We Are Back Home

We arrived back home Tuesday evening from Wichita. We decided to go down Monday afternoon since the forecast wasn't great. It took Chris 45 minutes to get the ice off the van Tuesday morning! There were no mishaps however, so for that, we are thankful.

The funeral was very nice and so personal. The minister had a long time relationship with Grandpa, so it was nice to hear the funny anecdotes. The graveside service was very cold, but touching. Three Army soldiers were present. "Taps" was played and the flag folded and presented to Chris' grandmother. The church provided us with a generous lunch afterward. All in all, it was a wonderful tribute to a wonderful man who loved his family, God and country.

Thank you to all of you who sent well-wishes with cards, phone calls, flowers/plants and/or prayers. It has certainly meant alot to our family.

Please Keep the Entire Folster Family in Your Prayers

Yesterday afternoon, Chris' grandfather (Carl's father) passed away. We were told that it was a very peaceful passing - his heart simply stopped beating and he "drifted away." We will be traveling to Wichita on Tuesday for the services where Chris will be a pall bearer and probably sing a song. Please keep the entire family in your prayers during this difficult time. We are so thankful that we know Grandpa is in Heaven with our Lord and no longer suffers the physical limitations and woes of this broken world. Thank you so much for keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers. (If you would like to read a little about Charles Folster's life and/or sign the guest book, please click on the link added to the sidenotes.)

"Penguin Day" in the 2nd Grade!

Today is "Penguin Day" in the 2nd grade! The kids get to dress in comfy clothes, bring sleeping bags, blankets, and LOTS of books to read. They are also welcome to bring a "theme" treat to share with the rest of the class. Here is what Claire and I came up with - Penguin Cupcakes! Yes, they're a little silly, but perfect for 2nd graders!

Hoop Dreams

Here are a few pic's from McKenna's basketball game this past Saturday. Her team, the Lady Lightening, did not win but certainly made a valiant effort.

Em's Birthday Celebration!

We celebrated Em's 11th birthday last night with Grandparents. We were a week "late" since Papa and Grandma were out of town last weekend welcoming yet another new granddaughter into the world. Em scored BIG on GameStop gift cards and received several other nice things. Her birthday treat - by request - this year was homemade brownies and ice cream. WOW! Another incredible year with one incredible girl!

We are Uncle and Auntie again!

Chris' brother Brandon and his wife Darci welcomed their 4th daughter on Emili's birthday, January 9th! Zavian weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. and was 19 inches long. She has three very proud big sisters.

THE DIVINE MISS EM IS 11 TODAY!

WOW! Where does the time go? Seems like it was not so long ago that we were journeying to China to bring Emili home. She is a blessing to our family and we celebrate her life today.

Claire as a mouse in the Nutcracker Ballet

The Kids Were in the Paper!

Heritage Christian School students say they are excited about the prospect of moving into a building of their own. Standing outside East Indianola Elementary School are, from left, Trevor Keen, 16, 11th grade; Emili Folster, 10, fifth grade; McKenna Folster, 11, fifth grade; Ian Keen, 13, seventh grade; Tristan Jones, 16, 11th grade; Claire Folster, 7, second grade; Jeremy Keen, 11, fifth grade; Allison Ludolph, 15, ninth grade; Samantha Ludolph, 18, senior; and Quentin Keen, 8, third grade.

McKenna with her new Clone Wars Monopoly game. She's a little "gone" on Star Wars right now!

Emili looking pretty happy after receiving her recording studio lab. Oh, and we certainly couldn't forget about Nessie. She's pretty pleased with her gift as well!

Claire showing her Webkinz porcupine and Claire's gift card from Uncle Ed and Auntie Marsha and the boys.