Thankful

Today I am thankful for Facebook & AccuRadio. Over the course of one hour I had two lovely conversations with special people, booked a luncheon date with another, and got updated on the lives of those whom I don't see very often all while listening to a vast array of Christmas music.

Fire N' Ice

The adventures never seem to cease. On October 13th the hills in front of our home were on fire. Now, those same hills are covered in a dusting of snow. Granada Hills hasn't had snow since 1949. The kids were very excited to wake up this morning and see it. They are now singing 'White Christmas' and talking about how this will be one - or as close as its gonna get in southern CA

Girrrrls!

Chandler had the opportunity to attend the Sunday School Christmas Party on Saturday. Afterwards, her little friend Ceana came over to spend the night. These two little girls were in a world all their own for the entire day. We didn't see them unless they were going or coming through the back door, or if they needed something to eat or drink. The chatter was constant - don't have any idea about what. Towards the evening they decided to have a 'Beauty Parlor' and painted their nails and did each other's makeup. Wow did that bring back memories! Each little finger was painted a different shade of purple or pink. Their little rouge cheeks weren't little, but rather the entire cheek area dropping down onto the jawbone and streaking toward the neck. They decided that they wanted extra lashes for their eyes and proceeded to draw them on their eye lids! After the makeup was done they dressed up and gave us a little fashion show. Upon conclusion the makeup needed to be redone ~ they gave each other scars and stitches. Clean up required 7 make up removal pads and lots of soapy water.
On Sunday morning the girls announced that over night was WAY to short a period to spend together. .....that is up to the Mommies.

Thanksgiving 2008

This Thanksgiving we were able to host the meal. Family and Friends gathered around the tables and devoured the myriad of yummy dishes that each family brought.

The day after Thanksgiving Tom, his sister Shelley, and the kids took a hike. The pictures are definite proof that Harrison is taller than Shelley now.

Pictures from the Fires

Since the week is slower than most I am catching up on all the posts that should have been done over the past several weeks. The fires that happened in our area left the area looking much like the surface of the moon. Thankfully, rain is on its way and we should start seeing little shoots in some areas. The first fire in the beginning of October was closer to us than the one we were just evacuated for. There were several times where we had a small block party with our neighbors while we watched the large water dropping planes and smaller helicopters fly over our homes and flood the burning areas with fire retardant or water. Harrison wished that one of the helicopters would drop a load of water on us. Explaining that the perceived amount is much less than the actual amount that would most likely hurt you if it landed on your head he changed his mind.

PSP Homeschool Fair

This year our PSP Homeschool group decided to have a fair. The event was quite a hit. Most of the children participated by submitting something to at least one of the following categories: Baked Goods, Hanging Art, Model Art, Science, History, and Table Decorations.

Both Harrison and Chandler entered something in every category but Science and History. The weeks prior to the fair were spent creating, practicing, and fine tuning the submissions. For Model Art they both entered items they built from Legos. Harrison built many vehicles that are from the Star Wars series, while Chandler built a garden scene. They both won first place in their divisions.

For the Baked Goods category Chandler made a Lemon Meringue Pie and Harrison made a Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake. About 3 weeks before, Chandler got to practice by making one as our evening dessert. She can proudly say that the pie for the fair she made all by herself - Mommy just read off the ingredients, turned on the oven, and supervised the process so she wouldn't burn herself. After the pie was finished Chandler decided that "Eggs are harder to separate than it looks".

Harrison made the cheesecake the day before the fair all by himself. On the morning of the fair we pulled it out of the spring form pan and it was perfect! While in transport it slid from his lap and landed against the front seat. It was now less than perfect. We had a wonderful conversation about God still being in control and that even though he would most likely not even place in the ribbons we knew how great a job he did and that the Lord knew too. The important thing is that even in a difficult or frustrating time we still have a good attitude and a thankful heart. When we got to school we worked on fixing the cheesecake as much as possible.

Remembering that the Lord knows all outcomes it was such a blessing to see them both win 1st for their pie and cheesecake. It was such an encouragement for Harrison to win even after all that had happened to his cake.

