UP

We got Nolan the movie UP for Christmas this year.  I watched it with the kids on Christmas afternoon.  Parts of it were really sad but it had a really good message.  I had one of those "Aha" moments when I saw this one. 

This is not something that generally occurs with me when watching an animated film but it was an important lesson I needed to understand.  I'm not going to go into it and, if you watch the film, the lesson may not have as much of an impact on you because it's one you probably understood a long time ago! 

This is Carl Fredrickson.  He is the main character in UP. 

Christmas 2009

We sure enjoyed our Christmas.  We spent the day at home opening gifts when the kids woke up.  It's one of the most fun moments of the year with the kids.  We all enjoyed our gifts and then enjoyed a good breakfast together.  It's rare for us to share breakfast together as a family so that's a treat. 

We spent the rest of the day setting up Legos, playing games, reading and watching movies.  Heather's parents came over in the evening for dinner.  We are so thankful for God sending His Son!

Fourth Advent Sunday

We didn't get to our Advent night until Monday of this week due to our being out of town.  But it was worth the wait.  The text from the Bible was out of Luke 2:8-20.  It was the the Shepherds' story of their being told about the birth of Jesus.

The theme for the night was 'hope.'

Our final project was a jingle bell bracelet!

Mom, Nolan and Emma modeling the bracelets!

Eleven

Alex turns 11 years old today.  Time just keeps tickin'.  It's so amazing to look back over the years at how he's grown.  This year in particular seemed to be a big jump for him.  He seems to have grown a lot more from 10 to 11 than he did from 9 to 10.  Not as much physically but in his maturity.  I think that has to do with experiences he's had over the past year. 

He's a great kid and I'm glad he's ours.  I'm excited to see what the Lord does with his life as he continues to grow spiritually. 

We love you Alex!

We celebrated with Grandma and Grandpa Steffen on Sunday night.  He got a scooter, a Rubik's cube and a new NIV Bible.  He also got a Wilderness Survival book (not shown).

Juggling

I had an all day retreat at work yesterday.  We had a consultant in to work with us on some things.  Part of our day was spent learning how to juggle.  I thought it was a blast so I brought it home to show the kids.  Alex has spent some time practicing and is catching on pretty well!

Third Advent Sunday

We spent today's time of Advent focusing on JOY.  It is the third candle that we "lit".  (We actually don't have candles but rather, magnets on the fridge.)  We shared in a rousing rendition of "Joy to the World."  Our craft tonight was a snoman bookmark. 

Nolan is working hard on his.

It's a Wonderful Life

One of my favorite movies of all time is It's a Wonderful Life.  It takes place in the small town of Bedford Falls and tells the story of an man, George Bailey, who aspires to do "big" things and "see the world".  Well, he is hardly able to step foot outside Bedford Falls due to circumstances life presents him but he is no less influential.  I like the film because it is a great story.

I also like the film because it reminds me of my grandpa, running a small-town bank, perhaps not too unlike the Bailey Building and Loan in the film.  The actor, Jimmy Stewart, who plays George in the movie was born about the same time as my Grandpa Bauer was, just eight months apart.  My grandpa was a banker for over 60 years and I like to imagine what his experiences might have been like as I watch the movie. 

If you've never seen this movie, I highly recommend it.  Heather and I make it a tradition to watch it every year on Christmas Eve.  George Bailey is probably my favorite movie character of all time and I'm fond of Jimmy Stewart's acting. 

This image of George Bailey is taken from a scene in the movie.  My favorite shot from the movie.

I guess if I had to sum up the film in one sentence it would be, you don't have to do big things to make a big difference. So make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and curl up in the blanket with It's a Wonderful Life sometime this season.

Come On, Ring Those Bells!

One of my childhood memories was listening to a Christmas tape by Evie. One of the songs on it was called "Come on, Ring Those Bells." The chorus line goes:

Come on ring those bells

Light the Christmas Tree

Jesus is the King

Born for you and me

Come on ring those bells

Everybody say

Jesus we remember this Your birthday

I just remember it being a catchy tune and we'd play it over and over. Maybe we didn't have too many Christmas tape beside Evie and the Chipmunks Christmas!

Last night Alex, Emma and I rang those bells for the Salvation Army. If there's anything I want my kids to learn this Christmas season is that there is joy in serving. There is joy in giving and showing love. We had a great time. We took along a couple CDs of our own to play during the hour we spent in the chilly air (no, Evie was not among those selected). We had fun together wishing people "Merry Christmas" as they walked by and thanking them for their donations.

Alex and Emma had huge grins on their faces standing there ringing bells and serving. It was a blessed experience and perhaps the beginning of a family tradition!

Second Advent Sunday

We celebrated the second Sunday of Advent today.  We read Luke 1:1-56 about Zacharias and Elizabeth being of old age and bearing a son, whom the angel told them to call 'John'.  An angel also spoke to Mary about her conceiving a Son as well, Jesus, the Messiah.  Then Mary visits Elizabeth. 

