Justin turns 2!!!

We can't believe it...our baby is 2! Yes, our little Justin Micah turned two today and we celebrated at home with just the family. Daddy bought him a car he can ride on and he hasn't been off of it all day! Mom and Josie baked some yummy cupcakes in honor of the big day and we all relaxed at home together. Very low-key, but nice! Justin is such a joy to us and he has the cutest smile ever. But he has entered his terrible-twos, as they call it, so we need God's strength daily in raising him. We think he is pretty amazing! Happy Birthday, little bud!

I've been tagged! (Christy's turn)

So, I have noticed lots of my friends being tagged lately and I was wondering when it would be my turn. Thanks to Edna, I can share a few things about myself with whoever cares. These are supposed to be 7 weird or random things about myself...and, well, they aren't really that weird, but anyway, here goes...

1. I love to bake muffins. I could eat them every morning. All kinds too...my favorite is strawberry/banana. Now, my kids are really into them too and ask me faithfully every night before they go to bed to bake them some muffins in the morning.

2. I love to entertain my kids by dancing around in the living room to music from their kids' shows. My favorite is to dance to the Wiggles. Something about the catchy tunes they sing makes me feel quite silly.

3. I absolutely love naps! My favorite time to nap is actually right after breakfast. I have always been able to wake up early with no problem, but for some reason after I eat something, I get really sleepy.

4. My favorite thing to wear is sweats. I have always cared more about comfort than fashion. Nowadays you can find some pretty stylish matching sweatsuits. I think I would like some pink ones with rhinestones!

5. When I was growing up, I changed the spelling of my name 4 times. My full name is Christina, but I always went by the shorter version. I spelled it Kristy, Christi, Christie and what I use now, Christy.

6. I love to watch American football. When I am at football gatherings, I find myself always drawn to watch it, usually with all the guys, instead of chatting with the girls. My dad was a football fan and taught me everything about the game. He was also a huge Bronco fan...which I also am. I am rooting for the Cardinals for the Superbowl...love that Kurt Warner!

7. My favorite place in the world is Maui, Hawaii. We took our honeymoon there and went back a few years later for my sister's wedding, which Micah performed on the beach. I think it is the most beautiful place on earth, of what I have seen thus far in my life. I would like to go back on our 20 year wedding anniversary!

OK, so I can tag 5 people now. I choose...
1. Lori Gossenauer
2. Cassie Walters
3. Cheryl Lyons
4. Tanya Susidko
5. Karie Hughes

Mom and Josie visit the States...

Here are some pictures of Christy and Josie's trip to the States...

New Year celebrations at school...

Josie, Jaden and Jeremy all had New Year celebrations at school and had shows for the parents. It was so fun for us to watch our kids dancing, singing in Ukrainian and just enjoying being a part of this culture!

Yura's van finally painted

After 3 months of Yura's van sitting in my driveway awaiting paint, I can happily say the project is completed. A lot of factors were involved that contributed to the length of this project...but I have learned living in Ukraine that waiting for a completed project is normal. Let me take you back to the beginning of the story...

Yura purchased Dan Gollan's old Ford Transit and had it towed from Rzhyshiv to Kaharlyk. It needed a lot of work as well as an engine overhaul. It had been 5 years at least since this vehicle was in use. When it quit running it was left to rot next to Dan's house. Yura got a great deal and we towed it home. He took it to a local repair shop for body work and primer. Then it came to my house and sat until I finished some other projects I was working on.

I told Yura that we could use my garage as a paint booth. I used a large gas heater to warm up my garage before I could paint. Paint doesn't dry too well when it is freezing outside. I alternated painting and turning on the heat so the paint could dry. Not a good idea to paint with the heater going...it's an explosion waiting to happen. After 5 coats of white and 3 coats of clear I finally finished...well that's all the paint I had.

Since I had never painted a vehicle before, there was a lot of trial and error involved. My compressor and spray gun gave me problems at first. But after some adjustments I was back in business. Yura wants me to airbrush a mural on his van later (my first time for that as well). I will keep you posted. Christy will be buying the airbrush paints in America...they are no where to be found here in Ukraine. I plan on starting this project in the spring. Thanks Yura for the opportunity to bless you and for the willingness to try new things!

Merry Christmas from the Claycamps!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A unique school photo...

Here is a picture of Josie that she had taken at school. I have never seen a school photo quite like it!