For the Table Decorations Harrison wanted to center his theme around dragons. After discussing the wish to paint mom's plates we decided on a different approach. He cut out small round discs of paper and drew his dragons on those, then placed them under the clear, glass plates. He used all his dragons for the centerpiece, and tall red glasses with black napkins. He even found a piece of rough, red paper that he tore to look like a dragon's scale. Proudly, he place first in that too.

Chandler chose to have a candy theme for her table settings. Using felt and pens she created napkins with lollipops on them. For her napkin rings she used ring pops. They were tooo cute. For her centerpiece she and mommy created a candy topiary out of lots of lollipops and other candies all glued to a foam ball and mounted (rather precariously) on a wooden dowel in a pot. She placed 2nd for her entry and received the reserved champion Director's Award too. After the fair was over we passed out all the candy.

For the final category they entered paintings in the Hanging Art. They both painted Pokemon characters. They did a wonderful job and worked hard all week perfecting the strokes and filling in the gaps. Chandler placed 2nd.

During the fair the kids got to walk around the exhibits and look at them all. Harrison's favorite entry was a friends diorama on World War II which received 2nd place. Chandler's favorite was a picture of a Killer Whale.

Smoke and Goggles

It is such a comfort to know that God is in control of all things - even evacs and the verse about making plans but the Lord directing took on a new meaning. Yesterday morning began earlier than expected with a 4:30 wake up siren and loud speaker notice that we must leave our comfortable beds and brave the wind and now extremely smoke and ash filled elements outside to look for safer establishments. We got the kids up, told them to get dressed and use the bathroom. While they did this, Tom & I went throughout the house gathering those things that we would need, or have difficulty replacing should the house burn. I found it amazing that in reality there was very little that we really did take (picture albums, hard drive with pictures, important papers & passports, bibles, a few clothes). While in the midst of this the kids came to us to say they were ready. I told them to both go grab a few things, including their bibles, that they would want to take with them to Grammy and Papa's home - figuring that a box of toys would be included in the grab. (this comes into play later...)

During our loading of the truck I noticed that our precious neighbor across the street was casually standing on her front porch, in her bathrobe, smoking a cigarette. I waved. She waved back and said "Are you going on a vacation? Why are you packing?". Quickly running across the street, I told her that there was an evacuation and that we were told to get out. "Oh, then I should go get dressed then. But are you sure? I don't see any fire, just smell a little bit of smoke." (at this point the air was thick, it was difficult to breathe, our eyes are watering, and we couldn't see the mountain behind her home) We left her to finish what we were doing.

After loading up the kids we drove to my parents home where we were greeted by my family and some special friends we haven't seen in a long time. We had a lovely early breakfast while we watched the fire sweeping across the mountains, hungrily devouring whatever lay in its path.

Well, you can only watch the same silly news commentators blither on about subjects they know little about before you realize that the day is going to be pointless and completely wasted if you continue watching. Since my family did have house guests who they were entertaining (we do know that we would have been welcomed to join them), and we have no control over the events that were happening (our house would either burn to the ground or be safe), we decided to take the opportunity to visit Disneyland. Since I hadn't taken the passes for myself and the kids out of my purse, we figured that the cost for 'replacing' Tom's pass was a small price to pay for a day of fun as a family. As we got ready for our change in plans I worked at repacking the truck in an orderly fashion and pull out clothes that didn't reek of smoke. While doing so I came across the objects that the kids had chosen to take with them. Harrison had his current book he was reading and his bible. Okay, good choice, knowing that Grammy's house has lots of toys...including legos. Chandler's choice was a bit more humorous. She had chosen her quilt that Grammy made (ahhh), and.....[drum roll]....... her pink pair of swim goggles. Don't ask, we don't know.

Our day at Disneyland began with a stop at In-N-Out for lunch. After arriving at the park we went to guest services to replace the pass. The attendant asked what happened to it. Tom told her that it was left behind when we had to evacuate our home because of the fire. She then gave us the new pass without charging us the replacement fee. Isn't God GOOD! We were prepared to pay the fee and yet HE gave us our family day without extra costs. He is the one we know moved the heart of the woman - because we didn't ask her.

We spent the day riding the rides, browsing through shops, and watching the characters. The park was empty for a Saturday because by the time we got down there the Anaheim Fire had started and heavy smoke was in the air and ash was falling on heads creating the appearance that it was 'Dandruff Disorder Day' at Disneyland. Thankfully, most of the rides are indoors so it wasn't really a problem. We concluded our long day with dinner at Elephant Bar before driving home. By that point, the mandatory evac had been lifted and we are safely back in our home that now needs a thorough cleaning of all the fine, gritty soot that our house is now encased in.

