Christmas Eve Mail Call....

Mail call is always exciting.  It is ESPECIALLY exciting on Christmas Eve Day.  We LOVED receiving many more Christmas cards this year than typical. I'm actually motivated me to consider sending out a New Year's letter. 

But....one certain letter interested Arielle more than any other....She's been waiting...not so patiently....

It finally arrived....."The PINK SLIP" from the Driver's Ed in the Box folks. She needs this pink slip, proving she has had classroom time, before she can take the DMV test for a driving  PERMIT.  I do believe CA is the hardest state to acquire a driver's license.  I'm sure we'll be going down for the DMV test soon.

I meant to get a photo of all the kids in front of the Foothill Chapel's tree. It didn't happen, but I did snatch this one before the service. 

Fine representatives of the Protestant and Catholic communities

We roped Krista into help ushering

We drove around and looked at some lights after the service. I was surprised how few nativities we saw. 

We are still waiting for two gifts which were supposed to arrive "before Christmas." ::sigh:: 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Krista is Here!

We've heard the best time to go to Walmart is early morning. I determined this morning would be a good day for a Walmart Adventure. I got up, threw some clothes on and asked who was game to go with me. Zander was! I completed the ensemble with fur-lined Crocs. 

As we walked out the door I asked, "Do we look like people of Walmart?" 

Zander answered, "We look like alcoholics." ::snort:: 

We had a fun morning...we had a few things to pick up and we were very relaxed....others weren't quite so relaxed.  Back at home we showered and grabbed some breakfast. 

This is what happens when one leaves a glass under the water filter in the door of the fridge and walks off.

We waited. Krista left OR at 0530. According to Google we could expect her at 1400. We thought maybe 1330. She called at 1000 to tell us she was in Redding, CA. Michael thought she must have left earlier than 0530. Isn't he darling watching for the car? I love that he has such a big heart for our children.

 He somehow KNEW it was time to go outside. I thought she'd sent him a text, but she hadn't. 

THIS is a classic Daddy photo. He's smiling and slyly asking how long it took her...she's smiling and checking the watch. Seven hours. A record. 

Two Sisters and a Dog

I can see this gal on the mission field - but for today - I'm thrilled she's here in CA. 

After a late lunch, Krista challenged Michael to a game or two of Bananagrams. Michael is the champ at word games. Krista wins 95% of the Scrabble games she plays. Michael won today. 

These two like "Throw the Pig" better....

Backyard game of catch 

Next up was the park, snacks, movies and the hot tub. 

God's been teaching me (anew) this season to choose joy in the moment, rather than wishing "everyone" was here or looking ahead to years when we'll be far apart. Today was full of many joy-filled moments. It is enough. It is more than enough. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

BreAnne Pops the Question

Stacia and Arielle received these in the mail. BreAnne made them for her requested bride's maids and flower girl. 

The little slip of paper says, "Now it's my turn to pop the question...."

The poems read: 

I couldn't say "I do" without you! 

The day, the dress, the bride, the groom, the joy, the tears will come soon. 

Professing true love to my husband to be 

With family and friends all watching me. 

I treasure you more than diamonds or gold

And I promise I will when we're  saggy and old.

So please stand by my side when I say, "I do" 

For I wouldn't be me without a sister like you (I assume the others say friend). 

Arielle will you do me the honor of being my bride's maid?

Stacia will you do me the honor of being my flower girl? 

I love them! Of course, both girls said, "YES." ::wink:: 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Sunday BEFORE Christmas

The highlight of this Sunday is the children's Church singing a few songs during the morning worship. It's odd to have only ONE child singing and/or performing.  There were years  when our tribe was 50% of the RE program. Odd indeed. ::snort:: 

After chapel we ran by the BX to pick up a few more GUY Stocking Stuffers....and a gift for BreAnne Michael had scoped out. ::shhhhh:::. 

