Funny Kid Quote

The kids have Karate testing next week. Amy was practicing her "Kata" and I was trying to help her. She laughed at me and said, "Mom, you look like a cheerleader!"

Well, duh, I was a cheerleader. Maybe next time I'll get her brother to help her!

Grammar Question

Amy just finished up "English for the Thoughtful Child" and now is ready for a new Grammar curriculum. Evan has been using Rod and Staff this past year, which I like, but don't love. Our favorite was First Language Lessons by Jessie Wise (for 1st and 2nd grade).

Does anyone have a recommendation for 3rd (4th) grade Grammar? We're doing some review right now, but for the first time I'm kind of stumped about where to go next. I would appreciate any help you can give! Thanks!

Snow Day!

On Friday we drove up to the snow. The kids had a blast sledding and goofing off. Last year Emily didn't like being in the snow, but this year she kept saying, "I love the snow!"

Sean likes to take them every winter. It's become a fun tradition for our family that the kids look forward to all winter.

Why I Hate Water

I thought I should explain why I hate water, especially now that I've been given a virtual pool party! (Thanks Jessica!)

Actually, my kids love the water, and we live in California, so we go to pool parties all the time. Yes, I suffer through, since I love my kids. But there is a logic behind my hate. It stems from fear.

When I was little, my parents dutifully took me to swim lessons at the local YMCA. I had a lot of muscle for a little kid and could do the strokes fine. So I got jumped ahead. But mentally, I was not ready for bobbing across the pool where it was a couple of feet over my head. I felt like it was "bob or die!" Anyway, it created a severe fear in me.

Then when I was in high school, I had a couple of near drowning experiences. In one, I was rescuing my little sister who was going under. I, knowing nothing of life guarding technique, just reached out for her and she grabbed my head! If it weren't for the dad near by who saw us both (not her originally) I might have swallowed more water than I did.

The second incident was when I went white water rafting with my high school youth group. I know, I hate water, why was I going white water rafting?! Because I hate missing out more than I hate water.

Anyway, the rapids were dead that day. There was one small rapid that went down and around a corner through some rocks. Since it was the only action of the day we all decided to drag the boat up on the shore and do it again. But... When we pulled the boat back out into the water, I didn't get back in the boat in time. And I went down the rapid with no boat!

So there you have it. Water is not my first love. But since I don't want to miss out, and I certainly don't want my kids to miss out, I'll still come to your pool party! And I'm not a vegetarian anymore, so hot dogs are OK. (But veggie burgers really are better!)

"The Best Chicken Ever"

Last night I made a chicken recipe that my whole family dubbed "The Best Chicken Ever!" I got the idea from my favorite cooking magazine's blog The Kitchen Sink. They got it from Thomas Keller's cookbook "Bouchon" named after his restaurant.

When we were in Las Vegas I had breakfast, not at his Vegas restaurant but at his little bakery next to it. His almond brioche was amazing! So when I saw the chicken recipe, and it was easy and took less than an hour, I figured I'd give it a whirl. Besides, Costco had a special, buy two chickens get two free so I had a lot of chicken!

Basically, you dry the chicken off really good so no steam is developed while cooking. Then you salt (I used Kosher salt) , truss, and roast in a 450 degree oven for about an hour. I cooked two 4 1/2 pound birds for about an hour and 15 minutes. They said a bit under an hour for a 2 1/2 pound bird. Then you sprinkle a bit of Thyme over the chicken and baste with the fat or a bit of butter.

It really worked! The chicken was really moist with a crispy skin. I threw some potatoes on the bottom rack to cook with the chicken. So with hardly any effort at all, I had dinner mostly done!

7 Things

Alicia tagged me to write 7 weird things about myself. I've done a few meme's like this one so if you want to read more just click on the "blogging" label and they'll show up.


1. I really like math. I always have. It makes sense to me and there is always a correct answer.


2. For several years I was a Vegan. Then when I was pregnant with Evan (and back to eating eggs and dairy) I craved red meat even though I threw up every time I ate it. I've never gone back to being Vegetarian since.


