but due to their only being 2 showers and a time limit on getting back to the Festival, I was unable to get that rest. (I had also forgotten to eat or drink properly, looking after so many people.) When I got to the Festival with the team I had developed a migraine due to dehydration, but I couldn't leave the kids until Dean showed up with the rest of our group. In the end Dean found me exactly at the point I burst into tears and exclaiming that I was not feeling well. He then had to drop everything to take me to the paramedic's station where I stayed for the next hour vomiting in between them trying to stuff food and water in my face. Dean was eventually able to get me back to our tent so I could sleep it off. The fun doesn't stop there....I just have to go now, it's late and I have to pack a picnic lunch for our day trip tomorrow.
STAY TUNED FOR THE REST OF THIS STORY