Daffodil Dreams

Baggage

2012-01-27T01:29:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of Wednesdays, a sweet, timid, middle-aged woman has been showing up at church. She comes in with a large backpack and about four or five more bags filled with who knows what. She tucks them all around her on the floor. She doesn't want any help bringing them in from her car or through the door. If someone touches her or them, she gets a bit frantic. From what she says and does, I realize that she is coping with mental illness.

As I watched her, I realized that she wasn't the only one who had brought extra baggage to church that night. Oh, some of us hid it better than she did, but we still came in juggling bags and then tucked them nice and tight around us. They do help insulate us. And help build a protective wall.

How do I know there were others with baggage? Well, some have let me peek into some of their bags. So I know some of what they're carrying. But, basically I know because I brought in all kinds of baggage with me that night. Some helped insulate me. Some just made it hard to juggle the rest.

Jesus asks us to lay all of our stuff at His feet. (1 Peter 5:7) If we seem to get a bit frantic at that thought, He doesn't grab or snatch the stuff out of our hands. Can you imagine the searing pain of that? No, instead He comes along side of us, puts His loving arms around us, asks us to open just one bag, and then lovingly helps us unpack.

The One About Name Changing

2012-01-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

Humor alert: You'll only "get" this if either you know my family or if you've seen pictures of my family. If you haven't, you might want to look around first.

I was cuddling on the couch last night with my four-year-old grandson. Here's how our conversation went:

Me: What's your name again?

Deonte: Deonte!

Me: Deonte what?

Deonte: Deonte Correa!

Me: What's my name?

Deonte: Nana!

Me: What's my real name?

Deonte: (blank look)

Me: What do other people call me?

Deonte: Dorothy.

Me: Dorothy what?

Deonte: (blank look)

Me: What's my last name?

Deonte: I don't know.

Me: Abdelaziz.

Deonte: Abdelaziz. Is that Papa's name, too?

Me: Yes.

Deonte: Is that Grandma's name, too?

Me: No, her name is Jones. You know, you call her Grandma Jones.

Deonte: Oh, yeah. How come her name is different?

Me: Okay, so Grandma's my mommy, right? When I was born, my name was Dorothy Jones. When I married Papa, my name was changed to his. So now my name is Dorothy Abdelaziz.

Deonte: (paying close attention)

Me: I'm your mommy's mommy, right? When your mommy was born, she was Sarah Abdelaziz. When she married Daddy, her named was changed to....

Deonte: Correa!

Me: Right!

Deonte: When daddies get married, do they change their names?

Me: No, just mommies.

Deonte: So, what do daddies change? Their color?

2012

2012-01-02T16:35:00.000-08:00

Whew. It's over. 2011, that is.

I'm emotionally drained. But, I am slowly recovering and hope to be in ship-shape in not too long!

In all the sadness, in and amongst all the stress, there were two miracles. Two little baby boys were added to our family. Caleb Journey was born to Josh and Serena on July 27 (remember I was in Colorado in July?)

and River Arvin was born to Gana and Daja on October 3.

Oh, we do love babies around here! Those two brand new ones redeemed 2011 for me. Without them, I'd be hard-pressed to find the good.

Well, the "big" good, anyway. God is always good and gives us so many every day wonders, that there is always good. Always a gift from Him. Always a smile to find.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:22-24

And now it's 2012.

New Years Day landed on a Sunday this year. What a wonderfully clean slate it represented. A new day, a new week, a new month, and a new year!

Today my husband and I sat down to map out our goals and dreams for 2012. No resolutions, just regrouping. We'll do it again at the beginning of February. Either to pat ourselves on the back or to kick ourselves back into action!

For the past few years, I've been choosing a word for the year. Naming it, if you will. I named 2011 FREEDOM. 2010 was the year of YES. Do I sometimes forget what year it is as the months roll by? Well, yeah. But, it usually doesn't take too long before the year's name comes calling me back.

2012 is being named "RELEASE". Not the most common of names, but a very personal one. This is our year to release pain and illness, to release negative financial concerns, and to release excess possessions. We are also opening our hearts, hands, and bodies to receive freedom and health.

Hey, 2012 is looking pretty good sitting there all clean and new!

Della May Abdelaziz (5.22.1932 - 9.19.2011)

2011-09-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

I am standing on the sea shore,

A ship sails in the morning breeze

and starts for the ocean.
She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her
Till at last she fades on the horizon

and someone at my side says:
“She is gone.”

Gone! Where?
Gone from my sight – that is all.
She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars

as she was when I saw her
And just as able to bear her load of living freight

to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me,
not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says,
“She is gone”,
There are others who are watching her coming,

and other voices take up a glad shout:
“There she comes”
– and that is dying.

Bishop Brent
1862 – 1926

Shallah

2011-07-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

There was a little girl,

Who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.

When she was good,

She was very good indeed,

But when she was bad she was...

Still as cute as cute can be.

(Sorry, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it just didn't work the way you wrote it.)

Surprise! Papa's here!

2011-07-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

About 2:15 Wednesday morning, Papa came to visit! Total surprise to me! I had absolutely no inkling that I would walk downstairs to see his luggage in the living room and then have him pop around the corner!

He came because he missed me, of course, but he was really hoping to see his new grandbaby while he was here. But, I guess the baby didn't realize that, so Papa had to go back home without meeting him/her.

On Friday, the day before he left, we went up to Estes Park for a family outing and to walk Serena. Grammie (Serena's mom), Papa, and I explored the town with the grandchildren while Josh and Serena went "hiking".

As you can see, we have an extra couple of kids.

I brought Meg along and Emily brought her other grandson.

The more, the merrier!

Before we all set out, though, we had a picnic. We found this lovely little spot next to a church. It even had a little creek.

Shallah and Papa sharing cookies.

Shallah and Papa have a special thing going. Before he came, she acted like she loved me. But one day, I went to get her out of her crib and she hugged her arms around her and said, "I want Papa." Oh, well. He's gone now.

Cousins

2011-07-19T19:24:00.000-07:00

I am in Colorado awaiting the birth of my sixteenth grandchild, Josh and Serena's sixth child. I have made it for every birth so far; I certainly hope I timed it well for this one!

I brought my oldest grandchild with me. It just seemed like fun for the two of us to go on an little adventure. But, another very compelling reason was so that my two oldest could spend some quality time together. They are both the first born with several brothers born after each of them. They need girl time!

Meg (l) and Jael (r) rolling cookies.

Ready for Dance Camp

Did you notice they like to dress alike?

Summer 2011 Manifesto

2011-06-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Well......Spring didn't go exactly as I had planned. I'm not sure I have any expectations that summer will, either. *sigh*

So, I think I'm going to go nice and simple here. I hope having this posted in front of me will help keep me focused. Odd that I've come to a point where I have to focus on having fun. *another sigh* So, without further ado, here's to my summer - with a little commentary by Winnie-the-Pooh.

I will get sunshine

and go barefoot on the grass.

“Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the Forest that was left out by mistake.”

I will “just do the next thing”

without anxiety.
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry.
We shall get there some day.”

I will take each day slowly --

no matter how fast the season scurries.

“Don't underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can't hear,

and not bothering.”

I will have fun.

“When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry; you're probably

just a little eleven o'clockish.”

Daddy's 84th Birthday

2011-06-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Today Daddy would have celebrated 84 years. Since he is no longer with us, we figured we'd celebrate anyway. Sarah invited us over for a full-blown dinner for lunch, complete with birthday cake. The kids insisted we sing and blow out a candle. They sang real loud so Grandpa could hear them in heaven.

In honor of this day, I thought I would share what my son, Josh, wrote for his grandfather's funeral:

Remembering Grandpa

The past week has seemed a bit surreal. Grandpa Jones is the first person close to me that I can remember to have passed away. It seems very odd knowing that his physical presence will not be around anymore. It is sad that he is no longer here. But, I am glad that he is no longer suffering and enduring life with a body that was failing him. Instead, he now is in the presence of His King and Lord. As I thought about him that Friday afternoon, I started singing the old hymn, "What a Day That Will Be."

Whenever I think back about being around Grandpa Jones, I am never saddened by the memories. I would like to share some of the things about Grandpa that were unique to him; things that he did before his body began to fail. I want to remember him the way my memories do; I want to remember the things that made Grandpa Grandpa...

I remember, when they lived up in Paradise, how he would always be up on the roof sweeping off the pine needles. There could not have been very many up there but, still, he went up and made sure that they never built up.

I remember many times taking vacations with him and Grandma in the old brownish orange Westfalia. We would drive for hours and he wouldn’t say a whole lot...he just drove. He got us to where we were going.

I remember how he always needed more oil...oil for the cars, for the lawn mower, or just to have some extra. Whenever Grandpa went to the store and he would disappear, you could bet that he would find us soon with a case of oil. That is just who he was.

I remember many nights as a child sleeping on the floor in his house when he would come home from work. His heavy footsteps notified all of us kids that Grandpa was home.

