A SWEET LITTLE GUY IS GROWING UP:)

GRANDPA NEUMANN AND BABY JOJO

This picture was taken just over two years ago of my dad and Elijah while we were up at my parents cabin. I just love it. It is priceless to me. The expression on both of their faces is just so special. Little Jo enthralled with his grandpa. My dad enjoying the moment with his 15th grandchild. So sweet. Time is passing by sooooo quickly. This week this little guy informed me that he wanted to wear underwear. So we put it on him. He had one REALLY rough day, but since then he has done great with the potty training. He is just hilarious. After he has gone I have told him, "I am so proud of you JOJO!" He will reply just as enthusiastically, "Momma I am so proud of you!" What a sweet heart, it just melts me.

CHRISTMAS DINNER IN A BOTTLE... YIKES:)

I know it is hard to read... But have you ever drank a Christmas Ham or a Christmas tree? We got some good laughs a couple of nights ago. The boys and I had volunteered up at the food bank on campus and we always get to pick out a free item after you have done your work. Caleb picked this Jone's Soda Christmas pack. The flavors were Christmas Ham, Christmas tree, Egg Nog and Sugar Plum. We invited some neighbors down and had a little taste test. Greg wouldn't let me post the picture of him after he tasted the ham. It was unreal, it really smelled and tasted like ham. It was pretty hilarious. We all survived and had some good laughs. It is just like Caleb to pick out something like that. He has recently informed us that he wants to be a candy maker when he grows up. He was also wondering what kind of college he will need to go to for that. They sure do keep us laughing.

GOD'S AWESOME CREATION...WOW!

A CONCORDIA SEMINARY SUNSET

O LORD OUR LORD,

HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME IN ALL THE EARTH!

YOU HAVE SET YOUR GLORY ABOVE THE HEAVENS.

PSALM 8:1

THE HEAVENS DECLARE THE GLORY OF THE LORD;

THE SKIES PROCLAIM THE WORK OF HIS HANDS.

PSALM 19:1

WOW, GOD'S CREATION IS AWESOME...

HIS POWER SO AMAZING!

GREAT FAMILY RESOURCE

Here are Louis and Caleb with their new Jonathon Parks Audio CD's. They were a Christmas present from the grandparents and the boys have loved listening to them on the way to Texas and back. They are Christian Adventure CD's. Greg and I always laugh because you truly feel like you are part of the adventure. We had borrowed the first set this past summer when we took a family trip and every time we were driving through a storm or on the edge of a mountain there was something REALLY intense happening on the CD. Greg was stressed out driving. I thought it was pretty funny. They have a real emphasis on Biblical creation and History. So they are really exciting but at the same time very educational. This mom loves that. Anyways, they come from a family ministry site called Vision Forum. I think the website is http://www.visionforum.com/. This site has many family resources for moms and dads, a catalog for adventurous boys and a beautiful girlhood catalog. They are very pro-family and offer such great Godly resources.

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

ANNA AND HER CHRISTMAS BABY DOLL

JOJO AND ONE OF HIS GODMOTHERS RYANE

ANNA, CALEB, JOJO, AND GRANDMA AND THEIR

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GRANDPA AND GRANDMA HINTZ WITH THE GRANDKIDS

We are back in St. Louis after a nice warm break in Texas. It was a blessing to be able to spend the holiday with all of Greg's family. His sister Lisa and her family came down from Arkansas so we were all able to be together. We had a great time getting to visit with extended family and dear friends during our time in Texas. The kids had a special visit with their cousins. We really don't get to see them very often so it was a treat. I will post more pictures form Christmas down the road a bit. We were able to visit 3 different churches and Greg had the opportunity to preach at Epiphany Lutheran Church, Greg's parent's church. Lots of extended family, and friends showed up so that was nice. (No pressure Greg:) He did a great job. It was nice to be able to thank them in person for the support that they have shown to us during out time here at the seminary. We are continually thanking the Lord for His gracious provision for our family while we have been here.

We headed back on the first and stopped near Dallas to attend the Celebration of Life service for a seminary families son. Their 9 year old was killed in a helicopter accident while on vacation in the Dallas area. We were so thankful to be in the area and able to be there to celebrate his precious life with them. The service was just amazing. The pastor really left you feeling hopeful and joyful for the eternal life that we all will have if we believe in Jesus and have Him as our Savior. It is something to celebrate! Even though we rejoice that we know that this little guy is in Heaven praising His Savior, we all still grieve for this family knowing how they will miss him. Please lift up the Hays family in prayer as they grieve over the loss of their son. Please pray for the Lord to wrap His loving arms around them and give them the comfort and peace in their hearts that only He can provide.