Halogen Thanksgiving

This year the Sun. after thanksgiving our church Halogen decided to do a different kind of service. We decided to have an all church Thanksgiving dinner, which was really fun to sample everyone's different side dishes, and share what we were thankful for. It also happened to be the first Sun. of Advent and Izzy (our pastor) asked Greg and I to do the advent reading on HOPE. I love the fact our church is such a tight community, it truly feels like family.

Thanksgiving 2008

Thanksgiving was spent at Greg's sister's home in Menifee. We enjoyed relaxing the entire day at their home indulging in good food and family time. Denise, Greg's sister, had us each go around the table and say what we were thankful for each person. While it took a bit o' time, it was very worthwhile...it was a day that will not be soon forgotten.

Mamma Mia

So we recovered from our June road trip with the girls and felt we were ready to venture off on another adventure not too far away...Vegas. Izzy & Audrey took the trek with us and we packed up for a mere 5 hour drive (which turned more into 8 hours when you have two little squirmies riding in the back seat). My dear friend Judy (aka Mrs. Nevada Intl) made arrangements for us to all see Mamma Mia and not only that, hooked us up with the most amazing suite ever at the Palazzo - the newest addition to the Venetian. Our room was absolutely spectacular...if any of you have experienced the Venetian, the rooms are actually suites with a step down living room area. Greg was in heaven with 3 flat screen t.v's (one in the bathroom too!)

Judy's daughter's graciously offered to babysit the girls while the 6 of us decked ourselves out for an evening out. Mamma Mia was super fun. Gotta love the music of ABBA. Afterwards we indulged in the best ice cream cake, compliments of Judy, at her house and had a good time catching up.

The next day, Greg and I took the girls to MGM to see the lions. "G" just loves lions so that was a complete hit not to mention all the lights and activity in and of itself.

On the ride home we stopped in a small town called Etiwanda - love this place, fabulous shopping and sooo cute. Anyway, they already had a Christmas village, tree and Santa's workshop so I figured this would be a great time to introduce G to Santa. My fun plan backfired as she literally ran out of Santa's workshop screaming
"No Santa, scary Santa, Bye Bye". I'm quite sure adults within the mile could hear her. I guess it would be rather strange to have your parents sit you on the lap of a complete stranger dressed in a big red suit with a huge white beard. Someday she'll appreciate it ;-)

Day 15 -18 of Thanks

Day 15 - Fireplaces: We've finally been getting chilly enough weather to warrant putting a log in the fireplace. I absolutely love the fact our home has a fireplace and every year I await the time when we can start it up. I'm thankful for the coziness and warmth of our fireplace.

Day 16 - Babysitters: This year we've learned how grateful we are to have babysitters ;-) Actually, our babysitters our needed out of necessity so Greg and I can go to work and not so much for fun (meaning getting a sitter for a date night...at least we're not to that point yet) Greg took so much time off when the girls first arrived that he's playing catch up with work and since we both work the same evening shift it has been a blessing to have dear friends and family willing to watch the girls. A huge thank you to those of you who have helped us out tremendously this year!!!!

Day 18 - My wardrobe: If you've been around me lately you've probably heard me complain that I can't stand my current wardrobe and want to re haul the items I have. How blessed am I that I can even make a comment like that. During this time of reflection, I am reminding myself to be grateful for what I have. To so many others, they'd love my wardrobe {as a friend of mine reminded me}...so I am grateful for what I have and not what I "want".

Day 10 through 14 of Thanks

Ok ok, so I stink at keeping up on my blog, what can I say...so I'm compiling all my missed days so I can be up to speed for once on my "Day's of Thanksgiving" posts.

So here goes...the abridged version that is...

Day 10 - Fall leaves So unfortunately being in So. Cal we don't have the splendor of the leaf colors like other states. But, every now and again there are certain trees that understand the need to change color and allow us So Calians to experience the seasonal change.

Day 11 - Freebies - So those of you close to me know that I am a crazy couponer and always in search of the best bargain out there. Well, free seems to be the best I can do and I love that CVS, Walgreens, & Rite Aid are continuously throwing free things my way. I'm grateful for those extra freebie blessings.

Day 12 - Hand Me Downs Both my sister and my sister in law have blessed us with an abundance of the cutest clothes ever from their kids. I felt like a kid at Christmas going through one cute out fit after the next!!Thank you sis's for sharing the love!

Day 13-My new camera Yes, it's true, we've finally purchased a new camera. And thanks to my sis in law who hooked us up, we were able to get an even better one for a steal. I'm so excited to getting back to posting pics instead of having to do all this writing on my blog ;-) j/k

Day 14- Foster Family Agency - Koinonia I am so grateful for an agency like Koinonia that provides us with the support we need as foster parents. They have been a blessing to us this year with both sets of girls and have brought us the biggest blessing this year - our daughters.

Day 9 and 10 of thanks

9:Health
We made it this far {since all our other crazy episodes with the girls several months ago} with no colds, flus, fevers or any other type of sickness...up until last night. I realize how grateful I am for health when this morning I awoke dead tired after being woken up, oh, I don't know, 5 times last night, with crying, coughing, sneezing and runny noses {from both girls}.

10: I'm grateful for all my free Rite aid cold remedies from last month b/c they're sure coming in handy ;-)

Day 8 of thanks

My BFF {he he} Traci. I happened to finally stop by her blog and again am reminded of what an amazing women she is. If you haven't already, check out her blog, Milk and Honey and you will be blessed by her insight. I'm trying to encourage her to write a devotional or just plain write anything at all b/c she's so dog gone talented but alas we'll just have to be content with her blog for now. Here's to an amazing woman that I am so proud and blessed and very very grateful to call friend.