3. My hands are always cold. I have no idea why.


4. When I was younger, I really liked to rock climb. I don't have opportunity to do it now, and I'm not in shape enough to anyway, but.... Rappelling is so much fun!


5. I hate the water. I don't like to swim, or boat, or ski. I think that's even partly why I don't like dishes. I really don't like getting wet.


6. When I was 17 I had gout in my right foot. I was on crutches for a week. It was so painful.


7. I didn't get my drivers licence until I was 19 because I was too scared to drive.

Please Pray

Please pray for my friend, Kristen. The baby they were adopting went to be with the Lord yesterday.

Total Money Makeover

I just finished reading Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. It was a recommendation by FishMamma. I trust her recommendations and I hadn't read a book on money, well... probably ever.

I grew up hearing about Larry Burkett. I used to listen to his radio show when I was driving to college and back. So most of the ideas that Dave espouses weren't new to me. I knew that it is good to have a budget, not have debt, save for things like college and retirement and give money away charitably too. What was fun about reading this book was his sense of enthusiasm. And he had some new ideas about how to put it all into practice that made sense to me.

FishMamma described him to me as the "hipper, cooler Larry Burkett." I'd say that's probably true. I like that he doesn't talk much about the past. Just start today where you're at and make some changes. It made sense to me to have some money in savings for "emergencies" before you try to tackle debt so you don't go backwards when those emergencies do hit. For a guy with degree's in finance, I'd say his real skill is in what motivates people. People don't like to go backwards; it makes them want to give up.

He uses lots of catch phrases. One of his favorite is the "debt snowball." This is where you line up all your consumer debt (including car loans, but not your mortgage) and systematically pay off the lowest loan first, cross it off, then use the money you were using to pay on that loan toward paying off the second loan. You don't pay attention to which loan has the highest interest rate. Smallest to biggest so you can see quick results and get motivated to move on. It reminded me of books on weight loss. My favorite line in the book talked about how the math may not add up, but if you were so smart with math you wouldn't be in debt now would you! He was much funnier, but I had to return the book to the library so I can't get you an exact quote.

The one thing that I didn't agree with was his world view in regards to money. He is a Christian, and yet I didn't see one reference to God's sovereignty or His grace in regards to money. It was all about my will power, getting motivated, and me, me, me. I have to take control. I have to plan for myself. And in the end, when my money is so secure that nothing bad can touch me, then I have a responsibility to give to others. There was a lot spoken about trusting in a fully funded emergency account, not much about trusting in the Lord.

However, if taken as a tool, it was a very good one I thought. Sean and I have had some great conversations about where our finances stood as a result of me reading this book. I'm sure he got tired of me always asking where we stood. (Sean does all our bills and planning so some things I had no idea about!) And it got me motivated to go back to paying with cash all the time, not just when it was convenient.

I had fun reading it and would recommend it to anyone.

Yummy Smoothie

Yesterday I made a great smoothie. It was a variation from this one that was in Sunset magazine.

Cran-Berry Tea Smoothie

Ingredients:
1/2 cup frozen cranberries

1 cup frozen Trader Joe's Very Cherry Berry blend

1 ripe banana

1/2 cup brewed Tazo Passion tea, cooled to room temperature

1/2 cup Vanilla Almond milk

2 tablespoons honey

In a blender, whirl all ingredients until smooth.

Growing Up

One of Emily's new sayings is
"When I grow up and be big, I....."

Then she proceeds to tell what she'll do once she gets big and grows up. It's pretty cute.

Yesterday I had to take all three kids to the doctor. We've all been sick. She watched Evan and Amy get on the scale and then she got on WITHOUT CRYING! This is huge for her because every time we go to the doctor she screams about having to get weighed, but then she doesn't cry at all for her shots. Funny child.

Then after watching Evan and Amy have their exam, she decided she wanted her exam not on my lap, but on the big exam table. The doctor was quite impressed.

