Jakob's Nativity

Today Jakob said he would do something to decorate the classroom. I love how he truely get the meaning of Christmas. He could have drawn a Santa, snowman, or christmas tree; he decided to draw a nativity scene. Love it!

Our tree is up!

Today was a busy day of decorating and all things Christmas around the house. We got the tree up and the kiddos are so excieted they can barely stand it. This feels like it is going to be a rushed Christmas already, I really hope not. I am all done shopping and all ready, I can't wait for all the happiness of the season to kick in.

Thankful Day 24

Today I am thankful for God's creation, without it all the things I love would not surround me. Also thankful for my daddy, today is his 60th birthday. Happy Birthday Dad!

Thankful day 23

Thankful we made it to our campground safely and stress free. I am so excited for the next 4 days of river front camping. The kids are so pooped they were in bed by 7:20. They can't wait to cruise the campground on bike tomorrow. I love my family time so much, so blessed!

Thankful day 22

So thankful  a long day is over and I get to go to be. Oye!

Thankful day 21

Many things to be thankful for today!
I am so thankful that today was such a beautiful day.
I am thankful that the girl that backed into the kids and I didn't cause any damage.
I am thankful for the joy and laughter the kids and I shared at lunch.
I am thankful for Kelly taking Mikayla with them to the park on a bike ride. I heart you!
I am thankful Jake had a great time with his buddy Tom. He love's him, so sweet!
I am thankful to have Beth Ann as a friend. <3
I am thankful I now have my turkey. Gobble Gobble
I am thankful Lisa picked up a present for Mikayla for me. Love you Lisa!
I am thankful that I didn't have to cook dinner tonight, and on top of that it ended up being free because of crazy slow business.
I am thankful that God heals our hearts! I love him!

Thankful day 20

I am so thankful for my mom knowing she needed to call me today when she did.

I love her so much!

Thankful day 19

A day late but meant to post it last night.

I am so thankful that Jakob got play a season of flag football. The last game of the season and he did great!

He was so happy to have trophies, a medal to wear around his neck, and beautiful book ends from his coach.

Thank you Tim and Laurie for giving this to him.

Thankful day 18

I am so thankful that both of my children love and trust int the Lord along with David and I.

I just saw the mother from Illinois interveiwed on the today show. Last friday night her 10 year old daughter commited sucide by hanging herself in her closet. 10 years old. That is just sad. Mikayla is 9 I could not imagine. Her mother was saying that she was being teased and taunted at school for years. She even asked her parents to home school her on several occasions because of her struggles.  :(

I hope parents across the nation along with teachers wake up from this tragic event. The poor mom carries so much regret right now, I feel bad for her. She now wants tell her story to help other kids. It  is so sad that she is seeing this after the fact. So heartbreaking.

It really saddens me because she was one of may children who are lost inside and they are too young and not capable of voicing how they feel. Also maybe lacking the proper guidance and self esteem to overcome. My heart hurts for them.

Thankful day 17

Today I am thankful that the kids are improving by leaps and bounds with their reading skills.They have both struggled with this. At this moment Mikayla is addicted to reading and Jakob is being retrained because of mild dyslexia issues. I am so happy to have Reading Horizons program in our life! Since they have both been doing good I started my own read to ride program for Knotts Berry Farm.  It is great to see them excited about reading.

Matthew West- Heart of Christmas

I found the new video for the movie. If you look hard enough at second 1:47-1:52 Mikayla's little head is in the bottom left of the screen. Click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASJktrBObrI&feature=share

Thankful Day 16

I am so thankful Mikayla got her braces off today. She took such great care of her teeth; with no set backs she got her braces off 3 months ahead of schedule. I love her little face, although she looks so much older with out them now. She wanted a crispy crunchy sourdough roll with turkey & avocado, a side of celery and carrots for lunch. Then she bit into a apple just because she could. So cute! Tonight for desert was an apple pie caramel apple.

Way to go Monkey, Great job for taking great care and being careful with them!

