Merry Christmas

We have been very busy enjoying all the activities that come with preparing for Christmas. Last weekend was the town parade that included an entry from our church. The girls both rode on the float and waved their arms off. Friday night was our church Christmas party and Saturday evening we enjoyed a wonderful visit with family that came in from out of town. The girls decorated their annual gingerbread house and gifts are being wrapped. I have a ladies brunch on Thursday and the school party is on Friday.

The tree is trimmed and the lights are all on...................

This is all wonderful and fun. If we aren't careful we can forget the meaning of Christmas.

Last week, while I was waiting to tell the judge why I can't serve jury duty, I pulled a little book out of my purse that I always carry with me. You have probably read through one yourself, Our Daily Bread. I will share the entry for that day:

As we approach Christmas, it's good to remember why Jesus was born. The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus : for he shall save his people from their sins"(Matt. 1:21).

Christmas began with a present from God to his sin-damaged world: "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23).

The masterpiece of God's human creation, marred by turning away from Him, can be restored when we give our hearts to Christ. ---David McCasland

I think it is wonderful to have family-oriented memories that include traditions and activities as long as we give God the praise and glory for everything and put Him above all else!

I will be taking a blog break until after Christmas. The girls will be on Christmas break after Friday and I am really looking forward to having them home. God Bless everyone and again have a Merry Christmas.

Church was so wonderful last night. It is always wonderful. We are working through the book of Judges. We started chapter 17 last night. Samson died in the previous chapter and we are now introduced to Micah. Micah stole from his mother. He later returned her silver for fear of her curse, not for fear of the Lord. They used a portion of the silver to make a graven image as the mother said she had wholly dedicated the silver to the Lord. Verse six then says, "In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes." The mother did what she thought to be acceptable. We know that God abhors false idols and would not want her to make one.


We have to be very careful not to use the world's standards to live by. Our hearts and eyes are deceptive. The rejection of God's authority is the main problem in the world. We often look to man's authority and measure our behavior and beliefs. We should use God's standard to choose music, activites, clothes and behavior. Colossians 3:23 says, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

Just a little picture of our sparkly living room all ready for Christmas. I added a few more things to the mantel after I took this picture.

Remember making these?

When I was a kid, we used to string cranberries and popcorn to decorate the Christmas tree. It was lots of fun. Our tree had the homemade garland mixed with crazy blinking colored lights and store bought ornaments. I have always favored clear lights on our trees and really never thought of making the garland again until this weekend. I think it turned out really cute. I didn't have any fresh cranberries on hand so I used a bit of ribbon to add the fun color. We have been busy with decorating and working on our homemade Christmas projects. What are some of your homemade Christmas decorating traditions?

See the popcorn on our little tree too? We made a mini paper chain for it last year.

{eight}

My baby is a big girl now.
HaPpY BiRtHdaY

Miss Mia !

Apron strings

I have been meaning to post this apron that my mom and Madison made for me during the summer. I think the house border is so cute. I love aprons. I really do use them. I think I could collect them if I let myself. I was really impressed with Madison's sewing skills on the pockets. After my mom showed her how to make the pockets, she made them entirely by herself. I think she needs to teach me how to make some.

I would really like it if you would say a special prayer of protection for Jared as he moved today, into his first apartment. I felt like I asked him 200 questions and gave twice as many suggestions when he told me he was getting his own place. Even though he has not lived with me for a very long time, he is in my heart and thoughts every day. While he was living with his dad I knew where he was and that he would have food and warm socks. Now he has moved to the next, very important step. It is not easy to let go but it is very necessary. Mac and cheese is not so bad and warm socks are easy enough to come by. He is in God's hands.

In Christ Alone

I place my trust and find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me

my source of strength

my source of hope

is Christ alone

One of my favorite songs. It is all in His hands anyway. Just a funny memory; Jared used to be terrified of the big mall hand. He would walk way around it when he was about five. We tease him about it but he doesn't mind. He has such a sweet spirit.

Either brown or green

This is our fall. It was 85 degrees just four days ago and the girls were swimming. The water was just cool enough that they had to keep on the move. In and out of the 70 degree water. It was sunny and nice.