And finally, last night she asked for a pillow to sleep on. Ever since we've moved her to her big girl bed she's basically used it like a big crib ending up in all sorts of funny positions. And she didn't want a pillow. When I checked on her before I went to bed, she was in the same spot on her pillow with her blankets even still over her. It was so sweet. She is growing up so fast!

Company Dessert

Here are some great dessert recipes. I love to cook and especially bake. Which is partly why I need to focus on healthy eating this year! (If you read that post, be sure to read the comments too, they're very good.) But fellowship with friends calls for something special and these desserts are some of my family's favorites.

Peach or Apple Crisp
Mix until blended and crumbly:
1/4 cup flour
1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup oats

Fill your pie pan with either fresh apples, fresh peaches, canned apples or peaches or the best- left over baked apples. Spice your apples or peaches with a little cinnamon sugar and cloves. Top with the crumbly mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until done.

French Berry Glace' Pie
1-1/2 quarts of your favorite berry or mix of berries (I've even used frozen)
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
3 Tablespoons cornstarch
1 pkg cream cheese softened
1 pie shell (either baked or gram cracker)

Simmer 1 cup of berries and 2/3 cup water about 3 minutes. Blend sugar, cornstarch and remaining 1/3 cup water. Add to fruit mix and boil 1 minute stirring constantly. Cool.

Spread cream cheese mixture over bottom of pie shell. Save 1/2 cup of nice looking berries for top. Put remaining berries in pie shell. Cover with cooked mixture and garnish with saved berries. Refrigerate until firm (2 hrs.)

If you use frozen berries, add them all at once to the cooked berry mixture and dump in pie shell. It may take a bit longer to set.

Darn Good Chocolate Cake

1 package devil's food chocolate cake mix
1 package (3.9 oz) chocolate instant pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup oil

Blend on low speed for 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl then blend 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

Fold in 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Pour into greased and floured bunt pan and bake45-50 minutes.
(From the Cake Doctor)

Apple Pecan Pie
Unbaked 9" Pie shell
Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans over the shell and set aside

Combine:
6 cups sliced peeled apples
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Pour apple mixture into pie shell and add topping.

Topping:
Mix 1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
then stir in 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Bake pie at 425 for 45 minutes.

Moosewood Fudge Brownies
1/2 cup butter
3 squares (1 ox each) unsweetened chocolate
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup flour

In a heavy pot, melt butter and chocolate. Add brown sugar and vanilla and mix. Add eggs and beat. Stir in flour and mix until thoroughly blended and smooth.

Pour into 8 or 9 inch baking pan and bake 20 minutes at 350.

Three Cities of Spain Cheesecake
For crust:
1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/8 tsp salt

For Filling:
Three 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened (it should be soft enough to whip)
4 eggs, beaten lightly
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup sugar

For Topping:
16 oz container Daisy brand sour cream
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Make Crust:
Stir together crumbs, butter, sugar, and salt. Sprinkle 1/2 of crumbs along the rim and pressing along the sides evenly about 1 1/4 inches up side. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 over bottom and press evenly over bottom, joining edge.

Make filling and bake cake:
Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until fluffy and add eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla and sugar, beating on low speed until each ingredient is incorporated and scraping down bowl between additions.
Put springform pan with crust in a shallow baking pan. Pour filling into crust and bake in baking pan (to catch drips) in middle of oven 45 minutes, or until cake is set 3 inches from edge but center is still slightly wobbly when pan is gently shaken. Let stand in baking pan on a rack 5 minutes. Leave oven on.

Make topping:
Stir together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Drop spoonfuls of topping around edge of cake and spread gently over center, smoothing evenly. Bake cake with topping 10 minutes.

Run a knife around top edge of cake to loosen and cool completely in springform pan on rack. (Cake will continue to set as it cools.) Chill cake, loosely covered, at least 6 hours. Remove side from pan and transfer cake to a plate. Bring to room temperature before serving. (From Gourmet 1999)

Chocolate - Raspberry Cheesecake
Ingredients
1-1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 cups fresh or frozen loose-pack raspberries, thawed
1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
3 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup semisweet chocolate pieces (6 oz.), melted and cooled


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. For crust, combine crushed crackers and powdered sugar; stir in melted butter. Press onto bottom and about 2 inches up sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.

