Wrestling 101

This was one of Noah's wrestling matches from the district tournament this last Saturday. This is what I have learned one should do after watching Noah wrestle for two seasons.


Apparently Noah tells me these are not actually the official terms for these moves. I guess, if you want to be technical, it should read more like this:
#1 Set him up
#2 Double leg take-down
#3 Hip pressure
#4 Set up for half nelson
#5 More set up for half nelson
#6 Drive the half nelson
#7 Sink the half nelson
#8 Stay on your toes (so you can PIN HIM!)
#9 Had this one right...it's really called shaking his hand
#10 Also right

Noah had a great wrestling season. The amount of improvement from last season to this season was amazing, to say the least. He worked so hard, and refused to give up. We couldn't be more proud!

Another Sewing Project

Abby is putting the sewing machine that she got for Christmas to good use! After sewing a couple of doll quilts, she picked out this super cute material and set out to make this tote bag. Of course, the bag looked like it would be way easier than it actually was! But she stuck to it and did an amazing job! I am so proud of her!

More Snow

Well, we definitely got some more snow!
And then we definitely got some ice!

Snow!

Finally, our first snow of the season! Yes, the kids were very excited! Yes, we built this huge snowman without Mark or Noah! Yes, the snowman is leaning considerably to the right. Yes, I did grow up in North Dakota and should know how to make a structurally sound snowman. Yes, I have been gone from North Dakota for 20 years now, and apparently have gotten somewhat rusty in my snowman-building skills. Yes, he did fall down and break into a million pieces. Yes, there were a few tears. Yes, I'm praying for more snow so we can try again!

Cole's 1st Basketball Game of the Season

Cole was a machine. He definitely does not get his athletic ability from his mother (which is a very, very good thing for him). His team won 24-23. Cole passed, rebounded, shot, and had tons of fun. And scored 14 points.

Christmas Eve 2011

Fall 2011

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole!

You gotta admit, this kid has the gift-opening surprised face down to a science!

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole Henry!
You bring so much joy and energy to our family!
There is never a dull moment with you around, and we wouldn't want it any other way.
The Lord blessed us in such an amazing way when He gave us you!

Abby

Have I mentioned lately how amazingly proud I am of this beautiful girl? There are so many things about Abby that make me proud. She is beautiful, intelligent, a loyal friend, a hard worker, has the most tender heart for the needy, and so much more. She worked so hard and practiced so much for this year's cheer competition. And it showed. Her hard work and dedication paid off. She did an amazing job! And while the outcome was not what she had hoped for (no medal this year), I could tell she was praying with all of her heart for God to give her contentment despite the situation. And He did. And she glorified Him. And that is what makes me the most proud of Abby. She glorifies Him ... and that is the thing she was created to do.