Happy 40 th Anniversary Mom and Dad

Make a Smilebox photobook

Make a Smilebox greeting

Kids singing at Church today!

The kids of Prairie Ridge Church led the service today with some Christmas songs. Eric and I got some really good laughs by watching the kids. This was Cale's expression most of the time. We just wanted to go give him a hug, I wasn't sure if at any moment he was going to burst into tears. After the service, "Mom I had fun singing today"

Zach and Cale are both on this picture, Cale lower left and Zach upper right.

To our surprise, Zach had a ball up on stage. First, he had to look around, check things out and watch the big screen, once that was done, he was ready to sing, dance and even got out his imaginary guitar. He really got into it.

Happy Birthday to My Mom

It's my mom's birthday today. I feel lucky to be the daughter of such a wonderful women. She has set an excellent example for me to follow. She has taught me how to work hard, do your best to do the right thing, love God first and to be positive to name just a few. Thanks mom and have a great day!

Book Club Book: The Kite Runner

Last night was our book club meeting. We discussed the book the Kite Runner. It was a book I would have never picked out for myself to read, however, after reading it I will say it was a wonderful book, very well written and even educational about a culture I know very little about. I enjoy reading very much, but what I enjoy almost even more is having great discussions with people. We all have different opinions and ideas, but it's good to hear other people's perspective on things.

Fruits and Vegetables?

I feel better as a mom because of Manna Bears!

Zach is a healthy, growing boy; however as I have wrote in the past his diet is very limited. I have tried many different things for him to broaden his diet, but without success. Now, his diet doesn't seem too concerning because he is healthy and he is growing, but I always worry about what am I doing to him for his future. At work, I sit next one of the Diabetic Specialist, she has taken a lot of different nutrition classes and we were talking one day about Zach and his eating and she was telling me about this product. Her three almost grown boys have been taking these since they were little.

Well, anyway, they are not vitamins, they are actually considered a food. Zach could eat the whole bottle and the only think that would happen is that he would have a bad case of the diarrhea. He takes two in the morning and two in the evening and he Loves them. Here is what is listed on what is in them: Pomegranate juice, brussel spouts, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, kale, tomato, turnip, papaya and pineapple juice. Eric and I are considering taking them on occasion, because we both know we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables (and they taste really good).

Merry Christmas from the Josten's

This year I decided to try something different. The different thing I am trying is not sending out as many Christmas cards. I really enjoy receiving Christmas cards, but what a lot of time, effort and cost goes into that every year. I also try and write a Christmas letter every year, but if you are a blog reader, you already know more than you probably care to know about what is going on with us. So, first of all, I apologize for my laziness and once you look past that here is our Christmas card to you.



We wish a wonderful holiday season; followed by a year filled with great memories.
Our 2008 Recap (in case you missed reading it on the blog)
Eric: Played sand volleyball, flag football and basketball. His flag football team had the perfect season this year; no losses and won the championship. Thankful he has a job in the ever changing financial industry. The past few months have been busier for him than he has been in years, which we consider a good thing.
Zach: Started Kindergarten this year. The beginning was a little rough, but after a few weeks he got the hang of it and is doing really well. It brings joy to hear him read and to see him grow up to be a great kid. He loves to be on the computer, playing games or the wii. If he’s not doing those things he is wrestling with his brother.
Cale: From toddler to preschooler, he said good bye to his bites (pacifier) and diapers this year. He makes us laugh on a regular basis; he’s a funny, lovable and talkative kid. One of his favorite things to say right now is “Dad you are the best and Mom you are the greatest”- it just makes my day. He loves anything his brother is doing or his dad.
Staci (me): Changed jobs in Feb., still at Mercy, but a different area. I’m Clinical Documentation Specialist, which means I review charts and work as a liaison between physicians and billing coders. I love the hours and the job is good. In my spare time, I like being on the computer (blogging or shopping), scrap booking or reading.
Misc: Eric and I were able to go away for a few days in May to St. Pete’s Beach, Fl, we stayed on the beach and the vacation was filled with a lot of R and R.
We camped a couple times during the summer, the boys love it and now that they are getting older we hope to do more camping next summer.

We hope you are doing well and we wish you a marvelous holiday season!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Josten’s,
Eric, Staci, Zach and Cale

Starting to Celebrate Christmas

Last night we celebrated an early Christmas with Zach's biological family (and our friends). It's a relationship I could have never planned on, one you can't really read about, it just happens. When Zach was born we had no idea what the future relationship would be with his birth family. Eric and I prayed a lot about it and wanting what ever would be best for Zach. Our relationship has developed into what I would consider a very special friendship. When someone gives you one of the best gifts imaginable; a lifetime bond is formed. We are very thankful for having them in our lives, they truly are some of the nicest people you could ever meet. One example of their true character is how they treat Cale, they don't have to but they bring gifts for Cale and treat him just the same as his brother. We are thankful they are in our lives!

The birds and the bees- not yet?

First of all, it's shocking, but our sea monkeys are still alive and multipling. But, the issue came up with Zach and I last night as we were feeding them.

Zach: Look mom those two sea monkeys are stuck together?

Me: You are right (to myself- what is going on here, wow they are preparing to reproduce)

Zach: Why are they stuck together?

Me: Good question (to myself- oh crap- what am I going to say)

Zach: They must be brother and sister.

Me: I am not sure they are brother and sister (no more questions please)

Zach: We need to get more food for the sea monkeys

Me: Your right, I will order some tomorrow (Thank goodness that conversation is over)

I know I have to become prepared, but just not yet!

Highlights from the past week

Yesterday, we had our first real snow. The boys enjoyed being outside for awhile making snowman, having a snowball fight, playing with the neighbor kids and sledding.

On Sat. afternoon, we went to Disney on Ice, my camera wasn't working the best that day, so not too many pictures. I think I probably enjoyed the event the most; maybe a few too many princesses for the testerone in my family.

On Thanksgiving Day, we went to Eric's aunts house. Wonderful food, nice to see Eric's side of the family and Zach enjoyed watching his 3rd cousins play video games. (Side note: the eating thing went well- once again I worried for nothing :) )

Thanksgiving eve we celebrated the holiday with my family. It's always fun to get together. After a delicious meal, we played Cosmic Catch (see the intense game going on above, kid charades and taboo.

Thanksgiving: A wonderful time to remind myself how truly blessed I am!