In a small bowl stir together 1 cup of the raspberries and the granulated sugar. Set aside.

For filling, in a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese and condensed milk with an electric mixer until combined. Add eggs and vanilla; beat just until combined. Divide batter in half. Stir melted chocolate into half of the batter. Pour chocolate batter into crust-lined pan. Stir raspberry-sugar mixture into remaining batter. Spoon raspberry batter over chocolate batter.

Place pan on a shallow baking pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until center appears nearly set when pan is gently shaken. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Loosen crust from sides of pan. Cool 30 minutes. Remove sides of pan; cool cake completely. Cover; chill at least 4 hours. Serve with remaining raspberries. Makes 16 servings.
(from Better Homes and Gardens- all the links are from their web site)

Chocolate Italian Cake
One recipe of HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake and Frosting
8 oz package of cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla
chocolate chips
Triple Sec Orange Liquor or Grand Mariner

Bake the cake. While still warm sprinkle a couple of cap full of the orange liquor over each layer.

Beat the cream cheese with about 2 tsp. vanilla and about 1/2 to 1 cup powdered sugar. (To taste. This is not frosting, just sweetened cheese)

When the cake layers are cool, spread the cream cheese over the top of the first layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top to cover completely. Add the next layer and frost with chocolate frosting.
(My mom made up this recipe after visiting Italy and tasting something similar over there. Thus the name.)

Cappuccino-Fudge Cheesecake

Be sure to make this dessert at least one day ahead to allow the flavors to blend.
Servings: Makes 12 servings.

Ingredients:
Crust 1 9-ounce box chocolate wafer cookies
6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
7 tablespoons hot melted unsalted butter

Ganache:
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
20 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped (I use dark chocolate chips)
1/4 cup Kahlúa or other coffee-flavored liqueur

Filling
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature1
1/3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 tablespoons dark rum
2 tablespoons instant espresso powder or coffee crystals
2 tablespoons ground whole espresso coffee beans (medium-coarse grind)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons mild-flavored (light) molasses
4 large eggs

Topping
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Espresso coffee beans (optional)

Preparation
For crust: Finely grind cookies, chopped chocolate, brown sugar, and nutmeg in processor. Add butter and process until crumbs begin to stick together, scraping down bowl occasionally, about 1 minute. Transfer crumbs to 10-inch-diameter springform pan with 3-inch-high sides. Wrap plastic wrap around fingers and press crumb mixture firmly up sides to within 1/2 inch of top edge, then over bottom of pan.

For ganache: Bring whipping cream to simmer in large saucepan. Remove from heat; add chocolate and Kahlúa. Whisk until chocolate is melted and ganache is smooth. Pour 2 cups ganache over bottom of crust. Freeze until ganache layer is firm, about 30 minutes. Reserve remaining ganache; cover and let stand at room temperature to use later for creating lattice pattern.

For filling: Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350°F. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until blended. Beat in flour. Stir rum, espresso powder, ground coffee, vanilla, and molasses in small bowl until instant coffee dissolves; beat into cream cheese mixture. Beat in eggs 1 at a time, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl.

Pour filling over cold ganache in crust. Place cheesecake on rimmed baking sheet. Bake until top is brown, puffed and cracked at edges, and center 2 inches moves only slightly when pan is gently shaken, about 1 hour 5 minutes. Transfer cheesecake to rack. Cool 15 minutes while preparing topping (top of cheesecake will fall slightly). Maintain oven temperature.

For topping: Whisk sour cream, sugar, and vanilla in medium bowl to blend. Pour topping over hot cheesecake, spreading to cover filling completely. Bake until topping is set, about 10 minutes. Transfer cheesecake to rack. Refrigerate hot cheesecake on rack until cool, about 3 hours.