I remember how he always took care to maintain his responsibilities. Whether it was continually checking the oil in the cars, washing his vehicles, sweeping the pine needles, or going in to work everyday. He always made sure the paper goods were burned in a timely manner. Grandpa was a man...plain and simple.

You never had to prime Grandpa for the altar call, to come up for prayer. He was usually the first one to come up. And after he couldn’t get there anymore without difficulty his hand was the first one up. To those that didn’t know him, you may have thought that he must have major problems to always be coming up for prayer. He may have had things he dealt with but he knew that bringing them to Jesus would make the easier to bear.

It was his financial sowing into my life that made it possible for me to play the piano and, as a result, lead the church in worship. Without those many years of continued work I would not be gifted with the abilities I have today.

However, my best memories of Grandpa didn’t involve his chores or his quirky habits. You would often find him with his Bible or a book by Billy Graham. Never one of many words for men, he always had words for his God. I remember so many times walking by his room and seeing him knelt down in prayer. You could never make out the words but every so often he would cry out, “OH, JESUS!!” I can only imagine what he was praying about. The state of the world? Maybe. His grandkids? I am sure he brought our names before the King. And I would imagine that he prayed for Grandma and their marriage. But, I know, without a doubt, that most of the time he was praying for his own 4 children. His heart was always thinking about them. He wanted only the best that God had for each of them. And I have to believe that “the prayers of a righteous man avail much.”

What a Day That Will Be

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come

No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye

All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

Chorus:

What a day that will be

When my Jesus I shall see,

And I look upon His face,

The One who saved me by His grace;

When He takes me by the hand

And leads me through the Promised Land,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear,

No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there;

And forever I will be with the One who died for me,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

And now, Grandpa, you get to be with your Master. No one could ever doubt that you loved your Jesus. You have received the reward for your faithfulness. You no longer have to fight with your natural body that afflicted you for so long. You are now, finally, made perfect in Him.

Grandpa, thank you for all you did for this family. Thank you for always working, for always giving to God first, for always praying for us, and for establishing a firm foundation in Jesus. You have left a legacy that cannot be taken away from you. What you did in quiet service to Jesus will be amplified through the lives you leave behind. I love you, Grandpa...see you soon.

Josh, Serena, and the kids
----------------------------------------------------------

Daddy

2011-06-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

Daddy went to live with Jesus last Friday. We celebrated his life here on earth on Wednesday. I believe it was just as he would have wanted it.

We sang, we heard God's Word read and the Gospel preached. As one man summed it up well, it was an honest service for an honest man. It was not pretentious, because he wasn't. It was not somber. It was honestly real. We cried. We laughed. We worshipped.

Gabe officiated and summed it up well by expounding on four things my father loved:

1. He loved his God. More often than not, you could find him reading his Bible or praying on his knees.

2. He loved his wife. Even in his sleep, he could be heard saying (or sometimes singing), "I love my wife, I love my wife, I have a wonderful wife, I love my Martha."

3. He loved his children. He prayed extensively for the salvation of his children.

4. He loved his church. And he loved going to church.

Daja wrote and read his eulogy. You can read it here.

Sarah-Kate put together a beautiful tribute in the form of this video montage.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I love you, Daddy.

National Wear Your Apron Day

2011-05-09T21:48:00.000-07:00

Today was National Wear Your Apron Day.

Five Minute Friday: If I Knew I Could, I Would...

2011-04-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! Time for Five Minute Friday hosted by The Gypsy Mama. The rules are simple: Throw caution (editing, revising, and worrying) to the winds and just write for five minutes flat. Without wondering if it’s just right or not. Here we go. Today's prompt: If I Knew I Could, I Would . . .

GO.

If I knew I could, I would . . .

Save the world.

Heal the heartache.

Gather the brokenhearted and just give them a hug.

Spend all the money that’s needed to make sure no one is going to bed hungry.

Protect all the unborn babies from the selfishness of their mothers.

Bring back my father’s mind and soul.

Give my mother true joy and peace….and a good night’s sleep.

Guarantee my children and grandchildren a life without the pain that goes on forever.

Express the love I truly feel inside.

Convince every soul that Jesus gave up everything just for them.

Be the person I envision myself to be.

Be fully awake spending every bit of life I have for Him.

STOP.

Deonte's 4th!

2011-04-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

We traveled over an hour so that Deonte could have his fourth birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese -- his first time there. He enjoyed it immensely and being the center of attention for a whole day and evening suited him just fine, too! He played hard and ate hard! Whew! Can that boy put away some pizza and cupcakes!

He so enjoyed opening presents with Daddy, though reading every card thoroughly did try his patience a little!

He can definitely sport his new sunglasses!

Now, remember that first picture of him riding on the horse? Well, the adults couldn't let him steal the show, even on his birthday!

Papa

Mr. Kevin

Happy Birthday, Deonte! Nana loves you!

What My Marriage Really Looks Like

2011-04-25T13:52:00.000-07:00

We like to take pictures on Easter of how pretty we look in our new clothes. Sometimes not everything is so new. Sometimes we don't look so pretty. But, when things come together and we do take a good picture that we both like, we are happy. Didn't happen this year. Nope. I did like ONE picture, but he didn't like it. So, no new Facebook profile pics. At least of us together.

BUT, what we did end up with were a couple of pictures that illustrate our life together. Enjoy laughing at with us!

Easter Brunch Menu

2011-04-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

We're having Easter Brunch this year instead of Easter dinner. Same time, different food. (Yes, that means we might be eating brunch in the middle of the afternoon, but it's the difference in the food itself we're thinking of here.) Just to do something different. And because brunch somehow seems more springy. *shrug* And because I love trying out new recipes. Even for guests. Even on holidays. Maybe especially for guests and holidays.

So, here's our menu:

Glorified Rice

Baked Pear Vanilla French Toast, The Reluctant Entertainer cookbook, p. 153

Bacon, Ham and Lamb (Sarah's bringing bacon and lamb; Grandma bought a ham...) Lamb seems a logical choice for Easter. Growing up, we always had ham. I've never understood that. How did ham get to be the meat of choice for Easter?

Cinnamon Roll Bites

Candied Popcorn

Hot Cross Buns

Scrambled eggs in potato nests

Sherbet with Lemon Crisp Cookies

Cold beverage: Orange Pineapple Mint Punch with "Peep" straws

Vanilla/cocoa flavored chais

Five Minute Friday: The Hard Love

2011-04-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Gypsy Mama hosts Five Minute Friday. This is my first time participating, but it sounds fun...and good for me.

The rules are simple. You take her prompt and write for 5 minutes flat with no editing or tweaking.

So, here goes.

HARD LOVE

GO.

Hard love. Isn’t all love hard? Selfishness gets in the way of love all the time. We want to esteem others better than ourselves (as the Word says), but maybe later. Right now, I’m just tired. Right now, I just don’t feel like it.

Today’s Good Friday. I am so glad that Jesus didn’t feel the way I do so often. But, maybe He did. He just didn’t let it stop Him. Who knows? He was human. He did fall carrying that cross up the hill of Golgotha. He was tired. He felt the pain. The physical pain. The emotional pain. I’ve watched The Passion of the Christ. I know how much physical pain He bore. But, I think the emotional, spiritual pain must have been so much worse. Can you even imagine what carrying EVERYONE’s guilt must have felt like? I can barely bear my own. All of our guilt. All of our sorrow. All of our shame. All of our pain.

That’s hard love. How can I not love Him back?

STOP.

Country Drive

2011-04-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

With spring trying its hardest to bloom forth this year, we thought we'd go for a drive a few days ago to see how she was doing. I truly believe we live in one of the most beautiful places with so many differing scenery options. This day we chose country views.

Though we were hoping for fields of wild flowers, there were only a few patches of poppies. Too little to even get out the camera.

But, we saw some ground squirrels, birds, and a bunch of cattle.

No fences to keep these bad boys off the road. But, they definitely were quite interested in us. They may have been a bit put out since we didn't even ask permission to take their pictures.

I just love to watch cattle as they mosey along. They always look like they think they are so much smarter than I am. Maybe they are.

Look at this one giving us a side glance.

We only saw two snakes, but they were less than a few minutes from each other. Both in the road. This one we tried to urge off the road before he got hit, but he wouldn't listen. As few vehicles that are out his way, he probably thought he had all the time in the world.

However, we knew better. This was the second snake we saw. He had already been hit. Though, to be honest, I can't say I was sad.

This looked like a rattler and I am so afraid of rattlesnakes. I guess I feel like that's one less to breed and perhaps come my way. I know. I doubt if his descendants would have ended up in my backyard, but still. It just somehow makes me feel better.
Don't judge me! They scare me!

So, I don't leave you with thoughts of venomous snakes, here's a fabulous bush we drove by. The picture doesn't do it justice, but it was a fantastic flash of color in the midst of all the green of the rolling hills.

Spring 2011 Manifesto

2011-04-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

(Double click on graphic to view in larger format.)

