We Baked!

Just before Christmas, I bought some flour and we baked a few cookies for the neighbors. It was a huge mess, but it was fun!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

John David & George sang a few songs with their Sunday school classes. George was just a step behind the others. We all enjoyed it very much. Merry Christmas to all of you!

One Cup Of Joe...

I really enjoy a good cup of coffee (or two or three) each morning. I have been thinking lately about how in Costa Rica this is the end of harvest season for the coffee beans. For a couple of months, men and women work from sun up to sun down picking berries (cherries) off of bushes. They make about $0.60- $1.50 per basket of cherries. They average 8-12 baskets per day.

Here is a bush full of cherries...


Here is a Costa Rican man picking...




Cherries in the basket...

You have to break open the cherry to find the coffee bean inside....


One of the hazards are the poisonous snakes and spiders that also enjoy the cherries and the bushes! Yuck! The pickers sell their baskets to men with trucks who take them to the processors to be pealed,roasted, packaged, & shipped- then right to my kitchen.

I really enjoy my cup of coffee in the morning. Now, I really appreciate it too.

Can we stop the growing?

Just yesterday, this was her....

Tagged..7 Random Things About Me

7. I am an addict... Coca Cola, Facebook, Travel.. There is probably more, but I don't want to share.

6. The 4th of July is my favorite holiday

5. I don't like to fly

4. I love to watch professional golf on tv

3. I know the words to rap music

2. I like to move... I am not discontent or wanting more. I just enjoy the change, the process, the excitement

1. I don't bake (I don't even have flour in my house. Sorry Annie and Laura R)

I tag Stacy, Leslie, & Becky C

Cutie Kids, Costumes, & Candy!

We should have Art Class more often

We enjoyed our time in "art class" today. The kids worked on making a stormy sky with water colors. I think they did a great job! Even George got in on the fun! I guess it wouldn't be Oklahoma without a tornado.

Little League Baseball

I really do love to watch Charlie play ball! He is so passionate about it! He is always completely there, into every moment. He plays hard! Wins hard, loses hard! As far as I am concerned, he is the cutest kid out there!

This was his first season at kid -pitch. He enjoyed trying his hand at it!

He often plays 2nd base. He is great at hustling to make a play!

Charlie and his buddy John

JibJab Fun!-

Thanks for helping me waste the day away Courtney!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

A Day At The Farm

During this time of year, I am highly tempted to move out of my neighborhood into the country. It is so beautiful and peaceful. I love how great the kids are outside! Boys need to be outdoors! Girls need to be outdoors! I have to remind myself how brutal the country is in the winter. :-) Here are some pics of the kids visiting Grandmadele at her "farm" We were excited to share it with friends too!

Lily Adele & Grandma Adele

Boys playing always turns into wrestling!

Chandler & Lily

RandiKate & Emma

George

You Be The Judge....

Why do we judge each other? I have been thinking about being judgmental lately. Because I like rules, part of me is drawn to legalism, but then I recognize it and run. I think it is such a dangerous place for a Christian to be. To sit in judgement over another person. Actually, it is particularly ugly that we do it to each other, fellow believers. We have all felt it- from strangers, friends, family. I don't like the way it feels to be judged, so why would I do that to another person? Do I actually think that I have the authority to judge another? I heard a pastor this week teach from Luke. He called it The Woe of Hypocrisy. The scribes and the Pharisees were making up laws for all the regular people to follow. These laws had to do with agriculture and things that didn't affect the scribes and so, it would be easy for the leaders to follow, but impossible for the rest. That is what we do. We feel "called" to a certain ministry, or value, or way of life and it is very fulfilling. So, why then, wouldn't the same thing be RIGHT for the person next to us? We set up our own set of "spiritualness laws" that are easier for us to follow and then sit in judment over everyone else. He said, in one fell swoop we condemn others and commend ourselves. Really, we are all quite different. God speaks to us is many different ways. None of us has the exact same set of circumstances. So much plays into how we respond to life and how God uses each of us. Most people that I know truly seek His will and desire what is best for their family and life. I want my children to remember me as a person that loved other people, not someone that was always critical of others. Just because someone is doing something different than I am doing, does that mean they are outside the will of God? I am not talking about the major things that Christians agree are outside His will. I mean the dumb things are split us up, like whether you work or stay home, whether you homeschool or not, how you parent your children, whether you have them or not, how many children you have, how you allow God to use the gifts He gave you...etc. the list could go on and on. I know we are all different parts of the body of Christ. I hope that I am the kind of friend that is loving and encouraging wherever you may find yourself. I am blessed with friends that are serving God, their families, and others. Few of us are called to the exact same life. I am officially laying down my gavel. If you sense me pick it up, take it from me and hit me over the head with it, please.

Funnies from George

We went to the library on Friday. He ran through the building screaming "When do we go to school?..... NEVER" hee hee. Yes, I know he needs a hair cut. If you look closely, you can see he tried to work on that a little himself. I can get lost in those eyes.

Need A Good Laugh?

OK, I have to post a little plug for The Pioneer Woman. Do you read her blog? She just makes me laugh. I just can't help myself. Rumor has it, she is from Bartlesville. Anyway, if you need a good chuckle. Take a peek. Oh, she has some amazing photography too. www.thepioneerwoman.com

Big Girl!

Randi Kate was very excited last night to receive real pierced earrings from Daddy and me. We went first thing this morning to Claire's to have it done. She was all smiles and giggles! She has wanted to get her ears pierced for a long time! I can't believe how grown up she looks! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Too Cute to Resist!

Piper Palin President 2044

Happy 3rd Birthday George!

Sunday we celebrated George's 3rd birthday. We were still recovering from sickness, so we didn't have a birthday dinner or anything. Cruz and her family brought a cake and gifts for George to open. Last week we celebrated at my parents house for six August birthdays in the family. It was a fun time! It is hard to believe that it has been 3 years since we welcomed our George into the family. What a precious baby. He is definitely our child with the most energy! He keeps me on my toes and keeps us laughing (or crying) all of the time! Almost daily, I have something funny to share about what George says.
This week it is this:
Mommy: "George, pick up the blocks"
George: "OK, Mommy"
10 min later
Mommy: "George, pick up the blocks"
George: "OK, Mommy"
10 min later
Mommy: "George, if you don't sit down and pick up the blocks, I am going to have to spank you"
George: "OK, MOM.... (singing) clean up, clean up, clean up, everybody do their share.... Mommy?
Mommy:"Yes George?"
George: "Barney doesn't spank" :-)

Here are some pics of The August Birthday Party! George's birthday and Lily's first cake...