Run small sharp knife between crust and pan sides to loosen cake; release pan sides. Transfer cheesecake to platter. Spoon reserved ganache into pastry bag fitted with small star tip. Pipe 6 diagonal lines atop cheesecake, spacing 1 inch apart. Repeat in opposite direction, making lattice. Pipe rosettes of ganache around top edge of cake. Garnish with coffee beans, if desired. Chill until lattice is firm, at least 6 hours. (Can be made 4 days ahead. Wrap loosely in foil, forming dome over lattice; keep chilled.)

Books in 2008

Many bloggers keep track of the books they read on their sidebar. I always enjoy reading book reviews by my favorite bloggers. So this year I'm planning on keeping records of my own. When I finish a book, I'll put it on the sidebar. I would like to try and write a little review too. We'll see.

A while ago Alicia tagged me with another Book Meme. Here's my answers to the questions.

My current reading:
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
Pleasing People By Lou Priolo
Teach Them Diligently By Lou Priolo
A Hunger For God By John Piper
If All the Swords in England by Barbara Willard (With Evan)
Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp (With Sean)
Honey For A Child's Heart by Gladys Hunt

Number of Books You Own:
I don't know for sure. I'm guessing around 3,000. I'd like to join LibraryThing to keep track.

Last Book I Finished:
The Hidden Smile of God: The Fruit of Affliction in the Lives of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd by John Piper

This was a wonderful set of biographies that was very encouraging.

Last Book I Bought:
Knitting Never Felt Better and Last Minute Knitted Gifts (bought as a present for my sister-in-law).

Five Most Meaningful Books:
I get something out of just about every book that I read. To have to think about 5 that are most meaningful would take so long that I would never have this meme done. So I'm wimping out and not answering this one. If you'd like my opinion on a specific type of book (ie. marriage, children's, or fiction) just ask and I can answer that!

Five Favorite Books:
1. The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
2. The Fisherman's Lady by George MacDonald
3. Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney
4. The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
5. The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Favorite Children's Books:
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
Captain Cat by Syd Hoff
Stan The Hot Dog Man by Ethel Kessler
Time For Bed by Mem Fox
Mr. and Mrs. Button's Wonderful Watchdogs by Janice Duvoisin

Healthy Eating in 2008

Are you the type to make New Years Resolutions? I think about different things that I need to change, but I don't necessarily make a "resolution". But, these two articles have got me thinking. You can read them here, and here. The first is by David Powlison, the second by the GirlTalkers.

One of the areas that Sean and I both would like to make changes in this coming year is our health. Specifically weight. Powlison and Nicole Whitacre both talk whether or not your resolutions glorify yourself or God. If I am wanting to lose weight only so that I can look good and feed my ego and become more vain than that is a goal that would not be honoring to God. So is wanting to lose weight a God honoring goal? That is what I've been thinking about today. Here are a few of my thoughts.

For me the real issues are gluttony, and a misplaced hope. People don't use the word gluttony much anymore. But really if you consistently eat more than you need, that is what it is called and the Bible calls it a sin. A quick search on Wikipedia showed this definition.

"Derived from the Latin gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow, gluttony is the over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink, or intoxicants to the point of waste. In some Christian denominations, it is considered one of the seven deadly sins—a misplaced desire of food or its withholding from the needy.
Early Church leaders (e.g., Thomas Aquinas) took a more expansive view of gluttony (Okholm 2000), arguing that it could also include an obsessive anticipation of meals, and the constant eating of delicacies and excessively costly foods.[2] He went so far as to prepare a list of five ways to commit gluttony, including:
Praepropere - eating too soon
Laute - eating too expensively
Nimis - eating too much
Ardenter - eating too eagerly
Studiose - eating too daintily"

Eating too soon, too much and too expensively are things I am guilty of much of the time. God has already been convicting me of how much I spend on food but I had not really thought of it connected with the word gluttony. This is an area that He is working on in my heart.

