Humbled in the Cayman Islands!

Jason and I are in the Cayman Islands as I write this post. This getaway trip is with many other Home Instead Senior Care franchise owners. We are having a great time. I really wanted to do something special with my husband this week. As a labor of love I was going to scuba dive with him. On Thursday we went to the pool to train for our exciting adventure. It took me five minutes in the pool to realize that I have ISSUES. If one hyperventilates in four feet of water, one should NOT dive 40 feet into the ocean. I attemped about three times to conquer my phobia and each time I felt like someone had placed me on a ventilator and was going to sink me to the bottom of the ocean so that I might spend the rest of my days there. My poor instructor really tried to help me but I had to humbly get out of the pool and admit my defeat. I have no regrets. I think I would've passed out if I had gone through with it. I did go on the boat to watch my husband dive and we did snorkle. Call me a WIMP if you would like but at least I am still alive to raise my four children.

A Bittersweet Christmas!

We woke up to a phone call at 7:00am from my mom stating that my grandpa went to be with Jesus on Christmas morning. We knew his time on earht was ending soon but nobody expects to lose a loved one on Christmas Day. His favorite holiday was Christmas so there was no better place than heaven with Jesus to spend his first day away from his wife. We still enjoyed our time with our family. This was Selah's first Christmas with us and she really had a wonderful time. We are so thankful that almost one year ago we brought home our precious daughter.

The Big Decision!

After much prayer and discussion, Jason and I have decided to start the adoption process again. Some may say we are crazy because we already have six children living in our home but we say that we are blessed. God has given us so much and we in turn want to glorify him and give another child a family. This process will be somewhat different as we will not be adopting internationally. We are going through the Riverside County Foster/Adopt Program. Please pray that the process will go smoothly and that God would be glorified during this adventure. The process will take about a year. (maybe longer)

Our annual Christmas tradition!

Every year, on the day that we put our Christmas decorations up, we enjoy a tradition. First we eat pizza or whatever we want for dinner, then we have a pajama exchange. Jason and I get each other pj's and the we get them for the kids. Everyone puts their new cozy pj's on and we watch Christmas movies, eat goodies and sleep in the living room by our newly decorated tree. Lots of Fun!

So many reasons to be thankful!

I often wonder why God has blessed me in so many ways. I am unworthy and constantly reminded of how sinful I am. I am so thankful for God's free gift of salvation. I thought I'd make a short (certainly not complete) list of the reasons why I am thankful. Here they are:
1. My salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ
2. My wonderful husband
3. My four children
4. The opportunity to have my two nephews living with us. (I love having a big family)
5. A house that is comfortable and fits us all.
6. Food
7. Wonderful parents that raised me in a Godly home
8. Terrific In-Laws ( not many people can say that)
9. Close friends that we have known since we were young (8 yrs old)
10. Health
11. Hope of eternity in heaven

Hallowean!

Yes, I know I am a little behind. What can I say except that I am busy. I love homeschooling but I am not keeping up with everything because my time is very full with teaching. Anyways, we had a fun Hallowean. As you can see, we had a Chinese theme going. My parents went to China during the summer for the Olympics and brought home these wonderful outfits. I colored Providence's hair black for the occasion.

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we enjoyed a day at the pumpkin patch. The kids had alot of fun in the petting zoo and in the bounce houses. This is my favorite time of year and the weather cooperated while we were at the pumpkin patch. Cooler days are rare this time of year in So. California.