Have a Blessed St. Patrick's Day!

2011-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world. Does that seem odd when most of the world is not Irish and not everyone is Catholic. So, why do the rest of us non-Irish non-Catholics like celebrating this day?

St. Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century. He was kidnapped as a teenager and made a slave by Irish raiders. He escaped after six years and returned to Britain and became a priest. Amazingly, he later chose to return to Ireland as a missionary. It is said that he used the shamrock to help explain the concept of the Trinity to the Irish pagans. Even through continuous opposition from the Irish, he continued to evangelize for thirty years and established monasteries, churches, and schools. He died on March 17.

Over the years, the holiday has grown to include many non-religious traditions mixed in with celebrating the Irish heritage. Though wearing green clothing and eating green food may not seem to have much to do with St. Patrick and the God he worshipped, it brings to mind that hanging icicle lights from our roofs and decorating with poinsettias don’t have much to do with celebrating Christ’s birth, either. Do we stop celebrating because of this? I think not. I think we can teach our children and pass the word along about a man who overcame great odds to be used by the Sovereign Lord to bring many to a saving knowledge of Him. I think we can teach our children about missionary work, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the awesome love of God by using this day as a tool. And if we use a little green food coloring along the way, eat a bit of Irish stew, and don our green attire, the better to celebrate, my dear!

Preparing for Lent

2011-03-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

"It is not repentance that saves me;

repentance is the sign that I realise

what God has done in Christ Jesus."

~Oswald Chambers

Over breakfast this morning, Daja's family was discussing Fat Tuesday tomorrow, Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Belgee, her soon-to-be 4 year old says, "I'm fasting Puttanesca."

Definitely a child of a foodie. I had to go look it up. I had no idea what Puttanesca was.

But, I have been thinking of Lent. I am preparing. Last night I made a folder for the blogs that I will be reading during the season. See, I’m giving up my Google Reader. Sounds strange, right? Google Reader is supposed to be a simplifying tool! And it is, but I just have so many blogs that I want to read each day. So, I made a folder for the blogs that I will be reading during Lent – my family’s, a FEW good friends, and some devotional types. I’m giving up most of my craft, decorating, cooking, thrift, health, and organizational blogs -- and the folder labeled “People I Know”. Yep, lots of blogs I just can't seem to live without. We’ll see what happens after Easter. Maybe I’ll go back to them; maybe just some of them; maybe none.

Last year I gave up Facebook. It was a bit difficult to pull away, but it was SO good for me. It put my even being on Facebook in perspective and gave me freedom. I think that’s one of the reasons for any discipline. Discipline really does give you freedom. I’m going to say that again. Discipline gives you freedom! Amazing how that works. Just like dying to live and giving to receive.

I read a good post this morning by Edie from life{in}grace regarding Lent for those of us who are not Catholic, or even from a liturgical church. No, Lent is not a scriptural command. But, fasting, repentance, prayer, and discipline are. Following the church calendar just helps us not forget those harder things when we are celebrating the “fun” things like Easter and the Resurrection.

"In many cultures there is an ancient custom

of giving a tenth of each year's income to some holy use.

For Christians, to observe the forty days of Lent

is to do the same thing with roughly a tenth of each year's days.

After being baptized by John in the River Jordan,

Jesus went off alone into the wilderness

where he spent forty days asking himself

the question of what it meant to be Jesus.

During Lent, Christians are supposed to ask

one way or another what it means to be themselves...

to answer questions like this is to begin to hear something

not only of who you are but of both what you are becoming

and what you are failing to become.

It can be pretty depressing business all in all,

but if sackcloth and ashes are at the start of it,

something like Easter may be at the end."

~Frederick Buechner

So, even though I am from a non-denominational, evangelical church, I will be observing Lent. Even though I may not be giving up Puttanesca.

In Search of the Perfect Makeup Primer

2011-02-18T22:30:00.000-08:00

Years ago, I didn't need makeup primer. In fact, I didn't need foundation, either. Well, times have changed. To be more exact, time has changed my skin. You don't think it will ever happen to you and one day you wake up and wonder whose skin this is.

Why does one need primer? Mainly to minimize the look of pores and fine lines. Foundation will then be able to be applied smoothly, evenly, and won't fade away. Some younger faces like to just use the primer without foundation.

This is my journey towards finding the perfect primer. At least the last three products I've used. I got hooked on primer when I tried Aloette's Flawless HP Rapid Skin Perfection. Yes, that's a long name for a small product. However, it is fantastic! I have very large pores (especially on my nose, as do many oily-skinned) and this wonderful stuff made them virtually disappear. However, I had received it as a hostess gift. When I went to reorder, I realized this wonderful stuff costs $59.95 for 1 ounce! Yikes. With somewhat of a private martyr's attitude, I didn't place an order.

I am an Arbonne consultant. I don't sell, I just buy at a reduced rate. I ordered their Makeup Primer. List price: $36. It made my skin feel silky, but didn't do the job of hiding pores even half as well.

Then I found Urban Decay's Complexion Primer Potion - Pore Perfecting. Another very long name. If Aloette is a 10, Urban Decay is a 9.75. It really is good. And with a list price of $30, it's half the price! In fact, you can get it on Amazon even cheaper. Urban Decay also has a Brightening formula. In case that's what you may need/want/can't live without. (Full disclosure: No one is paying me anything to write this post. I just thought I'd share this oh-so-highly valuable information. But, if you click on "Amazon" or "Brightening" above, it will go to my Amazon associate link. Just so you know.)

Oh, two more things. All of the above products make your skin feel wonderful. And all of the above products last quite a long time. You don't have to buy the product very often.

Perhaps I've done you a great service and this makeup primer review gave you just the solution you've been looking for. Or perhaps not.

The Chandelier Is Up!

2011-02-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

Honestly, the chandelier is so awesome I swoon when I look at it. I remember the day I decided I *needed* one in the entry. I was sitting on the rocking-reclining-and-so-very-comfortable loveseat and put my head back and there I saw this huge empty space. Of course, a chandelier! Why had I never thought of that? Well, thanks to my very dear daughters (who listen when I swoon in antique stores), now I have one!

I promised some before and after pictures. Here's the BEFORE. There has been just a canned light there for over fourteen years.

Of course, the actual light is already out in this picture.

This just shows a hole with wires sticking out of it.

And now here comes the AFTER!

Isn't that SO much better?

Our dear friend, Monte, from church came and hung it for me. He's an electrician, so he did it up right, even putting in a brace-type thing that will support it's heaviness. And it is really heavy! Thank you, Monte!

SWOON.

See, I told you.

Scripture Memorization

2011-01-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for this year is to memorize one Scripture passage (not necessarily just one verse) a week. So far, so good. Today, via Ann Voskamp, I found this great (and free) memory aide. I tried it out and it is awesome! Go take a look. Try it out with John 3:16. I've got a widget over to the right from there with my current Scripture.

Why memorize Scripture?

Chuck Swindoll wrote, "I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture... No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified." (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], p. 61).

Dallas Willard says in a piece entitled Personal Soul Care, "This practice of memorizing the Scriptures is more important than a daily quiet time, for as we fill our minds with these great passages and have them available for our meditation, 'quiet time' takes over the entirety of our lives."

But the best reasons of all are found in the Scriptures themselves. Here are only two of that multitude of reasons:

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

Blog Makeover

2011-01-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, people, do you just love it? The new blog look, I mean. I adore it. I just have to brag on my designer, Sharon from Plumrose Lane.

I have been having blog problems for quite some time that I didn't know how to fix. Stuff on my sidebar was not showing up. Header all lopsided. And no one I knew could help me. So, I contacted Sharon and started all over. She fixed my kooky sidebar and she came up with a blog theme that I just adore. I mean, it had to have daffodils, of course. But the keys, crowns, vintage sheet music, basically all the things I like and have meaning to me -- she managed to put them all together and create something that is SO me. And for a VERY reasonable fee. She was also extremely pleasant to work with and so very timely. No moss grows under her feet! I cannot recommend her highly enough!

THEN, my husband saw her great work and wondered if she could do the same creative and intuitive work for him. She could. She did. Pop over to Prosperous and Successful and gawk at how gorgeous it all is! Well, I don't know if Gabe would like the word "gorgeous", but it is!

And if you'd like, go ahead and grab my blog button over there on the right side and display it on your blog. Even if you couldn't care less about promoting my blog, it is such a pretty piece of art! Prosperous and Successful has a button, too. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a bit if you grabbed that button, too!

Winter Manifesto

2011-01-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

2011

2011-01-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

banner pattern by Tracey from Notes From a Cottage Industry

Naturally, this time of year, there’s a lot of talk about goals and the love/hate relationship we have with New Year’s resolutions. Instead of resolutions, I like to start my new year with a clean slate of what I’d like my coming year to look like. I do try to write down some goals and some aspirations. The past few years, I’ve given the coming year a word or name that summarizes my goals, my mission statement, my vision for the year.

A vision is how you see your life to be in the future (what you will be).