I marvel at how the Lord controls the events of this world allowing some areas to crumble and others to remain. God did a great thing when He created fire. It is amazing to watch and to use as a glimpse of what wrath can look like if we ignore the calls of our Savior.

Halloween

Yes, I know that we are a tad late in posting these - but life has been a bit busy here...
For Halloween Chandler went as a 'Chinese lady'. She wanted to tape her eyes back but we told her that may offend some who saw her so we did her up in makeup instead.
Harrison went as a dementor from Harry Potter. ...unless you read the books you wont understand what that is. Needless to say, this year was a: create your own costume out of what we already have.

Oh fickle people

While reading through a friend's facebook page I cam across this piece. I must say I agree with it. How is it that we, as a nation, have become so shallow and crass? I know that the answer is with no God leading a people they can go even lower so it shouldn't be a surprise.
As light, we are called to pray for our leaders, respect them, and honor them. In light of the recent election we need to rise above the behavior of those who 'didn't win' in the past and be an example of godliness and decorum to a lost world. We should behave so that no one can bring a charge against us. Yes, we can disagree, but no we may not behave like 2nd graders who don't get their way, stomping off and pouting because the other kid got the ball. We shouldn't be poor loosers.

What I do find interesting is who wrote the article...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122584386627599251.html

Thankful

At 7:30 every weekday morning I hear a child crying as he is placed in the car to go to day care. At first I thought that it was just the typical child not used to being taken out so early in the morning, and the typical detachment issues that would quickly go away as the year progressed. This has been happening every morning now for over 1 year and I have been saddened that he must leave the comfort of his home and his mother so that the boat, new BMW, and new Mercedes can remain parked in their driveway.

At the same time it reminds me how thankful I am to be able to remain at home with our children and how thankful I am that Tom works hard to keep it that way. Without his dedication to our family and our children's lives I may have done the same as the mother across the street. The situation also reminds me to be faithful in the duties that God has given me, to remain content with the objects and blessings that He has bestowed upon our family not wishing for more, and in the light of eternity the souls of my children and the ministry our home can have is far greater than the new items that will eventually burn.

A Chandlerism

On the way home from Awana last night the children were discussing their bible verses and the coming Fairmont Fair. Chandler's goal is to rack up as many of the pages from the green section of her book to get several tickets. She then asked: "Mom, may I skip Psalm 23's The German Shepherd so I can work on the green section?"

Tom asked if she was learning it from the Gutenberg bible....
needless to say she is going to finish Psalm 23 before moving on - or better yet do both!

Where is the Lysol?

Thank you to Shelley for this lovely picture. You can just imagine the mother cringing in the background.

Tut tut, It looks like rain.....not really

For those astute guests who walk through our front door you may have noticed our small collection of umbrellas. Granted they get used maybe once a year in our neck of the woods, but I still like them. They really have become a bit of a collection. I just came across another that I really like - but know that it isn't needed, nor is it a wise use of money...STILL I reallllly like it. You can just imagine those lovely lawn and garden tea parties of the bygone era
Signature Bella

Glimpsing the Elusive

While camping this weekend we caught sight of the Creature Comfort. It is often fearful of the typical camper and only comes out when hungry or needing to gather items to add to its collection.

Fun at the Fair

We had a glorious time at the fair yesterday. Driving down in the morning with the Campos family, we arrived ready for a day of fun. The kids were clamoring for the 'School Zone' where the theme was 'Backyard Adventure'. Larger than life bugs, live animals, and student's artwork were just a few of the things seen in that building.

The children enjoyed the barn yard animals. The baby cows were quite a hit - and a rabbit weighing 26 pounds. They all enjoyed feeding the sheep and goats. The $2 a cup of feed was way toooo high priced for both us moms. The children, being creative and resourceful, gathered all the hay pieces off the floor they could find and had a grand time 'feeding' the animals.

Each of them were able to go on one ride in the Midway. Chandler chose the swing ride (similar to the Stinger at CA Adventure) & Harrison chose a hang gliding ride that rode you in circles...not my cup of tea.

