S D C

We recently returned from a three day trip and finished our first season as pass holders at S*lver Dollar C*ty. What a blast we've had at Branson this year!

Too cold for camping, so a hotel with pool and hot tub this time around. Every morning, after a big breakfast, Elle splashed in the cool waters with Dada while Zane and I soaked in the bubbles. Zane knows exactly what he likes. Ten seconds in the pool and he was signing 'all done' and pointing to the hot tub. The next day I asked him if he wanted to go in the big pool and he said, 'Nooooooooo', and signed 'hot'. Works out great for me -- my preference as well! He is a boy after my own heart! Elle on the other hand had to be dragged from the fun pool to the boring tub. :) She loves having fun with Dada - very sweet.

The City was so beautiful! Lights covering every square inch - awing! The Christmas tree was magnificent.

Nativities throughout. CHRISTmas music heard everywhere. The story of Jesus' birth proclaimed.


Parades, light shows and all the regular fun too.

Elle, with her hands up in the air, in the very last car with Dada.

When we first saw the middle square, with the impressive Christmas tree that was light-timed to music each evening, I got choked up. When I turned to see Elle's face, her eyes were full of water. That was a great moment. Later, I was moved by the telling of the Christmas story by the old man on the train ride - he was so sincere and there was a sense that he was honored to share God's Truth. And again, while the Christmas tree lights danced to music, I was overwhelmed by The One we celebrate this season.


Every day since Elle rode SDC's F*re *n The Hole in September, she has asked about riding it again. Not a day has passed in three months that she hasn't mentioned it being her favorite ride. As expected, this was definitely the highlight once again for her.


Zane really enjoyed The City's ambiance and didn't cry on the Frogger this time. But his favorite moment was while we sat in front row seats at the 20 minute Living Nativity performance. We were just feet away from the side stage where Mary, Joseph and a POOPING donkey appeared. Zane thought the pooping was AWESOME!! He kept signing 'potty' and laughed out loud.


Actually, we all laughed because we were so close to the actors we could see them stifling laughs and gagging for air while they knelt down in poop to worship baby Jesus. We have an Advent book that we read every night. Since our return from The City, we can't get past the page with the donkey without Zane mentioning donkey poop.

We also worshiped on Sunday morning at The City. Elle even went up front and sang in the choir. She was a pro, as the night before she went up on stage during the "Frosty" play. Here she is, in the middle wearing the purple hat...


Speaking of frosty, it was cold, but we planned our wear well and stayed plenty warm. The fresh, hot cinnamon bread also helped and became a daily must-have -- I feel a tradition coming on!

We had a lot of fun being together and taking in the celebration of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!

Road Trip

After Thanksgiving, Eric headed home to take an exam so that he can start attending classes next year in pursuit of his MBA. The kiddos and I headed on to St. Louis for much fun with my pal, Mrs. Evans, and her girls. As always, the days were filled with great food, games, shopping, belly laughs, coffee, more laughs and more coffee!


Mr. Evans has been faithfully and honorably serving our country in Afghanistan these past six months. We have enjoyed our extra time together with his girls in his absence, but are eager for his safe return to his dear family...very soon!

On this trip we were really blessed to attend church with the Evans girls - great fellowship and teaching! Later in the week the kiddos attended an awesome childrens program while we enjoyed a women's Christmas brunch. The food was delicious and we were extremely touched and moved by hearing eight women testify to what God was doing in their lives. It was a very worshipful time and we were so encouraged - a great start to the Christmas season for sure!

The Evans have turned their entire basement into a very impressive playroom. Several times a day we would lose the children to the underground for semi-peaceful coffee talks. But between coffee breaks, we headed out on the town for a train ride, an unexpected Santa chat, shopping, and a private (nearly the only patrons there!) lunch at the spaghetti factory.


One exciting milestone for Zane at the Evans was that he successful sucked water through a straw! Mrs. Evans was a wonderful cheerleader and encouraged Zane to master it. This is BIG, HUGE, INCREDIBLE! When there's a hole/fistula in the roof of your mouth, this can be quite challenging. Not sure how he maneuvers this, but if he puts the straw just so, he gets enough pressure to suck it up. It can get frustrating for him when it's not just right and he sucks wind, but he has continued to improve his technique. Zane does not fail to show us great determination and ingenuity!

We are so blessed to travel through life with these dear friends and always look forward to our next visit. In the meantime, we quietly take pictures of Zane with both of the girls in case there's an Evans/Wolfe wedding someday. ;)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a '3 brother-Wolfe' gathering...14 heads, 8 cousins, 5 pies, 60 cookies and unlimited card playing. Now all that, is something to be thankful for!

Our car doors opened, Elle embraced cousin Ami, and they disappeared. About the only time we saw them for the next three days was when they resurfaced for food. Those girls are silly and becoming precious friends - truly a joy for us to witness.

We found Elle and Ami 'painting' and dressing and dancing....


















Especially wonderful was having cousin Titus home for his first Thanksgiving.

He seemed quite entertained by all the action.

I love this pic of our boys connecting, while rolling and tumbling.

Zane still takes a bit of time to warm up at our large family shindigs. I certainly savor his cuddles and love that he still needs security and comfort from Mama. I know that all too soon this will pass and I'll be tackling him for some face time.

We knew our baby would get into the spirit of all things crazy and he soon joined in for some dress-up, piggyback rides and crafting.

