Goals are how you will accomplish your vision.

A mission statement is a short, concise statement of purpose.

Last year, my word was “Yes.” I think I’ve used “graciousness” a few times. (It’s a big motivation behind my personal vision.) This year, I’ve been vacillating between several words.

I’ve written about vision before. About having a vision. About having a written-down vision. That not having a vision in writing is the same as not having one.

Having written goals is as important as having a written vision--if you are planning to accomplish them. Goals without a vision can get you going in too many directions. Goals with a vision keep you focused and give you a great impetus to success.

So, to keep my focus, I’m once again going to name my year. Words I have contemplated for 2011: Here, Balance, Organize.

But, I think I’m going with FREEDOM.

Freedom from stress,

freedom from clutter,

freedom from debt,

freedom from the past,

but most importantly, freedom to be who God wants me to be.

We weren't supposed to be exchanging "real" gifts...

2010-12-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

But, after all the presents in the stockings were opened on Christmas morning (there were 16 opened one at a time), I was handed a letter. It was addressed, "To our dearest Mom, Mommy, Nana, our best friend."

I was in tears before I even read past that. And I cried through the whole letter. The kind of letter that I can't post because then I would seem really egotistical. But, it went straight to my heart and will stay there forever.

When I finished reading, this beautiful antique chandelier was brought in. I couldn't believe it! I had admired it in a local shop, thought it would look wonderful in our entry, but knew I couldn't buy it, so didn't think about it anymore. And here it is in its perfect chippy state sitting in my living room!

Of course, when the girls came over to hug me, I started the ugly cry.

Thank you, Daja, Sarah-Kate, and Serena! You are the absolute best daughters!

And BFF's!

(I miss you, Serena.)

Hopefully, it will be put up real soon. (Now looking for a ceiling medallion.) I'll post before and after photos.

Could I receive a better Christmas gift?

2010-12-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

I don't have a Christmas tree...

2010-12-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

I have a forest of them!

Our Christmas theme this year was "Winter Lodge." So, we needed a forest. :-) I hope to take some pictures of our decor and post them here, but as busy as this season is, it may be after Christmas. I wanted to make sure I wished you all a Merry Christmas, though, so I'm taking the opportunity now. Even if I don't get around to taking pictures.

Merry Christmas!

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2010-12-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Many people enjoy collecting angels. They have figurines of angels, jewelry with angels, and pictures of angels. Year ‘round. But, angels really abound during the Christmas season. They are everywhere. On tops of Christmas trees, angel-decorated ornaments, knick-knacks of angels, and angels on Christmas cards.

That’s because angels abound in the Christmas story. There was a great deal of angelic activity throughout the story of the birth of Christ. First, an angel brought Mary the news that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Then an angel came and comforted Joseph about the whole predicament. An angel proclaimed Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, and then a great multitude of angels joined in, singing “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Angels were definitely an integral part of the Christmas story.

I am sure that the angels were following their God’s commandment in everything they did, but I think they were so very glad to be a part of this whole history-making event! They were familiar with all the prophecies telling of the coming Messiah. They understood the grand plan of God. They knew the implications this story would have on the world. With all of this, can you imagine the excitement the angels themselves were feeling? I’m sure they were singing with gusto. It truly was JOY TO THE WORLD…and to the angels, too!

This is one of my little "angels" in her church's Christmas presentation.

She's the one in the blue that the camera is centered on.

Beautiful, isn't she?

Third Sunday of Advent

2010-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

It interests me that God used such a variety of characters in what we call the Christmas Story. Rich, kingly wise men, glorious angels, a young innocent girl, a godly young man, wicked rulers, and lowly shepherds.

I can think of lots of reasons why God would pick the shepherds to announce the birth of our Savior. There are so many analogies that could be made regarding sheep and shepherds. And each one has a lesson for us to learn.

We often hear that term I used above – lowly shepherds. It wasn’t just that they were humble. It was because they were despised. In first-century Palestine, shepherds were of the lowest class possible. They were not allowed to observe ceremonial law because they were unclean. They weren’t allowed in the temple or synagogues. Shepherds were considered unreliable and not even allowed to give testimony in court! Why would God pick them?

Have you ever wondered why God picked you?

When the shepherds heard about Jesus, they ran to go see Him. After seeing Him, they told everyone they could find all about Him. Then they returned to their sheep, still praising God for all the things that had happened that night. They did not complain that they had work to do, that they weren’t good enough, or that someone else would be better equipped.

When God picks you – whether it is to give birth (like Mary), be faithful (like Joseph), sing praise (like the angels), give gifts (like the wise men), spread the good news of Jesus (like the shepherds), or just worship Him (like they all did) – remember, it’s because you fit God’s criteria. Even if you feel unclean, don’t have a good reputation, don’t feel you have the skills, or just plain don’t fit in, the fact that Jesus came changes all that. He came to be your Savior, which is good news of great joy. He came to make you clean and to bring you into his family, where you will always fit in.

And the angels made sure to announce that this good news is for all people – even me. Even you.

Second Sunday of Advent

2010-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Israelites had just returned from exile to Jerusalem, only to find their city in ruins and the temple destroyed. Under their governor, Zerubbabel, they excitedly started to rebuild it. However, they barely got started before opposition set in. So much so, that nothing happened for years. Zerubbabel felt like a failure. His dream had failed.

But then one day the prophet Zechariah brought a message from God. Zechariah 4:6-7 says, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel. Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty. What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it!' The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple, his hands will also complete it."

Zerubbabel knew now that with God's help, he would finish the temple. The time had come. God will complete the work He has started in us, too. But, let us remember that He was also there in the beginning. Verse 10 continues, "Do not despise the day of small things. Men will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel."

He was there at the beginning and He will be there at the end. There will be a time of rejoicing if we stick it out to the end.

What small thing have you despised in your life? Are you going through a time of discouragement? Does it seem like the opposition will never end? Does it seem like you or your project will always be small? That it will never be finished?

On this, the Second Sunday of advent, remember it was in the little town of Bethlehem that Christ was born. Christ doesn't need all your accomplishments, all your smarts, all your talents, all your successess, all your "bigness". He's asking you to be faithful in what He called you to do. He was there in the small beginning; He will be there in the end. There will be rejoicing and the blessings of God will be evident.

By My Spirit

Lyrics by Alameda Herrick

1957

Is there a mountain in your way?

Do doubts and fears abound?

Press on, oh, hear the Spirit say,

This mountain shall come down.

Is there a river in your path,

A river deep and wide?

Step in, the waters will roll back,

You'll reach the other side.

Is there a fiery furnace trial

Far more than you can bear?

Behold the blessed Son of God,

Is walking with you there.

Then trust alone the mighty God,

He speaks the winds obey.

Take courage, then, oh fainting heart

For you He'll make a way.

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts

Not by might; Not by power;

By my Spirit saith the Lord;

This mountain shall be removed;

This mountain shall be removed.

This mountain shall be removed,

By my Spirit saith the Lord.

Two Generational Piano Recital

2010-12-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Diego started piano lessons in July. He's just zooming along.

If you watch the video below, you'll see/hear him singing while he's playing.

Too sweet.

(You'll also hear Papa whispering to Donovan.)

Sarah-Kate started her lessons in August. She's a zoomer, too.

I had a video of Sarah-Kate playing a duet with her teacher. I think it was too long to upload. Sorry, Sarah.

Teacher and students. Small class.

(Took us longer to make the trip than it did to have the recital, sing some carols, and have refreshments!)

And yes, I'm very proud.

First Sunday of Advent

2010-11-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child!

She will give birth to a son,

and he will be called Immanuel (meaning, God is with us)."

Matthew 1:23

Emmanuel, Emmanuel

His Name is called Emmanuel

God with us

Revealed in us

His Name is called Emmanuel

(lyrics by Bob McGee)

How glorious this is!

Because He is with us, we do not have to be afraid.
Because He is with us, He will aways protect us.

Because He is with us, we can rest securely.

Because He is with us, we are never alone.

Because He is with us, His help is always available.

Because He is with us, we always have Someone Who will listen.

Downtown Lighting

2010-11-26T20:47:00.000-08:00

Tonight as darkness fell, the community gathered to light up our city park and acknowledge the beginning of the Christmas season.

I love living in small town America where we don't have a problem gathering together and singing the whole songbook of Christmas carols and songs. Seriously, we sang 14 (!) of them by candlelight.

By the end I felt a bit frozen, but happy.

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty-Five

2010-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Day, Itself.

What better reason to feast -- gratitude!

"Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness,

which causeth through us thanksgiving to God."

2 Corinthians 9:11 (King James Version)

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty-Four

2010-11-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

Evenings at home.

I love the end of the day.

I love putting my jammies on early.

I love spending the evening just relaxing and winding down.

I love evenings spent sequestered away in the comfort of my home

and in the company of my family.

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty-Three

2010-11-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

My dishwasher!

Though this isn't my kitchen, my dishwasher looks just like this one.

