Christmas 2017

And so it began, the night before Christmas. As we opened our last door on the Advent calendar, the excitement in our house was at an all time high. Both children were giggly with joy and laughter about the upcoming Christmas Day. To make this day of anticipation even sweeter, we started off with some new and old traditions. First up a North Pole breakfast:

We spent most of the day relaxing and hanging out in our pj's until it was time to get ready for the Candle Light service at church in the late afternoon. Our obligatory Christmas family picture:

At church, we sang some beautiful Christmas songs, listened to the Christmas story and the children were even invited to the front to perform a song.

But what I loved the best and what reminds me every year about our Christmas Eve service in Germany when I was a child, is the final song "Silent Night" sang only with the lights of the candles. 

After church we stopped by at one of our favorites houses to enjoy the light show synced to some great Christmas music: 

Before heading to bed on that last night before Christmas, we made sure to put out the cookies and milk for Santa and sprinkle some reindeer food in the backyard. We also kissed our elves, Eli and Sparkle, goodbye as they had to fly back to the North Pole and we won't see them till next December:

Usually, I try to buy an ornament each year for our family but this year I did not find one that I liked nor did I had the time to search for it, so we just made one that afternoon. Amelia and I loved doing this activity together and this might be my new favorite Christmas Eve tradition. 

"Merry Christmas to all and to all...a good night."

After leisurely getting up, the children were excited to see what Santa has brought them. Each child only had one wish (and they each only get 3 gifts from us) and Santa delivered. Seeing the day thru their eyes, the pure joy in their faces and the excitement is what makes this day so magical and delightful. 

Waiting expectantly to open their stockings:

And then it was time to open Santa's gift: A Barbie Camper and a SeaPatroller. 

Santa also brought some lovely gifts for Mommy and Daddy. 

Happy children with their new gifts:

After opening our gifts, we just enjoyed the day at home, eating a delicious turkey dinner, playing games and relaxing in our pj's. 

While the children were excited about the gifts, they also know that this day is not about the gifts they receive but the gift God gave us. And for that, we are truly thankful. We hope you all had a merry and bright Christmas! Ours definitely was just as perfect as it gets.

Merry Christmas

The year is coming to a close and we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy New Year.

Looking back, 2017 was another exciting year for the Martin family, which went by way too fast. We are so thankful that we are healthy, have plenty of work and a new roof over our heads.

Every year again...the Martin’s are moving.  But this year we purchased a house in March and will now settle down in the suburb of Nashville, TN for a few years. After so many moves in recent years, we are delighted to finally put down roots and make this house a home. In the first month, there was plenty to renovate and even after 6 months of living in the new house, we are still not quite finished yet. But the most important thing is that we feel very comfortable here and already have met some friends in the area too.

In addition to the home purchase and the renovations, I also received a job offer at the same time and since April I’m back in the workforce. I work for a local company as a European Business Development Specialist and help to increase their market shares in Europe. This part-time position is perfect for our family because I can still be there for the kids in the afternoons when they come home from school. I really enjoy my job and all the challenges and opportunities it provides me. However, it definitely was an adjustment for all of us and some days are easier than others.

Amelia celebrated her 6^th birthday in August and is now attending 1^st grade. She loves going to school and learning. Elliot, who just celebrated his 4^th birthday, is now attending preschool and is thriving there. He has no problems fitting in and making friends and loves learning, crafting, and playing. I’m beyond happy that he likes going to preschool as it made the transition from being a stay-at-home mom to working mom much easier.

The advantage of my new job is that I get to travel to Europe 2-3 times a year to attend trade shows and other events and to visit our distributors. Thus, in May I was already for a week in Stuttgart, Germany for a trade show, with a weekend visit to Berlin, and then again in September for 3 weeks. Since I was staying in Europe for a few weeks, it was best to take Amelia and Elliot with me. The two children had a wonderful time with their grandparents and relatives while I was traveling for business to Prague, Finland, and Dortmund. The few off days I had, I spend visiting family and friends. It was the best of both worlds. And while we world travelers were busy overseas, Derrick managed the house, took care of the cat and worked on several home improvement projects.

Due to my new job, we were not able to take a family vacation this year but instead went for a couple of days to Chattanooga in the beginning of July. There, we celebrated the Independence Day with a picnic, fireworks and a classical concert in the park. After that we went for 3 days to Charleston to visit Derrick’s family. Our daily beach visits and picnics by the sea were undoubtedly a highlight of this summer. In August, we experienced our first total solar eclipse and got together with friends from near and far to watch this amazing and unforgettable astronomical event. Otherwise, we are spending lots of time in either the local parks or working and playing in the garden/ around the house. Both children enjoy the freedom and are our big helpers when it comes to chores around the house. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours!

Christmas Parties

Over the past 7 days, everyone had a Christmas party or gathering at their school or office. Derrick's company held a Christmas lunch at a nearby restaurant, where they ate till they hardly could move. Elliot's party was last Friday and due to his teacher being out and Elliot just returning from being sick at home, I forgot that they had the date changed and did not to send in his gift for the gift exchange. The substitute teacher also had a rough time containing the wild 4 year olds. But still, the preschoolers enjoyed some great food and little Christmas treats and also learned about what the season is really about. They have been reenacting the Christmas story and Elliot was proud to be playing an angel. 

Ms Williams and her class: 

All the 3 and 4 year olds at my son's preschool:

For Amelia's Christmas class party, I was on top of the game, literally as I prepared some games and photo booth prop, to make sure that I don't miss out on another one. A couple of weeks ago, I created this door cover for her classroom door:

But first, everyone brought in some food and the children enjoyed a special Christmas brunch. We prepared a healthy, edible tree:

Ms. Romer reading them a Christmas story:

And then the games were on: We had a Pin-The-Nose-on-Rudolph game, a jingle bell toss and most popular the photo booth:

Some outtakes from photo booth:

 

Each child brought in a small gift, candy, etc for their classmates and added it to their Christmas Treat bags. Then, all the children opened their gift bag together:

And for their teacher, she received a gift card tree and big group hug:

Last but not least was my Christmas lunch and Dirty Santa gift exchange yesterday. Quite a few employees were already on vacation but the few that came out, had a great time. 

 My boss unwrapped the Grinch boxers I brought in:

 I choose a big bottle, not knowing what I might find:

My Coke piggy bank was maybe not that useful to me but Elliot asked if he can have it and declared it his "new buddy":

The rain is almost gone and another cold front is moving in, which means we will be enjoying our Christmas weekend at home and relax some. It was a hectic and full month of December and we all are ready for some down time. Of course, Elliot and Amelia are so excited for Santa to come and I can't wait to see their sparkling eyes and happy faces on Christmas morning. Only two more days till Christmas!