Christmas!

We started the day with cherry turnovers, a Steele family tradition that Joshua remembers from childhood. Every Christmas that we've been in Ukraine, I have attempted to create a home-made version of these turnovers, since Pillsbury isn't exactly an option here. ;) My inventions were usually tasty, but not quite the thing of childhood memories. This year, however, I finally got it right!

A cozy sight

Up early stirring up the glaze

What is Christmas without good food?

Sampling the finished product

"That looks good. Can I have some?"

Playing with stocking stuffers

Our families were so generous and sent over big Christmas boxes! We took our time opening the gifts and played with each new thing along the way.

Watching to see what Abby will get.
I love what I've already got. ;)

Bekah's gift from Abby

"Thank you so much!"

Abby with her dolly, Camille

Hosanna was quite taken with one of Josh's presents.

"See, we're going to take the paper off, like this..."

"You want to see what's in the box?"

"Look! It's a new watch for Daddy!"

"Alright! Can I play with it?"

P90X Grad with T-shirt to prove it

New mugs are always welcome at our house!

My mom spent hours putting together these beautiful Dirndls for Abby and Rebekah. She did a wonderful job, and the girls have just about lived in them ever since!

"Rebekah, where's your
Christmas cheer?"

Sporting a new hoodie

Inasmuch as we are blessed with so many earthly comforts, I am often reminded of the great joy we have in possessing forgiveness of sins and unlimited fellowship with our Creator through Jesus Christ! It is a wonderful thing to celebrate the fact that He became one of us so that we might become sons of God!

Of Christmas Clean-up and Scrooge

Photo, courtesy of Robert Doucette

As wonderful as the holidays are, they seem to bring along with them a truckload of food preparation, house cleaning, picking up, and reorganizing. It's almost enough to tempt one to a "Bah! Humbug!"

Almost, but not quite. ;)

A couple of days ago, I took a break from the piles of stuff and mound of dishes long enough to download this wonderful, free audio of Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. Even if you aren't a lover of Charles Dickens, as I am, I defy you not to be entertained by this story! Not only is the tale a timeless classic, but the narrator should win a prize for his performance in this rendition.

Personally, listening to audio books or sermons helps my work hours be that much more pleasant, and even sometimes anticipated. ;) This book definitely had that effect. In fact, I could see it becoming a yearly tradition.

So, if you've got a chunk of house work waiting, or plans to sit in the car traveling somewhere, you might consider checking it out!

I daresay you'll heartily enjoy it! ;)

Our Month in Photos

Vinegar and water makes for an effective
and kid-friendly cleaner!

Helping Mamma rid the house of germs!

Favorite pastime, for all parties involved.

Friends from church sent us a card, with stickers!

The girls love table activities.

It's that time of the year!

Decorating was a breeze with these two around!

A bright spot in our house.

This flannelgraph has been a favorite.

Chasing away sickness with lots of fluids!

Zoobooks are always a hit around here!

Making a manger with dry spaghetti and craft sticks.

It was quite fun to eat the spaghetti, too. 

Our first light snow

"Hi!"

"Hey! Watch where you're aiming that thing!"

Simple things often provide the best entertainment.

Silly girl.

New chicken recipe with pecan rice. Mmmm.

Sister snuggle time.

Goodbye!

What's our ministry up to?

The latest report as to what's happening here in Ukraine!


November/December Video Report from Euro Team Outreach on Vimeo.

SHOCK: Have the Steele's stopped homeschooling?

Joshua posted an intriguing article today on homeschooling. If you'd like some food for thought, go here to read it!

Favorite Christmas Tunes

I think Christmas music is great! On the whole, it is beautiful, nostalgic, uplifting, and full of truth. At our house we began listening even before Thanksgiving this year, and it has helped to counter the winter blues. So, I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite picks of the season.

I realize that people have a varying array of opinions, preferences, and convictions with regard to music.  The following is simply music that I enjoy, and that I listen to in good conscience. If this music doesn't appeal to you or fit within your criteria, that's ok. I still want to be your friend. :)

You can find the first three of these albums on grooveshark.com, where you can listen for free!

Celtic Woman, A Christmas Celebration
Josh found this album several years back, and it has remained at the top of our favorites list ever since! These ladies have some of the most angelic soprano voices I have ever heard, and their arrangements are refreshing and stunningly beautiful. You'll also find a lot of interest in the background accompaniment, primarily in killer fiddling and deep cello.

Fernando Ortega, Christmas Songs
I find Fernando Ortega's compositions to be beautiful in their simplicity. His arrangements of familiar hymns are unique and add a lot of interest. I do not own every song in this album, as 2 or 3 of them did not appeal to me. I think the rest are winners, though!

Josh Groban's Noel is a new acquistion as of this year, and I'm so glad I got it! He is well-known for his beautiful tenor/baritone voice. These pieces are primarily choral in style with a little bit of pop thrown in. I nixed one of them, but have thoroughly enjoyed the others.

I really love a song that makes me tap my feet because I just can't help it! Smoky Mountain Christmas album does just that. I have even been known to grab a toddler or baby and start dancing around the room to one of these fiddle pieces. Great inspiration for house cleaning.

Want to be Happy?