When I look to food to console me after a long day, or on a lonely night when Sean is gone, then I am looking to food to bring me comfort. That's why they call it comfort food! The misplaced hope is that the food will somehow make it all better, when in reality, if my body doesn't need food ( and it usually doesn't after eating a full meal!) I am feeding a vicious cycle. I am starting to realize that many times when I find myself in the kitchen "looking" for something to eat, I am really looking for something to sooth or fill a different need than hunger. Or I am tired, discouraged etc. and think (or feel) that I deserve some kind of reward. Rather than being content the circumstances that God has for me and letting Him decide what and when will be my reward, I take matters into my own hands and decide that chocolate is what I deserve! Only now I have 20 extra pounds to show for it!

So after that long winded ramble, here is my simple resolution for the next couple of weeks: to drink water before I eat extra food (mostly snack times) and ask myself, "What am I looking for?" when I feel like I need just a little something as a "treat" for myself.

I don't drink enough water. I've fainted from dehydration before and I do know better. So I think that this is a healthy step in the right direction. I know that food issues can be complicated. If you have any thoughts about it all I'd love to hear what you have to say.

2007-Highlights That Didn't Make The Blog

January -

My niece Abigail was born. We drove to go and see her one day old.

February-

We joined a new homeschool group and started participating in the co-op classes. Amy took a ballet class; Evan loved the science classes.

March- Happy St. Patrick's Day!

April- Easter pictures of the kids

May- Amy earned her Sparky Award for finishing all three books in Sparks.

June- The best time for flowers in my garden!

July- For our anniversary, Sean took me to an exotic location.....

Las Vegas! Where you can "visit" any city you want even Venice. We went to see Phantom of the Opera and Stomp.


August- Grandma Ellen's birthday camp out. All 5 of Sean's brothers and sisters came and our 1 cousin on Sean's side, Skyler.

September- Our mostly annual campout with my friends from college, Cat, Cara and their families. We missed you Jana!

October- We went to my parent's house for a visit at the beginning of the month for their Harvest Fair. It was good to see both my sisters and their kids. This was baby Noah's first costume!
November- We had Thanksgiving at our house this year with my parents.

December - Evan is looking forward to joining Boy Scouts this coming year. He had the opportunity to do some rock climbing with the group as part of his Weblos (Cub Scout) requirement.

"Home School Family"

This is absolutely hilarious! If you homeschool or know someone who does, you'll get a good laugh out of this short video. Watch it here.

Emily's Take on Christmas Decorations

Emily has given us a lot of laughs this month.

Santa Claus

*Disclaimer* We don't celebrate Santa Claus at our house. We have some ornaments that family have given us and our stockings that we keep for sentimental reasons. (You can read about it here and here.) But other than that there are no Santas around here. Our kids know the real story of St. Nicholas, that he was a man who did kind things for the poor. But he died and did not rise again. Christmas is about Jesus.

But.... you see the jolly old St. Nick everywhere. Especially when he's 15 feet tall perched atop the Wendys that we pass every time we go to Church! This is Emily's response, every time!

"Look, its the funny man with the HO-HO hat!!!"

Christmas Trees

Emily loves Christmas trees. When we went to get ours she started singing "O Christmas Tree" at the top of her lungs! Here's her version.

"O Kistmas Twee O Kismas Twee, Ne Non Non Change Me"

She loves this song and sings it almost everyday!

Nativity

We have a playmobile Nativity set that has seen better days. Emily also loves to play with what's left of it. I think we'll be up for a new one next year.

When we put it up she started singing, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong. They are weak but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so!"

She sings this song just about everyday too, usually when playing with the nativity set. It's so precious!

Chocolate decorations are good too!

Amy Singing

These pictures were taken yesterday when Amy's choir performed their final Christmas Concert. We forgot our camera. These were on the front page of our "Local" section in the paper! We all had such a great time listening to Amy and the other choirs, and singing along for some of the songs too.
The concert hall.
The new organ that our community is very proud of.

Amy bottom left singing with her choir.

