Thank you to Mom, Jeff, Dad, Nancy, Jaime & Leti for coming out to see Annie as an angel in her church Christmas program! In the video, she is the smallest angel that says, "Me too!" and rings the bells.

Merry Christmas!

Well, its not Christmas yet, but I'm sure I'll be a little too busy tomorrow to be blogging. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the greatest gift ever given...Jesus. Here is a little poem I was given a long time ago that I'd like to share:

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a Creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
in hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held iin His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to his Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The comiing of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

I Am So Proud of Myself...

because after many years of trying to figure it out, I finally understand how to make tissue paper look right in a shirt box. I just had to journal this accomplishment in my life. :)

Am I Really That Bad of A Cook?

Here is the conversation I had with Bekah this morning. She was on the couch in the living room and I was in the kitchen.

Bekah: "I'm huuuungryyyy!"
Me: "Come in here so you can eat."
Bekah: "Nooo, I don't want that. Its yuuucky and terrible!"
Me: "What is yucky and terrible?"
Bekah: "What you're making! I don't want breakfast. I want fishies!"

I wasn't making anything. Hmmm.

Vacation!!!

(sigh), I am so relieved to have been given an extra week of Christmas vacation which was strictly enforced by my amazing principal (Jose) :) . This time of year is so overwhelming with all of the Christmas events and preparations, not to mention just keeping up with the regular household duties. So we are done with school until Jan. 5th. I really have to admire moms who work. I just don't know how they can do it all!!! I would go absolutely crazy if I had to add in a job outside the home. I thank the Lord for the privilege and blessing of staying home with my family to raise and teach them as well as manage the affairs of the household. I also am grateful for a wonderful husband who frees me up to do just that.

Last week we took a field trip to The Aquarium of the Pacific. It was a great compliment to our Ocean Life unit we worked on throughout the week. The kids loved it! Here are a few pictures...

I love my baby's expressions.
One of Annie's favorite parts was chasing the pigeons. They get really close to people!
They got to pet sharks and sting rays
They got to see the underside of a starfish
My mom came along to help out and enjoy the trip

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Lately I've really gotten into watching "17 Kids and Counting". For anybody who doesn't know it is a reality show on TLC about the Duggar Family. They are devout Christians with 17 children, and another on the way next month. I so appreciate that they live a godly, exemplary life in front of all of America, allowing us to see inside their home. Here are a few things I admire about them:

• they love Jesus Christ and live it out
• they are completely debt free including credit cards, mortgages, and car payments
• they view each of their children as a gift from God
• they find ways to save money such as thrift store shopping, growing produce, and making their own laundry soap
• they homeschool
• the family literally built their own home together
• their exposure to TV and the internet are limited...and you can see the purity and innocence because of it
• the siblings are friends with one another and always seem so content with their lives
  
• and last but not least...I love how Michelle (the mom) ALWAYS speaks gently and sweetly to her children. I still have not seen her become frustrated or snappy with any of them. If she can do it with 17 (and being pregnant for literally 12 years of her life), I should be able to do it with 2.

100% Therapeutic

Last month our aunt and uncle let us borrow their daughter's electronic keyboard. I would love for our daughters to learn to play properly. Hopefully in the near future we can sign them up for lessons.

As for me, I am loving it! I took lessons as a little girl but didn't stick with it. But I am amazed at what I do remember. A couple of songs have come back to me and with a minimal ability to read music, I am even playing the tunes from some sheet music. I will be the first one to say I am not naturally gifted with the piano like my brother, Jeff, is. But it feels so good to just sit down and play. I think I found a new pastime. Thanks for the loan Jaime, Leti, & Angie!

Is It Too Early to Make A New Year's Resolution?

So my 30th birthday is less than two months away, but I sure am feeling old lately. I can't eat junk food and feel good anymore. I actually notice that my body hurts a bit when I stand up after sitting a long time. I was so looking forward to a couple of relaxing days around the house this weekend, but that didn't even make me feel good, just lazy and unproductive. I know I'm going to regret putting this in writing, but I know I need to work out {cringe}. Maybe that will be my New Year's resolution.

Thanksgiving

"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!" Psalm 118:1

Happy Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be thankful for. We have family, friends, & our every need met. But most of all I want to thank God for is unending love that has saved me, given me an abundant life, and a hope for the future. His love came in the form of Jesus Christ and I cannot thank Him enough for His unselfish sacrifice.