Our craft tonight was a snowflake ornament.  It contained a little story called The Legend of the Snowflake:

Long ago, a gleaming star

led the way to a Child born in a Manger.

Today it is believed

that Snowflakes are little pieces of

that special Star that leads us

to the Light of the World, Jesus.

Alex displays the finished product.

Christmas Baking

Every year Heather does a bunch of baking for our family  Christmas gatherings.  Our families have come to appreciate the cookies, fudge and other treats she brings.  Since she helps out with the family business the week before Christmas, she has to get the baking done early. 

Carrie, Maddie and Jude came over on Friday to have a baking day with  Heather and Nolan.  The girls had fun baking and the kids had fun decorating the cookies!

This cat always steals my chair.

Classic picture of Heather...always a hot cup of coffee nearby.

Our Christmas Tree all lit up!

According to His Purpose

After some consideration I decided it was time to move from the phillinois.com website.  It was fun while it lasted but it's time to move on.  I had originally started that site with the intention of doing more with web programming but as the years wore on, I found myself primarily using the site for the blog.  So I figured I would just move it to a free site and not pay for it every year anymore. 

With the move of the blog also comes a name change.  While "phillinois" is a fun nickname, I wanted this blog to be about His purpose, not mine.  Our purpose on earth is to glorify God and that's what I want my life to be about.  That's what I want my family to be about. 

Exodus 9:16 says, "But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth." 

I love that verse.  That's why we're here.  To declare His name, that His power may be revealed to the world.

Thanks for your faithful readership!  God Bless.

Illini Comeback

Last night, Illinois scored its biggest comeback in team history. Down 20 points at halftime, Illinois got down as much as 23 points early in the second half before staging their amazing rally. Illinois was on the road at #19 Clemson playing in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Last year, Illinois lost to Clemson at the Assembly Hall 76-74. This year, Illinois came back to win it 76-74.

It was a much needed win as the Illini were coming off a pair of losses in Vegas. Those were both close games that came down to the final minute but still games that Illinois should have won.

The win helped the Big Ten defeat the ACC in the challenge for the first time in its 11 year history, six games to five.

Miss the game? Check it out on ESPN360 if your internet provider offers it!

First Advent Sunday

Today was the first Advent Sunday.  Our family is taking time each week to look forward to Christmas and focus on the birth of Christ.  Today we read from Isaiah 9 about the prophecy of the coming Messiah.  It's a great way to get the kids focused on what Christmas is all about, Jesus. 
After we talked about the Bible, we did a craft together.  Today's craft was a snowman placemat!

Steffen's Jewelry

Steffen's Jewelry is having an open house today as the Christmas shopping season gets into full gear.  Heather is helping out at the store today and made a hot holiday beverage for the occassion.  They are running a promotional and have refreshments for their customers.

In addition to high quality jewelry, they have a number of collectibles and gift items.

 

So, I'm managing crowd control at home.  Alex had basketball practice today.  My parents stopped by this morning and took the kids out for breakfast.  I'm feeling under the weather but enjoying time at home.  It's fun to get into the holiday season!

Emma's Open House

Emma had a program at school this evening.  She had a lead role in one of their songs.  She got to dress up like a lady bug.  Her whole 2nd grade class sang several songs and then we went back to her room and she showed us around.  She's doing very well in school and has aspirations to be a teacher when she grows up!  Her teacher, Mrs. Rowan, is very good and Emma likes her a lot.

Here's a picture of Emma's artwork.

Vet's Day

Veteran's Day was this past Wednesday. Last Saturday, Heather was gone for the weekend so I took the kids to Memorial Park in town that has a monument for the Vets. It was a beautiful day and a small park area I had driven by many times but never had visited.

Halloween 2009

So I was getting a bit behind on uploading some pictures.  These are from halloween.  It was cold that night and the boys weren't sure what to go as so they pulled out their Jedi robes and when as Jedi Knights.  We also had Chill with Phil this night so we limited the trick-or-treating activites.

 

Some fun visitors! The Cat in the Hat and a princesss!

Let's Get This Party Started

Illinois basketball season starts today and the start of college basketball is always fun. Your team is undefeated and you have the anticipation of how well the team will perform. Alex and I met some friends for the first exhibition game at Assembly Hall to get a look at the team. While the competition in pre-season is sub-par, it was still fun to get out and watch Illini basketball.

It was great to see the new faces on the team and to try to get a gauge on how much the familiar faces have improved.

I think the Illini should be pretty decent this year. There are several Big Ten teams ranked in the top 25 that will prove to be stiff competition. Six teams made the AP Poll and five in the ESPN Coaches Poll.