I know that there are those who just love washing dishes by hand. I know that there are those who don't believe that dishwashers are good for the environment because of their water usage (depends on how you hand wash, of course) and the detergent used. However, I feel that having a dishwasher is one of my most bountiful blessings!

I do not like dishes sitting in the sink. With a dishwasher, they can hide until time to be washed.

I like knowing when I'm cooking that it is okay if I use an extra utensil or bowl because it isn't making "extra" work.

I really dislike paper plates even for larger parties, so I am so glad I don't have to wash ALL those dishes.

I like the idea of my dishes being sanitized.

I love the sparkle of cut glass and crystal straight from the dishwasher.

One last reason. Because as much as my husband loves me and is such a fantastic man and does so many things for me, this has never happened:

Edited to add: He most definitely has helped with the dishes. I just cannot imagine the above scenario!

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty-Two

2010-11-22T21:16:00.000-08:00

Haircuts!

August 2009

November 2010

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty-One

2010-11-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Dedicating Our Children to God

What a privilege! Yesterday, Joel and Sarah-Kate dedicated their newest children to the Lord. It is something that we take seriously and is not just a routine, ritual, or formality. Joel and Sarah read vows to their children and Pastor/Papa blessed them. Pastor/Papa charged their parents, their brothers, the godparents, the grandparents, and the congregation. He gave Deonte and Rhema a little Bible and charged Joel with reading and teaching the Word to them.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalm 127:3

Of course, we also had a great reception/celebration/party afterwards. We are so thrilled to have Deonte and Rhema in our family!

Giving Thanks, Day Twenty

2010-11-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

School Thanksgiving Programs

I haven't been to one in a few years. If this photographer had held the camera a bit more secure, she would have cute videos to ~~bore you with~~ share, too, but she doesn't think you want to see the camera zoom in and out of focus. So much so that it would make you dizzy. But, they did sing the cutest songs about obedience and gratefulness. I'm sure most of you have been to such programs and so know just what you're missing. :-)

Giving Thanks, Day Nineteen

2010-11-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

YOU!

What would I do without you? You, my friends, my family, my inspiration, my motivation, my buddies!

I wish I could invite you all over for a big ol' piece of gingerbread cake that just came out of the oven. We could laugh and talk and just get to know each other a bit more than we might already. If you live far away, I wish you didn't. If I've never met you, I wish we would. If you live close, let's find a way to get together. If I know you well and we haven't seen each other in awhile, then I expect we'd better see each other soon!

Whoever you are, thank you for coming by and reading. You bless me.

Giving Thanks, Day Eighteen

2010-11-18T23:24:00.000-08:00

CUTENESS.

I was perusing pictures on my laptop and thought of two wonderful things to be thankful for today:

1) that we can actually have all these wonderful pictures stored and able to be viewed at just a push of a button, and

2) that so much cuteness abides in my family! To make my point, here are just a few pieces of evidence from my 2005 folder:

See, I told you!

Giving Thanks, Day Seventeen

2010-11-17T18:13:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 53:2-6

(The Message)

The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,

a scrubby plant in a parched field.

There was nothing attractive about him,

nothing to cause us to take a second look.

He was looked down on and passed over,

a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.

One look at him and people turned away.

We looked down on him, thought he was scum.

But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—

our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.

We thought he brought it on himself,

that God was punishing him for his own failures.

But it was our sins that did that to him,

that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!

He took the punishment, and that made us whole.

Through his bruises we get healed.

We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.

We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.

And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong,

on him, on him.

Giving Thanks, Day Sixteen

2010-11-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

Does this ever happen to you?

If so, you need

Static Guard!

Do you know about this wonderful stuff? This spray has saved the day for me many, many times. Especially in colder weather. I don't know the why's of that, but I can leave the house looking fine, but by the time I've scooted in and out of the car, I'm walking into church with my clothes sticking to themselves and to me. So, I keep Static Guard on hand. I even keep a can in the church office! (So TRC ladies, if you ever need it, just holler!)

You can use it preventatively, too. Spray your pantihose, your slip, and your clothes. Works instantly.

Good stuff.

Giving Thanks, Day Fifteen

2010-11-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Our down comforter.

(overstock.com)

This isn't our bed, nor the exact comforter. We did buy our from Overstock.com,

but I do not know which one it was from the myriad of comforters they offer.

We stayed at the SeaVenture Hotel in Pismo Beach as part of my 50th birthday bash six years ago. It instantly became one of my favorite hotels. Fireplaces in each room and your own private hot tub on the deck. Breakfast in bed. But what really made it my favorite favorite was the bed. I had never slept in a bed so cozy! Our bed at home was comfortable, but not this comfy! I determined to go home and make our bed just as cozy!

I think I accomplished it. I bought a memory foam mattress topper which I encased in a zippered pillow case-type cover of which the top was a feather bed. Then came the sheets, of course, and then covering it all, a down comforter with a wonderful feeling cotton duvet. (I can't remember fill power or thread counts. Not too high, not too low, but just right.)

I love being all cuddled up and snuggled down in our bed now. Which, it so happens, is where I am writing this!

Giving Thanks, Day Fourteen

2010-11-14T20:11:00.000-08:00

Little Things.

Did you realize that if you stop to pick up a penny, you've just made the equivalent of $36 per hour? [It takes about a second. 60 (seconds in one minute) x 60 (minutes in one hour) = $36.00] That's a decent wage!

It's all the little things in life that add up. So often we wait for the big things in life to show up that we totally miss the little things. But, it's the little smile, the kiss on the cheek, the early morning sun, brand new fuzzy socks, sitting next to a cozy fire, yes, the little things that add up to a happy contented life. And when we realize that, we realize that we have the important things.

And if you pay attention to the pennies, you'll find you have the dollars!

Giving Thanks, Day Thirteen

2010-11-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Chocolate.

No words needed.

Giving Thanks, Day Twelve

2010-11-12T19:21:00.000-08:00

The Ocean.

We live near the coast.

Our first date was at the ocean.

And many, many more after that.

I love to go to sleep with the roar of waves as my lullaby.

I can also just sit and watch the ocean.

For hours.

I don't really want to get in it, understand, but I want to be near it.

I am not claiming that these are the greatest photographs around by any means, but they are some that I took two days ago on my way to do errands around the county.

Am I blessed or what?

Giving Thanks, Day Eleven

2010-11-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

I would be amiss today if I did not thank and honor our United States Veterans for their service to our country.

My father. Army.

My brother, Rick. Marine Corps.

My brother, Dean. Air Force.

As is the custom around the country, today our town honored our Veterans at a special Veterans Day ceremony at our town's cemetery. It is always held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.

My husband was honored to offer the invocation and benediction. These were his prayers.

Invocation

On this Veterans Day 2010, we come together in the Name of Jesus to this place of remembrance for our Veterans both alive and deceased.

O God, may we not confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day for we have amongst us some tremendous Veterans that we commend for their faithful and courageous service.

I pray for those men and women of the Armed Forces past, present, and future.

I ask God to protect them as they have protected us, to defend them as they have defended us, to encourage and strengthen them. I pray that You, Almighty God, would keep them mentally and physically strong. O God, enrich them spiritually to be able to handle and cope with both life and death.

These great people have fought in distant conflicts and wars, pursued peace; they have protected borders or served here at home -- all to safeguard and defend the democracy forged in these United States 234 years ago.

On this Veterans Day and every other day, we salute them and extend our thanks. We ask our God to smile upon each of you and your families. I ask the Sovereign Lord to heal your body, mind, soul, and spirit. May He remind you that your service has not been in vain.

It is with deep gratitude and thanks that we recognize this day as Veterans Day 2010. We, the people of Paso Robles, California salute, honor, and respect each of you.

In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Benediction

Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth,

As we bring this ceremony to a close, cause each of us to not forget these awesome Veterans. Again I ask for supernatural peace to rest upon each of them. As long as we have faithful and courageous citizens like these, America will remain free.

We ask that You bless our Veterans today who have served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Bosnia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and other conflicts and places around the world.

These Veterans have laid down and invested their lives for our freedom. O God, bring America back to gratitude and giving these men and women a hero's welcome and the respect they deserve.

I pray for the upstanding, well-balanced Vet as well as the ones struggling on the streets and living under the bridge.

Lord, we pray for the Veteran located in the highest point in North America, Mt. McKinley, to the lowest in North America, Death Valley. We pray for Your presence too be real in their lives.

Thank You, Lord, for the two greatest Veterans who brought America to freedom -- the U.S. Military and Your Son, Jesus. One fought for our freedom here and the other paid for our eternity.

So, we say "thank you" to our Veterans and we bless them in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Giving Thanks, Day Ten

2010-11-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

Color.

"How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days. "

~ George Burns

We live in the midst of vineyards. They give us lots of green in the summertime where there would usually be just dry brown fields. And for that, I'm thankful. But, ah, come autumn they give us a varied display of color. Some grape leaves turn golden, some brown, some rust, and some a fiery display of red. I just had to stop and take a picture on my way to town this morning. Too beautiful not to share.

