A Talented Group of Kids

This week at ICSV we had our Musical Recital, a show put on by the students who are learning how to play different musical instruments, and our Elementary Christmas Concert.  All I can say is that we have a very talented group of kids.  I've included pictures/video of the Recital below and I'll upload pictures/video from the Concert on a different post.

One of my 4th Grade Students

A 3rd Grade Student

Another 4th grade student...her video is sideways, but worth it!

**Who wants a prize?**

The first person who can e-mail me with the correct pattern I have been using for my blog posts will receive a prize from Vienna when I get home this Christmas.  I wonder who will win?!?

Zoo-Like Atmosphere

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to attend the UN Bazaar.  The place was packed with people, from all over the world, who live in Vienna or the surrounding areas.  Not only where there approximately 30 booths with products from different countries, there were also just as many (if not more) country foods booths as well.  It was fascinating to see all the different cultures come together to celebrate their country's uniqueness.

Yuletide Greetings

The last two weeks has been very fun and exciting in 4th grade.  On Wednesday, November 24th we had a small Thanksgiving party with both the 4th and 5th grade classes.  On Friday, December, 1st we had a VERY snowy day.  Below I've included some pictures for your enjoyment!

Thanksgiving Party:

Prep for the Homemade Apple Sauce

Prep for the Rice Krispy Treats

Final Products :)

Popcorn Relay Race

Cornucopia Game

Thanksgiving History Presentation

Snow Day:

Getting ready to go outside

Outside of the school after all day of snowing

Xmas in California!

For those of you who haven't heard...I'll be home for Christmas!  Through God's provision I am able to come home and see family, friends, and supporters this Christmas.  I would love to get together with you over this break time and reconnect.  I'll be in Santa Clarita from December 22-January 5.  I've reserved December 22-December 26 for family time, but I'd greatly enjoy getting together after the 26th.  Let me know if you have time to meet!  :)

Wall of Thankfulness

In preparation for Thanksgiving (a holiday most of my students don't celebrate, but know about) we spent some time discussing the concept of Thankfulness and how everything ultimately comes from God.  I gave each student a marker and asked them to write what they are thankful for on the board.  Here is the result:

Very Exciting, My Student Won!

The school recently had a contest amongst the students to design covers, for Christmas cards, that represent the true meaning of Christmas.  One of my student's, Jomari, designs won.  Take a look at the picture below to see the winning cards.  Jomari's cover is #1.

When I ask him how his picture represents the true meaning of Christmas, Jomari said, "The colors mean that Jesus was born.  Also, it reminds me of the shephards when they saw the angels in the sky.  Also, when the wise men were following the star."

Unbelievably Fun

Every year in Vienna, around Thanksgiving, the Christmas Markets begin to open.  Words cannot clearly express the atmosphere found at these markets, but hopefully my pictures will.  The smells (of yumminess) and sights all around are overwhelming, but incredibly enjoyable!

Thankfulness

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I thought it would be a good idea to reflect on things I am thankful for.  In no particular order, here you go:

1. My family-God knew what He was doing when He gave them to me!
2. My students-Each day they surprise me and keep me on my toes.
3. The sun-Who knew I would miss seeing the sun?
4. A wonderful home and "family" in Vienna-It has been wonderful to have a new "family" when mine is so far away.
5. Being fully supported financially-An amazing answer to prayer!
6. Having 5 years of teaching experience before teaching in Vienna-Even though each year brought different challenges, heart ache, triumphs, and learning experiences, I honestly don't believe I would have been ready for teaching at ICSV without them.
7. Heaters-Yay for warmth!
8. Being able to go home for Christmas-no explanation necessary
9. Getting packages/letters-Who wouldn't enjoy getting mail?!?
10.  Much more-I could name off hundreds of things I am thankful for, but I'll leave it at this.

More than anything, I'm the most thankful for...An amazing God who has given me everything I need and more!  Especially the gift of His son, Jesus, as the sacrificial lamb for my sins.

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Stockholm, Sweden

Last weekend I traveled to the cold city of Stockholm, Sweden with my friends Nicki and Katie.  It was a lot different than I thought it would be.  First of all, the travel to Sweden took us through 3 countries via 3 means of transportation.  We left Vienna for Bratislava, Slovakia by train.  Once we arrived in Bratislava, we took a bus to the airport and then we made our way to Sweden by plane.  Once we arrived in Sweden we then had to ride on a bus for 1 1/2 hours to get into the city center.  Upon arriving in Stockholm, I was quickly introduced to the joys of cold weather. :)  Throughout our trip, the temperate averaged between 4-6 degrees Celsius.  Even though it was VERY cold and rained for an entire day, I enjoyed seeing the sites of Stockholm.  My favorite part was going to the Vasa Museum and seeing the Vasa Ship.  If you are ever in Stockholm, I would definitely recommend this site!  Feel free to check out more info on the ship here.  Here are some pictures of our trip.  More are posted on Facebook. :)

Market Place in Stockholm

In the rain, outside a store called Amanda's

An AMAZING candy store that my sister's would have LOVED

The Vasa Ship

Katie, Nicki, and Me