Friday November 25, 2011, my dear friend Bre Baszler of BW Black & Whites Photography took some family portraits for us. Here are a couple:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
...Mangled in the Wind...
For our 5th wedding anniversary, Kevin and I got a canopy from my mom and dad. Today we got a taste of country livin' as the canopy fell victim to the 40-50mph wind.
So long, canopy.
So long, canopy.
...Elf Morning #1...
This morning I woke Justice up with a little nudge and "Jus! Do you know what we have to do this morning?" Her eyes popped open and she said, "I have to hunt that little elf down."
So I woke up Kayden and no sooner did I turn on the light in the dining room, than Charlie was spotted. He is hanging from our kissing ball! The kids thought that was pretty silly, and are happy that Charlie had a safe return trip from the North Pole.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
...Meet Charlie!...
This is Charlie. He joined our family today... He is going to be watching us as we celebrate the Advent, and reporting Justice and Kayden's good deeds/manners, as well as all disobedient acts, to Santa Claus at the North Pole.
I'll be posting all of his adventures, so you can get to know him better.
For more information about Elf On The Shelf, click here
...Wrapping it Up...
Day 22: thankful for the Voice of Reason.... just wondering where He was when I ate TWO pieces of pizza for lunch at Rick's Pizza during a St. Peter Fundraiser!
Day 23: thankful for my kids' teachers - they have blessed our family so much. We love and appreciate you, Mrs. LeBaron, Mrs. Bronwyn and Mrs. Gail!
Day 24: THANKFUL. Life, love, freedom, Salvation. ...Husband, children, health and happiness..... Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Day 25: thankful for Family Picture Time!
Day 26: thankful that unpleasant visits with unpleasant people don't last long.
Nov. 26th we went to Foresthill to visit Kevin's dad. The kids got to ride his horse, Candy.
Day 27: thankful Christmas decorations only come out once per year.
Day 28: thankful for food, fun, and fellowship with friends!
Day 29: thankful my kids like me helping in their classrooms!
Monday, November 21, 2011
...I will NOT be silent anymore...
I have kept quiet, like a good wife should. But when do I say "ENOUGH"?! When do I cry out for the injustice? When do I get to tell those who claim to be leaders, that they are A JOKE? When?....
On the outside, it appears that we live the dream. We are happy, healthy, and have a stable income, a roof over our heads, and food on the table. "Want" is a four-letter word that my children don't comprehend.
On the inside, we are fighters. We continually stand-up, to be knocked down. We grappel and claw for every inch of progress we get to take. We cry. We hurt. We question, wonder, and shake our heads with dissatisfaction.
I watch my husband crumble every day, from being humiliated in a temporary assignment.
I watch him deteriorate, as he is forced further and further down a ladder that years of service should move him up.
I watch him die a little, on the inside, as each day passes, and his years of hard work and sacrifice are unrecognized by a Department that used to love his enthusiasm.
How much can one wife take? How long must I keep quiet about the pain I share?
Resentment and irritation are all to common in conversations about work.
LORD! I need You now. I need hope. I need comfort. I need to know Your true and perfect will.
EVen as I cry out, I know our exodus is coming. Our own deliverance from this injustice by the Mighty Hand of God.
I know You. I know what You have allowed me to discern. I know that every good and perfect gift is from Above, and that You have a plan to prosper us. My hope is in You, however faint it may be.
Lord, Your Word says that if I have faith as small as a mustard seed, I can say to this mountain "move" and You will move it.
I need it moved, God. Removed from this place.
God, I am so thankful for Kevin. Hold me together, Abba, that I can be a supportive wife for my hard-working husband.
Part this sea of sorrow, and help us to the other side, dry and forever praising Your Redeeming Name.
I love You, Father.
In the POWERFUL name of JESUS my DELIVERER,
Amen.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
...Life in the rearview...
It seems as though I have been playing catch-up for MONTHS. I admit, I am busy. Sorry :)
I would like to catch you up on what I am thankful for, as I have been faithful to post each day on Facebook:
30 days of thankfulness: Day 4
Today I am thankful for the blessings that my children are. They have molded my spirit and challenged my faith. It is because of them that I rely so deeply on God, and have found my true purpose in His Kingdom.
30 days of thankfulness: day 5. Today I am thankful for the rain.
30 days of thankfulness: Day 6. I am thankful for true friends - those that care, support, and love. And I am thankful and blessed to have a few in my life.
30 days of thankfulness: day 7. Today I am thankful for the Word. It's always the same, but it speaks to me differently each time I seek Him.
