Addendum to Annie's Honesty

Here is the AFR (Anne Frances Ramirez) version of Philippians 2:14 - "Do everything without whining or complaining." I like that!

Annie's Honesty

Recently I started giving my kids one Scripture and one sight word to memorize each week. They've been doing pretty well and usually are excited to recite what they've committed to memory. Today I put up a new Scripture...one I've been anxious to get into their little heads and hearts: "Do everything without complaining and arguing," - Philippians 2:14. After having Annie repeat it after me, she cocks her head and says to me, "I want a different one." I just smiled and we talked about how the last three have been "feel good" verses" - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", "I will never leave you nor forsake you", and "Have faith in God." However, we can't ignore the ones we don't feel like heeding to. There are a few I'd rather skip over myself but as the Lord has been showing me all of the commandments He sets forth are for our good and benefit.

Easter Celebrations

We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Easter. Although, at each venue of celebration Bek managed to get hurt. Nothing serious, but you'll see as you read on. On Saturday we took a drive to visit Grandma, Uncle Mike, Aunt Tammy, and Cousin Michele. The kids had a fun time eating pizza and hanging out. Bekah managed to somehow fly off Grandma's bed and make a loud thump - but all was well. On Sunday we went to my mom's for a yummy breakfast, excluding the big, pretty undercooked blueberry crumb cake I spent time making the evening before...grrrr! My poor Annie had been looking forward to this breakfast treat. I'll have to make that one up to her soon. Bek slipped in her new Easter shoes on my mom's kitchen floor and hurt her hip. On to a fabulous Easter service at church. The worship was amazing, as usual, and they sang my favorite Easter song "He's Alive". Easter has to be my favorite holiday because of what we are celebrating - the hope Jesus gives us because He rose from the dead. How can a person not rejoice when they contemplate this? From church we made it to Steve & Sue's for a super delicious lunch/dinner, games, and presents (yes - my family is extremely generous and does presents for Easter). My girls have walked away year after year just blessed with new books, toys, and candy (thankfully minimally). In addition, my amazing cousin, Nancy, bought them matching Easter dresses, shoes, socks, and hairbows. She loves doing this for the holidays so I will never object. :) Oh yes - Bek's injury here was suffering her first-ever splinter. Steve and Sue got a new puppy, Sophie, a couple days ago (a super-duper cute yellow lab) and she jumped up on Bek. Bek sat really hard on the wood steps and ended up with a splinter in her palm. She was such a trooper! She let Sue do her thing with the tweezers and did't cry a bit about it! All in all it was a wonderful weekend. Now back to life as normal!

Field Trip

Last Wednesday we joined our friends, The Boubion's, on a field trip to The Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena. All the kids had so much fun and it was nice to let them just play and enjoy themselves. I always enjoy talking to my friend, Claudia, and she let me pick her brain a little about homeschooling.

Happy Resurrection Day!!

What a beautiful Easter morning the Lord is giving us in Southern California. May you have a blessed day as you reflect on God's amazing love, grace, and power that was demonstrated over 2000 years ago...just for you!!

Fabulous Grandparents

I thought I would share these pictures from last Thursday and take a minute to share how blessed I am by both of my parents' desire and effort to be close to my girls. My mom attended a tea at Annie's school and my dad drove out just to visit for a couple of hours in the afternoon. They're both willing to get down and play with the kids and give them more slack than they deserve when they're in less than great moods. My girls love them so much and look forward to spending time with them. They're the best!!

Bittersweet

Analinda, Karina, Jessica, Judy, Judith, Gianina, Jisselle, & Nellie

Last Wednesday at church, my husband and I announced it would be our last night with Gracia Calvary. We believe our season there has ended and the Lord is leading us back to Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, at least until He shows us if we're moving closer to seminary. Word had already gotten out amongst the Jr. High and High School girls before that evening and they were so sweet to make me farewell cards and surprise me with them. They said the sweetest things in them and made it difficult to leave. Many people came up to give us their well-wishes and prayers and I felt so loved as I left that night. I will miss our friends at Gracia, but because they really are friends, I know I will stay in touch with them.

Our first Sunday back to CCCV was wonderful. I truly enjoyed the study, worship, and fellowship with those I've missed so much the past year. I'm looking forward to being there as long as the Lord keeps us there.