Funny thoughts...

• It’s always darkest before dawn. So if you’re going to steal your neighbor’s newspaper, that’s the time to do it.
  
• Always remember that you’re unique. Just like everyone else.
  
• Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
• Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.

These all made me laugh! Have a great weekend!

Fun Fridays

When I was growing up, Fridays were always my favorite day of the week. I loved it being the end of the week and knowing I wouldn't have to get up early the next day! :) We would also eat pizza with our next door neighbors so everything was very relaxed and laid back. This Friday afternoon with our kids reminded me of Fridays when I was growing up. It was just a relaxed evening playing and having fun. The highlight of the evening was watching Star Wars and eating candy...now I need to convince them to sleep in tomorrow morning! :)

The Next Emeril

Andrew has a new hobby---cooking. He got a kids cookbook during the break and was inspired by the success of Emeril and we have enjoyed the rewards of his new activity. His first cooking adventure was a Rocky Road dessert. One night he made us tomato spirals (spaghetti).

One day he actually made breakfast, lunch and dinner. Last night he didn't have time to make dinner because of basketball practice so he made shakes for dessert. So much for our New Years' Resolution to lose weight. :)

Happy New Year!

Happy 2008! We are just returning from a New Year's Family Camp that we attended the past three days. It was held at Crier Creek which is a Pine Cove Camp in Columbus, Texas. We had such a good time. The boys shot bb guns and did archery, fishing and horse back riding. Hannah did a couple of pony rides and arts & crafts. We all did canoeing, paddle boats and other games. It was very relaxing and we had 3 days with NO ELECTRONICS!!!! No wii, no TV, no Gameboy, no DVDs...we didn't even use our cell phone. It was awesome----although I was worried that the sudden and complete detox might send a couple of the members of our family into shock!

We also did some pretty cool family activities. We participated in a version of the Amazing Race, went to a fun New Year's Eve Celebration, and we did new year's resolutions as a family and put them in a time capsule to open next year. I think we came up with some fun and challenging resolutions. The kids are going to work on not bickering and using kind words. This resolution was put to a very tough test on our car ride home today! :)

I always love a new year because it does hold such promise. One of the verses we discussed in worship yesterday was what Paul says in Philippians 3:13b-14 "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." On the first day of a new year, the thought of 'pressing on' towards a goal is one that I feel like I can do. I seem to have more energy and enthusiasm for moving forward. My calendar is nice and new. I don't feel as burdened by the day to day things that come with routine. I realized though by re looking at these verses yesterday the verse is not only about the goal, it is also "forgetting what is behind." I tend to rethink, rehash, and rework so many things that the energy to press is often used on regret. So, one of my resolutions is to forget what is behind and press on to a fabulous 2008! I also wish the same for you! Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas! The kids are all very happy with everything and a good time was had by all.

Almost here

Christmas is almost here. The boys and Hannah are ready and very happy that school is out. Andrew is looking forward to playing games with Rich and my dad. Jacob is ready to play outside with his new friends. Hannah has been trying out all her favorite poses for Christmas. It is nice to think about not having to fight the holiday traffic trying to get up to Waco, we are already here! As I think about the past year I am amazed at how many changes have come for our family. We are truly blessed and have been so lucky that the move to Waco has gone so smoothly.

Hannah is 5!

We had a wonderful family celebration last weekend. Hannah is very happy about being 5. She has mentioned several times that she is so happy she is 5 years old. I have no idea what the difference is between being 4 and 5 but I am sure she will fill me in.

Hannah wanted to celebrate her birthday at Chuck E. Cheese. She had a wonderful time playing with friends from her school and of course her brothers. My parents' international student and her friend (both from China) came as well and had a fun time playing all the games and celebrating a birthday "American" style.