If Only...

I could merge the two pictures of G and me, I would have one frame worthy family photo, heh. After church I decided to set the camera timer to capture a pic of G and me. I had 10 free cards to order from Shutterfly so I needed a picture done before the expiry date on the free cards. These two were the best from the day but neither was the best of us both at the same time. G looks disturbed in the one and I look more disturbed in one than in the other. I wish I had some photo editing tools to combine the two but since I didn't I used the one with the best shot of G. I need to include myself in more photos just for future reference. I am not patient enough to do the whole photo editing out of stuff either. So other than trying to make one sepia toned or more sepia toned I didn't really touch them up. Like Lincoln said, "Paint me warts and all."

Have I Ever Mentioned....

G's enormous feet?

We say she takes them after Grandad.

G had a great time playing all kinds of games even being introduced to battleship (peg and hole not electric) by grandad. G loves LURVES games of all kinds. I loved watching her play. Now she and her grandparents are now decorating the Christmas tree and singing Christmas carols!

Incredible Moment

If this would happen on Black Friday and I could be sure to be there to see it, I would def. shop on Black Friday.

For all you out there shopping, enjoy the day, becareful and I hope you find all the deals you can carry.

Breaking of the Board

Finally I was able to get the karate teacher to e-mail the board breaking video. And no G didn't weaken the board with all of her attempts. She really surprised herself when she did it too and in her words, "I tried not to smile" after it broke.

Because it was sent so late (that is my term because timing wise couldn't have come at a better time) G's cousins got to see it along with her grandparents! And had I even thought G would be able to do it I wouldn't have had run down batteries!

It's Thanksgiving Time

I'm really feeling fine...

And if you need directions to cook a turkey, here is G's instructions:

"I cook my torkey like this. I pule the fethers off. Then I cleen it. And then I put it in the pan, and then I put it in the uven. And then I eat it." (for those who couldn't read it)

What further instructions could you ask for?

Oh and I forgot to take a picture of the karate uniform Monday because we were running a bit late. Coming in late to class costs 10 push ups and so far we have avoided that. I will next time for sure though. Here is a not very good pic taken with my video recorder/camera:

Happy Thanksgiving everybody. May God grant traveling mercies for all of you needing to travel this Thanksgiving weekend.

Productive Sunday

I had a most productive Sunday and didn't even get a nap. No nap was actually not a good thing, other than that though it was very productive.

Anyway, I managed to finish 11 Christmas gifts, from which my hands still smell like vanilla, get G's patch on her new gi, and get the free Christmas cards from Shutterfly done. That did take a minute but I got it done. And now for your viewing pleasure, the Moore family 2010 Christmas card:




Yes, I am fully aware of the fact that she has a fall shirt on but she looked so cute yesterday morning leaving for church that I took her photo in the back yard. It seems to me to be much harder now to make the time to get a good Christmas picture or for that matter any picture especially since I have no computer at home. I lose my motivation to make pics.

G also got her gi on Friday but I haven't taken a good picture of that either. I plan on bringing the good camera to karate tonight for a really good picture of her in it. And yes she does look adorable fierce in it; until I post it you will have to take my word.

So my favorite holiday is this week. I love the idea of taking time to thank our Savior for his provision of this year. And yes I know I should be doing so everyday but this holiday, so far untainted by the commercialism of Christmas and Easter really does make a mark on me. I promise it is the holiday not the food as I really dislike traditional Thanksgiving fare.

School Project

G had a school project sent home last Monday that we as a family were supposed to do. It was a turkey that we were to decorate. So G and I brainstormed what all to put on it. I had some stuff left over from the whole aquarium thing so I let G use some of it. Most of the sections are of different materials but from stuff we had at the house. I had to glue it to a card board container to support the weight of the fish tank rocks. Isn't he a dream. Kind of makes you hungry want to be a vegetarian this Thanksgiving huhn?

Too Funny

Found here.

This Is Powerful

and very real. We need to listen and take heed. Contact the lame duck congress and let them know we want change now!

Weekend

G participated Saturday in a basketball camp. I dropped her off, ran some errands and came back to wait for her. The basketball camp director came to tell me she was the camper of the day and that there is some true potential because she is a pretty good player. He said maybe there could be scholarship potential there. I said that yes she is a lot like her granddad, coordinated, but that she will need a def. growth spurt. He said something about point guard. I assure you I won't get my hopes up but I have known she has some sporty talent in her tiny body.

Friday night after karate she attended a bday party that was actually a sleepover but earlier in the week G decided and I was okay with her not spending the night. At 10pm I called them because silly me thought the mom would bring her home (like she offered) at 9pm when the girls were winding down. But G was very very tired and melted down after she got home. Then she was mad at me for her not getting to spend the night, never mind that she had made the decision not to earlier in the week. Truly, I had no problem with either decision. I could see a benefit for me either way, heh. Anyway, that anger she shows when she is tired puts me over the edge sometimes. We had a pretty good night sleep after some quiet cuddling.

