family photo

family photo

Friday, December 28, 2012

Latisha's 17

Wow another year older!  Latisha is blessed to celebrate her birthday so close with Jesus that it feels like one full week of celebrating.  What a wonderful year it has been with Latisha.  She is growing into such a beautiful young women and is so wonderfully motivated.  This year Latisha plans on graduating.  She asked if she could take extra courses this year to graduate in May and if anyone can do it she can.  She has been extremely diligent in keeping up with her extra load and still keep her commitments to family and church.  We love you Latisha and are so blessed to have you in our lives.  Thank you for all the hard work you do.   Love your family!







Sunday, December 23, 2012

Together Again

Finally our son is home from college.   We all loaded up the other night and met him at the airport.  The little girls were in their pj's and a few of his friends came too, with lovely signs.  It was so good to see him and give him a big hug.  I'm so glad he is here even if it is only for a bit.  Well it is count down to Christmas.  The Danika was in the Kids Christmas program, Latisha helped direct the acting for it, Sierra was in the adult production "The Gospel According to Scrooge,"  Alex got his finals done, Cassandra was in the preschool performance of the Little Drummer Boy, Isabella's good, David is off for a few days,  I believe the baby keeps growing every day (at least my stomach does), and I got the pajama's done and wrapped.  Through all the busies I do my best to keep the focus on the reason for the season.  Every evening for Prayer we read a Christmas story and sing carols.  What a blessing to celebrate the birth of our Savior with so many around the world.  May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart with joy.  God Bless

Alicia




Saturday, December 8, 2012

Tasting Snow

Finally we got a little snow.  The kids were so excited but because of other commitments they had to leave early so it was just me and the little ones.  It took us half an hour to just find all our snow gear and get dressed but it was worth it.  They were thrilled.  Isabella barely fits in the swing with her coat but thrilled once in there.  Getting her out was quite comical.  I hope no one saw us.  It has been years since I have eaten snow for fear of how healthy it is.  But I was so inspired watching Cassandra chow down. "Mom have a bite."  Well, I tried it.  Yep, it does taste good.  I had forgotten.  Sometimes it is good to let your fears go and live a little.  Taste the snow and have a good day.
God Bless
Alicia



It's all fun.

Our poor little dog getting snow stuck to him.

Such cuties. :)



Sunday, December 2, 2012

Let the Season Begin

So, if you didn't already know, I really enjoy this time of year.  One thing I love is going into stores and hearing songs about the new born king.  What a blessing to be able to proclaim Christ's birth all over.  I don't really enjoy the crowds or shopping but I try to make a day with each child to go shopping one on one, during the week when the crowds are down.  David and I acutally started shopping last Monday.  Outside of the pajama's, I have been busily working on (late start),  I hadn't done any shopping.

The start of the Christmas pj project
We got a good start.  Then Latisha and I got to go the other day and it took quite a while to find what we were looking for.  We were both exhausted but enjoyed time together.   I also had a doctor's appointment last week.  The baby is doing great and despite the following picture I really haven't gained that much weight this last month, considering I ate quite well for Thanksgiving.
5 1/2 months
Thanksgiving with the family
The girls 

Thanksgiving was great.  My grandparents made it here, which is such a blessing.  They live 4 hours away and made the trip.  My parents and Sister and her family were here also.  We were glad to be together, but missing our sons.  My mom's son (my brother) couldn't make it,  my sister's son is away in the Navy and my son away at college.  So that was a little sad.  Then Friday my brother surprised us and showed up with his son.  A great surprise.
My brother and me
We did have a bit of excitement the other day.  Alex called and his choir was performing at a tree lighting at an amusement park. He was so excited to let me know the Duggar's were there.  Yes, the 19 and counting family.  :)  I have a very large admiration for that family.  What a family of faith that so strongly treasure Children as gifts from God and are so actively involved in their children's lives.  This is something that is missing in our society.  I find the Duggars a walking miracle.  Having a baby is a miracle and such a blessing.  But to have 19 babies, that is, well, a miracle times 19.  The average number of children for a couple that is open to God being in control is six.  I feel so blessed to have our seventh on the way and am in awe of the goodness of God.  Truly the Duggars are a blessed walking miracle.  After I had Danika I couldn't see how I could continue homeschooling with four kids.  About that time I saw the Duggars first tv appearance.  I was so blessed.  God really used them as an example to me of the blessings of homeschooling and that I could do it.  Really, if God had given them enough grace to homeschool their dozen (I believe that was the number at that time) He surely would help me to be able to educate four.  I have never regretted our decision to homeschool and the Duggars continue to be an encouragement to me.  Anyways, I encouraged Alex to go and shake their hands and thank them for their ministry.  He was concerned that would make him a "creeper."    But he loves me and eventually got up enough courage to shake Michelle's hand and even got a picture with her.  She was very nice to him and I was thrilled to see the picture.  I would share but I don't know if you can share a picture like that, legally.  It caused a bit of excitement here.  I am thankful for families that have strong values, share the love of God, and stand firm no matter what.

Well, this is a long post but if you made it this far maybe you would enjoy another recipe.  This was so yummy the other day.  I made egg casserole, donuts and fresh pineapple.  Here is the egg recipe.  Have a great day and God Bless.

Alicia
Egg Casserole
10 beaten eggs
1/2 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 pt cottage cheese
1 pound sausage, ham or bacon
1 pound shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup melted butter
2 small cans chopped green chilies (we only but in on half)
Mix all together.  Bake in a 9x13 pan at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.