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.