HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My Thanksgiving:
Sleep in late, quiet time, computer time, send someone out to get the paper for the sale ads, kids sleep in late, watch the parades on TV, start preparations for cooking, start cooking, look through sale ads, put out snack to ward off the starving, keep cooking, after many hours of cooking, eating and saying thanks, clean up, relax with sale ads and get serious on making a list of things to buy, transfer money to cover purchases tomorrow, go to sleep, wake up at 3:00 am to have someone pick me up at 3:45 and go shopping! Woohoo! I love thanksgiving!

What I am thankful for:
My husband, my children, my mom being with Jesus (even though it is hard), safety in all our travels this year, health, trials and tribulations of this year (they are bringing me so close to Jesus), a wonderful marriage, my children growing up (even though it is bittersweet), a house and roof over my head, heat (because it is chilly outside), Christmas decorations reminding me to be a Light for Him this season, my sisterchick friends (they really stick with me), all my other friends, my homeschooling community, my in-laws, my family, baby Josiah being here (Erin not being in the hospital for Thanksgiving), a sisterchick friends daughter committing her life to missions abroad, and so much more. Most of all I'm thankful for Jesus, who truly has sustained me through one of the hardest years of my life. Jesus is truly my all in all! There is a song that I sing and it goes round and round in my head during these times. This is a song by Cindy Morgan, "How can I ask for More?"

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight & Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord How could I ask for more!

May your Thanksgiving be filled with many blessings from above!

Pictures from the 10th Birthday Party

In our family we only give Big birthday parties for certain years and the other years we have a simple family party with lots of presents and maybe a friend or two stay over. Well this was the year for the big party, 10th! Isabella wanted to have lots of her friends over and wanted to skate, so we partied at the Family Activity Center at our church. They had a blast! She received four diaries, a jillion and one chapsticks, and lots of girly stuff.

My baby turned 10!

I've been reminising a lot these days as my children continue to get older and taller and wiser (sometimes to big for the own pants). They are a unique lot that God has given us and we are so very proud of them.

My baby is no longer a single digit. She has passed onto the double digit phase and every much a girl! She loves sports and wrestling with her daddy and she is good athletically, however girly is very much how I can describe her. She loves dressing up and makeup and her hair done. She loves manicures and pedicures. She loves anything of high fashion (too expensive for her own good most of the time). She is all heart too! She loves so very freely and wants your approval of her too! She is a daddy's girl through and through and she loves to snuggle everyday with one of us. She doesn't like to be alone and loves to be surrounded by her family and friends.

Oh my how they grow and how bittersweet it is. She told me that she missed her grandma (who is with Jesus now) because she used to play barbies with her, but she was glad she could be with Jesus now. She has told me how much she wants to be a mommy when she grows up and to homeschool her children as well. However she wants to join public school because she wants to be in the drill team and dance on the football field, LOL! She is everybit who God made her and I pray blessings upon my baby! Even though she is growing up, and the others too, they will always be my babies! Happy Birthday!

Saturday night by the fire!

Saturday night the Adult 4 and the youth hosted a camp fire and hay ride event outside our city limits. The kids and adults all bundled up because the north wind was blowing and it was cold! We sang, roasted hot dogs, talked, went on the hay ride (I stayed back and warmed my toesies by the fire) and then to end we made smores with roasted marshmellows. MMM! It was delicious and fun. We all came home smelling like fire and frigid, but our hearts were warm with good fellowship and tummies full!

What a week!

Sorry no Friday Fotos today, just some updates and such.

Last week sometime I had my sister in law invite me to Facebook and join. Relatively easy and amazingly three other people found me within two days. However as I was getting comfortable with the process I decided to try and get a contact added and therefore clicked on the "add contact" button. This proceeded to send my computer into a crazy and interested few minutes only to tell me that my contact list was empty. Didn't think much about it then, but a few minutes later I get a call from a sweet friend saying she was confused. I thought, "Okay", she needs some help, so I buckle down to get her information thinking she really needed my help. Nope, she thought I needed help because she had just received an email from me saying I've been hijacked in London and I need money wired to a Western Union account and now! It had my signature on it and everything. Needless to say that is where her confusion was and my confusion started. That night I received at least 20 phone calls stating the same thing and wanting to let me know of this email that is being sent out. If that wasn't bad enough, if you replied to it, you got another email back which was in three different forms. Some got some nasty language and demanding money, some received a nice email but still asking for money, and some received a middle of the road one demanding money still. After many a phone call, stepping in dog "poo" that night, leaving my purse somewhere, and driving all over my city to different events my children had and my phone ringing off the wall, I was wiped out. Thankfully one the places I had to attend, a friend of mine who is more computer savey than me, plopped me down in front of a computer, and helped me change my password and up my security and deactivated my Facebook account. Whew! I was wiped out that night and thought the nightmare had ended.

That was not to be because in the morning when what to my wondering eyes do appear, it wasn't eight tiny reindeer, it was an email account that was drained of all my contacts. Not even one left. Whoever hacked into my system stole all my contacts names and emails account numbers. I was frustrated beyond belief.