G asked me yesterday after karate to play the game on my phone and when I told her no she said, "Oh I get it, I can play only when it is convenient to you." You got that right sister! Most things are only when it is convenient to me, heh.

Next Saturday we have 2 bday parties, one is a late one. She was actually asked to a third but I had to decline due to three bday parties are really 2 too many for me.

Why Not Here?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nestle Dolce Gusto. All opinions are 100% mine.

Only in Canada but maybe soon to come south of the border?  Isn't this just the cutest?  A NESCAFE Dolce Gusto coffee maker in two models: Krups and T-Fal but only in Canada.  They come in three colors candy apple red, creamy white or sophisticated black for any kitchen decor.  Apparently you can make 8 different varieties for your individual tastes:  Caffè Lungo, Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte Macchiato, Mocha, Caffè Americano, Iced Cappuccino…and even a rich Hot Chocolate (Chococino).  Though I love coffee and such I haven't ever heard of a Caffè Lungo.  If I had a  NESCAFE Dolce Gusto I would make one just to say I did know because I am snooty like that.

The coffee pods come with 100% Arabica beans, vacuum sealed for freshness. Seriously, for this alone I would consider moving to Canada.  The ability to customize the froth heat and strength of my morning elixir would be heavenly.  You don't even have to take my word for it; beginning October 15, at divine.ca you can see what 50 lucky Canadians had to say about the NESCAFE Dolce Gusto for yourself.  I wonder if it is already coming here or it is here and I just don't know it yet.

Pray for the Persecuted Church

Today we bind together to pray for the persecuted church. All over the world Christians suffer for their faith at the hands of governments, other religions and just evil people. Pray for God's comfort and strength as our brothers and sisters suffer sometimes very alone. Even in a more free China there are Christians suffering, being thrown in jail, beaten and killed by the government for the Christian belief.

We in America suffer, as a former pastor used to call them, flea bites of persecution in comparison. And sometimes those flea bites will shut our mouths whereas the persecuted church stands bold all for the cause of Christ. We need to pray that we are able to be as bold in our faith as our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Hebrews 11, “Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them.”

Hebrews 13:3 "Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body."

Illegal Immigration

In our big city news paper there has been (in conjunction with the school system I might add) a story about an illegal immigrant, his journey to America and the people he left behind. It is written to make you very very sad for this guy and try to make a case to legalise all the illegal aliens in the US. I think the article series is trying to get lots of sympathy for this and other similar cases.

Personally, the author ought to follow someone who is applying legally and follow that path of bureaucratic paperwork and passing of time to show the difficulty and heartbreak of those individuals who are denied or forced to wait for unreasonable issues. People like this who provided jobs aren't given much thought against the border runners coming up from Mexico. Sad really, this couple do it right and get punished while the Dems are crying in their drink over Arizona trying to protect its citizens by enforcing Federal law.

First off it must be said that if someone comes here illegally they have already broken a law showing they have no respect for this new land. Second, illegals are using, for free, services reserved for citizens in need. We should have no problem with people coming here legally, but the ones coming illegally are taking away precious time and effort that could be used to get those individuals who have played by the rules to America legally. If we don't secure our borders the harm and physical and financial damage illegals do to the US will only get worse over time. Arizona has it right. Obama has it wrong.

This was the Christmas picture outfit I sent G to school in Thursday, flip flops and all. We have had some crazy warm weather for November but today is back to the cold drizzly rainy weather we expect in Fall.

And this was the picture face she gave for the photo. Ha, just kidding. She was being silly for her dear ol' mom.
She really is a very silly girl. Don't tell her you saw this picture 'cuz she didn't want to share.

Remember to Thank a Vet Today

I found this video here. This is a way to give back to our veterans who have given so much for us.

235th Birthday of the US Marines

Happy Birthday! Thank you for your service and success.
Michelle Malkin's site has a history of the Marines which is a pretty interesting read.

This Is the 2000th Post

And if I had had my act together I might have done something special for you all but alas I didn't. I will regale you with stories straight from G's heart though. She has come up with some doozies lately. G has said she lived in a trailer when she was in China. She remembers it. She said when she was "18 or 17 old or maybe 16" her foster momma showed her pictures and told her about where she lived. I told her that I had her when she was "18 or 17 old or maybe 16" (months) not her foster momma. Then she changed the age and said, "Well was I held by my foster mom at 8 or 7?" And I said, "Yes at 7 or 8 months you were probably with your foster mom."

Then she told me that her China dad was really old and died already but her China mom was really young and still alive. She said she had papers that told her where she lived and where her China mom is. Oh how I wish it were so.

Yeah so the imaginations of a child are wonderful things. And yes we have open and (as honest as I can be with the info I have) honest conversations about China, her time there and her adoption into our family.

So much for anything big on this 2000th post for the blog. Thanks for continuing to read. Oh and as a last request, please stick your neck out and leave a comment to let me know who you are, where you are from (blog addy is fine too), and what your big plans are for the Thanksgiving holiday (just because I am nosey).