Isn't color wonderful? I am amazed at all the color God has given us to enjoy. And each season we get a new palette of colors to be dazzled with.

"Colour is my day-long obsession, joy and torment."

--Claude Monet

Giving Thanks, Day Nine

2010-11-09T21:57:00.000-08:00

Rest.

Ezekiel taking a break right before his Little Dragons Karate class.

To be honest, resting and sleep is a difficult thing for me. I love sleeping -- once I'm sleeping. I just have a hard time going to sleep. And resting may be even harder. There are so many things that need to be done.

Have you heard that line, "I like work: it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours"? Well, that's not me. Nope, it stresses me out that things are undone. Now, that does not mean I'm not a procrastinator; it just means I'm stressed quite a bit! So, I find myself always working. Or feeling guilty that I'm not.

But God created me a human being, not a human doing. (Yes, that might be becoming cliche, but true, nonetheless.) So, I'm learning about rest. That rest is a gift from God.

Today was one of those days -- a gift from God. Oh, I did stuff. But, I also sat. And rested. Yes, a little strange. But, oh, so good. And I am trying not to feel guilty. I guess I could do with some lessons from Ezekiel -- and maybe one of those exercise balls.

Giving Thanks, Day Eight

2010-11-08T22:37:00.000-08:00

Grace:

A manifestation of favor;

favor shown in granting a delay or temporary immunity.

Rhema (l., 2yo) was in time-out. Sitting alone in the living room. Saraa (r., 1yo) saw her all alone and climbed up to visit. A little bit of child-like grace.

When we don't get what we deserve

That's a real good thing, a real good thing

When we get what we don't deserve

That's a real good thing, a real good thing

(Newsboys, Real Good Thing)

Are you like me? In need of some grace from God? Did you know it's free? You don't have to earn it! And you can't. It's unmerited and freely given. And even better than Saraa's grace, God's grace is not temporary or a delay. It is forever!

Giving Thanks, Day Seven

2010-11-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Yep. I'm a believer in tithing. And I'm so thankful for God's plan of provision.

I am in awe of God's amazing work of grace in the act of tithing.

It is an act of repentance. (Malachi 3)

It is honoring God first with what we trade our lives for every day.

And it is how God bestowes upon us His many abundant gifts and blessings.

I like to be blessed. I like increase. I think God's plan is a mighty fine plan.

Giving Thanks, Day Six

2010-11-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

My laptop.

My bright pink laptop.

My constant companion.

My window to the outside world.

My lifeline.

My BFF.

Giving Thanks, Day Five

2010-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

My Hometown.

I have lived in a bunch of places and in many houses in those places. I went to school with the same group of kids from kindergarten through high school graduation. Which means I lived in that town for thirteen years. It seemed like home.

However, I have now lived in Paso Robles for seventeen years! And in this house for fourteen! By sheer length of time, this is now really my hometown. And I love it. We came here through a strange set of circumstances, but I am so glad we did! We didn't really "pick it", but really feel that God led us here.

We have lived in little tiny towns and big cities. I used to work in San Francisco. Some of my children and grandchildren live in the Los Angeles area. But, oh, I love my little town. I love that we are a community. I love that we feel safe. I love the people. I love the scenery. I love living out in the country. I love our town.

This is home. I don't foresee us ever leaving this town. I don't foresee us ever leaving this house.

It feels good to have a hometown. Yes, I have found home.

Giving Thanks, Day Four

2010-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin.

"Oh how we love pumpkin season.
You did know this gourd-ish squash has its own season, right?
Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin....
We anxiously anticipate it every year."

~Trader Joe's Fearless Flyer, October 2010

Last night I enjoyed Pumpkin Cheesecake ice cream with white chocolate chips at Coldstone for my grandson, Diego's 5th birthday. (He had watermelon sorbet with gummy bears.)

One of the reasons that autumn is my favorite season is pumpkin. Not pumpkins. Pumpkin.

Pancakes, cheesecake, ice cream, lattes, cookies.

But, way out in the front of the race, winning every time, is my very, very favorite: pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Yes, I think I could eat the whole batch by myself. Make some yourself and see what I mean.

Pumpkin Chip Muffins

4 eggs

2 c. sugar

16 oz. canned pumpkin

1 1/2 c. vegetable oil

3 c. all-purpose flour

2 t. baking soda

2 t. baking powder

1 t. ground cinnamon

1 t. salt

2 c. (12 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

(Note: This recipe has been adapted to healthier standards by substituting Sucanat, olive oil, freshly ground wheat flour and carob chips and still been a favorite.)

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, pumpkin and oil until smooth.

Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt; add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Fill greased or paper-linedmuffin cups three-fourths full.

Bake at 400 degrees for 16 - 20 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

Yield: about 24 standard-size muffins. Enjoy.

Giving Thanks, Day Three

2010-11-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Washing of the Word.

"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:25-27

The last several months have been difficult for me. There are a lot of reasons for that, but not ones I can easily talk about. Most of them won't even come out in words.

Several weeks ago, I got to the point where I felt I just couldn't keep on without something breaking. My husband started pressing for answers. Didn't really have any, but it felt good to talk. I was just laying on my back on the end of our bed. He stood over me. Suddenly, he just started singing. And praying. I cannot even describe the peace that came over me.

Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." The peace that came over me that day has been keeping my heart and mind ever since.

I am so grateful for my husband. He loves me as Christ loves His Church. He washes me with the Word.

Giving Thanks, Day Two

2010-11-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

My father.

My father is 83 years old. He has Parkinson's Disease and some form of dementia. It is hard to watch him get worse daily. But, we've been feeling that for some time and he's still hanging on.

My father was a strong man. An athletic man. A man who could swim across a river, ride a horse bareback, and pray and read the Bible for hours on end. Now, he can barely walk across the room with his walker, wears a diaper, and pays very little attention to what goes on around him.

This picture was taken ten months ago. I was walking past his room and found him kneeling in prayer. It wrenched my heart because I had not seen him in this position for a very long time. I don't think I've seen him this way since. But, at one time it was a regular occurence.

I remember one time as a child when I had a raging fever that I woke up to see him sitting beside the bed reading the Word of God to me. I remember whenever there was an altar call in church, he would be the first one to the altar. It didn't matter what the call was for; he really wasn't responding to that. He just took every opportunity to pray. If the altars were open for prayer, he was going to be there.

He lived a hard life. He had many demons to fight -- both figuratively and in reality. But, he fought through. He was not the disciplinarian in our home, but he was our spiritual leader. He worked hard and provided for our family.

All of his great-grandchildren have a relationship with him, albeit a bit of an odd one. They love going into my parents' room. They watch tv in there, do puzzles, read books, and just play. (My mother has special drawers and cubbyholes that are just for them.) However, they watch out for Grandpa. If he starts to stand up, they all make a large wake for him to pass. They always talk to him, but he doesn't usually talk back. Just the other day, Israel (age 8) kept asking him to play a game with him. Grandpa never answered. But, Izzy asked him several times before giving up. But, on bad days, Grandpa will yell at them. "Get out of my way!" They don't seem to mind. It doesn't seem to phase them -- even the little ones. They just get out of his way. (Yelling is also a new thing. He was always very mild-mannered. Never raised his voice. Or banged, hit, or threw things. All new things.)

Rhema, age 2, has been a bit of a problem for Grandpa. She is rambunctious and head-strong. She doesn't sit still. She is always moving. I think that causes him to be stressed. So, we try to keep her out of his way. You would think from outward appearances that he doesn't like her at all.

Last Friday, when we went to court for the finalization of Rhema's and Deonte's adoption, Grandpa and Grandma went, too. Grandma really wanted to go and since we all wanted to be there, too, there was no one to leave Grandpa with. So, we loaded him up (wheelchair and all) and took him to court. I wondered if he knew why we were there.

As we left the courtroom, he asked my mother, "Don't I need to sign anything?" She said, "No, they've already done it." "Oh, so they did it for me?" "Yes." He was happy.

You don't know how touching that was for me. He did know a bit about what was happening. And he was willing to sign papers for their adoption into our family! Even little Rhema.

After court, about twenty-two of us went to Hometown Buffet to celebrate. Now, Grandpa hasn't been to a restaurant in a couple of years. We weren't sure how it was going to be. (He has a very hard time swallowing. This limits what he can eat and it makes his eating not very appetizing for anyone else at the table.) But, he ate a plateful of soft foods and even had ice cream for dessert. I think he enjoyed every minute of his outing. He came home and slept the rest of the day.

Days like the one pictured above and last Friday make me happy. I see a bit of my father in the man who is still here and I thank God for the heritage He gave me through my father, a man who loves the Lord with His whole heart.

Giving Thanks, Day One

2010-11-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

As the beautiful fall season turns into the Thanksgiving season, I want to take extra time out to be grateful. My goal for the first twenty-five days of November is to blog about so many of those things that I thank God for. There are way more than twenty-five things, of course, and I won't be posting them in any kind of priority order. Wouldn't that be a horrible task? To put all the things you are thankful for in order? Oh, my.