Today was the first real feel of the new season. I have yet to see leaves in any colors other than brown or green. But they are falling, and falling and falling. I think all the raking I did today qualifies as an official workout too, right! :) Keith and I have decided mowing this yard negates the need for a gym membership. The picture of the leaf piles shows only half the back yard and the front is equal in size. We've been told it takes until January for all the trees to be completely bare.

We enjoyed a nice rain this evening with a fire burning in the fireplace. It was just right to take the little chill out of the house. Hope everyone is enjoying this harvest season. I saw pictures that my friend took just about an hour from us and the colors were just amazing.

Our version

This fun and super easy craft is our take on fall color. I started making these when I taught preschool. I love them so much that we make some every Autumn.

We color regular coffee filters with markers, squirt them with a water bottle, then cut out a leaf shape when dry. I put them all around the house and on the windows. We will get some real leaf color but not until close to November. I can't wait that long. Our leaves looked a bit more tye-dye this year because the girls used less brown. They wanted to use the other colors more :)

It's Jared's day

Happy Birthday to my sweet son. He turns 20 today, oh my! We had a very nice dinner with him and Linsey last night. They are so cute.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Psalm 19: 7-10

They like to jump.....

and play in the giant corn 'pool'. It was the funnest activity at the pumpkin patch. It was kind of like playing in the sand but not so messy. The kids and adults were throwing it, burying each other in it and as you can see, jumping into it. I couldn't believe the girls were doing flips into it. They were on their second jump when I took the picture. I was a bit worried that it wasn't safe so that was their last jump. I put my arms deep into the corn and it was cold under the surface. There was an umbrella shading one corner. This is where I decided to sit after taking a ton of pictures. It was actually very relaxing.

{ Madison, Kaprianna and Aimee doing a flip into the corn}

The girls did come home with some kernels in their waistbands:)

Wise men

Our first president, George Washington said, "It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible."

John Adams, our second president said, "The Bible is the best book in the world." He also believed, "Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their own law book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited...what a utopia; what a paradise this region would be."

We made it out!

Just a little glimpse of our day. We visited a pumpkin patch that claims to have the world's largest corn maze ( 43 acres). It was HUGE and I must take their word for it. Let's just say, give us ladies a map and we will get out (legitimately or otherwise:). I am off to get some rest as tomorrow is my day to be in the classroom at school. I hope to post again this week with some highlights of the day and more pictures.

Slowing down

Things have been so very busy for us lately. Our back to school routine was put on halt this week due to Pastor's Conference. We are used to this break and welcome it. However, my cell phone makes my 'office' too portable, and other commitments have made us feel the need to slow down mid-week. Keith was gone for dinner tonight so it was a great opportunity to make dinner just for us girls. We love fettuccine alfredo with salad. I have Starr to thank for this delicious, rich, recipe that turned out just perfect. While I made dinner, the girls were upstairs playing. I decided we all needed to have a special time at dinner tonight. They came down to the dinning table set with three places and candle light to eat by. They were very excited. I had music playing from the next room and it was very relaxing. They said it was better than a restaurant because we were in our comfy clothes and we got to choose the music. I reminded them that we get to wash our own dishes too :) I take pictures of everything so of course I have a picture.

Proverbs 16:24

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.




This is a picture I took while visiting the butterfly habitat at 6 flags. So many beautiful colors!

A thank you

To my all loving Saviour, my gracious Heavenly Father, I thank you. I praise you for giving me my husband. Twelve years ago today, you joined us in marriage. Thank you for blessing our marriage and allowing us such joy in our children. All in your precious name, Amen.

Monday's adventure

Madison was invited to Aimee's b-day party at 6 flags. Mia and I decided it would be a great time for us to go too since she had never been. Not officially a party crash as Mrs. M offered us her extra tickets from the girls who couldn't make it. We had a great time! The park is so clean and easy to get around. Mia and I met up with all the party girls a few times. Once was to ride the White Water Safari. We all fit onto one 'boat'. I was a bit nervous because I have a history of being the wettest passenger at the end of any water ride. History did repeat itself! I was the one who got the waterfall down my backside and the water splash to the front. If that wasn't enough, there is a spot for spectators to put a quarter into a water squirter and push the pretty red button. Well the water got me square in the face. I couldn't help but laugh and give the spectators a thumbs up :).

