Jingle Bells

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My girlfriend, Melissa and her husband, Joe are the directors for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.  This year, they partnered with True Vine Music Academy (the kids’ music school). 

The kids were thrilled to be bell ringers in front of Trader Joe’s.  Here they are, pictured with Alyssa, from True Vine and their good friends, Joshua and Elizabeth. 

Some of the kids brought their musical instruments and it was so sweet to see them ring, sing and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. 

A fun way to ring in this giving season! 

Thanksgiving 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandma hosted 17 people (and 4 dogs) this year.  The boys took advantage of a beautiful and warm 83 degree day and played a game of football.  Thankfully, they all survived with little to no injury. :) 

The dinner turned out delicious and we got to celebrate 3 birthdays together with Red Velvet Cake pumpkin pie.  Oh my!    

We have so much to be thankful for, today and everyday. 

Most of all, I am thankful for God’s love.  Without it, we wouldn’t have grace, Christ, or the promise of eternity.  Another blessed and meaningful Thanksgiving.

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

 

 

 

We celebrated Grandma at one of her favorite new restaurants, Flemings last night.  It was a much needed break from all the cooking she’s been doing in preparation for her whole family coming for the holiday!

Unfortunately, Grandpa was sick at home with a cold and couldn’t join us but hopefully, he’s feeling much better today. 

We love you, Grandma and thank God for you, your health, and most importantly, your example of a loving and selfless heart.  Happy 73rd Birthday!!  We pray for many many more!      

 

Always fun to run into friends, too!

Thanksgiving Feast at Jordan Outreach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

The kids and I packed and distributed Thanksgiving meals to 500 families in the Coachella Valley yesterday.  Jordan Outreach Ministries puts on a Thanksgiving Feast where families come to hear a powerful Gospel message before receiving a complete Thanksgiving meal to take home and enjoy. Although we’ve packed food at Jordan several times in the past, the kids had never been able to actually “see” who receives the food. 

This was a wonderful outreach experience where the blessings definitely ran both ways.

It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year!

Hooray!!  Hiking season is BACK!

 

 

With our vacation coming up, we decided to decorate early and get into the Christmas Spirit.

 

  

 

 

We started collecting ornaments from all the places we’ve visited as a family. 

 

With such an eclectic mix of ornaments, the girls started playing “Eye Spy” on the tree...

I “spy” a birdie house. :)

 

Putting on the final touches.

 

 

We cranked up the Christmas tunes while joyfully trimming our tree yesterday.  And the delectable aroma of turkey roasting for my “famous” turkey soup (that’s what the girls call it), ushered in the beginning of a new holiday season.

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!   

A Shoebox Update

We cleaned out the girls’ closets this week and then decided to have a small garage sale to make one last effort to collect money for Operation Christmas Child.

 

 

Waiting for customers while eating her cereal in a mug,

They sold toys, games, stuffed animals, hair accessories, books and clothes. 

 

Afterwards, we went shopping for all the gifts and the girls spent the afternoon being busy little elves.

 

Our goal was to send 10 boxes this year, but through the generous donations of friends and neighbors, the girls collected $325 and were able to pack 22 SHOEBOXES!!!

(11 Boy boxes and 11 Girl boxes). 

So AWESOME to see God do a mighty work by multiplying the girls’ efforts!  We couldn’t be more proud of our daughters for their selfless hearts and wanting to bless so many children around the world. 

Can’t wait to see where all the boxes end up this year!