Chrissi's Faith Story

I had the opportunity to share my story at MOPS [Mothers of Preschoolers] recently. Here it is [in 4 parts due to YouTube length restrictions...Total time about 46 minutes]:

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JsVicW27g4

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rdv01FQLs64

Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96JhvxvwAT4

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2m9ETkP5G4

To God be the Glory!

Chrissi

I love my husband.

I was wearing this shirt while out shopping recently:

I had a jacket on, but open, so you could see the front but not the back. A woman in line next to me said, "What does the back say? What's the punchline?"

I chuckled and told her there is no punchline. I love my husband. Period. Not only on payday. Or when he brings me flowers. Or when he calls me just to tell me he loves me. Or helps with dishes. etc.

I love my husband. Period.

His actions or in-actions do not impact my love for him.

His physical appearance does not make me love him more or less.

10-1/2 years ago we exchanged our marriage vows. For better and worse. For richer and poorer. In sickness and health. We made a CHOICE to love each other until parted by death. There have been some days during harder seasons of our marriage that I've had to remind myself of this choice. It's not always easy. Sometimes, it has been really hard. Nevertheless, I choose to love my husband. Period.

McDonald's Playland

The other day I picked Becka up from school. She asked if we could go to McDonald's Playland for lunch. We had other things to do that day, so I said, "Not today."

Zack got sad and Becka tried to cheer him up: "Zack, when you're 14 and I'm 16 I can drive so I'll take us to the playland!" :)

Becka lost her first tooth!!

Milestone day for Becka ... Her first tooth came out while she was visiting Grammy & Grappi Kemnetz.

So exciting! Now to see what the Tooth Fairy brings her ... :)

Zack wants to be like Grappi

Zack got home from school today, and the first toy he picked up was his toy pliers. He started trying [unsuccessfully] to grab his hair with the pliers. I asked what he was doing. "Trying to pull all my hair out so I can be like Grappi!"

Grappi & Zack [when Zack was 4-1/2 months] -- They had matching hairstyles back then! :)

2009 Christmas Letter

December 2009

Dear Friends and Family –

Merry Christmas! We’ve been blessed with a year of love and laughter! It’s not been without a few hard times, but we are choosing to count our blessings! Here are some highlights:

Becka [5-1/2] started kindergarten this fall. She’s in a dual language program, learning Spanish along with ‘regular’ kindergarten stuff. This year Becka has also been involved in gymnastics, swimming classes, T-Ball camp, Daisy Girl Scouts & AWANA. She especially enjoys memorizing scriptures through the AWANA program and Sunday school. In May, she made the decision to accept Jesus as her Lord & Savior – We couldn’t be more thrilled! It’s been a joy to watch her faith grow & blossom. She’s a sweet & helpful girl who is very funny & energetic.

Zack [3-2/3] started pre-kindergarten this fall and loves it. Prior to that, he completed potty training and we are now a diaper free home [Hallelujah!]. Zack filled his year with gymnastics, swimming classes, sports camp, and AWANA. He is all boy -- His favorite things include his cars, trucks and Thomas trains. Being a typical little brother, one of his favorite pastimes is teasing his big sister. J In contrast, he also loves to help with dishes, laundry, yard work and pet care. He’s an affectionate and kind-hearted boy with an easy smile and limitless energy.

Bailey is 9-1/2 – The ‘puppy’ of our youth is starting to show signs of age. We enjoy him and try to give him a good home full of love.

I [Chrissi] now have a precious 2-3/4 hours to myself 4 mornings a week when the kids are both in school. Staying home with Becka & Zack fills my days, but I also find time to serve on the Steering team for the MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group at our church. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in October with a trip to our honeymoon spot of Lake Geneva, WI. It was a fun & refreshing time away.

Michael is still working for a mid-size CPA firm in Deerfield, and this year was rewarded for his hard work with a promotion to manager. He has also enjoyed teaching a few classes at our local community college [College of Lake County] and being a guest speaker at a few local events on accounting matters.

We’d love to hear from ya’ll. Please call or email us. We’re also on Facebook – Friend us!

Wishing you & those you love great joy, health & peace at Christmastime and always!

Michael, Chrissi, Becka & Zack Wall

Sleeping in the oddest of places ...

Zack woke up to go potty at about 9:30pm. We heard him go, close the lid, flush & wash his hands. Fabulous! Then, silence. Michael went to check on him a few minutes later and here's what he found:

He was fully asleep on the toilet lid - Crazy kid!