Thankful Day 15

Today I am thankful for having my faith. Without that I would be lost. I am thankful that I have God's word to rely on to keep me on the straight and narrow. 

The Heart of Christmas Premier

At the beginning of the school year I got a phone call from my friend Coleen to see if the kids would like to be extras in a movie that was being filmed in Simi. Of course Mikayla said yes and Mr. Jakob was on the fence. So we called and signed them up, when we got the call we were at the beach with some friends and they came along with us that next day. It was such a great experience for the kids.

Last night we were privileged to go see the premier of The Heart of Christmas. We started the night off at my old favorite The Stinking Rose restaurant; the kids loved it. Then we were off to the Premier. The premiere was so exciting for the kids they got to see all the familiar faces from the day of filming.

Then after all the mingling and red carpet shots we finally got to see the movie. It was a tear jerker but the message was sweet. Mikayla had such a great time seeing herself on the big screen to the point where she wants to do it more. We will have to see about that. Jakob’s scene was a flash as well as mine. After the movie they played we got to see the new music video for The Heart of Christmas by Matthew West; at one part you can see Mikayla’s little head in the bottom left. 

It was a wonderful experience for the kids to be involved with this production. Not on the filming aspect but the reason this movie was made. The parents of the little boy made this to raise enough money to support St. Jude for one day. This is why Mikayla wants to act so she can make her own money to donate to St. Jude as well; she is so sweet.  

It was so fun to watch the kids at the event. Mikayla was so proud and took everything in with a smile on her face; she loved it. Jakob had fun but when it came to the red carpet and being in any form of attraction clammed up. I was proud of them both. 

Here the trailer for the movie http://www.matthewwest.com/

 

Here is the original music video that inspired the movie; the new video will be out soon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye39mgcHC3E

 

The movie will air on GMC Gospel Music Channel on December 4^th   at 7 & 9 ET. For the Los Angeles area it the channel is available on Dish Network channel 188 & Direct TV channel 338. If you live out of the Los Angeles area check for availability in your area at this link:  http://gmc2.viewerlink.tv/?zip=Enter%20Your%20Zip

Thankful Day 14

So thankful for the night my family had, it was a great one!

Thankful Day 13

I am thankful for Kathleen Scott

Being thankful; so many reasons! My heart is hurting for someone I don’t even know. 

Hit rewind…

As you know we home school, we used to home school at a school in Somis called Somis Home Study. We were there from fall of 2006 to the end of the school year in 2011. The kids went to school once a week while at Somis. My very first year there Jake and I would drop off Mikayla then go about our day and pick Mikayla up. Over time when we went to pick up Mikyala I would always see this mother of a homeschooled student in her car. She always looked so sad also she was never very talkative. I would just smile and she would smile back. I never bothered her much, her sister often picked her daughter up, and I got to know her sister just in passing. I still always wondered what this mom was going through. I would see her and I would put this sweet nameless mother in my prayers. I got to know her daughter because she and Mikayla played on the playground, she was a delight but I also sensed sadness in her as well. 

One day I think it was our second year end at Somis at the park awards ceremony. I went to sit on a bench to watch the kids; this mother that I always carried a heavy heart for was on the bench. We exchanged the usual mom on the bench exchanges and then we began to talk. I think the conversations opened because I was stressed about the wind with Jacobs’ lungs, and he had to use his inhaler.  She then asked about it and told her my story with him. After talking with her about lung disease I learned about her struggle. I felt so small at that moment. She began to tell me about her beautiful daughter Jacque and her death to a preventable horrific disease called Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy, more commonly known as Krabbe (crab ā) Disease, is an inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal enzyme disorder affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. It was a mouthful, and my heart was so heavy it hurt to swallow. During our conversation she had told me that if our state had the Krabbe screening in the heel prick New Born Screening test her daughter would be alive today. New York is the only state that has screening for it at this time. 