The only 'thing' missing was Grandpa and Grandma Wolfe, but they joined us via Skype for some laughs. Sadly, we could not pass them a slice of pie. :)

This Thanksgiving, the Wolfe family is grateful for our salvation and the fellowship we share through Jesus.

New Toy

Two days before Thanksgiving, I got a new toy. Barely had time to read how to turn it on before we gathered with family and friends, the perfect subjects! After a week of traveling with my new precision instrument in hand, I learned more about what I don't know. In fact, upon returning home, I discovered there was a button I should have pushed that would have improved my shots immensely. Live and learn! Here are some of my firsts, so don't judge too harshly.

It's Madness I Tell You

Innocence? Ha! :)

It's madness - hitting, throwing, and fussing! Is it his two year molars? Is it the 'terrible twos'? Is it being a boy? If it's the molars, they haven't even broken through yet. If it's being two, there's still ten more months of that. If it's being a boy (sigh....), I will surely go 'mad'! ;)

When Elle was two she hit (actually it was more like tapped) me and I said 'no'. She tried it one more time and never did it again. I can't even keep count of how many times in a day Zane hits us or throws something.

We are die-hard consistent on addressing it every single time. He always gets his heart right, communicates his understanding that he can't hit and says sorry, but then one minute later.... We talk about what the Bible says, 'Love one another', 'Be kind to one another', and pray about it. Will consistency and truth finally pay out?? It's just exhausting. We can't get through a meal, play time, or preschool without assault and correction.

To our knowledge, he has never hit anyone in church nursery and his teachers always gush over his sweet spirit and fun personality. What's up with that?? I understand that mothers usually get the worse behavior and I'm relieved he's kind to others.

Recently he did throw the first punch at a much larger 2 1/2 year old boy. We were with friends, eating and watching the Chiefs and Broncos game (sad day for the Chiefs), when Zane hit me again and I removed him to the living room where he began a loud temper tantrum. The bigger toddler boy was tired of listening to Zane's noise, so he got up close, stuck his finger in Zane's face and said, 'STOP IT!' Zane charged him with both hands, straight to the boy's chest. Well that bigger boy didn't hesitate to knock Zane down on his rear.

"You talkin' to me?"

My little boy, I would surely go 'mad' if it weren't for your morning cuddles, French accented Mamá, adorable dimples, sweet spirit, tenacity and courage.

Things that keep us smiling are Zane's passion for spoons (all shapes and sizes), his love for books, play kitchen, food (especially graham crackers) and his persistence and creativity in communication.

Here's to the next minute, hour, day of whatever this phase is - may He give us abundant joy in it all!

Cousins, More Cousins, & New Cousins

The first Saturday of every November is the Cousin Reunion. All the families from the five Mosher children (one of whom is my Grandmother) come together for a weekend of fellowship.

My Grandma is the last living sibling as her sister, sweet Aunt Doris, went home to heaven this past year. At 94 years of age, Grandma comes from California to 'little-town', Kansas each year to bless us all.

When Grandma arrived at the fellowship hall, everyone sang "For she's a jolly good fellow...." She was especially honored as 75 people sang her favorite hymns throughout the day.

Aunt Doris' children and grandchildren came to 'stand in her place' and we had the privilege of meeting new cousins for the very first time. I have some very cool cousins, leading fascinating lives with dear, kind hearts, reflecting Aunt Doris' sweet spirit...it truly felt like she was with us for all the festivities.

We hosted another bonfire during the weekend where everyone shares poetry, scripture and song. My second cousin, Adam, brought his guitar. One beautiful song he shared was an original that he had written and played for his wife at their wedding this past May. Life doesn't stop long enough for moments like these, so we treasure them deeply. I can't describe how dear these bonfires have become to us all. Grandma quoted from memory some of our families' best loved verses...the weekend was truly meaningful and memorable.

Welcoming Grandma with song and hugs.

Grandma & Aunt Doris, 2009

With our Mom, Grandma and GREAT Grandma

Bonfire at the Wolfes
Staying warm by the fire and fellowship.

Grandma & Mom

Elle's GG (Great Grandma)

Gram's Birthday

Along with Gotcha Day, we've also had the privilege of celebrating with Gram on her birthday for the past four years. The day didn't go as planned, as I ended up spending several hours at the children's hospital helping a friend. But it was a blessing to be there and the kiddos had a blast with Mom at the hospital playground and were flexible to take their naps in the car.

While we were downtown, we did treat Gram to a delicious meal at a bohemian-like spot that I discovered on my birthday this past year. Mom enjoyed a green juice and we all feasted on lima bean pesto, goat cheese, roasted red bell peppers, artisan bread, butternut squash soup and wild field green salads. We finished our day with a homemade, gluten-free carrot cake. I know Mom missed Dad, but we enjoyed having her on her special day and hope that some of the little things made her feel appreciated and loved.

Mom stayed in Elle's room while she was here and in less than 24 hours from her arrival, we had the sewing table set up beside her bed and a stack of projects that had been waiting for her arrival. :) She hemmed clothes, fixed several patches on Elle's antique quilt and even edged it with yellow trim. It's purdy now and ready for another 50 years!

As every year, the weather was again beautiful during her visit and we treasure the memories of life shared together. Looking forward to next year!

Happy Birthday, Gram!

Gram taught Zane & Elle how to play Rock-Paper-Scissors. Zane was always a rock.

One morning Elle said, "I like that Gram.", as if we were deciding whether or not to keep her.

Gram taught Elle how to make stir-fry - it was yummy!