Yesterday and today we did a mini unit on Thanksgiving. Yesterday we made turkey baskets and on each feather the kids thought of something they are thankful for. Annie said, "Mommy, Daddy, Jesus, Calvary Chapel church, and Bekah. And Bekah said, "Cheez-Its, Jesus, Kathy Grandma, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and God. We're looking forward to celebrating tomorrow with our family. There is so much to be thankful for. I want to make time to actually thank the Lord for our specific blessings, not just be thankful in my heart. After all, every good and perfect comes from Him!

Button

Yesterday I received a Christmas quiz that asks a bunch of questions about Christmas time. One of the questions was in regards to what the most annoying thing about this time of year is. My answer is that I am always told "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". My friend, Janel, sent me a link that I'd like to make available to you. Unfortunately its come down to having to wear a button so people will be able to tell you "Merry Christmas".

Merry Christmas Button link

What Would You Say?

Last night during Bible study, there was a question that I wanted to put out there on my blog. I'd love to hear your answers.

(ponder carefully) "Suppose for a moment that you knew you had only a short time to live on this earth. What would you make every effort to be sure that those close to you remember after you are gone?"

Knott's Berry Farm

On Tuesday my dad treated my girls and me to a trip to Knott's. Unfortunately Jose couldn't join us because he had school. But it was a perfect day and we practically walked onto all of the rides. These pictures are the same ones I posted on Facebook. Yes, I joined Facebook because I just don't have enough to keep up with. :) j/k Here are the photos from Knotts:















Bek was soooo excited. All of the last year growing tall enough to ride the ferris wheel was her motivation for eating.

Let Me Dote on Annie For A Minute

I realize that many times I've written about a funny quote Bekah has said or some silly thing she did but I haven't written so much about my Annie. While Bekah is definitely our more outgoing and giggly child, Annie also has a wonderful personality that we are so blessed by. She has a tender heart and has a desire to help others. She asked if we could find a way to feed the hungry so she was excited when we got take a trip to the store and buy food to donate to a ministry who does just that. Whenever sharing her faith is brought up, she always wants to remind her sister that Jesus loves her and wants her heart. She makes pictures for Bekah and little surprises just to see her smile. The other evening Annie insisted on washing dishes and then told me she wants to do everything Mama does. That kind of responsibility on my part blows me away. I know how much she watches me and tries to imitate me. Lord, help me be the best example I can be of a godly person, wife, mommy, and friend. And may my daughers exceed my own endeavors in the race of faith.

On a proud mommy note, I'm so excited that Annie wanted me to sign her up to be in our church's children's Christmas play and choir. I've been waiting since she was born to see my baby in a play. I know she'll be one of many cute kids up there, but to me she'll be a shining light. There is a country song that says, "To the world you may be just another girl. But to me, Baby you are the world." I feel that way about both my girls and am so thankful for my blessings.

Yum! Yum!

At a meeting last week there was a delicious dessert that I got the recipe to. Its a nice variation of pumpkin pie. Here you go...

Upside Down Pumpkin Cake

1 - 29 oz. can pure pumpkin
1 - 12 oz. can evaporated milk
3/4 - 1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
chopped pecans or walnuts
whipped cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine pumpkin, sugar, and milk. Beat eggs and add to the pumpkin mixture. Add spices. Mix thoroughly (2-4 min.). Pour batter into 13x9 pan. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over top of pumpkin batter. Drizzle melted butter over cake mixture. Sprinkle pecans over top (watch carefully that the nuts do not burn). Bake 1 hour. Garnish with whipped cream.

My Favorite Song

I've been wanting to find my favorite song online so I can share it on my blog. I did find a utube clip and while the arrangement and singing aren't as moving as the version I have on CD, the lyrics are still there and I think they are awesome. Its almost 5 minutes long, so click when you have time. Enjoy!

Before the Throne

I know my blog is in need of an update, but since I can't remember everything I wanted to write, I'll have to update with some pictures. In general, we are thoroughly enjoying homeschool...at home, field trips, and Friday school with our church group. Annie is doing wonderful with her reading and we're having fun with our unit studies. So far we have done units on creation, the sun, the moon, leaves and trees, apples, nests and other animal homes, and this week we are learning about turtles. Jose is doing very well in all of his school classes and is continuing to amaze me as he balances home, work, school, and church. I've been enjoying my small group Bible study on Thursday nights as well. Here are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks (they are not in chronological order)...