I can say this mother is my friend now. She is one of the strongest women I have ever met. She started a charity event called Drive for Hope. It is a yearly golf tournament in honor of her daughter and many other children affected by this horrific disease. The monies raised from the event go to Hunters Hope; a foundation started by Buffalo Bills player Jim Kelly and his wife Jill.  Hunters Hope is named after their son Hunter who also lost his life to Krabbe. Kathleen also raises money for the foundation at Jacque’s Celebration of Life in July. She is also the National Family Support person for Hunters Hope.    

               

Fast forward to today…

Today I had a photo shoot with the family that won my photography services at Jacque’s Celebration of Life. I am thankful I am able to do this for Hunters Hope. When I got home I saw a post on facebook from Kathleen and it was one about a sweet little girl from Salem, OR who lost her life to Krabbe at 2:44 PM today. I was on my way to my shoot at that time, I feel so bad for the family.

You never know who you are going to allow in to your life and heart. Then when you reflect, you look back and see why you have these friendships and how they make you grow. I am so thankful that God put Kathleen Scott in my life. She has no idea, but she has taught me so much. Please take the time to check into how you can help Hunters Hope, and to check into Supplemental Newborn Screening if you are expecting or know somebody that is. It can save a life!

Today I pray for Cassin-Potts Family of Salem, Oregon, for the loss of their daughter. Rest in peace Anaya!

thankful day 12

Today I am thankful for musicians. I love music and so many types; I love that a song can whisk you away to a distant memory or a period in your life; some good, some not so good. It gets you to want to move, to sing out, it can depress you, and it can cause so much joy.  I put on Hank Williams senior today with the kids and we just danced around and had a great time. I love that you can just create fun by turning it on. Thank you musicians your wonderfully gifted craft.

Oops!

So yesterday my monkey lost another tooth. As usual all the hype and talk of the tooth fairy was buzzing around the house. Every time a tooth is lost I prepare a very cute letter from the tooth fairy and it is placed with the money. Here is where the oops come in. I went to bed thinking I will do it in 15 minutes because I thought she was still awake, and I fell asleep. :( I woke up in dread as David and Jakob were awake. To my surprise she was still asleep. Phew, I am in the clear I thought, no; as I was sneaking in she wakes up. Quickly I said, "Oh honey did you call me?" No mommy I didn't, she replied. So then I crawl in bed with her note and money in hand. I really thought I was caught. So them I suggested we cuddle. I was then able to get everything in place while the other hand was tickling her back the only problem was I could not get her tooth out of the container along with the letter she wrote the tooth fairy. Mikayla has always used the same container for her tooth when she had lost it, this time she changed it up. Mikayla noticed, that the tooth and letter were still in the place where she had put them. Yet again half awake I had to think quickly. So I told her that she must not have been able to find it; as both containers were next to each other. So now everything is in place for yet again another tooth fairy visit. Lets hope I don't fall asleep tonight too.

Thankful Day 11

I am so thankful for the many Americans who are serving and have served our country. I am honored to be an American, we often can get wrapped up in our selfishness and forget about all the selfless actions these hero's have done and are still doing. For them I am thankful! As for our fallen hero's I am forever thankful for their strength, courage, and determination. We are a lucky country to have these men and women. God bless the U.S.A.!

My little dude...

Jakob loves loves loves his skateboarding class. He is so cute he counts down the minutes the entire day. He is so focused when he does this, I love seeing him in action. Although I hate seeing him fall; that is tough, I don't know how I will be able to watch as he progresses. I am just happy he has found something that he can get lost in. It was so cute to see a look of accomplishment when he and his teacher did a trick. He is such a cutie!

Thankful Day 10

I am so thankful today that my mom and dad have decided to come and spend Christmas with us. The kids have been asking me if the would ever be coming for Christmas to our house again. I am so thankful they chose to come this year, I can't wait! Christmas has been so hard on me since they moved to Oregon, this will be nice!

Thankful day 9

I am so thankful for Mikayla's love of our earth and every thing that dwells on it.