We ended the day with Lunch/Dinner at Baja Fresh before making our way home.

Just to precious

The other night we were busy doing some stuff and forgot that Chandler needed to be put to bed. Her bedding hadn't finished drying so she set herself up on the couch. This is how we found her.

Back in FULL swing

School is back in session. The PSP? (I don't know what our home school group is calling themselves yet) resumed on Friday. Sadly, Chandler was not able to join us fri am since she has been suffering from the flu - fever spikes but otherwise ok (She didn't stay home alone - Tom also had it so he stayed with her).

Harrison was excited about the new classes he is taking. The students 'hit the ground running' in the literature class. He is really enjoying the first book they are reading thru. 'A Single Shard'. He told me yesterday his favorite character is ''the gimpy man with one leg who says crazy things''. He has me intrigued. I can't believe that I have a 6th grader! It really does seem like he just began kindergarten and we were working on the alphabet!!! I was looking through teaching supplies and thinking that all the cute stuff is no longer necessary - and I almost got depressed. No more trying to make funny sound to help enforce a skill, no more scavenger hunts to learn nouns, pictures of turkeys made out of handprints, ...you get the picture. I can't even fathom the idea of him being a JR. HIGHER next year. How did we get to this so fast? I am so thankful that he has chosen to follow Christ and is striving to do what is right. I am excited to watch him grow this year, to pick friends (with guidance), and enter into the realm of 'growing up'. His humor is so abstract - like that of his Dad. But now he is starting to branch out and try his own style on for size. He is def not fitting the suit yet - but it will come with time. =>

The other classes ran smoothly. It was so nice to be back with the ladies. I didn't realize how much I miss my Friday chats till I walked back thru the door. I have been so truly blessed getting to know so many of them. The iron gets sharpened when I am with them. I cherish the ones who I got to know over this summer. They are all so amazing and talented. Each one bringing something new and different to the body life and specifically that of my family. We love them! It is wonderful how the body of Christ works together and you feel like family though you may have only known them a short time. These women love the Lord and love their families. They desire to do what is right no matter the difficulty or hardship. They are such an example to me and I am grateful to them and honored to get to call them friends.

Do you believe Genesis 1 & 2

Our family was so thrilled to hear John's messages on Sunday. While he was on vacation this summer the church had wonderful speakers whom we enjoyed quite a lot. But, because of where John had to stop within the series in Luke, it felt like a cliff hanger at the end of a seasons tv show. Bad analogy I know, but I'm not sure there is any other way to explain it.
The morning message was about the Character's on the Road to the Cross - Only the first two were discussed. The 'they' who took Christ away, and the man Simon of Cirene. I appreciated how the people came to life and 'jumped off the page'. How even in the cruelty of the Cross God had orchastrated everything. Simon was intrumental in bringing the Church to Cirene and then through others to Antioch where Paul was sent from. This one mans salvation was instrumental in taking the gospel to the world.
The evening service had the Enfield band play the worshp songs. I have never heard the service be so 'loud' in their singing. It was something. John then preached on the 'theology of creation'. The question posed was "Do you believe Genensis 1 & 2?" That you must to believe the rest of the bible. That you need to understand that believing this sets your foundation for the gospel and that by not believing the beginning you weaken your faith and can waffle on what scripture says in any other portion.
After service Crossroads hosted the Plaza fellowship. I love these times. We met a new couple and had a wonderful time talking with both of them. We will have them over soon I am sure.

