The Tree Hunt

We packed Hot Cocoa, Homemade Chili, Crusty Bread, Cheese, Cookies, Warm Hats, Cozy Coats, Gloves, and Boots.... we were set for our tree hunt adventure.

The weather was sunny and cool with clear blue skies. Beautiful.

We arrived at the Forest Service Station to obtain our permit for cutting the tree. We also made last minute potty time. However, they only have the Big Blue out houses (of which I really, really do not like to use--I think I have some sort of phobia. I will hold it to find something more suitable). But, my girls were to go potty, so that we didn't have any sort of accidents while tree hunting. I had to be brave and take them into the Blue Boxes. Sophia did not want to go, but I said I would go too. So, I had suck in my phobia and do it. Thank you Lord for making them clean.


Off into the deep forest to find our tree. We traveled on a dirt logging road for a bit. When we arrived, it was so warm. There was no snow. It was kind of a weird feeling to be tree hunting and feeling like it was Springtime.

We ventured through a ton of Manzanita bushes. Can I tell you that it is quite a trek for a 3 foot little girl to trample through. They were troopers (mostly). We saw one tree...but, it was not "standing" out to me.


So, we started to head back to our van without a tree to the base camp of our friends (who had campstoves, chairs, hotdogs grillin, etc. ) On our way back, I decided to go just a little different route. And, then I found the tree.

We love it! It is a beautiful tree. Even our neighbors have Tree envy.

We plan to decorate it soon. I just need to get my house straightened up before we bring out all the bins of Christmas joy. Oh, soon we will have Christmas music playing abundantly and scented candles burning, hot cider brimming, and our tree trimming.

Whirl Wind Tour

We have had a whirl wind trip the last couple of days. I think we spent our Christmas money on gas.

Thursday: Stockton for Turkey and Family Games of Apples to Apples, Wii, and Backgammon. Sophia rocks at boxing and bowling, Lydia is the bomb at golf!
Friday: Play day-- Guys went shooting guns and the girls went to the Zoo! "We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo! How about you, you, you. You can go too, too, too. We're going to the Zoo, Zoo, Zoo!"
Friday Evening: Head home
Saturday Morning: Off to meet friends at 9am to go hunt down a Christmas tree. We drive about 45 minutes to pick up our permit and the head out another 20 minutes deeper into the forest to find our tree. Eureka, we found it!
Saturday afternoon/evening: Head up to my parents house to visit with my cousins. Roast marshamellos with the cousins. Ric and I were able to go out on a "date" without the kids (they stayed with Mimi and Poppy) with my adult cousins to a local Pub/restaurant. Nice. Good beer!
Sunday: Church at my parents and then a yummy lunch of Salmon burgers.
Sunday afternoon: Home (I slept the whole way home--YES!)
Sunday evening: Stress out over the after-math mess of my home. Put up our Christmas tree. We will decorate later.

Off to take a bath to soak away all my tension, tiredness, and reflect on all the wonderful quality family time we had over the past several days.

Birthday Princess

(Almost Wordless Wednesday Pic & Video)



Lydia is LOVING to push her sister Rosalia on her new bus that she got for her 1st birthday. Notice how Lydia even puts the meaning of "The people on the bus go up and down, up and down, up and down" into practice.

Rosi Birthday Bus from Bella @ Lil Daisies on Vimeo.

Sigh

I just put Rosi down for her morning nap ---I looked at her head resting down on her pillow peacefully. I desperately wanted to be in her place right then. All snuggled down into the softness of my pillow, cool sheets on my toes, warm blanket on my shoulders....and just drift off to a peaceful sleep. Hmmmm.

Reality.

I have a lot to do today in the way of preparing for tomorrow.

1. Load Dishwasher
2. Clear and wipe down Kitchen counters
   
3. Bake Pies
4. Finish Laundry ---wash, dry, fold, put away (This should be considered four tasks...not just one...anyhow)
5. Prep all ingredient for Salad
6. Sweep floors
7. Motivate dear children to clean their room
8. Make List of things to bring
9. Pack
10. Take a shower (That makes sense for a mom to put this item of agenda near the end of her list...huh?)
11. Prep for dinner tonight
12. Pick up clutter around the house.
13. Vacuum
14. Eat
15. Put Gas in the Van
16. Find out where to drop off Operation Christmas Child boxes

Sigh. That pillow is really looking inviting right now.

Im not sure how to title this post...

Odd things make me laugh. Circumstances out of the ordinary. Out of the realms of the norm. These type of things can make me just have to giggle.

