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Rachel is five!!!!

Well, today is a special day in more ways than one. First of all, Rachel made it to her 5th birthday. I can't believe that time has gone by so quickly. In spite of all her craziness we love her tremendously and she is a blessing to our family. I don't know what we would do if we weren't always wondering what she is up to. It will be wonderful to see what God will do with her. She has no fear and will talk to absolutely anyone. Her heart is gold. Happy Birthday Rachel, I love you with all my heart!!! The next reason it is special is because it is also Belinda's birthday and I had three of my very close friends over for Breakfast. Belinda, Amy, Cyndi, and I have had some very interesting times. I cherish each one of them. They are my friends in spite of my downfalls and yes, they will tell me when I'm being dumb. Anyway, I made a small goody box for each of them and we enjoyed the morning just visiting. I took a picture of the table before they got here. Have a great day.


Rachel is enjoying the loom she got from Grandpa Goodman and Grandma Betty. I like it because she has to sit still to do it. YIPPEE!!!

Just some thoughts

Hello family and friends,
I am supposed to be doing work right now, but you know how that goes. What better to do than procrastinate. It seems that lately I have been more reflective than usual. I don't know if it is just because I'm getting older and seeing more or if I am just working through the feeling that are going on inside with my mom leaving and getting hurt. Maybe it is a combo of things. I am not struggling in a bad way. I just don't like emotion very much so I'm not quite sure of what to do with it. I of course have been reading all the Thanksgiving posts and remembering all that I have to Thank the Lord for. Now as Christmas approaches I look around at all the people rushing around and wondering how many of them really have a clue as to what Christmas is. Don't get me wrong, I love the decorations, the food, the family times, and of course the gifts, but I have to wonder how many of us would be content to be without those things and just be content with the gift that Christ gave. We will have our fun times this year and we will go to the Christmas parties, but what I really want to do this year is reflect on the real Christmas gift. I have had emotional struggles the last few weeks with all that has been going on that I could not change, but through it all there has been Jesus. He has been there with arms wide open just waiting for me to turn over my fears and worries to Him. That is a gift that cannot be ignored. When I look at the past few months I think that God is trying to stretch me. How incredible that He would care enough to make me a better person. I'm so thankful and I want to use this Christmas season to reflect on Him a little more than what I have in the past.

I like the Christmas-y background. Cool!

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is over already. We had such a great time at Cheri's house. It was a very lively place to put it mildly. With everyone there were 15 people. I am so blessed to have the family that I do. The pictures are kind of backwards, but you will get the point.

We were out on the front of the Ferry boat when the other was passing. The girls thought it was great to be on one "ship" and see another.

I just had to get a picture of the handsome guy up by the railing.
Natalie and Rachel being still for a second so I could snap a pic (Hailey was asleep and there was no way I was waking her up)
Rachel and Daddy (Rachel made me nervous. You never know what she will try.) The boats captain had just waved at her from the window just above so she was very excited.
Natalie is not sucking her thumb. She was wiggling her tooth the whole time. (It came out today. Now she has all 4 of her front teeth missing.)
Their first moments out of the car were filled with excitement
All the girls dressed for Church. Hailey didn't want to smile, but at least they all look pleasant.
They had a blast looking at all the sheep and llamas. I didn't realize it was raining so I took them in right after this picture. They were soaked.
Hailey found someone's hat.
Aunt Cara did great with the Veggie tray. She has some great help from the kitchen crew.

Time to make dessert

It has been awhile since we have had most of a Saturday to do what we wanted to do. We went out for a little bit, but overall, we spent the day at home. I took out the pretzels and the vanilla almond bark for the girls. We even had sprinkles. Of course, the vacuum cleaner was close on hand. The dipped pretzels and put as many sprinkles as they wanted to. There was quite a bit of taste testing, but hey we were having fun. Hailey ended up with white choc all over the front of her. Rachel did well, but I think the ends of her hair might be dipped as well. Natalie managed to stay fairly clean. They want to take pretzels to dip with Emily over Thanksgiving. We can't wait to load up in the car and head out. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the pics.
















Natalie stirring things up














Rachel trying to get the pretzels out.















Hailey putting sprinkles on.

Thanksgiving must be practiced

Wow, where has the time gone? We are halfway through November already. It is unbelievable how quickly time goes by. I was just sitting here thinking about the season and all the things we enjoy. I was reflecting back a little and remembering Bro. Ross. Every November he would come into chapel and say "Thanksgiving must be practiced." He would have several people stand and tell what they were thankful for. I think sometimes we get so focused on the immediate problems that we forget about the many blessings that God has sent our way. With that in mind I thought I should take a moment and practice a little thanksgiving. First of all, I'm so thankful that Jesus died for me. I cannot imagine having to face life without His presence and guidance. His love is amazing. I'm so thankful for the family He has given me. My husband is a wonderful, faithful man. Yes, we have our differences, but I could not ask for a better man to have in my life. God has given me three beautiful little girls. They love me in spite of my weaknesses and look to me to provide for them. My extended family on both sides have spoiled me completely. What would I do without their support? I cannot even begin to express how grateful I am for my pastor's family and for my church. Many times in my life I haven't been so loveable and yet they never gave up on me. I owe a great debt to the friends who helped pull me through some very trying times in my life. To each of my friends and family that read this please allow me to say "Thank you." God has truly blessed my life using you. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.

New ways to keep the girls busy

I'm sure you know that as a mom I am constantly trying to find ways to keep my girls busy. I went to Walmart the other day and found a clearance aisle with all kinds of school stuff. They had these dry erase boards that are shaped like signs. They love them. They can play with magnets on them and they can draw to their hearts content. I was doing paperwork and they stood there and colored for at least an hour. Occasionally they would switch signs, but overall they were very content. If they can just learn the concept of putting the lids back on the markers we will be doing much better. Usually I start ordering some seasonal crafts for them to do around Christmas. I need to get busy looking. That will help keep their little minds focused on something too. I just love my girls, but sometimes the energy they have is a bit overwhelming so moments like these are cherished. $2 was well worth my sanity level.

A few more pictures.

This was taken from the back porch of the big house at the camp. I spent as much time as I could sitting out there reading my Bible and drinking in the quiet beauty.

I asked the Lord if part of heaven could please look a little like this beautiful spot. It all made me miss our home in Idaho. No beauty moves me quite like Northern Idaho and this part of Montana.

Last week we went to Portland for a Educator's Convention. We met Sandi and Dave for a few hours after our first meeting. I posted this because Cheri wants to see how Dave looks now.

The ladies Retreat

The pictures came of backwards from what I wanted. Here I am in a 'style' show showing the latest in bathing suits.

The things hanging from the 'suit' are soap, tooth paste, and all the things used in taking a bath.

Jackie led singing.

This is a picture from a trian ride we took with the seniors from our church. Seniors as in old people.

It was a beautiful ride.