The Birth of Grace

This is a line I have heard in one of my favorite Christmas songs. And I have had this cd for about 6 or 7 years now, and it just hit me last week. The Birth of Grace. Before Jesus came, this world didn't know grace or mercy. Sure, they had seen men show mercy to other men, typically men that loved God, but the world didn't know grace like the grace that God shown us in that little baby. I love to read about the nativity story...about Mary hearing from the Angel that she was going to have God's baby and she was SO young and afraid, but TRUSTED God and knew He was going to carry out His promise, Mary and Joseph's trip to Bethlehem that was derailed (or so they thought) and they had to have their baby where animals ate and relieved themselves, about the shepherds coming to worship this baby they had heard about...I just love it all. But what I love most about this story, is that grace was born. Grace that would take my place on that cross and grace that would allow me freedom and access to the Creator of the Universe.
I woke up early this morning and had a chance to have some time to myself before the fun and magic of Christmas begins, so I grabbed a cup of coffee and read Cosmic Christmas by Max Lucado..something I like to do every year but this year because of 2 hurricanes names Esther and Gideon, I didn't find the time. So as I read it this morning, I was again moved by ALL that was orchestrated to have God come to earth. I know Max wasn't there, but he has a way of writing and hey, it could have happened that way. I am SO glad I had a chance this morning to have so time to reflect on why I am here and why I am forgiven and that I can love unconditionally and that I can be the best mom and wife to my husband and kids....because the birth of Grace.
Merry Christmas.

Our busy December part 1

I have hated that I haven't posted lately, but haven't hated how busy we have been. The Ocho has been having SO much fun. (One of the fun things that happened was Gideon's 2nd birthday party...pictures to be posted soon). Anyway, here are some pics of the fun things we have been up to. And for the record....thankful for SO many things....just haven't blogged them...but just know I am. :)
Tree trimming.

Yes that is a dog angel that Esther is putting on our tree.

Our annual Yucaipa Christmas parade. So cheesey, but I am a sucker for some good ol' fashioned home town fun. Esther and her best guy buddy, Nate. They are SO ready for things to get on the way.

Gideon really only cared about his Slurpee....it was HOT that day.

Buddies that had the best seats in the house.

LOL...so Yucaipa. Trucks that drive on each other...yes, I said ON each other.

The big guy himself.

Took the kids to see Santa at the Bass Pro Shop out at Victoria Gardens. They had this awesome setup and gave out a FREE picture of your kids and Santa. Yes, I said FREE. Eat THAT, local mall!!

Esther making it "snow".

I know Gideon isn't smiling but I am BEYOND thrilled he actually got on Santa's lap. Love this picture.

Esther also performed in her first school Christmas performance and ROCKED it. So proud of her. Her preschool class sang Away in the Manager, Feliz Navidad and We Wish You a Merry Christmas to a packed house. And everyone (Mom, Dad, Gideon, Amma, Appa, Gramma, Grampa & Nana) came to cheer her on.

JoAnna and I took the kids to see the lights out in Alta Loma . We had SO much fun. Seriously, our car was filled with love, silliness and screaming. I loved it!

Our first stop, Rubios.

Gideon was SERIOUSLY stoked by the lights.

Then the next day, we went over to Gramma and Grampa Crandells for some cookie & pecan prailine making. Grampa was brave and took on the task of letting the kids decorate cookies. I know he had fun, but also wasn't prepared for all the hard work of supervising a 2 and 3 year old being MESSY! He was a trooper though.

Also, Mom taught me how to make her famous, mouth watering pecan prailines. We have been talking about doing it for years, but with the kids old enough to play by themselves, this year was the year. The recipe we used is the same recipe that Mom's grandmother used. We had SO much fun and make 9 batches. I did get a little burn on my forehead from bubbling hot sugar buttermilk but it was worth it.

The finished product....and this is missing a plate. Like I said we made A LOT. A day to remember.

Lil' E says

I went into Esther's room to get her up from her nap and as she reaches up to hug me she says "I very love you". I told her, "I very love you too".

Giving Thanks Day 10

Sorry I've missed a couple days, but I've been busy having 2 Christmas parties at my house and dealing with a sick little boy.

1. That Gideon got over his "illness" quick and had it WAY before Christmas.
2. That the kids' grandparents live so close. Steve's parents were able to watch the kids for me last Wednesday so I could have a Christmas party here and my parents watched the kids for us last night so Steve and I could have a much needed date night. We are SO blessed.
3. That my husband is STILL my best friend.
4. Esther is TOTALLY potty trained. ~ No more wasted money on pullups or wet sheets in the morning.
5. My heating pad ~ It helps SO much with my back pain. I don't know what I would do without it.

Wordless Wednesday

Giving Thanks Day 9

1. Long phone calls ~ Keeps me and my best friend connected even when we are both SO busy with our families.
2. My best friend, JoAnna ~ She's been in my life for over 25 years and I can't imagine life without her. She is as close as family and I look forward to being a cranky old lady with her.
3. Modern medicine ~ Back aches, migraines, ulcers....it does help.
4. Coupons ~ They are awesome!
5. That my kids still nap ~ Need I say more.