Michael ran to the "other chapel" and the girls and I did a commissary run.  I did buy a case of PINK LADY apples. They charged me the price of the case coming off the truck. I've been trying to find a produce co-op or a good place to buy produce...no luck. I remembered starting a co-op in San Antonio and San Angelo. In San Antonio I went weekly to the produce terminal and bought cases at wholesale prices and then divided them amongst co-op members. In San Angelo it was easiest to buy cases from a local store known for good produce. Here....I've not FOUND a local grocery store known for good produce. I did ask at Walmart today and they'll sell me cases but no discount.  These apples are GREAT....but I didn't take into account the last time I bought produce in cases we had 7 of the Gherkins living at home and 3 of them were teen age boy eaters. Of course, two of us are now vegan and two of us are nutratarian.....so maybe we'll be able to eat them....

Just a relaxing Sunday night planned.

Here's a snippet of their singing.....

Sorry won't load today. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Twas the Saturday Before Christmas....

We've enjoyed a somewhat lazy day today. I read a few chapters from The China Study. The kids have Japanese class on Saturday mornings at 0800.....at 0730 we discovered my computer was on the fritz again. Michael had to reload Windows 8 - again. The kids shared one computer for their class today.

They had their finals in Japanese. Arielle made 100% and is moving on from Katakana to Kanji. Nolan made a 90% and is moving on from Hiragana to Katakana. It's time to order new texts!

We had nothing on the calendar today and our Christmas shopping is finished. Michael hung a few photos for me.

I tried four new recipes I found on the Ultimate Daniel Fast website.  All the sweets around here are beginning to call louder and louder to me. It was time to get intentional and see if I could find something (other than fruit) something chewy that was sweet...a treat.  I made some snacks up that will be something different - but still no chemicals, added sugar, leaven or chocolate.  I made Almond Butter Bites, Date Honey, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and flatbread.  The Date honey is really sweet....I can see using it when making the Oatmeal cookies will make them sweeter (I used unsweetened applesauce).... I settled for "frosting" a cookie with the date honey. LOL Recipes will follow (so I don't lose them) but I've linked them above if you you'd like to check them out before I post.

The kids had a Skype planned with friends in Japan, but somehow the timing was off.....so....

Michael and I went to Walmart. I discovered the first real downside to my new camera. I've gotten used to carrying a 5 lb camera in my purse. I'm a fairly good quick draw...but today I realized I can't be discreet and snap photos of the hilarity at Walmart. I no longer want to flee for the door in 5 minutes. The hilarious thing is after one particular couple walked by Michael mentioned it would be nice to have my pocket camera. ::snort::

I braved the pressure cooker again for dinner. This time I made a yummy homemade soup in 7 min - tasted like it had simmered for hours. I enjoyed  flatbread with it while the others had garlic bread.

The night is winding down and all are heading to various posts. I think I'll go read another chapter or two of The China Study.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Chaplain with a Heart for Ministry

Arielle cut Michael's hair on Wednesday. Michael is taller than me. Today as we all sat in the living room, I noticed a strange glint.

"Arielle, did you shave a heart on your Dad's head?"

Not wanting to admit to any hair accidents she responded with, "He's the Chaplain with a heart for ministry."

Um....well....not really in regs....and I can't believe none of the guys TOLD Michael to get himself to the base barber. ::snort:: We tried Walmart today but the Linda Walmart doesn't cut hair????

You know his kind reaction, the fact that he's paying her to learn...all show he certainly is a good sport and has a heart for his daughter.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

We've realized several of our new favorite recipes have not been uploaded to the blog....so I'm trying to get recipes caught up.....this is one that floated around Facebook for a week or two. 

Ingredients:
3 Sweet Potatoes, peeled and cut into bite size cubes (note technically those pictures are yams)
2 tsp Olive Oil
1 T Butter (Earth Balance)
1 T Brown Sugar (Rapadura)
1 tsp of Cinnamon
1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
pinch of ground ginger
sea salt, to take

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 350*.

Coat a baking dish with cooking spray - whichever size you need.

Peel and dice the potatoes and place in baking dish.

Melt butter and pour over the potatoes along with the olive oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt.

Add more sugar or cinnamon if desired - I didn't.

Toss to coat evenly.

Bake in the oven for 60 min.

Stir once or twice during roasting.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...