Lately...

First of all, I wanted to let everyone know that I have been feeling really well lately. I am supposed to go for a follow-up visit to another doctor whom I had originally seen for a second opinion. The doctors would also like to do some vision & hearing tests to have a baseline for me. After all this, I should receive more direction from the doctor in VA. Thank you for your continued prayers for me and for our family as well as the doctors! Now, on to the fun stuff...

We have been enjoying more time with the girls while adjusting to yet another new schedule. This new schedule is the result of a major change in our language lessons, but we are excited to find more creative ways to learn Czech and to be involved in the community!

The girls are growing so quickly! Ella is nearly 16 months old and I really believe that the first 16 months of Grace's life went by a little more slowly. Grace is already 3 and is so much fun. Both girls are little monkeys and can be found climbing all over Grace's bed, the couches, kid's stools and table - basically anything climbable (is that a word?)! We are still working on teaching Ella that she is not allowed to climb from the couch to the tall blanket-storage chest to the window sill. Anytime she makes it all the way there, she just looks at us with the biggest grin like she is so proud of herself. What a nut!

A couple of weeks ago we enjoyed taking the girls to the circus for the first time. We were a little concerned that Ella may not sit through the performances (especially when we got there and learned that it was 2.5 hours), but this company did a terrific job keeping things interesting! Our tickets were on the front row and both girls were completely enthralled by all the animals, clowns, and dancers. It was such a joy for us to see them enjoy something so much! A couple of days later, we went with several friends to a nearby town to buy pumpkins. The small farm we visited had a pony to ride, toys to play with, plenty of hot, delicious food, and lots of pumpkins, squash, and other gourds. Grace picked out a couple of small pumpkins for Ella and herself as well as some fun-colored gourds. Philip and I were thrilled to find spaghetti squash and make a terrific casserole recipe I found online a few years ago - yummy!

This weekend, Philip and I each had some one-on-one time out with Grace. She loves her sister like crazy, but we can tell she's getting more competitive for attention. We do try to do special "big girl only" things with her when Ella is napping, and hope that getting to go out with us will encourage her to be the "big girl" even when she thinks acting like a baby is the best way to get attention.

All in all, the last couple of weeks have been busy but wonderful! Oh, and we are still eating the same turkey! There is only a couple of sandwiches worth and some leftover turkey casserole left before it is all gone :) This includes have a friend over twice and giving some away to another family! We are certainly grateful that God has provided such good food that we can cook at home and that we have the time to cook it!

Turkey

English Night

Opportunities to practice the language we know continue. Lisa worked with Jana yesterday. Tonight is the English Club at Starbucks, and there will be a kids club beginning at the end of the month.

HOWEVER, I was told today that I should work harder to learn Czech. WOW! The shop keeper did have an idea to assist me in this thankfully. I was invited to run with a group leaving at 0700 tomorrow. It is on!

Grace says we forgot to go to the playground after two days or rain.
Ella says watch out for a head-but.
Lisa says she needs a larger basting pan. I agreed she could mail order a turkey to test our skills before Thanksgiving. There was a mix up in the size so all the drinks are out of the refrigerator.......

Quick note

Someone asked me for my address which is on the left side bar. That reminds me, I don't know who is looking at this site but you are. Be encouraged!

I write briefly tonight to give glory to God. After receiving some challenging news that our language budget has been greatly reduced Lisa and I have remained positive. We are grateful for every opportunity to speak and learn Czech. You can pray for mental capacity improvements!

The family is ready for the weekend and some fellowship opportunities. Tonight, we saw a bear on a motor cycle. That's right, even in the Czech Republic the circus comes to town.

Grace continually said, "I don't know what is going to come next."
Ella was into the music and danced in moms arms. The tune is in my head too.
Lisa heard English spoken by one of the performers.
I am glad to be here and look forward to showing it is true with those I see tomorrow.