Monday, December 31, 2012

Was Santa Good To You?

Since our family is all over the world, we celebrated Christmas through Skype, Face Time, texts, emails...
...and with packages arriving on our doorstep!

This one came from the east coast...
and there's something special here, for sure!

First Callie, then Lucy inspected the packages.

Callie says, "Hey, Lucy, check this out!"

"This one has our name on it!!"

"That was some good catnip."

Thank you, Emily and Jake.

Take care,
~Natalie

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Things in my House Thursday~the Little Things that Make Me Happy

Amy and Nick were unable to travel the distance to be with us for the holidays,
so they sent a gorgeous centerpiece to adorn our table.

It arrived a week ago, and is still fresh and beautiful today.

Lilies...Roses...Carnations...

Baby's Breath...Holly Berries... and Greens.



It's Perfect!
Thank you, Amy and Nick.

Enjoy the rest of your Holiday Season.

Take care,
~Natalie

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Nellie's Christmas in America

Jesus is the "Reason for the Season" and our family has always worshiped together on Christmas Eve...this year was no different.

We all sat together in the darkness, as members of the congregation lit their candles from the flame of the Christmas candle.

 Earlier in the day, we enjoyed time with Nellie's family in Denmark through Skype...even Callie said Hallo!

Our Christmas eve supper menu includes
Elegant Wild Rice Soup
a few appetizers
Lefse

Nellie and I found these napkins at the Scandinavian store in Fargo.
"God Jul" is Merry Christmas in Danish.

Nellie's host sisters have not met her yet, but through photos have picked up on her style.
This cute little top, from Emily, will be perfect for spring!

Nellie's parents sent the new iPhone 5...
...my...oh...my...

I'm certain she has not set it down since she opened it!

Christmas Day tradition takes us to Grandma's for dinner...
Nellie is wearing the sweater sent from host sister, Amy.
Note: iPhone in hand

Her fingers are flying!

(Actually, I tease a little)
Nellie is a considerate young lady, that enjoys family time.
With all electronics set aside,
We three enjoyed the company of Aunt Olivia, Grandma and Stacy.

A delicious home cooked meal shared around the table with family,
makes a very Merry Christmas.

Enjoy the rest of your Holiday Season.
Take care,
~Natalie

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas to our Family and Friends

Our family attended the Christmas Eve service at Zion.
We sing Silent Night in the candlelight...
It is my favorite part of the worship service.

This morning we are all cozy in our home, 
enjoying a warm beverage...
...it is a 'chilly' 12 below zero outside!

Soon we will bundle up to go out and check on Gracie the Gray Siamese.
Then, we are looking to Christmas Dinner at Grandma Elsie's house.

Wishing you all the joy of family,
The happiness of friends,
And the love of Christmas.

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve ~ Creating Some New Traditions & Keeping our Favorites Alive

Can it be? Christmas Eve is here??
I'm not going to lie...to me, it just doesn't feel like Christmas...

Nellie did a great job hanging the ornaments...
but, I don't think she's a fan of our artificial tree!
(In Denmark, they don't have "plastic" trees!!)

This year, we will be missing our darling daughters.
Both are living far away...and both are busy with new career jobs...

I count our blessings, that we have been able to share so many holidays together.
Our family has lived close...North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota...
and we have been able to gather for lots of occasions!
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, Birthdays,
Columbus Day, Presidents Day and Spring Break...it seems we were always on the road...

...and I have such fond memories!

Thank goodness for Face Time...
We were able to be with Amy, as she opened her gifts.
And today, we hope to Face Time with Emily and Jake...
Perhaps a new tradition for our family?!

We will also be missing my mom, since can no longer travel.
Scott and I celebrated Christmas with her at the Odd Fellows Home...another new tradition.

We like the tradition of lighting the Danish Christmas Candle...

and tonight, we just might have to figure out how to
"Dance Around the Christmas Tree" with the Danish.

Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas,
surrounded by your family and special friends.

Take care,
~Natalie

Monday, December 17, 2012

Monday Mania ~ the last Monday of the Semester

 My Child Development Class...
Students invite parents and their babies to class to discuss parenting...

Hands-on experiences and one-on-one discussions 
are the best vehicles for learning.

We are also fortunate in our school system 
to have the Real Care Baby Curriculum in place.
Taking care of a baby is harder that some might think!

My Personal Development Class...
Developmental Theories...Birth Order...
Why do people behave the way they do?
Lots of valuable discussions...

And Fitness for Life class... 
Discussions, Activities and Food Preparation.
Let's focus on Making Better Choices!

I seldom use my sick leave...
it is too much work to be gone!  
However, this term I used a day...
I had laryngitis...it's tough to teach without a voice!

It's a busy time for students and teachers,
as the school term comes to an end.

And, as the Christmas Holiday is right around the corner,
Let us remember the Reason for the Season.

Take care,
~Natalie

Road Trip ~Day Three ~Burger Battle ~Sweet Shopping Highlights

Our last full travel day took us through four states… Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Including some Big Bridges over some Big ...