So...we were headed home from a short vacation. And of course, out in the middle of nowhere, Lydia announces she has to go Poo poo. If it were a time to pee, we would just pull over and let her pee on the dirt or gravel on the road (Yes, we have done this before). Bathroom agenda #2 is a different story. Thankfully, we found ourselves about 3 miles away from a small town. We told Lydia to hold it.

We head in the direction towards the town to find a gas station. Ric does the fatherly duty and takes Lydia inside to do her duty. Ric comes out and now it is Sophia's turn, because now she has to go too (of course).

I wait outside with the other girls. I am trying to relax because I am cranky, tired, sick, etc.

Then...

A gold van pulls up next to us. I look over and out of the driver's window crawls a white parrot. The parrot goes up on to the roof with ease, like she has done this many times. The driver is a spunky old lady. She gets out of her gold van with spiky white hair and wearing mismatching sweats, carrying a big bright red purse/bag. I kid you not.

While she is in the gas station, the bird is happily playing on the roof of her van. I had to take a picture because it was hysterical. I could not believe my eyes.


But then it gets better.

Ric comes out with Sophia and they notice the bird. "Look Mommy!"

As Ric finishes helping girls buckle up while they are fascinating over the bird as well (talking to the bird), I snap a few pics. Ric walks to his door and the bird says, " I like your nice car!"

Ric shockingly says"Yah, you have a nice car too"

Me: "Did that bird just say "You have a nice car?"

Ric: "I think so."

Oh, we laughed. God knows how to bring in a bit of humor to my cranky morning....a little oddness to my day. A car complimenting white parrot atop a gold van owned by a crazy spiked hair lady.

Classic.

Rosalia One Year Old

How is it that is already one year?

Ado

I'm currently having writer's block, which is a good thing because I have enough to do that I'd just feel guilty for writing, anyway. A house to clean, a cake to bake, laundry to be folded and put away, groceries to buy, outfit to sew, party to plan....

....so without further ado.

I am lighting a candle.

And off to work on crossing off my list. That is such a good feeling.

Sew Fun Bags

I told you earlier that I had been doing some sewing. Thought I would share a few little items I had been working on.

BAGS

I made a bag for Sophia awhile ago from scraps of material that I had lying around. She uses it as her Awana bag to carry her book, Bible, and bucks. It was also my first attempt at the bag...and although it is cute, it is a bit scrappy. So, I did not take a picture of it.

Lydia wanted to have her own bag too. Because, you know how it is between sisters --- if one has something the other has gots ta have it too! Plus, every girl needs a bag, right?!
Lydia wanted a big bag. Every time I sat down to sew something, she would ask if that was her bag. I finally whipped one out for her.

Our conversation as I was making it:
"Mom. I want a BIG bag!"
"This is a big bag"
"No, a HUGE bag. Like this (stretches her arms out real big)"
"What do you want? A sleeping bag?"
"No, a big bag to keep all my doggies in!"
"Well, this is a big bag. It is bigger than Sophia's bag"

To this answer she was content, because all be it was bigger than Sophia's bag. What a little competitive little booger.
Here is Lydia fashioning her new BIG, HUGE bag!



And, then I decided to whip out a few more bags for a few of Sophia's friends that were celebrating birthdays. I made the bags and then we filled them with girly things, like hairbrushes, gum, "make-up", lip gloss, hair-ties, notebooks & pens.

It was fun and I thought to be a clever gift idea (also very inexpensive). Enjoy.

My Buddy and Me

Sisters

© ANGELICA MACHADO Copyright Family Friend Poems

God sent us to be sisters
So we can be best of friends
To be there for one another
Even when there is pain
I thank the lord for sending my sisters to me
For whom i truly love and care
We shared so many things together
Like laughter and some scares
It’s funny how we sometimes argue
I guess its normal, in this world
But, having you as my sister
Means more to me, more than you'll ever know
I wouldn’t trade you for anything
I will never let go
As our friendship continues to grow
So will my love for you
Just always remember you can talk to me
I'll be the best friend you ever knew

Underground Coffee

Just a quick thought for today. (Busy cleaning house for lots of people coming over tonight).


But, I have a new flav of coffee from my Dutch Bros. Joe.
I call it an "Underground Dutch Drink"....because it is not on the menu, but if you ask for it, they know what it is.....a cool secret drink. Yummy.

It is so good. I also learned of another "Underground Dutch Drink" today too and I will have to try that out next time.

Leave me a comment if you want to know the name of this secret drink. Delicious!

Procrastination

I am fighting the urge to close my laptop...because I know that I need too. I am Procrastinator (with an Arnold Schwartz voice)!

I have SOOO much to be doing right at this moment. But here I am on the computer and listening to Mickey Mouse playing in the background. Where has my common sense gone?