Christmas Meme

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper with fancy ribbon. When we were first married, I tried to use the cheap curly ribbon and Sean asked me if I could please use nice ribbon. I'm sure he doesn't even remember that conversation, but now I like to use the ribbon that has wired edges.

2. REAL OR FAKE TREE?

Real! I grew up with 17 foot tall REAL trees. The tradition dies hard.

3. When do you put up the tree?

Varies, depends on Sean's schedule and when he has some free time.

4. When do you take the tree down?

A few days after Christmas

5. Do you like eggnog?

Love it!

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

I have no idea! I received a lot of good ones.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes, we have a playmobile one, a clay one, a little glass one from Mexico and an expensive set that my father in law sent to us for Christmas last year. With all that, I'll be on the look out for after Christmas sales to buy one for each of the kids rooms. (Inspired by Kim.)

8. Hardest person to buy for?

Sean

9. Easiest person to buy for?

My mom, we like a lot of the same things.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

The 9 foot tall metal windmill that was supposed to go in our yard.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Snail Mail. Our family newsletter produced entirely by my creative husband is something that at least a dozen people or more ask specifically if they are going to get. But after printing upwards of 150 we're thinking maybe next year asking people to give us their email if they still want to get it. Who knows we may just send it to that dozen who really want it!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?

We just watched A White Christmas today so I can't think of much else. But that is a really great movie.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

The day after Christmas. But really in earnest around Oct/November

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Sure, anyone want a 9 foot windmill?!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

Dessert.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

I've always wanted to try a clear tree that was elegant and classy. Sean likes colored and all our ornaments are kid made, bought for kids or little santas and snowmen dressed like what Sean does for work. So we always go with the colored. This year we have lights that have an "elegant" sparkle. I put white lights on the windowsill with greenery.

17. Favorite Christmas music?

Live! I love going to Christmas concerts.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

We travel to my parents one year and stay home the next.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's?

No.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

In years past we've had a snowflake. This year, I put up a cross ornament for two reasons. One, I didn't want to get out the ladder to put the snowflake up with. (The cross has a loop that I could just reach to the top, the snowflake has to be plugged in.) But mostly because I think it's a cool idea.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

One present on Christmas eve, the rest Christmas morning...unless Sean has to work it, then we get creative.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

My tendency to want to spend too much money.

23. What is the "corniest" family tradition you do, or miss doing?

I really miss those 17 foot tall trees and the all day hikes that it took to find them.

24. Ugliest Christmas Decoration ever invented?

I really dislike "cutesy" things.

25. Which looks the best, theme trees or homey trees?

I grew up with the homey tree, and I every year we have a homey tree. (see #16) But one of these years, I'd like to have a theme tree. Although our tree is in danger of becoming a "Santa ____ Man" tree and that's not quite the theme I had in mind!

Here are some pictures.

The Gift of Contentment

This article came today in my email box. It didn't have it's own web page (that I could find) so I just copied it here for you. I sooo needed to hear this today. We have been struggling with school this fall. Or rather I should say my idea of what school should look like. Sean's job, my health, and a two year old among other things, have really thrown me for a loop. I have several times felt like I could not do this job anymore. But the reality is I just don't WANT to sometimes. I have wanted to teach on my terms and my life is not cooperating! I'm grateful that God directed me to this article to encourage me and help me to see my sin.

The Gift of Contentment

I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of being a contented mother and wife. Contentment can be an area we struggle with as Christian women. This is evident in the e-mails I receive from moms, and I recognize it in my life. While we should be the most contented women on the face of the earth, we may live our lives dissatisfied and striving for something different. Here is a request that was recently sent in as a Mom's Corner topic. First the mom shared a specific situation with me, which isn't included here, and then she moved on to her question.

Is my dissatisfaction evidence of God leading us to further changes or just my own flesh lacking contentment? I also don't want to throw my family into upheaval when it's just me struggling with the transition of homeschooling. It is my personal tendency to look for greener grass on the other side of the fence. When is it appropriate to press God for change, and when is it best to put your head down and press faithfully on with what you've already been given?
My husband and I continue to discuss it at length. We are not at odds. I am not nagging him. We just continue to discuss topics as they come up, remaining open to the other's heart on this subject.A Questioning Mom

Scripture has some specific verses for us when we begin to think about contentment. Let's start with them as a basis for our discussion.

