Camera... Got One!

Okay we did not win the ebay one that closed on 01/03, but Glenn broke down and went and got one at the local pawn shop. It was in better condition then the previous one we had and it only needed a new strap. I even ordered a bigger battery for it. So it was nice to know we had one in hand. Now I know life has a way of playing funny tricks on you, you know... you all live this life thing... anyway...today I get a call from our sextant (the lady to cares for the church) and she calls to tell me that she found Glenn's camera in a drawer here at church. So it's here if we want to come and pick it up. Funny, yes Glenn and I knew if we bought another one the 1st one would come up. It only hurt a little to pay out an extra $150 this month especially when the taxes are due. Yeah, funny. Darn CAMERA! Well we can do two angled shots for Zhivanna's party on the 17th. Great.

Still No Camera!!!!

So we still can't find our Sony DCR-TRV350 digital video camera (looks like the one above but more banged up). We looked again all around the house, at church, put an advertisement in the church news bulletin, have asked all around to friends we think we might have left it with and still no luck. I am trying not to be mad or upset with Glenn on this one but, it was his responsibility! I do the pictures (or my dad does) and Glenn does the video. With Zhivanna's B-day coming soon I really don't want to miss out on having footage. It is bad enough that we have nothing of our Christmas but the photos. Glenn has been thinking on this as well so we put a bid in on a camera we figured if we could get one for under $150 that would be great and then when the ebay bidding close we could still get it here before Zhi's special day. So we are resolved to get one in the next few days, yay!

Christmas Day 2008

The children were kind to us and did not wake up at 5:00 AM in the morning like they could have. We got to sleep to 7:00 AM, it was nice. They woke up and immediately went to Papa & Lois's room to say "Merry Christmas". Then they went down stairs and noticed the goodies that Santa left for them, then they came and got mommy and daddy out of bed. They were eager to open up their presents but we made them start on the stockings first. (Glenn tried to delay us from opening up things to do a house search for the video camera that had been missing since 12/20/08. No luck as it was not at the church when we went last to check. I am dying because we have no footage of this years X-mas day.) They went through the stockings excited about everything, Papa and Lois enjoyed Santa's gifts for them too. Merlova was the first to tear into her Santa gifts, it was hard to make her wait. This year she knew what it was all about and got into the true paper ripping spirit. She also was the first one to try and eat as much of the X-mas candy she got. We had a casual morning together as a family with our new grandma Lois to enjoy the present opening frenzy. A big surprise for the whole family was the Wii system that Papa & Lois got for everyone. Mommy of course claimed it at "mine" as soon as I knew what it was. We took a breakfast/hot coco break and played with our new toys. We shaved some things to open when cousin Michael and his friend would arrive around 1:30 PM for Christmas dinner. From Santa Akorren got a small remote controlled helicopter, a bakugan set, a Pokemon toy, and comic books. Zhivanna got an easy bake oven and decorating set, a Pokemon stuffy, and My Littlest Pet Shop Animals. Merlova got 2 puzzles, Mr. Potato Head dress up parts, and a Polly Pockets play set. It was a good day and we hope all of you had a nice Christmas as well. Zhivanna with new stuffies, Akorren and his heli, Merlova digging into the stocking goodies, family with X-mas stuff, Lois with calendar gift from kids.

World of Winter Light Pagent

Tonight our church put on it's holiday play. All three kids were in it and I helped with the stage management, organization, and some costuming. Akorren was part of the drummers for the early Yule celebration part, and also got to play Joseph for the Las Posadas. (manger scene). Zhivanna was a little Mexican girl who came in with the Posadas celebration and Merlova dressed up like a reindeer, (who also happened to be one of the animals that was at the manger on the night of Jesus' birth). The small production came out well with the support and help of the church families who came in at the last minute to help. The children had a good time and the whole community came together to enjoy a potluck meal after the evening events. The only bad thing that came out of this night was that when we got home that night and by Sunday morning, Glenn realized he had lost or left our video camera at the church that night. Akorren with the drums, Zhivanna with her maracas, Akorren as Joseph and Merlova the X-mas reindeer at the manger.

Light show in the neighborhood

Now I know this photo in no way does justice to all the effort and work that this one family put into their Christmas lights, but I had to post something on it. They are in the subdivision over off of Mansfield Pl. and have a light show that covers up their yard the and the two adjacent neighbors yards. I guess in years past they just did their house, and this year it expanded to the other houses. You can drive up in your car and adjust the radio to specific channel and hear holiday music that goes along with the flashing and blinking light show they have set up with the 100's of light strung every where. Versions of the Nutcracker and other common holiday song play as the lights flash, zip, wave and twinkle to the rhythm and tune. What I appreciated the most about this was that is was such a treat to let the children enjoy the show and is cost us nothing. I say that because as a family of 5 if I can get away with a fun night out for under $20 we are doing great. This show brought so much excitement and smiles to the kids faces and the family who did this, did it out of a reason to give something back to the community. I told our kids that we don't hang lights up because it is not a way we see to use our resource of energy. And that it was a kind gesture of the neighbors to do something for others to enjoy. After seeing the "light show" a couple of nights in a row Glenn did go out and get some LED lights to hang on the small bushed outside our door. Nothing fancy but just something to make the kids happy. The main lawn of the light show in the neighborhood.

Winter Break Party

Akorren had his 2nd grade class party today and had a lot of fun. I got busy with the girls and their dance class so I was not able to stop by for the party. Papa Herman was sent on this Gilmore assignment to go and photograph Akorren during his party. The students got to make some other holiday ornaments, eat yummy snacks, and did small book exchange. It was fun way to end the year before going into the winter break from school. His class is a really nice gorup of students and it is great since the classroom parents are really involved. Akorren working on his puzzle wreath ornament, Ms. Shaffer & Akorren

Winter Luncheon

Before Winter Break, Gilmore school did a holiday lunch for the 2nd grade class where the school would provide a turkey lunch for a nominal price and the families could come to school and have lunch with their students. Papa Herman and Grandma Lois came back from their trip to Iowa a day early and were able to make it to the lunch along with Merlova, Zhivanna and I. Glenn unfortunately had a class to teach at NASA that day and time so he could not make it. Akorren had so much of his family he did not feel forgotten. We sat with his buddy Matthew who also is named Johnson. It was nice to visit with him for lunch since this year I have not had many chances to come and eat with him. The food they provided was very good and lasted for another meal. Lois, Zhivanna and Papa, mommy with her kids, Akorren his sisters and buddy Matthew, the family at the lunch table ready to eat.