A very important lesson from my son

The toothfairy had come and left Hans his money for his tooth.  It was so nice to see how excited he was but the best part came after.  We had been telling Hans that he would get money but that once he got it he would need to pay tithing.  I really wasn't sure if he had been listening and I was worried he was going to be mad giving up part of his money, but when the day come to pay it, the best lesson was taught to me by him.  He came to me and said, " mom I need to put all my money in my tithing envelope"  I was taken back on the fact that he was going to put all the money in for tithing.  I explained to him that we would take 10% out for the Lord and that the rest of it was his to buy something.  The face he made was one of excitment that he would be able to have some money for himself.  At that moment I realized that he was not expecting to have money to spend and that he truely was willing to give everything he had gotten to the Lord.  That is one lesson that I will never forget.  I know that I am the parent and that I am here to teach my children, but I am grateful that they are teaching me as well. 

Hans lost his 1st tooth

Today was a special day for Hans becuase right before he went to school his tooth came out.  This will be his first one ever and he was so exicted.  He couldn't wait to go to school and tell his teacher and friends and most importantly he was excited to have the tooth fairy come and leave him some money.  I can't believe he is getting so old. 

1st day of Primary

Liesl is growing up so fast.  Today is her first day our of nursery and into primary as a sunbeam.  I cannot believe how fast time flies.  She is was not to happy to go to primary but she stayed and said she had fun. 

Building with dad

One of Hans christmas gifts this year was a wood set where he could build different things.  It was a fun experience for all us to help him build a race car and a bird house.  It definatly took a lot of time, but it was well worth it becuase we could all spend time with each other. 

Santa has come ;)

Today was a wonderful day for us.  Liesl was the first one to get up and was so excited to see all of the gifts that Santa had brought all of us.  She woke everyone up to show us.  Hans was the next one up and was equally excited about the gifts, but Hans and Liesl were so excited to both have a scooter.  We all felt very blessed today becuase of all of the gifts that were given to us.  As a parents it was fun to see the joy and happiness each child had as they opened gifts from family.  I am grateful for this day and the fact that we can not only get gifts and give gifts, but most importantly we can think of our savior and his birth. 

Christmas Eve Tradition

Every Christmas Eve we started a tradition to make homemade pizzas.  We invited Paul's parents and brother and sister in law and that was fun.  By the time we were making the pizzas Liesl had fallen asleep, but hans really enjoyed it.  It was a fun relaxing time spending time with family. 

Christmas with the Ottes

Baby Jack with Grandpa Marc

Hans with cousin Jack

Gabi with cousin Jack

Hans, Liesl with Aunt Vicky making cookies

Decorating is fun

Eating their finished product

Today we went to do Christmas with pauls family up in Syracuse, Ut where our nephew and niece live.  It was a great time spending with them becuase Paul's brother and sister in law were in from Alaska and Paul's parents and aunt and uncle where there.  We ate a wonderful dinner, and the kids got to decorate cookies, and then had a spiritual little lesson and then opened our gifts.  We definatly feel blessed to have family so close by so we can share these moments with them.