Giving Thanks Day 8

1. Books ~ I am not a big "reader" but I LOVE reading to my kids. And I love that they are learning to love books. (but for the record, because of my love for my husband, I am reading the Harry Potter series, some of his favorites & I have to say I am REALLY enjoying them.)
2. Bedtime ~ Singing to my kids, rocking them (yes, they still let me & ask for it) & praying with them. Honestly, it's such a precious time.
3. After bedtime ~ It's my time to unwind.
4. The smell of pine
5. Warm water ~ I just took a nice, long, warm shower and so often it's something we take for granted. The fact that we HAVE running water and it's clean and clear and warm. Thank you, Lord.

D Land

Steve works with a guy in Guard who also works at Disneyland doing maintanence. He gets quite a few passes for family and friends and had some still left over for the year and we got his last 3. So last Wednesday to kind of celebrate Gideon's birthday we spent the day with Mickey and his friends.

Waiting to meet up with Mark so he could get us in. Gotta hit Dumbo first right?? Esther just HAD to see if she could pull that sword out. Check out those guns??

Like sister, like brother.

I think Nemo was one of the hands down favorites...I mean you ride in a REAL sub...come on!

For the record, our kids are horrible drivers. Thank God we have quite a few years.

So really the only characters we saw all day were Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore and Tigger and let's just saw Esther was TOTALLY happy with that.

She definately gave that bear a bear hug.

Gideon wasn't as sure. He finally did high 5 Pooh, but that was as close as he was gettin'.

Who could be scared of this sweet, timid donkey? My son that's who.

Something so special about It's a Small World during the Christmas season.

So we found out our passes worked for California Adventure too, so the kids HAD to meet Lightening McQueen and Mater. Gideon was a bit "car struck". :)

Waiting for the Pixar Parade to start. Got a bit chilly.

Getting to see all their favorites in the parade...a bit overwhelming.

All around it was a fun day. We felt so blessed to go to Disneyland for the day and spend less than $25. What a GREAT way to kick off December!

Oh and Esther went on Space Mountain for the first time and LOVED it!!!

Giving Thanks Day 7

1. Rain ~ It makes everything smell amazing!
2. My health and my family's health ~ My mom and I visited some friends today, one has cancer and his wife has MS. Seeing them is hard and I feel SO blessed.
3. Redlands Holiday Home Tour ~ gives my mom and I some quality time together and I chreish it.
4. My mom ~ We had to make a few stops today (down in Redlands) where my mom dropped off some food for 2 different families. One of the families, their mom is dying of cancer. And my mom stayed up super late last night after Gideon's party to make some burritos for them to freeze. She is SO self-sacrificing and giving. She really makes me proud to be her daughter.
5. Our pastor ~ He really reminded me AGAIN today not to get caught up in spending and all the commercial aspect of the Christmas season. I am really trying to focus on the gift of Jesus especially with the kids, so I needed that reminder.

Giving Thanks Day 6 (for Gideon)

Today I am thankful for one major blessing, but going to break it down into 5.

1. I am thankful for getting the flu 2 years ago and having to go into the hospital for fluids and having an ultrasound that said my baby was breech so we could prepare for the c-section.
2. I am thankful that we didn't try to turn the baby while still inside me because the cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times.
3. I am thankful for those 3 little words Dr. Avants said, "It's a boy". I cried.
4. Thankful for the wonderful nurses at Loma Linda who took care of me and a quick and easy recovery.
5. I am SO thankful for this little boy that God has blessed us with. He is so sweet and loving and easy going. He loves trains, cars and planes. Gives the best hugs and is so sweet to his doggies and kitty cats. He is talking SO much but my favorite is "I love you, Bobby". (He calls me Bobby.) He has blessed our lives in so many ways and I know I have said it before but I will say it again, he completes our family.

Giving Thanks Day 5

So I missed yesterday...sue me!

1. Sweet friends. ~ I was just thinking how Steve and I don't have very big families but we make up for it with amazing friends. Friends like family and who are there when we need them and love our kids as if they were related.
2. Warm December days ~ It's just GORGEOUS outside today.
3. Mornings at home with my family. ~ Since Steve has been working nights, we have mornings together and I cherish them. I love making a big ol' breakfast and the kids are always in good moods...just a special time.
4. Puzzles ~ I love them and now, so does my little girl. I dream of the days when we can put together some amazing puzzles together.
5. Laundry ~ It seems like it's neverending, but reminds me that we are SO blessed with so many clothes, when some people have none.

Giving Thanks Day 4

1. Steve's job ~ I feel SO blessed that my husband has job security and a job he enjoys. Also, that he has SUCH supported bosses that are willing to help him out at a moment's notice.
2. Steve's co-workers ~ One of the guys that Steve works with also does maintanence at Disneyland and he is getting us in free today. What a great way to start off celebrating Gideon's birthday!
3. Our military ~ WOW, I am SO thankful for all the men and women who serve our country. We feel safe and secure because of them!
4. My husband NOT being deployed. ~ I know he could be deployed at any minute, but he's not. He's home with us, being here everyday to help me with the kids and take care of our house. I don't forget that and I am thankful EVERYDAY for that.
5. His drill weekends ~ Yes, they kind of suck...he has to work ALL weekend once a month, but I am proud that he is showing his children that a little sacrifice is good and serving his country is a good thing. I hope someday both our kids, or at least one will want to be in the Air National Guard as well.

Thanksgiving 2010