We took a field trip to Stater Bros. this week where the kids toured the stock room, meat department, freezer, and produce room. They were given a cookie, apple, balloon, pencil bag, deli hat, candy, pencil and eraser. Thanks Stater Bros.!
Annie wouldn't wear her hat. She said it made her feel silly. We can't have that now!

Annie was a bunny and Bekah was Little Red Riding Hood. We went to our church's Hallelujah party and had lots of fun. I got to paint faces...poor kids - I am so not an artist. Then I got to paint my own sweet babies' faces.

Our Little Pumpkins

We did a little co-op with our friends, the Thrashers. Here Calvin is reading a story to the younger kids.

During our co-op we were talking about animal homes. Here the kids are making their own bird nests from straw, mud, and twigs.

Here is Annie and one of her fellow homeschool friends, Sarah. I think this is such a sweet picture.






Here was our trip to the Ontario Police Department. This field trip was actually rather boring for the kids. They didn't get to see a police car and anything terribly interesting. The part that sticks out to me is what they called the "Soft Room". It had lots of toys and books. Its for the kids who have a family member taken to the station or who has been hurt. So sad. :(

Veteran's Tribute

Each November Knott's Berry Farm honors those who serve and have served in the U.S. Military by offering free admission plus 1 guest free, and up to 6 more guests at $15 each. This year the offer is running from November 1st through Thanksgiving Day. So if you know anyone who has served or is currently serving in the military, this is a fun way to honor them and have a great time together! Make sure they bring their proof of military service (DD214, Veteran's Administration Hospital I.D, or Active Military Service I.D.). Check out all of Knott's promotions at http://www.knotts.com/hot/index.asp .

D-Land!

We had such a great time at Disneyland yesterday! Bekah had so much fun and we were blessed to have my dad as well as a friend of our girls come along. We rode lots of rides and discovered Bekah likes roller coasters! She wanted to do everything twice, but since we were there for only one day, once of everything was enough. She even loved Pirates of the Carribean! Annie was a different story. All in all we had a blast celebrating our baby's 4th birthday. She has such a sparkling personality and it was great to see the pure joy in her face so many times throughout the day. The first picture is of Annie's checklist. She completely took it upon herself to make a list of all her goals during our trip to Disneyland. I wonder where she gets that from? Here is a translation for those of you who don't read phonetically...kindergarten Level:

Fast rides
Dumbo
Winnie the Pooh
Small World
Merry Go Round
Have Fun
Nemo Ride

The last picture is of the end of the day...they were exhausted!!!

Emergency, Emergency, Call 9-1-1 !!!!

So my dad will be laughing when he reads the title of this post...its a joke from my childhood. However the fire behind my house about 45 minutes ago was no joke at all. I was doing laundry in the garage when I smelled smoke and it took about 2 seconds to realize none of the neighbors were BBQing. I hurried outside and found rising gray smoke behind our block wall (thank You, Lord its a block wall and not a wood fence!!!). Then I heard a kid yelling, "Mom hurry its spreading!!!". Oh poop. So I ran inside, grabbed the kids, social security cards and birth certificates, my purse and shoes and out we flew. We drove around the block to find the neighbors running around with shovels and fire extinguishers and calling 9-1-1. I talked to one of the neighbors who informed me it was an accident waiting to happen with piles of dry woodchips and dry weeds. Also, it was a kid who started it...the one with a lighter in his hand. Greaaaaaat...do I live behind a jr. pyromaniac??? The fire department showed up quickly as well as about 4 police cars (I guess this was the dramatic event of our city this afternoon). Thankfully everyone and everything is A-OK.

Bekah Turns 4 Tomorrow!

Tomorrow we'll be busy celebrating Bek's 4th birthday at Disneyland (Lord-willing) so I did a little video interview of her today. Enjoy!

Tag - I'm It!

My creative and beautiful friend, Corinne, tagged me.
(The rules....link your tagger and list these rules on your blog. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.)

*1* My right thumb is significantly flatter than my left from sucking it for "X" number of years. And I will never reveal on the world wide web the value of X.