Family.

I am so thankful that each and every one of these people are in this picture.

My grandchildren are so very precious and I love each one of them. Each of the fifteen are so unique. And yet, they all have so much in common. Cousins even look alike! Happily, I know that there will be more additions to their club, too. I am very grateful to their parents for giving us these wonderful gifts!

My husband and I are very thankful for each of the adults in this picture, too. Each of them are so embedded in my heart. The children I gave birth to have given us three more wonderful children when they married their spouses.

Now, no one for one minute should think that we haven't gone through our share of hardships. In fact, I'm sure that we have used up a few shares that weren't ours! A little over three years ago, I was afraid that this picture would never happen. Thank God for answered prayers! Thank God that we can and did take authority over the darkness! This picture was taken on the day of Josh and Serena's vow covenant renewal. Thank you, Josh and Serena, for giving us this day.

They are ours!!

2010-10-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

At ten o'clock this morning, we all met at the courthouse for the most wonderful reason I've ever been in a courtroom. The adoption of our two newest grandchildren is now final!

With the judge

We have waited for over fourteen months for this day. We have not been able to post any pictures of them online all this time. So, we've been saving up! You may now see an abundance of pictures of two of the cutest kids in the world! (There being thirteen others, you understand.)

Deonte (age 3) and Rhema's (age 2) parents are Joel and Sarah-Kate. Their brothers are Diego (age 4, almost 5) and Donovan (age 2). Rhema is eleven days younger than Donovan. Yes, Joel and Sarah have their hands full!

(l to r: Deonte, Rhema, Diego, Donovan)

All fifteen grandchildren!

Our entire family!

Our hearts are full.

Autumn Manifesto

2010-10-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Inspired by both last day of may and in other words..., I present my:

Autumn Manifesto

1. On chilly days, I will remember to drink tea.

2. I will invite people into my home to “Share the Harvest” -- my theme this season.

3. I will put thought into our meals to make them both tasty and comforting.

4. I will place pumpkins and fall decorations throughout the house – and keep tweaking it all season to keep it fun.

5. I will use pumpkin and apples freely in my cooking and baking.

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cookies

6. I will light my candles and little lamps as dusk falls to make my home cozy feeling.

7. I will visit Farmers' Markets more frequently.

8. I will pay more attention to the journaling of my life (this blog).

9. I will use my Silhouette Machine.

10. I will let my gym see my face more often.

11. I will complete my 10-day Give (which I forgot about the first time around).

12. I will go outside every day just to breathe.

13. I will buy some tights. And look for a new coat.

14. I will use my stationery.

15. I will trust God and my husband as I discover grace.

What Are Your Ultimate Concerns?

2010-09-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Are they reflected in how you spend your time?

“But, far too many of us confuse the Gospel of Christ with the American Dream. Instead of our highest and most motivating aims being serving God and conforming our lives to his will, we avidly pursue college credentials, lucrative career, large home, nice things, financial security and ease of life. In effect, academic and material possessions become our gods, as well as the measure by which we judge others. No, we don't bow down before them, but as much as these are what primarily motivate and interest us--and are our ultimate concerns in life--they take a dubious place beside the Lord Almighty.”

(Homeschooling or Discipleship? By Wendy Bush)

I’m not a homeschooler anymore, but this quote got me to thinking about our “gods”. The last part of the paragraph says, “but as much as these are what primarily motivate and interest us--and are our ultimate concerns in life--they take a dubious place beside the Lord Almighty.”

What primarily motivates and interests us in our daily lives? What are our ultimate concerns? When I was younger, I would imagine someone making a documentary of my life. Filming the road to my house. Showing the fun stuff I was involved in. Of course, I was always interesting. Probably more so in my imagination than in real life. However, it is an ingenious way to look at your life.

What if someone were to document your life in film, what would we see? I pray it wouldn’t bore us to pieces as we watched you watching television late into the night or sit at the computer day in and day out, or anger us as we watched you yell and belittle your children or your spouse, or hurt us when we saw you never paying attention to the beauty and love around you. What would it show were your primary interests and motivations? Would there be any “ultimate concerns” in life taking their place next to the throne of God? When we watched you spending your time, would we cheer or cry?

Aquarium, Part 2

2010-08-06T22:08:00.000-07:00

So, I thought I'd better post this before Part 3 happens. Which happens tomorrow. Part 1 is here.

Way back in May, we took the Gombojav children to the Monterey Bay Aquarium as part of their last year's Christmas present. We took the Abdelaziz children in March, and the Correa children get to go tomorrow. Now, it might be awhile before I can post Part 3, because we cannot post pictures until the adoption is complete. *sigh* Sometimes, paperwork can take forever.

So, here we go!

Not a little excited, are they?

If you can overlook all the political environmental propagada all over, it is really a fun place. I love that children can have so much hands-on experiences and learning.

Where there is a will,

there is a way!

Though some may think some things are just too wet and slimy to actually want to touch.

Pure joy.

These two big ol' kids:

are these two (on the left)!

They've added a few siblings as you can see.

Belgee, second from right.

If you look really closely, you might see baby penquins in that nest.

I understand the feeling.

The following picture was requested by Israel as we were passing this store. Just because his mom would really like it. Enjoy, Daja!

This time we stopped for cinnamon rolls as we were walking back to the parking garage. Nana's choice. No one minded.

It's the itty bitty things that add up in life.

2010-08-01T23:00:00.000-07:00

Most of us are dreaming, wishing, praying for something to happen. A clean house, a new house, a new direction in life, a ministry to be birthed, getting out of debt, losing weight, toned abs, something. And as fervently as we pray, or as tight as we squeeze our eyes while wishing, it doesn’t happen. We’re hoping for the lightening from heaven, the miracle, the lottery win. Odds are that none of that will happen.

But life can change. It does change. It will change. Only it will be one step at a time. Not giant steps. Not even regular steps. Baby steps. When you drive a car at night, you never see further than your headlights. However, you can make your whole trip that way. Progress is not made by huge leaps toward success, but by baby steps.

Life is made up of choices. When you choose A, you cannot choose B. If you choose B, then you are closing the door to A. You cannot have both. You want to be debt-free? You want financial freedom? Then you will need to make a decision over every penny that lands in your pocket. You must choose if a) that penny will go towards paying off a bill or b) go towards that candy bar or that wonderful sale item you found while shopping. If you choose A, then you cannot have B. If you choose B, you cannot have A. Which one do you want more? Which one will benefit you more? Which one will get you to your goal? Ah, but it’s only a penny you say. Yes, but it is the little foxes that spoil the vine (Song of Solomon 2:15). It is not the great big decisions, the giant steps, in life where we usually stumble; it is in the small little choices.

Every choice we make will either bring us closer to our goal or further away from it.

It truly is the itty bitty things that add up in life.

Breakfast Cookies

2010-07-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was blessed to care for a bunch of my grandchildren for eight days. I loved playing “Mama” again! I had fun in the kitchen as I prepared nutritious kid-friendly meals with variety. Some of the variety was from necessity as I challenged myself to use as much as I could of what I already had on hand. You've probably heard it called “eating from the pantry.”

Here is a recipe I used to make for my children when they were young. It is definitely a “treat breakfast” and not something you should offer every day, but I bet it still beats most cold cereals in the nutrition department!

There should have been a picture. I thought I took one, but I must not have since I can't find it! In my head, it was a very pretty picture with the cookies all stacked inside of an old-fashioned jar. So, pretend with me, okay?

OVERNIGHT BREAKFAST COOKIES
(from the 1979 edition of Feed Me! I'm Yours.)

The evening before, combine:

4 cups oatmeal, uncooked

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup oil

The next morning, add:

2 eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

(you may also add ¼ cup wheat germ)

Mix well. Drop by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 12 -15 minutes. Watch them carefully. You may not be able to remove from the cookie sheet immediately, but please remove them as soon as possible or you may never get them off later!

Cookies and milk from Nana’s kitchen for breakfast! What could be better than that?

Maybe a picture?

One Fantastic Man!

2010-06-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

If you ask him how he is, he will answer,

"Fantastic! But, I'll be better tomorrow!"

And you know what? He is. Fantastic. Very.

I only have to ask once and the favor is done.

Even if it does mean balancing on the furniture.

How blessed am I?

I Just Can't Make Up My Mind

2010-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

Comedian Brian Regan has a bit where he talks about his favorite flavor of snow cone as a child. Grape. Oh, but cherry is also his favorite. So, they are both his favorites. But, maybe grape is his most favorite. He just can’t make up his mind.

I can so relate. I have such a problem trying to figure out my favorite food, my favorite color, or my movie. I also don’t have a favorite Bible verse. So very unreligious of me, isn’t it? Oh, I have a lot of verses that I love, that mean a great deal to me, that minister to me, that overwhelm me. But to pick a favorite, I just can’t seem to do. Sometimes I pick one, but the next time I read the Word, I find another one. Maybe that one will be my favorite. But, then something else comes leaping off the page to me. I just can’t choose. So, they are all my favorites. Yet again, maybe this one is my favorite.

