Training Jacob

This past week we have spent most of out time trying to potty train Jacob. He has done a great job and is about to get it. Kiah has been the head cheerleader for him. She always runs to the bathroom with him and gives us play by play details of what is happening.

This was my first attempt at braiding Kiah's hair. I had attempted a french braid but had to quit because it was really bad. Maybe some practice will help me.

Back in Cambridge

We arrived back in Cambridge on January 11th. The trip back was good, the kids did so well on the plane. It was quite the adventure getting our three 50 pound bags, a large carry-on, 2 kid backpacks, a computer bag, and camera bag through 2 train stations and the London Underground. Jon pulled most of it, while I got the kids up and down the escalators. It was good to finally get back out our flat after 20 hours of traveling. We all crashed when we got back.

We are getting back in the swing of things, back to walking, riding the bus and bike. Kiah will start homeschooling again on Monday. Jon has been working on scholarship and grants for next year. Jacob is working on potty training, so far, he has done well. He gets so excited when he succeeds.

The pregnancy is going well. On Tuesday, it will be 19 weeks. At the beginning of February, we go for the big 20 week scan. Last week, Kiah went to the doctor with me and get to hear the heartbeat. She thought that was really cool.

While we miss some of the conveniences of home like cars, dishwashers and laundry in our house. I think we are all glad to be back in Cambridge.

Christmas Week

Monday
Christmas Shopping

Tuesday
Jon's 30th Birthday
Trip to Ely Cathedral

Jacob getting ready for his first train ride.

Jon and kids in front of Ely Cathedral. It was built in 1082.

Wednesday
Christmas Eve
Jon's papaw, Felix Ford passed away.
Searching for tickets to come back to Kentucky.

Thursday
Christmas Day
Lit the Advent Candles
Read the Christmas Story
Walked to Church
Joined friends for a British Christmas Lunch
Packed and cleaned our flat.

Kiah with her British post office.

Jacob with his Thomas hat.

Traditional Figgy Pudding

Friday
The long trek to Depoy, KY. It was 19 hours from when we left our house in Cambridge until we arrived at Jon's parents house.

Saturday
Spending time with Jon's family at his papaw's house.

Sunday
Jon preached his papaw's funeral.
Kiah and Jacob meet their new cousin Gabriel.

Kiah's thoughts on baby names

This morning while we were still in bed, Kiah came in our room and said,

"Last night, I thought of some good baby names, like Star, Sprinkle and Sparkle. Those are good girls names. I think they have those names in China, but I have never been there, so I don't know. I am really good at girls names, but not boys names."

Jon and I thought that was so cute.

Christmas Activities

We started a family tradition of making sugar cookies, drinking hot chocolate and putting up our Christmas tree. The kids love it, they like sugar.


We didn't have a lot of room for a Christmas tree this year. We found this 3 foot tree and it came with lights and ornaments. We have had worse Christmas trees. One year we cut one off the hill at Oakdale and it was to weak to hold any ornaments.

Our church does a children's Nativity Play each year. Kiah was a sheep. She was so excited, because it was her first Christmas play. She had 4 lines. She did a great job.

Kiah saying, "But he is." Affirming that Jesus is our rescuer.

Kiah with her friends Daisy and Bea.

Kiah's Birthday

Yesterday was Kiah's 5th birthday. We had a lunch at Pizza Hut and simple party later in the day. Here are pictures of Kiah on each of her birthdays. She is such a blessing!!

Thankful

We have so many things to be thankful for this year. While it is always hard to be away from family and friends on a Holiday, we were thankful that Jon's brother was able to come and visit. On Friday, we cooked a turkey, stuffing, mash potatoes, broccoli rice casserole, green beans and rolls. It was so good. It is wonderful that food can make you feel like you are right back at home. We are also thankful for web-cams, a great way that we can still see our family so many miles away.

Here are the things we are thankful for this year.

A wonderful marriage.

One beautiful little girl.

One handsome little boy.

Jennifer's kin.

Jon's kin.

Jennifer's birth kin.

This year we really thankful for Earle baby #3 due on June 22, 2009.