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11-13).

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:6-8).

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5).

When I am asking myself the questions this mom is asking—is my dissatisfaction an indication of God's leading or my own flesh lacking contentment?—I usually become aware that the answers involve my selfish heart. I am not choosing obedience to what the Lord Jesus has told me in these verses that have to do with contentment. Being dissatisfied is a symptom of that disobedience. If I am not being obedient, would He use my disobedience as a vehicle to prompt change? I don't believe He will. Instead, I am to learn to be content, to rest in the Lord Jesus and where He has me at the moment. Then if there is to be change, He will orchestrate it.
My first goal is to repent of the lack of contentment. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he learned contentment. It wasn't a state of mind that came naturally for him. It was a process that involved times of both hardship and bounty. Contentment with plenty was obviously not as difficult as contentment with hunger or need, but he said he had to learn it in both states. With God's strength Paul chose to take his thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and be content. That is exactly what I need to do as well.

My experience has been that God brings change as a result of my contentment, not my discontentment. For example, for the past two years we have had no place to practice our family music except our living room. This means we always have instruments out in the living room. For a month or so before a trip, we also have our sound equipment out for practice sessions. The open area of our living room becomes filled with microphone stands and cables snaking everywhere. While I don't prefer the instruments and sound equipment to be out, I have been content with it. Last year, it became evident that our Titus2 ministry had outgrown our present home. We are now building another house that will accommodate the book storage needs, and it will also allow us an upstairs room where we can practice our music.

Discontentment seems to breed murmuring and complaining—a negative attitude toward the problem or situation. However, Scripture tells us to "Do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14). Whatever we are discontent about becomes our focus and the topic of our regular complaints. Therefore, it also easily leads us to being a contentious woman—certainly a bad example for our children: "A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike" (Proverbs 27:15).

Sometimes there is a problem or need in our school or with the children. As I pray about it and take it to Steve, it isn't discontentment on my part that brings the solution. Rather, it is my accepting the situation and waiting on the Lord for His direction if there is to be a change of any kind. If I am not content and willing to wait on the Lord and my husband, then I become that contentious woman—nagging—a continual dripping to him.

I want my children to be content. Not only do I want them to be content, but I want them to be grateful as well. That begins in my heart and with my attitude. I can't expect from them what I don't have victory over in my own life. They will be aware of my discontent because they will hear my murmuring words and sense my negative heart.

Contentment is not complacency. If my house is a mess, I am not to be complacent by choosing not to clean it while saying I am content with the state of my house. However, if I am sick and can't clean the house as I normally would, then I need to be content to wait on the work until I am well.

I would encourage the mom who wrote to me to work on learning to be content in the area in which she is dissatisfied. Then as she rests in the Lord, she will observe what He will do with the situation. Perhaps He will leave it as it is. Perhaps He will change it the way she is wanting it to be. "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalms 37:4-5). Perhaps it will take a turn she couldn't even envision at this point. It all starts with a focus on the questions: What is my delight? Is it in me and what I want, or is it in my Lord Jesus? May I encourage each of us to be known as women of contentment.

Written by Teri Maxwell, co-author of Managers of Their Homes, Managers of Their Chores, Keeping Our Children's Hearts, Just Around the Corner (Vols. 1 & 2), and author of Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit.

Art Class

My parents came to visit for Thanksgiving and got to come to our weekly Art Class. My dad brought his camera and took some great pictures.

The kids have been working with clay quite a bit lately.



But Emily would rather be painting...


Or drawing...

Actually, she's pretty happy at art class.


Outside, our teacher has a wonderful garden that Emily plays in when she's "done" with art. She has a couple of persimmon trees that we had fun picking.

My mom.




Our lovely art teacher!