AP Poll:
Michigan St. (2)
Purdue (7)
Michigan (15)
Ohio St. (16)
Illinois (23)
Minnesota (25)

ESPN Coaches Poll:
Michigan St. (2)
Purdue (7)
Michigan (15)
Ohio St. (17)
Minnesota (18)

Illinois missed the top 25 in the coaches poll but given the points for votes would land in at 27. Illinois tips things off tonight versus SIU-Edwardsville.

GO ILLINI!

Slobby O's

We had "Slobby O's" for supper tonight.  Well, you may know them as "Sloppy Joe's" but Nolan likes to call them "Slobby O's".  I guess maybe they are more slobby than sloppy. 

He also thought this whole month was "Octover".  It took us some convincing to get him to understand "OctoBER".  Funny the stuff kids say sometimes. 

We were homebound last weekend.  Emma was sick and the boys had a bit of a cold.  Heather wasn't feeling the best either.  There wasn't a whole lot going on so it worked out. 

Not much new.  We are taking the youth to Gull Lake for a retreat this weekend.  Our pastor will be teaching on Biblical Worldview.  Should be a fun time. 

Twelve

Today Heather and I celebrate anniversary number twelve.  It's always fun to have something to celebrate and anniversaries are especially fun.  It gives me a good excuse to take some time off work and do something with Heather.  Nothing super exciting planned for this year but we're going to go to Merrillville later this week for a movie and to go out to eat. 

Time just keeps passing by.   

Justified

Our church is in the middle of its annual Missions Conference.  This year, the kids, ages 5-6th grade, have a separate place to go for age appropriate teaching.  Tonight, when the teacher was praying with the kids, she asked if anyone wanting to ask Jesus in their heart to raise their hand.  Nolan raised his hand and met with the teacher one-on-one.  She gave him a "First Steps" booklet for Heather and I to go through with him.  We were shocked.  We didn't really expect it with him quite yet.

Both of the other kids were 5 when they accepted Jesus too, though.  So, if you think of it.  Keep Nolan in your prayers.  Us too as parents to be wise in the continued training and teaching as he grows in Jesus.

Chill with Phil

When I began as Youth Leader three years ago, I started a regular activity for the Sr. High teens called "Chill with Phil."  It started out a little slow drawing anywhere from 1-5 teens the first year but now we regularly get around 10-12 teens each time.  We do this about five times a year.  This year we decided to get t-shirts made for whatever teens want one.  They will be sold exclusively at Chill with Phil events.  You can check out the design below:

The back says, "Tri-County Bible Church Youth Ministry" and lists Proverbs 12:26.  The verse isn't printed on the back but the verse says, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray."

We have this event to encourage development of Christian friendships and allow the teens an opportunity to spend a weekend night somewhere where they don't have to worry about peer pressure or getting involved in activities that they shouldn't be getting into.  Plus, it's a great event to bring unchurched friends to that's less intimidating.

Nolan's Turn

Nolan started pre-school this week.  He goes for two and a half hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  So far he's enjoying it.  He's glad to get to go having Emma and Alex already in school, he'd been getting bored without them.  Here are some pics of his first day!

 

No!  He did NOT get to take the cat with him to school.  Though maybe it would be a good way to get rid of it. ;)

Back to School

The kids started back to school on Thursday.  Emma in 2nd grade and Alex in 5th.  Things are off to a good start and they like their teachers.  They are in the same building this year which is 2nd through 5th grade.  Next year, Nolan starts kindergarten and they'll all be in different buildings!

This is such a busy time of year w/ school and our Youth Ministry starting back up.  We re-painted the youth room last week.  It looks a lot different from the previous look.  It'll be a fun change and nice to get a fresh coat of paint on the walls. 


Alex has helped a lot this summer with the mowing.  It frees up a lot of time to do other work around the house.  This particular day he decided to wear his snowboots to mow.  Not sure what was up with that but it was picture worthy.

Colorado

We returned this past Sunday from an 11 day vacation that took us across 3,006 miles and through 8 states (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri). Our destination was Colorado as we spent a weekend in Colorado Springs and the following week in Pagosa Springs w/ my parents and sisters' family.

Here are some of my most memorable moments:

TOP TEN Vacation Moments
1. Getting to see my friend and his family.
2. Focus on the Family tour w/ my friend who works there.
3. Taking kids to top of Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls
4. Mountain Biking and lunch in the middle of no where
5. Rodeo
6. Date night
7. Hike up to see Treasure Falls
8. Playing w/ the kids in the pool at the Hot Springs Spa.
9. Relaxing in the cabin overlooking the mountains. Scenery in general on the trip was spectacular.
10. Enjoying the blessing of taking the family on a fun vacation to Colorado.

Nolan's Five!

We went to the Fair with the Steffen Grandparents, Uncle Jarod and cousins Marlee and Miles to celebrate Nolan's 5th birthday. We ate Fair food and rode a few rides before coming back home for cake and ice cream.