I got a new computer for Christmas & I was hoping to get a picture on here. But since Sam threw up a little while ago & Daniel is still up coughing bad, I think I'd better go to bed & get whatever sleep I can. Ha ha. That's kind of a snap shot of Christmas as a parent. All you who have taken care of sick kids over Christmas break, please raise your hand... Well, I'm thankful for indoor plumbing & the works. Lots of different "bugs" at our house currently & I have not had any of them yet-dangerous times for me.
Beautiful worship services. Sad times with Burmas & Schockmans gone. And last Christmas with Pastor Paul. Lots of changes with loved ones at church.
AND last Christmas with Markus still here & what seems like our family as we know it. Sad. Life moves on...
Wonderful sermon today: Mary & Joseph sojourners; so are we! Heaven is our home.
Love to all & hopefully picture from Murdys soon :)

Joy

We are really enjoying Elias' first Christmas season!
It adds special joy to see Christmas through the eyes of a 10 month old.
(This picture is a preview of our Christmas card...which will be coming in a while.
Hopefully not too long from now!)

P.S...

I am attempting to redecorate The Robin for Christmas.
Currently it's not going well.
Please be patient as I will continue to adjust how the blog looks.
Thanks!

Elias' First Snowman

Since we are still patiently (?) awaiting our first snowfall of the season,
here is the closest picture we have for something Christmas-like.
It was taken on Thanksgiving, at Mike's aunt and uncle's at the Lake of the Ozarks.
It was a great time for all!

Currently we are crazy busy with all the normal December-Advent activities.
Our Open House for the dual parish ministry is coming up on Dec. 12th.
So the house and baking are all in various stages of preparedness. (Appropriate for Advent, no?)
Anyway, all of this is to say...more cute Baby's First Christmas Pictures are forth coming!

Kindergarten Joy

RIVALRY WEEK!

Happy Halloween and Fall

Fall update from the Rudy House -

pict 1 - Andrew and Leslie came up and we all went to the Illinois UMich Game at the Big House during our Cold Cold Snap!! We saw Michigan win in a triple over time - most points scored in the big house - crazy game!!

pict 2 -

Matt and I where Super Mario Brother Video Game Characters for Halloween - a buddy of Matt's hosted a themed party!

pict 3 - We have also expanded our garden around the house - the neighborhood association took our our ugly pine trees - and we put in a lilac bush!!! I can't wait till spring!!!

pict 4 - We went home for my college friend christine's wedding - the three of us girls who roomed right next to each other our freshman year of college are all married! crazy! amy has the curly hair - christine is the bride - and then me of course :) with out handsome spouses!

pict 5 -

For my birthday Matt got us tickets for the UMass v UMich game in the big house!!

These things happened in reverse order - but apparently the pictures post in reverse order - so you'll have to use your imaginations :)

Hope to have a fall update from all of you before Christmas!!

Love to all!!!

Jessica and Matt