Getting my decor on

I got a little bit of a slow start with getting my Christmas decor set up this year. Usually I am pulling stuff out Thanksgiving day or Black Friday...this year I am just glad it is sometime this weekend. I have had a hard time getting into the spirit this year. I remember hearing Christmas music a couple weeks ago was a bit disgusted by it all...just too early!! Today I decided to pull all the stuff out regardless of how I was feeling...or in this case 'not' feeling it this year. Good thing God blesses us through song because I filled the CD player with my favorite holiday songs and got busy. (The music this time helped...thank you Casting Crowns!!!) I put out my favorite decor and this year only put out about half of the stuff. As I was looking around I felt the less is more approach and I am so happy.

The first picture is my new pom pom garland...THANK YOU HGTV!!! I was watching some HGTV show last week and they have this great, easy and super cheap idea for a new garland and I am so in love!!! It is whimsy and creative and it makes a great bit of holiday flare for my window. All you need is a bag of pom poms, needle and thread...see, told you it was easy.

This is our first Christmas with the new room arrangements and I put the tree back in the front room. I moved a few pieces of furniture and the tree stands there against the wall...gorgeous and confident. It makes me smile.

And these last few are just a few of my favorite things about decorating for the holidays...I love the light glow of light in the quiet moments of the night or early morning. I causes me to take a breath and reflect on the joy Christmas brings and how thankful I am to be loved by God.

So here's to all of us jumping head first into this time of year...may you find His peace and joy.

Thanksgiving 2011

If you can believe it...I never took my camera out on Thanksgiving once everyone got here!! This is the only picture I took. It was out bird and a co-worker friend of Shane's getting ready to be smoked. The meal was very good this year and the smoked turkey of course did not disappoint. We had both sides of the family over to our house this year which made for a full and fun time. The kids all got a long great and enjoyed each other most outside on the trampoline.

It has been a very blessed 2011, with the adoptions completed this year we have much to be thankful for. Our family is complete and it feels awesome!!!

Thanksgiving Sticky buns...yum!!

This is a great way to start the early morning...makes the house smell so good and the kids' devoured it!!!!

Preschool Thanksgiving Feast

Hannah and Nathan had their Thanksgiving Feast today at school. This is my third 'feast' as both Jacob and Samantha each had their feast in preschool too. These two are great eaters and I think they will be very excited for Thursday since they ate seconds on all the food. It was fun to hear them talk about all the crafts and fun things they have been doing for the past two weeks to prepare for the feast.

They are the Indians and the younger class were the Pilgrims. They made tee pees and got to say what they were thankful for.

Pumpkin Pie Bites

I found this idea on Pinterest and wanted to give it a try. It was a prefect way to make a little treat for the kids' teachers.

We made a few to eat after dinner last night and with a small dollop of whipped cream...they were delightful!!

Then I packaged them up and decorated them for their teachers.

http://www.bakerella.com/pumpkin-pie-bites/
Here is the link if you too want to try something a little different this year...

Napa Valley Basil Burgers

Shane and I watched a food show over the weekend with gourmet burgers and it didn't take us long to crave that same tasty food at our house. I searched the web, (love searching recipes) and found this one. It was extraordinary!! We enjoyed it so much and we are going to have to fight each other for the leftovers.

Napa Valley Basil Burger

Pesto Mayo
2//3 cup mayo
2 tablespoons basil pesto

Patties
2 lbs ground sirloin
1/4 cup zinfandel
1/4 cup fresh basil, minced
1/4 cup red onion (I used a regular since I didn't want to run to the store again)
1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes (I skipped this, but sounds divine)
1 tsp garlic salt
pepper to taste

Garnish
Monterey Jack cheese
tomato
lettuce
onion
sandwich roll, grilled in last moments to toast


Ours cooked just a tad too long..I like them barely pink but it was full of flavor and a nice, fancy twist on the old fashioned burger. If you try it, let me know what you think!!

Isn't great to live in AZ where you can still grill in the fall/winter??? We are spoiled like that!

What happened to the turkey?

I was disappointed to walk around Michaels and the mall earlier this week only to discover Thanksgiving is gone. Seriously, it has been completely skipped over...or at least it seems that way. I wanted to find some cute fall ribbon and/or stickers for the baked goods I am making for the kids fall festival this weekend and there wasn't even anything in the clearance bins. It makes me so sad! Why pass over a holiday that should make us stop, pause and reflect on our blessings? Why do we not remember the first Thanksgiving and the people that came to escape religious persecution and struggled mightily just to survive?

Not going to happen in this family...

I am doing a 'thankful' activity with the kids starting tomorrow...1 week of Thankfulness. (I will post more about it as we get under way.) And I bought a book to read to the kids to help them understand the beginning of this holiday and to not forget all our blessings.

So, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you...

