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. :(