The Schenk Family Times

Monday, January 23, 2012

Sunrise

Just before our big snowstorm hit last week we had some of the most amazing sunrises ever. It was actually fun to get up super early and peak out the window. If there was a hint of pink we would open the kitchen blinds and watch for awhile to see how the sunrise colors developed. This particular morning was so colorful it was incredible. I was worried that the camera wouldn't do it justice, but these turned out pretty good I'd say.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Litte More about Christmas

Cranberries look so beautiful, before, during and after cooking. This year our big turkey feast was the Friday before Christmas. Keith took Eric, Diane and Dennis skiing. I stayed home because my knee is in no shape to tackle a mountain and cooked up the whole feast in one afternoon. It was sad to miss skiing, but I loved knowing that they would come home to a wonderful meal. The leftovers were divine, too.

How do you get this many people playing all together at once? Go karting at Sykart! The best part? Everyone loved it, and would like to do it again. It's pretty fun when you have that many people racing, and you know almost everyone on the track. That makes it a little more personal when you pass someone, or get passed!

And the best part of Christmas...skyping with Elder Schenk! He looks great and is loving his mission. He's feeling concerned at having only 5 months left to serve. There is so much good he can do as a servant of the Lord there. We got to talk for an hour, and it was so good for my heart. I have been missing him quite a bit, but after spending that time visiting, I'm feeling just fine again. It's cool how much he loves being in the Philippines and being a missionary.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

A Merry Little Christmas (with the Harts)

As always, a lovely Christmas tree at Mom's house.

Brothers opening their gifts.

Mom made us a great Christmas dinner. Best ham ever!

Eric got a super helpful book called 1001 Things You Need to Know Before You Leave Home So You Don't Go Back. I think he should study that one carefully. Not that I don't want him to come back home, I just want him to be successful when he leaves.

Gift unwrapping with gusto!

We shared a few stories, including a really good story about camels, and then sang a few Christmas carols. A wonderful Christmas evening.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Merry Little Christmas (Morning)

With Christmas falling on a Sunday this year, the usual routines were a bit altered. However, the day still began with the line up and march to the Living Room to see what Santa brought.

Dennis is super excited about his new blue bath scrubby which blends perfectly with his blue shirt, but if you look carefully enough you can see the tag on it. That's good. Otherwise it looks like he's just missing his gorilla buddies in the jungle. Meanwhile, Diane is fascinated with Eric's new striped hat, and Eric just can't get over the thrill of having his very own head massager.

Toothbrushes, spatulas, all the usual fare.

A little candy, yogurt and cheese were eaten from the stockings, then it's off to 9:00 am Sacrament meeting, which I might add, was great. Beautiful program with scriptures, stories and lots of music. Eric and I both got to sing in special group numbers as well as in the choir. And it's just so fun to see all the ward members you love, on Christmas Day, all dressed in their Christmas best, greeting them with a Merry Christmas, on Christmas! Very sweet.

A few pictures while still dressed up.

What a beautiful couple.

Plus one. Check out that nice Christmas tie Eric has donned. It's his gift from the Philippines Devin sent last year. So cool.

Mom came over for breakfast and gift opening. It's so nice to have her nearby, I sure love her.

Love this guy!

OK, so sorry about this picture, but I just love a pretty holiday table and nearby decorations. So despite the fact that the expressions on the faces were saying "we're hungry, let's just eat now" I'm posting this picture. And don't worry, next time, I'll just keep on taking pictures until we get it right, now matter how hungry you all are! But seriously, look at the gorgeous fruit plate the kids put together. We also had overnight baked french toast and breakfast casserole.