A little wordy … grab a beverage.

It’s been a nice holiday season for us here in KZ. We’ve had lots of together time re-establishing our traditions. Zoe will likely have more memories of Christmas for next year to build up the anticipation; Des too. They both slept-in and were eventually roused up by their over-excited daddy who couldn’t wait another minute to begin the morning.


We started things in the kitchen with a blindfolded Des, who was guided to sit down on our kitchen stoop, then Nathan placed a big bucket of coal in front of him and said “Merry Christmas!” He opened his eyes and laughed along with us – he had to be coaxed into a pout for this picture.

Zoe is always mindful of the things we get for her – for instance, while putting on clothes she’ll say, “Mommy, you got me this flower shirt?” And I’ll say something like, “Yes” and then she’ll sum it up with an, “Oh.” She does this over many of her things – taking note, tracing origins. Christmas morning she was just as audible about all her treasures, “This is mine?” or “You got this for me?” Sweet gratitude.

A few days after Christmas we hosted a little party at our dom, it was DPJ’s idea and I jumped on it (shock!) We painted little Christmas tree and manger invitations and then went to the Catholic Church to hand them out. We were so excited!! We baked and we cleaned and we recruited our little tween-ager girl following to help us (a group of 3 girls who come over regularly to just hang out with us.) So the day came and our little tween-ager friends were helping us set up, we laid out several liters of juice, platters of cookies and cinnamon rolls, bowls full of oranges and grapes . . . one of the girls, Sasha, indicated to me that I had set out too many cups and I said no because Father Bonaventura was coming along with Sister Martina and Sister Florida and Brother Gary and on&on listing many of the other kids . . . their eyes grew wide and they shrieked and chattered in Russian like out of breath sprinters and then THEY FLED! I have no idea what was going on and why they didn’t understand about the party when everyone else did – Sasha even wrote out all the invitations per Nathan’s directions!! Anyway, many people came and it was SO FUN! Lots of English and German and Russian was spoken and we all got along famously. I love it when Des gets a great idea.

On New Years Eve, Vayla came by around 10pm and took us to the centre marketplace in his car. There were lights everywhere and a stage with people singing, a huge icy slide that kids were sledding down, a few ice sculptures and fireworks! It was FUN and FREEZING – I’m beginning to wonder if the purpose of going outside is just to confirm that it is better to be inside; to STAY inside. Des and Zoe certainly feel this way.

We recently purchased our tickets home for JUNE – that is thebabes&I. Nathan hopes to eek out one more month of research in Russia, lovely Podsosnovo, before returning home. We’ll linger for a week in NYC with auntie Heidi and friends and then it’s FAMILY TIME in UTAH!! Can I even express to you how much I’m looking forward to this? I bring it up daily. My mom found a bike for Zoe at the local thrift store for $2 and she’s setting them up for a week of swimming lessons (!!) I’m going to take a little escape to SLC for some solo time with friends and then they will all join me for more FAMILY TIME. Then a little more time in blessed Cedar City and then babes&I will retire to St. George to the Jones Oasis for more swimming and shopping and eating and hiking and laughing and loving to our hearts content. I LOVE MY PEOPLE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Continuing on with pictures, pictures, pictures . . . must keep up on the decluttering of my digital camera -- esp. since Des has managed to get a hold of it more often -- too many crazy angles and superhero close-ups.

We were invited the New Years party at the library.

It was great -- Father Frost is a Kazakh buddy of Nathans -- and since it was a dress up party Des was a Power Ranger and Zoe was Dr. Iboli (a Russian cartoon character).

Zoe Dancing with Sister Florida at our Christmas party.



A little sliegh ride on Christmas day.
Nathan got frost bite on his ears -- they turned bright red and burned for a couple of days and then began to peel!

A Christmas bucket of coal for Desmond P. Jones.

Opening Christmas presents.

Gift from Nathan -- earrings and a wall hanging of the oldest Mosque in Turkistan, KZ.

Under the tree Christmas morning.

The looks on their faces as they first caught sight of the tree Christmas morning.

Christmas Eve at the Catholic Church -- after the 3hour service we were all given a candle and went outside to the lifesize stable with manger.

We sang songs and took turns kissing the baby Jesus. Someone is kissing him in this pic so he can't be seen.

Our Christmas tree in homemade ornament glory and a few Christmas cards from the States.

This is the hardworking Nathan P. Jones.

Who even on Christmas morning had to rise before sunrise, clean out ash from the oven and build a fire to get our home warmwarmwarm.

I LOVE HIM!