Sunday, November 25, 2007

Giving thanks.....................

Well, we made it through another holiday! We were up in Big Bear at our cabin with my whole family (except Tracy, Heath & fam). We really had a good time, the girls said it was one of their funnest. I feel so blessed to have such a loving, fun, crazy, and warm family. Here is about a thousand pictures for a thousand memories :}

Pealing potatoes...............

Lessons from Dad on how to carve the perfect turkey (not that they needed it- but now they know)

knock knock......who's there?...............Olive..................Olive who?
OLIVE U!!!!
Blessings.The kids made everyone name cards, then we mixed them up, picked one, and had to write something we were thankful for that person.

Then we read what was written about us.

Wet eyes followed.



After some awesome family worship (ending with "Old McDonald's Farm for Lily") we played a competitive game of CHENEY CATCHPHRASE

"whippersnapper" being the favorite word of the night!!!!


wishbone - ohhh both of you cuties make a wish...............


Lots of baby lovin', holdin', and kissin' goin' on...........



Some outdoor activities:

shopping

mountain biking


tree surfing


waiting for the "Tree Lighting" in the village - super cold - 18 degrees - didn't stay long.
p.s. Yes, Mandy did not take this black hat off all 4 days we were there!


lovins from my cousins


photo op's on the boardwalk





As I look back on the year behind me it's kind of a blur. I felt almost like "let's just get this 1st year thing over with". But now looking back I see I have so much to be thankful for - God has blessed my family and I in so many ways.



  • Things I'm thankful for:
  • God's promises
  • God's grace
  • my children
  • 12 years with John Eric Rojas
  • my Mom and Dad
  • my brother & sisters (& in-laws)
  • my nieces and nephews
  • My Aunts & Uncles
  • grandmothers and grandfathers
  • cousins
  • good Friends
  • good neighbors
  • my dogs, cats & FISH
  • a roof over my head
  • a dependable car to drive (bonus - it's pretty)
  • the cabin - my retreat
  • mountains & beach
  • foot rubs
  • my bed
  • chocolate covered bananas (Trader Joes)
  • competition reality shows (amazing race)
  • comfy couches (to watch the above)
  • The promise that I'll someday see my loved ones who are in heaven
  • my sense of humor (like when you can laugh at yourself - when you think your daughter is taking pictures of you and really she has pushed VIDEO instead) - lovely.


oh, there is the picture button.


As you look back I hope you find many things to be thankful for. I'm also looking forward - to seeing what God has in store for me in the coming year.

5 comments:

Kristen said...

Awesome! I loved all the photos. It looks like such a fun and relaxing Thanksgiving. The photos of your kids on the boardwalk - so great!

Oh - Lance and I love the amazing race too! Who are you cheering for this season?

Cathi Hamen said...

aaaahhh! i am soo proud of you! you inspire me to be a better mom and wife every day not just when i feel like it! I am so proud to call you a best friend!!! plus i love your kids!

i am soo glad Drew made it up there.. good boy!

Crysti & Jerome said...

Thank you so much for the comment! Blogging is my new way to reconnect with my passion for english :-)

Your blog is beautiful! The pictures of your Thanksgiving makes me want to join your family :-) You all look like you're having so much fun!

Yay, we're blogger buddies *wink

lindsey said...

are you trying to make me cry?

Unknown said...

What a beautiful family. And a beautiful YOU!
Love Mandy in that hat!