*2* I am always and without ceasing on a schedule. I do not remember the last time I had a care-free day not thinking of the clock and what needs to happen next or be planned. I am constantly planning for the day, week, and even month ahead, constantly. Whether it be meals, chores, clothing, errands, parties, money, emails, blogging, even when I'll have a free moment to paint my nails, etc.

*3* As a young girl I wanted to be a primatologist - someone who studies apes. I particularly wanted to teach sign language to a gorilla. Wierd, I know. I think I actually know where I got this idea - the 80's sitcom "Family Ties" where Courtney Cox played "Lauren", a psychologist who taught apes sign language and dated Alex P. Keaton.

*4* TV had so much to do with my childhood. We faithfully watched many shows such as "The Wonder Years", "Our House", "Growing Pains", "Full House", "Life Goes On", "Different Strokes", "Saved by the Bell", "Charles in Charge", "I Love Lucy", "90210", "Fresh Prince", "Cheers", and "Kids Incorporated". Even now I am the one in the house who has the tendency to sit in front of the TV for far too long. Its not even a temptation for Jose but I'm a completely different story.

*5* This is pretty pathetic but here goes: Several years ago when I worked in the office of our church we received a phone call and I happened to be the secretary to answer it. It was Kirk Cameron wanting to speak with Pastor David about the release of his new movie "Left Behind". I seriously almost blurted out, "OMG its Mike Seaver!!!!" Thankfully I stayed calm, collected, and professional and transferred him to the appropriate secretary.

*6* So I mentioned "Kids Incorporated" above. Well we had a great group of kids in my neighborhood growing up and we loved to put on shows. We even put together our own group called "Kids Incorporated 2". Real original, huh? So guess who I played...Stacy Ferguson. Anyone think I look like Fergie now? Nah, me either.

*7* I can't believe I am going to say (type) this, but I think I am over my chocolate obsession of 29 years. I still love chocolate, especially dark, but I find that I am fine not to have it. Sometimes I'll even choose a non-chocolate treat over chocolate. I don't know why, but this kind of saddens me. :-(

So there you have some random and wierd facts about me. I hope those who I tag will share their facts as well. If I tag you and you don't blog, please post your facts in my comments section. I can't wait to read!!




Leti, Dad, Crystal, Lulu, Moni, Jannette, anjmama, Carin, Janel, Tami, and anybody else who would like to participate.

Remembering

Today I went to visit a friend who had her second baby a couple months ago. She is beautiful! And fussy. :-( My poor friend can hardly set her down for 5 minutes without hearing her cry. The baby has some tummy troubles and is just generally high maintenance. My friend also has a 4 year old who needs Mommy as well. I had forgotten what it was like having a child and a fussy newborn...the sleep deprivation, the unnerving feeling of hearing a baby cry inconsolably, knowing your older child needs more attention, etc. It can become such a closed-in existence that's its hard to see the big picture. The good news is that it is only a season. Things will get better and it will all be worth it. Its funny how we (I think selectively) can forget those hard seasons that seem unending. Thank God He gives us hope and we don't stay in those dark days forever. Life goes on and gets better.

Here's An Idea

Last week I was running errands with my girls when they got into some sibling rivalry. Of course I can't do anything about it while I'm driving as they are out of reach and they well know it. So instead of pleading with them to stop fighting and make peace I decided I'd drown out the noise and turn up the radio for my own listening pleasure. Little did I know they would LOVE it! I found a fun, upbeat song and blasted it. They laughed and screamed (in a good way) all the way home and now they beg me to turn on the crazy music. It beats hearing kids fight.

I'm Off Restriction

I'm so excited that I'm off restriction from lifting my kids as of today. It has been 8 weeks since my surgery and the doctor cleared me to lift and do whatever I want again (except for moving heavy furniture). It was so hard to not lift my kids and hold them the last two months. It did make Bekah a little more independent, but we were so much slower getting in and out of the car, etc. without me being allowed to lift. Now I'm back, a little wiser and a little more patient. :-)

Happy Birthday to My Love!

Happy Birthday, Jose! The girls and I are so blessed to belong to you. You're the best in the whole world!

Dinner Ideas

Last year I asked what everybody was making for dinner so I can get more menu ideas. So here we go again...

What did you eat/make last night for dinner?

What are you having tonight for dinner?

Last night we had white rice with stir fried beef strips, bell peppers, and onions.
Tonight we are having pork chops, roasted red potatoes, and steamed brocolli and cauliflower.

