...Kahler Dairy...

Today marked the END of the FIRST QUARTER of KINDERGARTEN!!!

 Justice's class went to Kahler Dairy for field trip #3.

Kayden and I got to go too. We had so much fun!

When asked what they enjoyed the most, Justice replied, "...when we had ice cream and also when we got to feed the cows."

Kayden: "my favorite was feeding the cows."

Here are some of my favorite pictures:

 Kayden's ready to go!

 oink oink!!

Moo

Yes, that's my girl!

 She didn't want to at first, but she did it!

 Kayden has no fear

my kids

 touching the feed

 the class in the feed barn

 the Three Amigos! Kayden, Justice and Paige!

 mommy boots

 my handsome boy, before he started making "animal sounds"

even I got to feed the cows

!

 Kayden loved this part!

 Justice

look how long that cow tongue is!

 the kids in the barn

Justice feeding another cow

Kayden's cute little arm!

 Justice was not afraid at all of feeding them the alfalfa 

look, mom!

 I practically had to carry him out of there, he loved it so much!

  

Then it was on to feeding the calfs!

 Justice and Morgan feeding this little female some water

giving another baby some water 

 "ok, mom... I want to go home"

everyone got a special treat after the tour of the milking barn. yummy vanilla ice cream!

  

(mobile post)...Yellow Note!...

Today Justice came home with a yellow note from school. Apparently she shared a crayon with a girl who was missing that particular color, and she also helped a friend on the playground. TWO star punches on the yellow note! Atta'girl, Jus!! We are proud of you!

Also, we signed Justice up for Upward basketball. We are very excited, and can't wait for this adventure to start!

...(not so) Extreme Couponing...

This week, my girl friend Pam and I put to motion our newest craze: couponing!

For the past two weeks, we have been scouring the internet, and the printed ads for the best deals.

I admit, I am not "extreme" - nor do I ever intend to be.

But if a few extra minutes of clipping or clicking can save me a few extra dollars on the things that I am going to buy anyway, I'm in!

Yesterday I tested my skills with a trip to Safeway: 

My total before coupons/club card was $47.42. I spent $27.51.

Today I realized that I forgot a few things that I needed, so back to Safeway I went:

My total before coupons/club card was $66.26. I spent $43.76.

To date, my grocery savings is $42.41.... That's 37.3%

(mobile post) ...Congrats G and Tony...

Saturday Night we went to the wedding of Gianna Marie Torrente (affectionately know to us as "G") and Anthony (Tony) Nasello. The ceremony was at the Reserve at Spanos Park on the putting green. Mike Glover officiated and it was truly a wedding that captured the personalities of G and Tony.
Kevin and I reflected on the many weddings that we have been to this year, and how blessed we are to have had such a fantastic party when we married.
Congrats to all the 2011 married couples, and to those that are yet to say "I Do!" this year. Thanks to Amanda and Vidal, Sara and Steve, Nicole and Matt (AKA Pablo South America) and G and Tony, whos vows we have been happy to witness. We love you all and pray God continues to shine in each marriage.
Here are some pictures from Saturday September 17, 2011:

(mobile post)...Grape Festival 2011...

We went to the Grape Festival today with our friends, the Omlin's! Check out the highlights:

...Lessons Learned...

Sometimes, all I can do is just stand in awe of God. Or, rather, be knocked down on my knees, in awe of the Almighty.

Recently, I learned that the Treasure Box program is going to be stopping after the September delivery. While I am relieved, I have to pause to consider the amazing lessons God has taught me through this outreach.

I had prayed a million times that I could be released from the 'burden' I felt Treasure Box to be. I didn't exactly want Treasure Box to come to BCCC.. It wasn't my idea and I didn't solicit WM on behalf of Treasure Box... BUT I accepted responsibility for it, and I owned it.

I believe that Treasure Box was a necessary step in my journey. My pride was rebuked more times than I can ever count. I am humbled by the outpouring of love I have received from those who volunteered with me. I allowed God to renew me, strengthen me, and purify me through Treasure Box. I am convinced that this was His perfect plan, and I am so honored that He would use such a grand scale to mold little ol' me. If I could sit down with you, over coffee, I would show you my poor, tattered journal. I cried out to God on those lined pages, and I received His replies. Page after page about my calling, my pride, and (ugh) Treasure Box. Page after page of replies offering hope, future, and love.

I never understood the true fundamentals of the journey, before now. I mean, I realized them in a logical sense, but never before have I had means to reflect on the necessity of a path I was on, as it pertains to my spirit. My intimate walk with God was there, among the pallets of frozen boxes of food. My heart was broken and healed in these past 6 months. My trials and triumphs were exposed.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to serve in this ministry, in this way, at this time.


Wow, God.
 To feel You move in such mighty ways through outlets that seem so small to the eye is amazing. Thank You, Lord, for always giving me exactly what I need, when I need it.
You are Sovereign.
Abba... You hear the cries of my heart, my deepest longings and desires. You refresh me and renew me daily, as I submit to Your perfect will.
Continue to guide me, Lord. Help me to seek Your face, even as I watch this chapter of my life end.
Fill me with Your hope. Your peace. Your joy.
Guide my next steps, and open the doors for service that You would have me walk through.
Refine me, Lord, as I am sanctified and anointed to do Your works.
I love You, Lord. Yesterday, Today, and Forever...
In Jesus' Holy name, Amen.