30 days of thankfulness: day 8. Today I am thankful for my parents. Without their love, support, and sacrifices, I wouldn't be the parent or person I am today.
30 days of thankfulness: day 9. I am thankful for Jesus Christ... 'nuff said.
30 days of thankfulness: day 10. I am thankful for my bigger little brother. He is one of my best friends and always has my back. "5-Mile-Bike-Ride" ily Ry.
30 days of thankfulness: day 11. I am thankful to live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I am thankful for my dad, my grandpa, my great grandfather, -and countless other members of my family, on both sides, going back generations- and every other veteran who served and who are serving..
30 days of thankfulness: day 12. Today I am thankful for my church family and the direction God is "pushing" me in. Love you all.
30 days of thankfulness: Day 13. I don't think I have ever been more thankful for my spiritual gifts, as I am at this moment. God is so good.
Day 14: I am thankful for time and energy to get things DONE today before a quick weekend getaway.
Day 15: thankful for friends that are like family. Thanks guys for a great night. (Dave, Jenn, Matt, and Nicole).
Here is another updated picture of the kids. Kayden is maturing SUPER FAST!
Friday, November 4, 2011
...The Business Continues!...
When last I left you, I was off to parent/teacher conferences. I am happy to report that both of my kids are succeeding in school. Kayden is blossoming socially, and Justice academics are at the top... However, we did learn that she is a little more like Mommy than any of us thought. She is a perfectionist. Meticulous and anal-retentive to a fault. If things do not look perfect on the project or paper that she is working on, she gets emotional, upset, and often on the verge of giving up. Lord, help her. Help me! I know that I am the same way, so it is hard for me to model my mistakes, and sow her that there is life beyond perfection. But, I'm trying...
Saturday October 29th was Bear Creek Church's Harvest Faire, which I served as photographer for. I love taking pictures of all the cute kids in their costumes.
Afterwards, we went to our friends' the Maynard's, and enjoyed fellowship and fun (and good food!) to celebrate the Halloween weekend.
Sunday we wrapped up 'Walk-tober' at Churchnasium. I have enjoyed coming up with routines, praise moves, and pushing people to sweat! The kids and I also went with Kevin down to the range to qualify for SWAT, and as always, he let the kids pop off a few rounds. I don't know who smiles bigger, Kevin, Justice, Kayden, or I...
The kids are always SO proud of their targets!
Monday, of course, was Halloween. Our hours and hours of preparation paid off, as St. Peter Harvest Fair went off successfully! I hosted the bean-bag toss booth for a while, and also decorated the back of my durango for Trunk-or-Treat. Everyone had fun... I did notice that Kayden was looking a little under the weather, and my suspicions were confirmed on Tuesday when he woke up with a fever. He is currently on antibiotics, and Justice is also sick - she came home from school early on Thursday.
Also on Monday night, JUSTICE LOST TOOTH #2!!!!! She was brave and let me pull out the little wiggly thing. Her adult tooth was already poking through the gums, so that baby tooth had to go.
The tooth fairy didn't have any chocolate tokens, so Justice got a dollar and two quarters. 
Wednesday was a very VERY exciting day for me, as a parent. It was the awards assembly after Chapel, for 1st QT... Justice was recognized for academic excellence, citizenship, and perfect attendance. Way to go, Justice!!!!!!
This season of business has NOT slowed down, and it shows no signs to. I imagine that I will be running ragged through the end of the year. I was asked to be on the committee for the St. Peter Crab Feed Fundraiser in Feb. and I am heading up the acquisitions for raffle prizes. I have experience from years of doing the same thing for Lodi K9 Trials... I'll keep you updated on my progress...
As November is now upon us, I have been challenged to post (on Facebook) for 30 days what I am thankful for. Here is my current 'list':
30 days of thankfulness: Day 1
I am thankful for modern medicine, and for quick and affordable treatment for my sickie son.
30 days of thankfulness: Day 2
Today I am thankful for God's favor on my family. We are blessed, all around.
To God alone be the glory.
30 days of thankfulness: Day 3. Today I am thankful for my husband- his work ethic, his values, his love, compassion and strength.
*My brother Ryan took this picture of the rainbow yesterday evening, after it had rained. I LOVE it, and after showing it to Justice - who pointed out that the "rainbow is hitting a cross, Mom!" I have an even deeper appreciation of God's supreme Faithfulness.
Today is November 4th:
30 days of thankfulness: Day 4
Today I am thankful for the blessings that my children are. They have molded my spirit and challenged my faith. It is because of them that I rely so deeply on God, and have found my true purpose in His Kingdom.
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