Morning Treat

It's Veteran's Day which means the kids get a day off from school. I always like to make a special treat, sometimes it is pancakes and bacon or waffles, but today it was blueberry muffins. There is nothing sweeter than waking up early, while it is still dark and baking. The house begins to fill with sweetness and I love it.

We are also humbled by the service of our armed forces. This year is even more special with my cousin currently deployed. His sacrifice for our freedom is priceless. He is married to an amazing woman and has great kids...they are eagerly waiting for his return before Christmas. Thank you to all that have served or are currently serving...you are prayed for and thought of regularly.

It is criminal to pass up the opportunity

 The weather today was one to remember... absolutely gorgeous!!! I made a last minute decision to pick up the kids from the bus stop and take them to the park. The big kids did there homework and then played while the three littles jumped into play immediately. It was so sun to see them play together and even involve some other kiddos at the park. They asked to go back...so since there is no school on Friday I am sure we will be making the return trip.

 I totally remember jumping off the swing as a kid...as a mom it makes my heart stop!!!

 Homework time in the fresh air

 His best defensive line stance

 Not sure what this face means but it is super cute

 Oh and way not a little sand wrestling...this mom's favorite thing to do, dig out sand from their hair

Ultimate Recycling

I was on my walk today and my mind was going crazy. I had my Klove app playing on my phone, which I loved listening and singing praise music at the same time. I think when we are out in God's creation we can't' help but drift to thoughts of Him.

My thoughts started a little shallow...I could help but think about the Dugger's and their latest announcement that number 20 is on the way. My mind drifted to several thoughts about their choices. I may not agree with their concept of  'birth control', or shall I saw lack of it, but then I would be doubting God's divine plan for them too. But I mean really, I only have 5 and I find it difficult sometimes to give each child the individual attention they crave/need. I watch the show because it is a family friendly show that we can all enjoy... especially when they do some cool trips. I have seen them talk about how the older kids 'help' care for the younger and I have seen it in the show as well. I do not think the older children have to wake up the younger ones, get them ready for the day and such, but I also realize that it has to be that way to make their family work. I have found myself relying too much on my 10yr old to help sometimes and I have to stop to remember that he is still a kid and not a parent. Having said all that, now having a large family like we do I know it requires everyone to help each other out, and I think a healthy amount of that can grow great character in children.

The word "over population" has come up in articles and media statements with the Duggers' announcement an my mind drifted to that happening world wide. So many kids across the globe live in poverty...they are hungry all the time. It is heart breaking. Then you think about all the orphans and my eyes tear up. So many kiddos...

God is in grace and mercy took my thought from the Duggers to what we are called to do biblically. Say what you want about being called to foster care or adoption the bottom line is there are countless children in need of love. You do not have to be called to do foster care or adoption, although I would say it is amazing and rewarding. You can help 'orphans' here locally or internationally. Kids that have been left without parents is the classic description of orphan, but what about the ones who's parents work so much just to make ends meet? Or the ones who's parents are stuck in addiction? We can ALL help to care for 'orphans'. There are so many programs out there...like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Shoe Boxes filled with goodies at Christmas time. Or if you have a love of sports, why not coach a team for kids at the YMCA? And, if you are so daring, get to know the single mom on your street and offer to help with her kids, (simply having them over to your house can make a huge impact in their young life). All these things are easy to say and so much more difficult to take the leap and do. I realize we are busy people...I know about busy, but there is a God who wants to grow us and bring others to Him...there is time when we walk His path.

I realize I am sounding a bit preachy and that is not my intention, I am just passionate about kids in difficult situations. And if you are called...adoption can be that ultimate in recycling. Crude to say it that way...maybe, but why not give a child who is already been born a home filled with Christ, love, hugs...joy.

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you." John 14:18

Adoption Day Celebration

We headed out to Organ Stop Pizza for dinner the day Nathan's adoption was final. It was the most perfect place to celebrate because he loves music. He rocked, rolled and danced his little heart out. We were also blessed to be there on a "fundraiser" night for a local elementary school and got continuous music for 2 and a half hours. We enjoyed time with family and friends eating pizza and cake. What a special day it was.

His name...Nathaniel George Franklin Self is after my father in law, who is the Grandpa holding him is this picture.

Happy Birthday Dude

We cannot believe you are 5 today Nathan...wowzers!!! You have a quiet spirit most of the time, but when you are ready to jump into anything you are "all in". We love your energy and laugh. You bring mommy and daddy immeasurable joy. Love you..,.

Nathan's 5th Birthday Party!!

 His bestest buddy from school

 Pin the wheel on the motorcycle

 He asked for a motorcycle cake for his birthday and with that we ran with the idea. We even found a 'dirt bike' bicycle!!! We covered his eyes and brought it out...love his two expressions when he saw it for the first time...total and complete disbelief. It was a great, extra fun day!