I continue to get a call or two about another email, but it is not from my account anymore and only if you replied to that email. I learned I don't like facebook because that is where it all started and I learned that my friends are truly concerned about me and it was wonderful to talk with them all. I'm glad its Friday and this problem has been resolved. I'm estactic that my friends love me and helped me out with this scenario. However I haven't received my money girls? LOL, just joking, love you all!

Computer Hacking!

Please forgive me for any of you who recently received such horrible emails from a computer hacker who got into my system. It is completely bogus and I'm completely at whits end about it! They took all my contact list and therefore if your one of them, I do not have emails for anyone anymore, and I need them all once again. Thanks,

Star Gazing!

I'm fairly sure those people that read my blog will really understanding how insane I really am after reading this post. However I am truly sure some of you would have done the same!

About 2 months ago another pastor's wife in the area sat across from me at dinner and said, "Do you want to go and see Beth Moore live and in person down in Houston on November 10th?" What else would I say, "Yes, yes, and another yes!"

What I didn't know was that we were driving 6 hours to get to destination, stay the night, and drive another hour to get to the church we needed to arrive at yesterday morning, to stand in line with 150 other pastor's wives so that we could have lunch with Beth Moore. We sat a table over from her and had her staring nose to nose to us and speak to us as pastor's wives and share in the full time ministry tricky situations that we get ourselves into, rave more on the complications about self tanner that she uses, and God speak through her to each of our hearts (at least He did mine) and then rush off stage to another taping on another bible study she is doing and not get to shake her hand. Then if that wasn't enough, get back into our vehicle and drive another 7 hours home, which was really 8 1/2 hours because of traffic, potty breaks, rain, and meals!

Was it worth it! You bet! I did a little star gazing at a woman I profoundly respect as a woman of God. She is a size 2 I'm sure of it! She is in person an excitable lady of God, but does she love Him as much as she proclaims? I don't doubt it one bit! She loves God to her very core!

I had a wonderful time sharing with the other pastor's wife lots and lots of stories as she did with me and the girl time was fabulous. There was a lot of chocolate involved (we happened upon a store that had Ghiradelli chocolate 75% off! Woohoo!) and lots of laughter. Yes, if you read this right, I drove 15 1/2 hours to have lunch with Beth Moore and not even get to meet her. But I wouldn't have changed it and I'm glad I went. God is good and always speaks so wonderfully to my heart, even as insane as this ladies heart is!

Saturday Funnies!

We needed to make a Walmart run as Sarah was playing volleyball this past Thursday and we had a few extra minutes to look so off we were looking at Christmas presents. Zech had discovered something and was engrossed in looking at it when Isabella, out of the blue, as serious as she could be asked, "Mom, does your butt itch sometimes like mine?" Too Funny!

Friday Fotos!

Novel Writers?

I've got to tell you about the new fashion happening at my house. We have arguments and fights here from time to time on a normal level. But I have to explain to you that some of these arguments when looking back on them will just make you laugh and realize you are not a normal family. I know there really isn't a "normal" family, but ours just makes me realize how insane we might be!

The argument arose yesterday about the fact that Sarah was on the computer for the 3rd time and he hasn't had his chance. Now most of you by now are thinking that is pretty normal around our house. What you don't know is he is arguing and she had this complaint just yesterday about him, that they are complaining about not being about to WRITE A BOOK! Yes, you heard it here first. My children want to WRITE! No complaining, no fussing over the actual mechanics and the assignment. Just irritating remarks because they can't do their assignment more! LOL! They would if I let them all spend all day writing their "books" that they have started. I have found a new website and you need to check it out because it is one of the inspirations behind why they want to write so much! www.tikatok.com

Another reason that stirred my children up to write is a field trip we took at the last minute on Tuesday to a public school to hear an author speak of his books. Some of you might have heard of him, Rick Riordan and his Camp Half-blood series. It is a series of books that he wrote to help his boy learn Greek mythology. Basically he imagined what it would be like if you found out that your mother or father was really a Greek god and you, because you are their children, are half-blood Greek god's! It really is an exciting series, however I must warn you as I was warned it does have some language in it. Nothing more than what they already hear and because he was writing to an audience that his sons age was, he put some of it in there. His speech was awesome and the kids loved his imagination. They even were awe struck that he was rejected by his publishers 14 times, but he kept up his perseverance! He is also in the midst of helping them come out with a video game and maybe even a movie to be released in the Summer of 2010!

So to say the least their inspirations were based on a real live author and their excitability of using the computer in a unique way of writing a book. So do I have a budding author or authors living in my house? Who knows, but when they finish their books, I will post where you can read them and you be the editor and see what you think. In the meantime, I'll sit back and listen to, "Mom, I'm supposed to be on the computer to write now! I want to do my writing!" and enjoy even if it is in a whinny voice.

Who's Who of American Academic Excellence

Congratulations should go out to Sarah and Zech Roberson who were nominated and accepted into the registration of the Who's Who of Middle School American Academic Excellence. I'm so very proud that they were nominated and chosen. They will be elligible for future scholarships for this honor. They have both worked so very hard at their academic acheivements and it is very gracious honor to be recognized for those acheivements. Sarah received straight A's for her first 9 weeks of school and Zech all A's except one B (an 89) [Isabella got straight A's too!]. They both do very well in school and have had to buckle down in the midst of the chaos that has errupted in our house over the last several weeks with so many large events to deal with.