Please leave your answers in the comments section. Thank you for your input!!!

Target Rocks!!!

Last Friday my vacuum cleaner of almost 10 years finally kicked the bucket. So in the evening we spent a fun-filled Friday night vacuum shopping. I really wanted to invest in a high quality vacuum because of my horrid allergy problem. We found the one we wanted and shelled out the money. I love my new vaccum!! It looks like a robot and its yellow so we now call it Bumblebee. Even though we paid for the quality I think every penny is worth it. So yesterday my mom called and asked what model we got. I told her and she asked if we got the $50 Target gift card with our purchase. "Uh, no." The deal began on Sunday. So today I went to the customer service counter and asked if there is any way I could get that $50. The girl was so nice! She refunded the money for the vacuum, re-charged me, gave me my giftcard, and refunded the difference in the tax I paid originally. Like I said...Target rocks, and so does my new vacuum!

Its Hard To Be A Mom When...

your child has to get 3 shots, a TB test, get blood drawn, and go back next Tuesday for 2 more shots while your 3 year old watches in horror. Oh yeah, and next Tuesday the 3 year old gets caught up on all her shots. Now there's something to look forward to! Oh the joys of motherhood.

What are some of the hard days you've had as a parent?

Field Trip Flop

Today was our field trip to the county fair. All three of us were looking forward to it. If you know me at all, you know I don't like large crowds, heat, and carrying backpacks, strollers, etc. However, I was so determined to make this a great day for my kids and not leave early (as I usually do from things like this). But my allergies were SO bad. The last couple of days I've really been battling them. And today was no exception, especially with all the farm animals and hay, etc. (which of course was the main attraction for my kids). We only were able to stay for a little over an hour. My kids were really disapppointed we couldn't stay longer, but my attack was so bad I could barely see through my swollen, watery eyes and could barely breathe with my congested sinuses. Rrrrrrr! Thankfully in the hour we were there the girls got to see the animals and some educational discovery booths. I really want to make this up to them. Here are some photos of our hour at the fair:

This is for real! Call today!!



Please read and respond today!

There is a piece of legislation on the governors' desk for
signature that he plans to sign on Friday; however, he will tally the
telephone poll results before he actually signs this. This is AB2567, which
would require the teachers on "Harvey Milk Day" to observe and provide
gay-related curricula for that day. You can view the entire bill at
http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/acsframeset2text.htm and simply type 2567
into the box for bill number.

If you are opposed to this bill, please do the following:

It only takes about 10 seconds of your time but may change the future of our
kids.

Call 1-916-445-2841

Press 1 for English

Press 2 for "bills"

Press 1 for AB2567

Press 2 to vote "NO"

If you are opposed to this legislation, and you have more than one phone,
you can call from all of them.

Tuesday Miscellaneous

So far school is going well. Each morning we go through our routine and Bekah has been very enthusiastic about joining in the fun. In addition to studying each day of creation, we review the alphabet daily. I am so blessed that both of my girls already have letter recognition down (thanks to preschool for Annie and the show "Super Why" on PBS for Bekah) so that part of school is a breeze. Hopefully Bekah will still stick with school when we're learning new concepts. :)

This morning Bekah called me to their room to check out how tall she is on their growth chart. I said, "Wow, Bek, you're three feet tall!" So the rest of the morning she insisted she does NOT have 3 feet, only two, and kept looking at her actual feet. I don't think she's ready for measurements. :)

The girls wanted to make bird feeders, so we made some primitive looking contraptions out of orange juice cartons, rope, twigs for perches, and birdseed. I hope the birds enjoy!

Yesterday was a packed day. We did school in the morning as usual. I can already tell an area Annie will be working hard on...handwriting. She had to copy a Bible verse and it was hard for her to go back and forth from the small print and find her place after each letter. She got pretty frustrated but we took a minute to pray and re-focus and she finished.

















Then we got to go on our first official fieldtrip! We went to The Huntington Gardens in San Marino. The first Thursday of every month is free and since this week we are studying creation, it was a great place to go enjoy God's nature creations. It was very hot but the kids were troopers and had good attitudes. Thankfully I had my mom along for help. Here are a few pictures:

Then we had a homeschool meeting at church. It was nice to meet the leaders and hear the theme for our school year: "Come, my children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Psalm 34:11