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.