Mia and I went directly to the ride we renamed the hairdryer. It is the scrambler ride. Our hair was dry by the end but not our clothes. Mia's favorite ride was the wooden ark. She went on it five times. She and I are not too fond of scary rides. Madison on the other hand loves them. I was excited to take Mia to the shark exhibit. I remember taking Jared there 16 years ago when it first opened. The tunnel would have a line waiting to see the new attraction. Well, 16 years later, it seems to have run its course. Mia and I were the only ones going through the tunnel! Sharks are so amazing to me. I still think it is neat to see them so close. And the saw nose shark just confirms how amazing God's creation is.

We saw the girls again at the dolphin show. The day was lots of fun. Mia and I headed out a bit before the park closed. The birthday party continued to dinner at The Olive Garden and then swimming until 10:00 pm. Mrs. M is the greatest wouldn't you say. She can throw one great party!

On a side note, I wanted to share some old fashioned goodness that still exists in the world. I went to our favorite little organic farm today to get my fil his newest favorite fruit (yellow flesh watermelon). As I entered the little stand I noticed that there wasn't anyone there, anywhere. I looked around and saw a sign that read, "We are operating on honor pay today. Choose your items, weigh them, and put your money in the red box." The little red box was on lock of course. May sound kind of silly but it sure makes me feel good to know that a trusting nature still exists.

The girls don't go back to school until the first week of September so we took advantage of a weekend away. We always enjoy making a trip to Bodega while visiting SR. The craft stores were a great place to hang out while waiting for the fog to burn off at the coast. We made our way out just about lunch time. The temperature was nice in the little town of Bodega, about 75 degrees(about 15 degrees cooler at the ocean though). We walked around just a few minutes and the girls found the wild blackberry bushes. They tried enough that we needed to find a place to wash up. We came back into town to do a little shopping before dinner. I got a call from Keith. He was finished with his first day of a golf tournament and I was expecting to hear how he placed. He always calls me right after a round to give me an update:) His news was even more exciting than his placement. He hit his first hole in one! I was so happy for him. He hit from 195 yards on the eighth hole. How fun!


The girls and I went to church on Sunday and finished up with some fun. I love being in church. I really missed our church even though everyone was so nice at the church we visited. So glad to be home, and so tired. We got home just in time for another adventure yesterday. That is another post. God is so good and blesses us more than we deserve! The last picture I took out the window while Keith was driving.

Yummy

This is some of the fabric for our Christmas projects. It is just gorgeous! The bright colors are, well, yummy!

In it not of it

James 4:4-10

Ye adulterers and aduteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy
of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain,the spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Clense your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

Loosing teeth and innocence

"I suspect that you are the tooth fairy mom."

I couldn't find the fabric I was looking for...

but this basil cord with tiffany blue lining is pretty cute. It's reversible! I couldn't resist putting my bee brooch on for fun. I have the BEST secret sister at church. She bought me the sewing magazine that had the hip little bag pattern in it. My mom came for a visit just in time to get some fun sewing and craft projects underway. With my mom's help, we got the bag made in an afternoons time. We took a day trip to do some fabric shopping and found really cute prints for the girls' skirts. Mads and Mia have started collecting all the supplies needed to make the Christmas gifts that they have decided to make. I did find the fabric that I was looking for and can't wait to try making a skirt! Practice, practice.

Beautiful light

I was so blessed today to look out in our backyard and see so much of God's amazing beauty.

Just for fun!

HowManyOfMe.com

There is 1 person with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

A Day Trip

Well no surprise by the pictures where we went yesterday. It was a day full of walking! We had lunch at Tarantino's at the Wharf. From there we walked to one of the largest tourist destinations, Pier 39. Not my favorite place but very busy with all sorts of activity. Some shopping and more walking at Union Square. A hot coffee hit the spot in the cool 65 degree weather. We stopped off in Sausalito on our way home. Such a beautiful town.