At this time, my favorite verse to convict me to pieces is 1 Corinthians 9:27, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” Yikes!

My favorite verse to keep on keeping on is Joshua 1:7, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.”

My favorite verse of promise is Psalm 103:2-5, with an emphasis on verse 3 when I’m feeling ill, “who healeth all thy diseases”!

The latest one that grabbed me was a few days ago – Jeremiah 2:11b, “But my people have traded my Glory for empty god-dreams and silly god-schemes.” Ah, so very sad.

My favorite Psalm to sing is Psalm 19:7-11. Or maybe it’s Psalm 150.

Psalm 150:2, “Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.” YES! Maybe this is my most favorite.

Papa's Date with Jael

2010-04-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

On the spur of the moment, Papa asked Jael out on a date. You can imagine the flurry that ensued. She had to run around and get all the stuff done that little girls have to do to get ready to go out with one of their favorite beaus.

She picked this photo op. Because of the pretty flowers, she said.

And since Papa was taking pictures of her, she wanted to take pictures of Papa. Good job, Jael.

She posed for this picture saying, "I'm going to try not to laugh."

Such a pretty little lady.

After dinner at Chili's, they had dessert at Coldstone. A date consists of both dinner and dessert, don'tcha know.

She picked watermelon sorbet. Such a grown-up choice.

She then added gummy worms and gummy bears.

Today is Jael's 8th birthday.

Have a wonderful day, my beautiful girl.

I love you to pieces.

You are more precious than you know and wise beyond your years.

Continue to love Jesus with all of your heart

and He will guide your steps into worlds you can only dream of.

Love,

Nana aka

Aquarium, Part 1

2010-04-22T16:53:00.001-07:00

For Christmas last year, we gave our grandchildren a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to be taken in family groups (minus the nursing babies and without parents). Due to busy schedules and other stuff, we are just getting around to making good on our gift. We took the Abdelaziz children last month and are scheduled to take the Gombojavs next month. Hopefully, the Correas will follow soon.

The Aquarium is an awesome place where it is very easy to spend the entire day and still feel like you haven't seen everything to your satisfaction. My only complaint is that there were too many political displays. I don't like being bombarded with political agendas while trying to enjoy the wonders that God has created. However, it is a great place and they do a lot of good for the ocean and its creatures.

It is about two hours away, so we left early and had to stop for lunch. We wanted to eat before we went in and the only place we saw was here, a place I haven't been to in ages! But, what child doesn't want fries? And a chocolate chip cookie for dessert?

Here we are walking from the parking garage down Cannery Row ready for our adventure.

I certainly cannot do justice to the sea life, so I won't be showing a lot of "fish" pictures, but since this is definitely Abishai's favorite, it must have its place in this story.

Jael was very conscientious and took little notes about everything that interested her. She brought little slips of paper in her pocket.

The children loved all the hands-on learning.

Standing under a wave is exciting even if you know it's coming -- since you've stood here wave after wave.

So, the girl on the right is the same little girl on the right in the picture below.

How time flies!

(Meg, Izzy, Jael)

The boys have a fascination with all the snails in our yard, so they loved these little vests!

They have something for every age!

Okay, there's a story behind this picture. Papa had the camera most of the day and realized that he wasn't getting in any of the pictures, so I took the camera for a bit. After I took this picture, he took the camera to peruse the pictures. (Isn't digital great?) So, when he saw this one, he started laughing. I looked questioningly at him. He asked who I had taken a picture of. I still didn't get it. So, after a few comments and questions back and forth, I finally understood. He thought I had taken a picture of some stranger just to make him think it was him! He doesn't think it looks like himself. I think it looks exactly like him. I still don't get it.

As gorgeous as those jelly fish are, these handsome men surpass them!

They weren't standing up and they weren't laying down. They were on a slope staring UP into an amazingly enormous tank with sharks, tuna, sunfish, and other huge creatures.

Leaving. Can you tell the sun was in our eyes?

We did a better job this time.

One last stop on Cannery Row before getting to our van. Dippin' Dots! Papa's idea, of course.

The whole day was absolutely wonderful. Not a stressful moment. Pure unadulterated enjoyment. I'm not sure if we gave our grandchildren a gift, or they gave us one. As with Dippin' Dots, good to the very end!

6:33 Club

2010-04-18T15:38:00.000-07:00

Matthew 6:33 in the Amplified Bible says, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” Those “things” are the daily things of life – what we are going to eat, drink, and wear. Basically, the cares of each day.

God is calling us anew to seek him first. We need to go to God first – when we have a need, when something good has happened, when we need advice, when we go about our daily chores, when a decision has to be made, when life is good, and when it doesn’t seem to be. He should be the One who hears all of our good news first and He should be the One who directs our doings and goings each day.

There is only one way this is going to happen. We need to stay in constant communication with Him. We don’t just need to pray once a day. We need to pray hundreds of prayers each day. The prayers may just be a word or a short sentence. And we also need to listen all day. We need to be on the alert that He may speak to us at any time.

But, we also need to set aside a part of our day to fully spend time with Him each day. Jesus gave us a good example of this. Though Jesus was one with the Father, He felt a need to get away by Himself and spend time with His Father one on one. How much more would it seem we would need such a time? Mark 1:35 tells us, “While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.” (The Message) Because Jesus spent quality time with the Father before the day began, He was able to move in the will of God without hesitation throughout the day. He did not have to stop and “pray about it,” as we hear Christians say so often. He had already received what He needed for that day.

I am challenging each of you to join the “6:33 Club” with me! Let’s seek Him first! Let’s meet one on one with Him in the morning before our day starts. Before anything – before we eat, before the kids are up, before we read our email, before we get on our way.

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. Psalm 5:3 (Amplified Bible)

Yes, it might be a sacrifice. But the rewards will outweigh the effort to get out of bed a little early. As your day unfolds, you will see how much better and smoother your day goes when you are prepared. In fact, you might find you’ll want to set your “opportunity clock” earlier and earlier as your time with your Lord gets sweeter and sweeter.

Easter 2010......Finally

2010-04-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

It comes as no surprise here that I have been totally remiss at journaling my days. So, without making any promises to myself or you about how I'm going to do such a better job, I am going to try to do better. How's that for not committing to anything?

And I figured I'd start with Easter. Before April ended.

Easter was a wonderful day. I just love spending time with my family! But, even though the day was spent having a great time, we did not forget that the whole purpose of the day is celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. How amazing are all the ramifications of that simple statement! Without the resurrection, the birth and death of Jesus would mean nothing. Our Redeemer lives!

And, as is our normal tradition, we try to wear something new on Easter Sunday. Sadly, I can't post pictures of our entire family as the two newest members still haven't had their adoption court dates. So, just imagine how cute they are! And they are really, really cute!

Have you noticed how hard it is to buy a dress without black being a predominate color? I know we don't have an abundance of clothing stores in our little town, but this is the ONLY dress I found that didn't have black in its color scheme! I'm glad I liked it.

Mr. Good-looking Himself.

The Josh Abdelaziz family all dressed in orange. I thought they all looked great, but thought it was amazing that they could all coordinate like this as orange didn't seem to be a widespread spring wardrobe color. I guess I thought wrong. Several families in church were all dressed in orange! Who knew?

Shallah with her orange-suited friend, Mardell.

I just love our little church!

I love it so much that I want it to grow bigger!

I love every last person in this picture!

(And the ones who didn't make it into the picture, too.)

Our main table only had six adults. Odd for us.

But, Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Janice all ate in Grandpa's room to keep him company.

I bought our little chocolate bunnies last year at the after-Easter sales. They've been chillin' in our freezer for a year. All wrapped in their atrociously colored foil. But, disrobed and beribboned, I think they are just darling.

These little fake-moss-covered flying bunnies came from Pier 1. I think they are just too cute when planted in a little rye grass. (The basket and grass was a thank-you gift from Sarah-Kate. I just love decorating with grass! And she knows it. I planted some grass in eggshells like Darcy over at fly through our window, but apparently I didn't take any pictures of them. But, they were sweet.)

Lambchops on the grill.

Food is starting to gather.

Table is getting full.

Two little children's tables and one highchair.

The children thought it was great fun to eat a chocolate bunny with dinner. Diego decided to roll the bunny in his hands as it started to melt. Interesting thing to do.

Lots of eggs to hide. The men in the family did such a good job hiding them, we almost didn't find them all! Can you see the egg hiding in there?

Shallah "found" an egg, too. But, she really wasn't interested in it, as you can see.

Besides the chocolate, dessert was Matzo Brittle from Tea Time magazine and Pioneer Woman's carrot cake. Great ending to a great day.

"You Gotta Serve Somebody"

2010-03-12T08:34:00.000-08:00