What does the next 9 weeks hold for us? So far a field trip to see an author who inspired them to writing and becoming a writer. They have a book to publish by Christmas (not formally, just for fun) and autobiographies to learn to write and they will participate in our annual Christmas letter. They are all volunteering in the Santa House as either actresses in a play or as a volunteer. We will be there 4 days. We have a Christmas Parade to be in for the MARS Robot team will be proudly displaying our trophy! There are birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries all mixed up in there. Sarah and Zech both have camping trips to look forward to, and Isabella and Zech a Christmas musical to sing for (no acting in this musical, just songs). I'm sure I left a lot of it out but this is just a snipet of our extra curricular activities along with some of our curricula to be accomplished over the next semester.

They are all three doing very well in school this year and having a lot of fun with the extra stuff along the way!

Mock Elections

Yesterday, after enrichment, we drove over to the boys and girls club here in our town where several moms and several "poll" volunteers were gathered and set up a "Mock Election" for our homeschool community.

As we arrived, the children were all given a voters registration card and ask to complete it. They stated that Texas drivers license and their social security number wasn't necessary due to the fact that many are under 16 (therefore no drivers license), but also it was just a "staged" election anyway, we were just trying to provide the children with the experience. After the registration card was completed by most of the children, the leader of the volunteer "poll" group spoke to us about the importance of voting and more good information the kids could glean. One of the Homeschool moms in charge of the event spoke to the kids about the importance of knowing who you are voting for, the importance of reading the entire question and such before voting. That we are to "campaign" for our votes before we vote, but not while we are standing in line and while we are voting.

The children were then asked to line up and start the process. They handed their registration cards over to some "older" teenagers who wrote their names down and had them sign their names and such and handed them their ballot. This led to another line to wait their turn to cast their votes for President (we had 8 candidates on the ballot, all who are real on the real ballot you and I will cast today or if you have already voted) and then silly questions like referendums to vote for. An example of one of the questions:

If you as an older sibling do not keep your room clean, you will not only have to clean your room, but your younger siblings rooms as well. Yes _________ No __________

This received a lot of laughs and "No way" comments to "Yes" my older sister would always have to clean my room and so on. Another example:

The Homeschool Groups Robot Team is the best! Yes___________ Yes ___________

No that isn't a typo, it was literally the only thing you could vote for was a "yes" answer.

After they made their votes, they went and put their ballot in the "Ballot Box" and received a "I voted" sticker. This was truly a learning experience for all the children involved and it really helped them to know the voting process. Yes, most of us have learned all about the electoral college and such and the Popular vote vs the Electoral votes. However the children received a great view for how the whole procedure was arranged.

We received the voting results last night on the president only and McCain won by a land slide with 46 votes! Woohoo! You already knew I was his supporter! Obama received 6 votes and an independent received 1 vote. The rest of the voting results will be posted near the end of the week. Truly it was

My day (coming up!)

Good Morning! Last week wasn't too bad of a neck breaker and this week looks to be less hectic as well. I like those weeks and days, but some days are worse than others, like today!

5:00 am - wake up - wash face
5:10 am - spend time with God and prayer
6:30 am - spend time on computer answering all those emails and blogging
7:00 am - wake kids, get dressed, make bed
7:15 am - breakfast
7:30 am - put face on (makeup) and get hair done
7:50 am - start printing and packing back packs and gettting everything ready for Enrichment
8:30 am - walk out the door and go to enrichment
9:00 am - OT class to teach (5 kids)
10:00 am - Homeschool Board Meeting & Picture day for the kids
11:00 am - sign language class (3 kids)
12:15 pm - go to boys & girls club and kids participate in Mock Vote
1:00 pm - drop books off at the library and head home
1:30 pm - eat lunch
2:00 pm - do school (math, reading, science, & latin)
4:00 pm - Couple to pick up kids and take them to eat and Upwards Celebration at 6:00
4:30 pm - start to get ready for pastor appreciation dinner tonight at 6:00
5:30 pm - walk out door with hubby to dinner
6:00 - 8:00 - attend dinner
8:30 - home and kids come home after being spoiled by couple
8:30-9:00 - showers, bedtime snuggles, and prayer and kids to bed
9:00 - 10:00 - Hubby and I visit finally from all day and take our sleeping pills and wait for them to kick in.
somewhere around 9:30 - 10:00 fall asleep
5:00 am - wake up again and do it all over! (except with different stuff!)

Yes, we have a busy day today!

Beauty & the Martian & Hummer Salesman

Happy Fall Festival (no I don't like Happy Halloween!) Thought you would enjoy the pictures of the kids in their costumes for our annual Fall Festival. Isabella is "Belle" from Beauty and the Beast, Sarah is a Martian wearing her MARS outfit from the robot contest and Martian antenaes, and Zech is nothing really (he doens't like to dress up) but we dubbed him the Hummer salesman since his shirt had a Hummer on it! He like that idea. We had fun, ate way too much candy!