A beautiful day to remind us of all the beauty God has created as well as a huge reminder of how many places and people are missing God's gift.

Two thumbs up

I thought it would be fun to have a movie review from Madison. Since this time last year, we have only gone to the theater twice to see a movie. In my opinion there isn't much worth watching. We were very excited to go see the Kit movie. It was great! I loved the way everyone dressed in that era. The manners and the homemade goodness of it all were very refreshing. Well lets hear what the real expert thought of it: (We didn't give details to spoil the movie in case you haven't seen it yet :)

My mom, my sister, and I went to see the AG movie, Kit Kittredge last week. I thought it was a very good movie. Kit never gave up and she was always willing to help others. I also thought it was cool that a girl my age could walk around alone in her neighborhood. I really liked her clothes. I cannot wait until it comes out on DVD!!! -Madison

God bless America

If My people, which are called by My name, shall
humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and
turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
-2 Chronicles 7:14

Our country was founded on the belief of God and his commandments. Just a little reminder that because of Him we are blessed in our great nation.

Happy Independence Day!!

*The pictures are from neighborhood homes, flowers in my garden and the kids from the fourth last year. Madison is just on the left of the fire truck :)

Buzz off

To the mosquito that is. I am a mosquito magnet, so are my girls. Until last year we would stay inside during prime feeding hours rather than put on toxic repellent. This past July, I went to the health food store to find alternatives. I thought I would share our proven recipe for natural mosquito repellent as this is a big outside-during-dusk-watermelon-eating-firework-watching-weekend.

Just put about 5 drops of the lemon eucalyptus oil per one ounce of distilled water. You can put it in a mister or any squeeze bottle. We have even put a few drops of oil with our favorite lotion. Carolyn suggested putting it with your sun block lotion to get two jobs done at once. You really can't go wrong. No worries about washing it off even.

On the bright side

When you get lemons you....make yummy lemonade

When you have a rainy day you.......bake cookies

When you can't play outside because there is too much smoke from HUNDREDS of fires you............

Pitch a castle tent in your bedroom!

And when my friend Carolyn goes through a number of very difficult trials all at the same time.......She shines even brighter for God. Please say a prayer for Carolyn, God knows her needs. I love you Carolyn.

UPDATE: I got permission to put the picture up without hiding little bugs face. Isn't he so cute!

A good house

A good house is built upon rock and shelters from the elements,
Foundation to roof with hammers and saws, joined by labor's best, Walls and windows, kitchens and baths, furniture, appointments,
One artfully detailed, carefully crafted, to stand time's test.
For a house to be a home, there's nesting, helping, healing and love. There's hugging, sharing, storytelling, laughing, and crying together.

Home is Mom and Dad teaching, training and telling of things above, It's forgiveness, kindness, friendship, affection - family like no other. Home is where the Lord reigns, where peace is queen and joy is king. A happy home warms the heart, satisfies the soul, soothes the sorrow, It's where words matter, kisses are supreme and children want to sing. God bless this sweet home - these memories make for the morrow.

Tom Despard- Lancaster PA

God's way is the only way

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him. Genesis 2:18

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;
And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2: 21-24

I'm one today!

As a blogger that is. It doesn't seem like it has been a year already.......


Yesterday was the last day of school. Both girls came home with a load of goodies from the merit store. They saved the merits most of the year for yesterdays auction. I am so proud of them both. The picture of Jared and Linsey is from last weekend. They are a great couple.



Linsey just finished her first year of Bible college. The picture of Mads and Mia was taken just yesterday.

All Miss Grace's fault

Miss Grace brought us a box of this goodness a few weeks ago. Jared was here this past weekend so we decided we needed another box just for fun. Keith was the prop guy when
I begged everyone to let me take a picture of their treats. I think he did a great job with the sunflowers! For your own box, make a trip to C*stco. My favorite flavor is the lemon.