Random musings from this week

This week has had both highs and lows. The highlight: watching my children improve their techniques in swim, finding out a lost sheep has been found and restoration is in process, spending time seeing the Creation around me, and working hard to overcome personal sin. The Lows: finding out that someone is not doing well spiritually, mentally, nor physically and hasn't been for awhile. I'm fighting the desire to place excuses and ask the WHY God?! questions that try to push themselves to the front of my heart when I ponder the situation. My heart weeps for the soul and wants answers to the 'how could it happen' with this situation and yet knows that all sin begins with a wrong view of God and an exalted view of self. Some of the situation was beyond this person's control and I weep even harder that they had to endure it and yet know that the evil can be meant for good. Right now I can't know what that good is. I cling to the promises of the Word knowing that someday we may see the answers. He IS Faithful. He IS Trustworthy, He IS in Control, He does Love, and He Does Care. I pray that the valley will show the heart it's needs and seek Him who can guide thru this Valley. Only complete turning to His Truth can overcome the sad and heartbreaking situation that has been learned of.
I long to solve the problem for them. Knowing that I can't, nor can I even be there is difficult to accept. But accept I must, and trust God even more. Why does it seem that so many around me appear to be in so many testing situations. I believe that God is teaching me to pray and pray fervently - going before the throne to wrestle with God both for those whom we care so much about and the need to trust Him fully. He is testing many and yet at the same time He is testing us all. Do I pray enough, believing that He does answer? Do I remain steadfast even when the answer is no? And do I truly trust His good and perfect will in the lives of both myself and those around me? If the answer is yes then I must remain trusting Him, not falling apart when the world around appears to be, or things go less than smoothly. I have been reminded that this world holds no promised ease, otherwise we wouldn't long for heaven. If life remained 'innocent' like the childhood years then we would not see the need nor have the want to fix our eyes on heaven.

Once Upon a Time in LA

Touring the city with friends for a second time couldn't be passed up. Together with the Ficketts, Meyers, and Terrells we trekked up and down the city.

Since the weather was actually cooler there were a lot more people about town...some quite interesting. Both of these lovely individuals were sighted outside the Central Library.
I think this man wins Crazy Hat Day.





We all agreed that the statue looks a LOT like Ian Hales. Maybe it was just the day was starting to get warmer.




















Jeff was dared to run through the fountain without getting wet. Shortly after he came back a small child tried the same stunt and got 'lost' when all the water shot up. He wasn't as successful to say the least.

Suggested Reading

I am reading through an amazing book writen by Thomas Brooks 'The Secret Key to Heaven'. Brooks' focus is on personal prayer aka private prayer. The argument is that our most private prayers show our true heart, our most honest attitude, and our desire to comune with our Father. I haven't gotten very far but def suggest this as your next read.

Good bye Becks!

The fabulous visit with Becky has come to an end....but will pick up again next year when we ALL go to Resolve. It was wonderful to have her spend time with our family and Chandler has officially adopted her as an 'older sisiter'. I will cherish the time spent trecking up and down southern CA, the talks on everything from growing up, dating and marriage to church discipline, faithfulness in our Christian walk and searching the scripture.

Gatorade in any color but pink

Hunt for Smore's - someday we WILLLLL find them!

Shamu Rocks!

Vengeful Mantarays

Surprise it's a loopy coaster

You must overcome your fears.....

Princess Bride

First person ever to not like an Artichoke

Would you like In-N-Out???

That was like only 2 pounds!

We will get this alllll home with you somehow

Terminal 2 .......5.......argh!.....2 ahhhh

Fun on the 4th of July

The wonderful opportunity to spend time with the Ficketts, Meyers, & Flowers was something we couldn't pass up. Jen being 'paid' by Stephanie to toss a tomato at Kerry, making noise










using pop guns and soda cans, Ally rolling up hill then figuring out that rolling down is easier, tossing the football, glow sticks and necklaces, matching outfits for Ceana & Chandler, and of course the stripey jello & Jen's dessert (which I can't remember the name of but was really good) will all remain special memories.

Fun in the Sun...and heat

While many were enjoying the gift of air conditioning we set off on a trek to Disneyland and then Sea World. The theme parks were not very busy and no ride had longer than a 35 minute wait. Becky was able to go on all the rides she wanted...and no one was tooo ansy. Chandler loved any ride that went fast. Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder...Atlantis....all are considered her favorite. When asked which one she liked the most she said 'The Mountains'.
Sea World was a blast. The cooler temps and beautiful creatures added to the blastfulness (yes, I know that isn't a word.) We dined with Shamu...hence the up close shot. Wonderful food - though a bit pricy for just a 15 minute stint with the trainers. I guess Shamu had to 'rest' for the big show that evening. It really is amazing how many creatures God made in just a few days. The variety of animals, fish and slow moving sea animals is a wonder to behold and a marvel to think that it was just SAID and it was so. Knowing how complex the systems that make up both man and creatures - How can anyone say these were just evolved mistakes? The blinding of man really does happen!