I should be...

• Folding Laundry --I have a HUGE mountain of about 5 loads
• Planning Party for Rosalia
• Cleaning Kitchen
• Paying a bill to Lydia's Preschool
• Getting Extra Barbie Stuff together to give to a friend (Yes! We are downsizing toys!)
• I have plenty of spaces in our home that needs a HUGE De-clutter make-over! Too many Hot Spots!
• Finishing up some sewing projects.
• Oh, there is more but I really should digress and go do one of these...

Anyone else with a list of to-do's a mile long and no motivation to do them?

Are you a good wife?

I really did have a good laugh reading this article....makes me wonder if women really tried to achieve this back in the day?
It seems too unreasonable and unrealistic....but, I am sure my husband wouldn't mind me picking up a few tips from this outdated article. Perhaps I need to prepare myself and take 15 minutes to rest, touch up my make-up and put a ribbon in my hair. Be a little gay and a little interesting because his boring day may need a lift and one of my duties is to provide it. Awesome! I will get right on that after I finish up my box of bon-bons and watching all the soap operas.

Oh, you know I kid. I enjoy a good giggle.

To Uncle Dave From Lil' Daisiesa

Happy Birthday Uncle Dave

It is on this day that we rave
How wonderful you are to us
because you did not give us the nickname Gus.

We want to come to your birthday party with a pinata
and my mom wants you to serve her a real pina colada

We will buy you a present with our pennies and nickels
we really hope you like Barbie, cheerios and pickles!

We love you....

Spiddles

Curly

Mo

Sorry Folks!

I have been inconsistent these last couple of weeks (honestly, I have been most of my life) trying to find balance and organization at home in our family schedule.

So, if you were wondering if I would have some sort of blog that would contain some substance, sorry it will have to wait just a bit longer.

I do have several posts that I want to share with you. So be looking forward to hearing about

• our recent family night
• sewing projects
• journey

And, of course, I always have some photos to share with you too....

Lydia's Train

Meet the Crew!

All Aboard!

Chugga Chugga...

Chugga Chugga...

Dem' Wheels are a Chuggin!

Choo Choo!!

I think Rosi is tired of being in the food boxcar,
but we hope that you will join us again on the Lydia Train!

Still, we must press on...

For the past hours, since last night decision of our new President, I have been stirring in my mind words to describe how I am feeling and thinking....

I read Albert Mohler's blog entry today and this was as close as I could get to understanding truly what my reaction should be towards this new era in our lives.

God is sovereign, after all.

Without doubt, we face hard days ahead. Realistically, we must expect to be frustrated and disappointed. We may find ourselves to be defeated and discouraged. We must keep ever in mind that it is God who raises up nations and pulls them down, and who judges both nations and rulers. We must not act or think as unbelievers, or as those who do not trust God.

I am reminded that God is on His throne no matter who is in the White House. So, as I continue to sort, grasp, chew, through all that has occurred in the past hours and what will occur, I am choosing to trust in the Lord and seek Him for answers in how I am to act and think.

Cuz' She's So Stinkin' Silly Sweet

Squisshy, Squisshy Sweetness! I downloaded some pics from my camera and Ric must have taken these of Rosi. I couldn't help but giggle and goo and ga over these. I think she loved being in the spotlight! What expressions she has to share. She is growing up so fast. Can you believe almost one year ago, she first entered this crazy world?
I love having her here.

Yes She Did! VOTE

Sophia's class voted today. I am proud of my daughter that she voted for McCain because he was the one with the most "Xspeer-ence"!

We discussed what voting entailed and how it works after school and we went down to a polling place and Sophia got her "I voted" sticker.

She was proud. I was proud.

Yes I Did! VOTE

Psalm 33

1 Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

2 Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ^[a] ;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Hannah, Dorothy, and Tigger Too!

Family Night: Pumpkin

Our Theme for our Family Night was "Pumpkin". We celebrated with lots of pumpkin goodness!

Our Dinner Menu:


Pumpkin Ravioli











Pumpkin Bisque Soup served in a pumpkin











Green Salad with apples & pumpkin seeds and a caramel shallot vinaigrette










bread











Dessert: Pumpkin Bread




After Dinner we cleaned up and the read the book, "The Pumpkin Patch Parable" together by pumpkin candlelight. I highly recommend this book.









Then we set out blankets on the floor and watched "Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin" while eating our Pumpkin Bread.

THANKFUL Day 2

I am thankful for my husband.


Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 31:23
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

THANKFUL Day 1

I am thankful for our home.


Psalm 84:3
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.

Proverbs 3:33
The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."