Today we went out for lunch after seeing a play. While at leaving lunch the kiddos got balloons; Mikayla asked to put hers in the car because she didn't want to carry it in the store. After she put it in a gust of wind came through and pushed the balloon out. Tears filled up in her eyes, I told her honey don't cry it's an accident. She looked at me and said, "mommy I just littered, and its horrible. If it goes into the ocean some animal will confuse the rubber for food. If it goes in the Santa Monica mountains a mountain lion or coyote will get caught up in the ribbon or eat it." I just looked at her and said your right it could and told her that everything will be ok it was an accident.

I am thankful that she is aware of cause and effect, and that she is passionate about this. At first I thought oh dear child grow up and stop crying, but the tears were good, as well as our conversation.

Day 8 of being Thankful

I am so thankful that I have started my Keepers group for Mikayla and her friends. It is such a blessing to have these 6 little girls with me, and to be able to guide them. I am so Thankful for sweet Rebecca Perry and her willingness to help me. Love her!

Vanilla Bean Doughnuts with Chocolate Glaze

Vanilla Doughnut

2 cups of sifted pastry flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup half & half (room temp)
2 eggs lightly beaten(room temp)
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
1 vanilla bean

1. preheat oven to 425 & lightly oil doughnut pan

2. Mix all dry ingredients together in a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl mix half & half, eggs, and vainlla

4. in a small pan on low melt butter and scrape the inside of the vanilla bean into the butter. Cook on low heat to infuse the butter with the vanilla. Smells yummy! With a rubber/silicone scrapper add butter mixture to wet ingredients.

5. Beat wet mixture into the dry mixture until well blended.

6. Pour into doughnut pan only filling it a little over half full.

7. Bake for 8 minutes or until dough springs back. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing them.


Chocolate Glaze

1/2 cup of Ghirardelli semi sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons warm water
2 tablespoons bakers sugar (its a finer grain)

Add all ingredients and cook in a double boiler until completely melted and smooth, then glaze doughnuts.

Day 7-thankful

Day 7

Today I am thankful for my sweet Mikayla! I love the person she is growing into, her heart amazes me everyday. She carries her love of God with her everywhere she goes. She is such a passionate little girl! She is always eager to help, and to learn something new. I love her!

Day 6-thankful

Day-6

Today I am thankful for having a church, a place to go to reminded us of Gods Word. So many times we forget messages we have heard through the years and the simple reminders make us feel good!

day 5- Thankful

day 5

Today I am thankful for friends! I had such a great time at lunch and shopping with my friend Kerry today. We need to take more time for friends because it isn't just about spending the time with them, it is about making ourselves feel full and complete. It had been 2 years since her and I have carved time out to sit alone with each other and enjoy our company. So for that I am thankful for friends; I am going to work harder this coming year to getting together with all of them.

Magic Mountian

I never thought I would say this but I think I am getting too old for roller coasters! Am I allowed to say that at 36? My back is killing me. The newer coasters are smooth; it's the old ones that kill me. Not only that but we froze out butts off today, it was so cold. We got lucky, it didn't rain on us until the end of the day, thank God! When it decided to rain we happened to be on Goliath; not the thing to do when it is pouring; the raindrops felt like we were being sand blasted. So cold! Laurie and Tim came with us to share in the fun, the kids loved it. Off to bed to warm up!

Day- 4 Thankful

day 4-

Today I am thankful for my little Jakob. He is such a joy to us. He is our busy body who never putters out, always on the go, and loves his family. He does so many little wonderful things for me. He is going to grow up to be such a good husband. When ever we go somewhere he opens my car door for me, when we get home he holds the garage door open for me. I love him!

Day 3 -thankful

Day -3

I am so thankful that god gave us the ability to love and have feelings. I would not like to go through life without being filled with love.

Day 2- thankful

Day-2
I am thankful for the internet and technology to allow us to have the kind of contact that we have with distant family. It is so awesome that the kids get to video chat with their cousin in Seattle.

Day 1 of being thankful

So I decided to do 24 days  of being Thankful. I will try my best to get each one in.

Day 1- I am thankful for my husband working so hard to give me the opportunity to stay home with the kiddos and teach them. He sacrifices so much for us, I love him!