Let's talk about Christian

This post is going to be all about Christian. This year he joined Cub Scouts, and LOVES it! I have other feelings towards Cub Scouts, but seeing the look on his face when he puts on his uniform is priceless. He really enjoys all the fun activities his Den/Pack does. This last weekend was Veteran's Day. His Den got together at a local memorial and learned about WHAT veterans are, and WHY we celebrate Veteran's Day. It was precious seeing the boys paying tribute to all the Veterans. After we were done at the memorial, we then went to the Nisqually Wildlife refuge. It was pretty cool, but I think next time we'll go when it's a little warmer.

On Saturday his Den went to the Lakewood Police Department. It was very humbling being in a police station, especially Lakewood, WA. A year ago on November 29th there were 4 Lakewood Police officers that were shot and killed while at a coffee shop. It made national news and was quite a shock to the community. They have done a great job remembering those officers that were killed.

Putting yellow ribbons on the trees at the memorial

At the Memorial in Lacey

Lakewood Police Station

When our kids were younger, they would say the cutest things. Now that they are a little older you think the cuteness would've worn off, but it hasn't. Christian said the funniest thing the other day.

Scenario: Ashlee just got out of the shower, and was getting dressed. She only had her shirt on, and door open to her room. Christian is in his room, right across the hall playing with his toys. He looks up and sees his sister half dressed dancing around and says (serious tone) "that's awkward". I died laughing.

Then again today on the way to school, he says to me:

"Mom, I hate homework, why do we have it?"

I replied, "Well, homework reinforces what you learned in school, it helps keep the information in your head. I wish I would have done my homework when I first got home from school. Then I probably would have had better grades. I want you and Ashlee to have better grades than I did, OK?"

Thinking about what I said, "O.K. mom, I'm going to take your advice".

Thankfulness

I see all over facebook, people writing what they are thankful for each day for the month of November. It is such a great idea, and I'm glad everyone is taking a step back and looking at the blessings God has bestowed on them. I started to examine my own life and realized I take so much for granted, and don't realize what I'm blessed with.

My children:

Recently my mom told me of a neighbor who's little boy (2 yrs old) has a brain tumor and will possibly not make it to Christmas, or even Thanksgiving. It is so sad and my heart breaks for this family. So many days I take for granted the fact that my children are healthy. Yes, they may drive me crazy some days, but those days I wouldn't trade for anything.

Husband:

I am so thankful that I have my husband here, safe and sound. There were so many 'close calls', last year, but he's here. God shows me again and again that he has so much more in store for Rande, he's not finished with him yet. I thank God every day; even the days Rande drives me up the wall, that I have someone to share life's joys, sorrows, and exciting, moments with

Job:

Rande's job has been pretty stressful lately. I said to him the other day to just remember how blessed we are to have a job. Our country is hurting economically right now and people are losing their jobs, and homes. There may be some downfalls with the ARMY as an employer but we have a home, food, clothes, job security and are blessed with a little extra each month.

Family:

Moving to Georgia has really made me open my eye and see how blessed I am to have family within a day's drive away. My brother, sister, and nephew (soon to be nephew/niece) are less than 4 hrs away. My parents (sister) are only 8 hrs away, and just 2 more hours we are at Rande's parents, and my Grandparents. Tickets from Georgia to Montana will run us $2400, I don't' think we'll be making multiple trips to Montana throughout the year.

Christ:

I'm so humbled by our Savior's love and forgiveness. He is gracious to forgive me even when I am such a mess, and filthy. He never ceases to amaze me by taking care of us, blessing us with so much more than we deserve. He is truly my best friend, and I long for the moments I am able to spend with him; learning, praising and just being with him. He is my refugee through life's storms.

So what are you thankful for this year?

Famous and growing up

Check out this cutie!

The other day I picked up a JBLM guidebook 2010, and started flipping through the pages. In reading, I realized Christian doesn't need a car seat anymore, uh....where have I been? I still thought he was 5. Anyways, so I continued flipping, and what do I find? A picture of my very own Ashlee at the Thrift shop. She has chubby cheeks and looks so little. It was just last year.

Betty Crocker in the Kitchen

The other day Ashlee was home sick from school. So I decided to catch up on some recipes that I've been wanting to try. They turned out so yummy, that I thought I'd share them with you. Just click on the picture and it will take you to the website with the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Bread

Granola Bars. Rande even loved these- he HATES coconut! Next time I'm going to try some other ingredients, just look at some suggestions on the recipe

I made these for Halloween, something fun for the kids. They were really good, and SO SUPER easy! Maybe keep it in mind for next year, or even Thanksgiving?

HEALTHY muffins! I pulled this recipe off of one of my favorite sites; Eat Better America. They are really yummy, made with whole wheat flour, and yes there are chocolate chips in them.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins - HEALTHIFIED!

Fall Festivities

Our 4th annual trip to Schilter Family Farm in Nisqually, WA. It was a beautiful day and the pumpkins were ripe. Here are a few pictures from our adventure, as well as Halloween.

Trying to find the "perfect pumpkin"
Ashlee brought her camera to take pictures of the cute little pumpkins

Trying to man the wheel barrow

Carmel Apples, SO good!

Daddy's favorite

We went trick or treating around our neighborhood for a change this year. The kids made out REALLY well, so if you are low on sugar, just let me know and I'll send you some. Christian was Anakin Skywalker and Ashlee was Padme. I realize they are brother and sister, and it may be kind of weird, but they ARE 5 and 8 and I thought it was cute.

Anakin (his mask was kind of creepy)

Padme with ATTITUDE