A Gift For G

From the CSN stores. Remember this? Well, the same week I ordered it, it was delivered. I didn't pick something for me, instead I am able to fulfill G's Christmas list one free piece at a time. And it appears that it was very easy to put together. G and her grandad did it in less than an hour. Then she had a bright sunny (but chilly) afternoon to kick the ball around.

GGGOOOAAALLL!

She now has her very own practice goal for her soccer set. This became an early Christmas present from me to her. I received this free through a promotion from the CSN stores in exchange for my review. The opinions are 100% mine.

What a Spectacularly Busy Weekend

We had such a funfilled weekend that I believe I need a vacay just to rest.

Friday night we went to a family party at karate. They even had board demonstrations. They let the students (all ages mind you) try to break a board. G did it. She broke two (not at the same time) with an ax-kick. My little board breaker!

I took these pics today. I am waiting on video of the action taken by her teacher because my battery died Friday. So, no I don't have video yet of her doing it but I was a witness to the skill and talent of my little karate kid. I will say though if taught right anyone can break a board. There is no trick to it. None of the kids her age could break it with fists due to the lack of body weight; though, they could so with feet. I was thrilled for her being able to break the boards.

Saturday we went to a family day at a museum here in big city. Best part: It was free! G was able to draw to her hearts content. There was a scavenger hunt going on for some candy as well. The picture of G drawing the fish vase was part of the hunt: an answer to her favorite thing on display. She was to draw her fav. picture but she liked the vase more. It was from the Qing dynasty. She also got to draw some things from a still life display.

Another picture she was able to do was a pre-printed water color painting with water color chalk. Part of the picture was a pre-drawn something (hers was a man in the forefront and a factory in the background) then the kids added to the picture to make it a personal work of art.

She even got her face painted with a very pretty fish.

After that we had a birthday party of a neighbor kid then went bowling with the director of the ministry where I volunteered and her grandkids. G loves to bowl. She bowled for me this time too. She made a strike for her and for me she bowled a spare. Neither of us won but she did get to play lots of video games too. She may not be getting better at the bowling but she is getting much better at the video games, heh.

Last night was my most favorite, bar none, night of the whole year. Yes I love the fall back of daylight savings time end. I left our bedroom clock alone and set the alarm for one hour later so that we got up on time for Church but we also got that extra hour sleep. Of course my dog ruined my evening mostly by needing to go outside every hour on the hour until roughly 3am. So today is nap day for me! And as soon as I hit "publish" I am out for a nap. Enjoy your weekend or what is left of it.

On This Day In History

With a Christian twist. A book out by Robert J. Morgan with 365 inspirational stories of our Christian faith. So for today November 5, 1414, the Council of Constance, the largest church council and most important since the Council of Nicea, began to answer the schism between the French and Italian factions of the church.

Because of this schism, which started with the death of Pope Boniface, there ended up being 3 Popes, one French, one Italian and one elected to replace both the French and Italian Popes that wouldn't resign. So in the little village of Constance, population 6000, 5000 delegates with "an army of servants, secretaries, peddlers, physicians, quacks, minstrels and fifteen hundred prostitutes" came to end the "Great Schism" by electing a new leader, "Pope Martin V," in 1417.

On my birthday in the year 590, Pope Gregory I was consecrated. Pope Gregory I sent Augustin to evangelize the British Isles. He did many wonderful things for the church as well as wrote liturgy and popularized the Gregorian chant. He wrongly though upheld tradition as equal to the Bible, he established the dogma of purgatory and the mass. He encouraged the worship of relics and popularized legends of saints. To read more of the good and bad of Pope Gregory I check out September 3, 590 in the book On This Day in Christian History by Robert J. Morgan.

In response for this review I received a free copy of the book. All opinions are 100% mine.

G Really Rocks Her Boots

Seriously loves the boots. She wore them today and looked so cute but I forgot to take a picture of her. I will have to get one after school if she is clean enough. By the way, it's finally fall, Ya'll. I am trying very hard not to turn the heat on yet though because we are warm while asleep which is really all that matters right?

Finally, Halloween Pictures

Here is G in her costume we made together. Never ever use any glue other than Elmer's. I learned the hard way. The stuff we used actually pooled out from under the rocks we tried to clue and landed in the corner of the box. I ended up having to use clear packing tape to tape the rocks on the bottom. We made the front and back mirror images as close as we could. Then on one side we added the plants like the front and the other a treasure chest. G rocked it. She got more comments on the cuteness and creativeness of the costume. Made this mama proud. Last year she didn't wear a costume so she didn't go trunk or treating.

Go here to see more and try to win a camera from the SITS Girls.

A Good Morning in America

Red is the new Blue. Don't ya just love it?

Another Brag on Shutterfly

I have to tell you with the holidays fast approaching that you can make wonderful Christmas cards through the Shutterfly website. The cards are high quality, easy to order, and for a bit extra they will ship them to your individual addresses so you don't even have to address the envelopes. Currently they have the new 2010 styles available for making a very welcomed gift of Christmas greetings for your friends and family.

Sometimes the best gifts are pictures and updates from friends with whom constant contact is difficult. The cards I save personally are the ones with pictures of our friends on them. I make a photo album of all the Holiday/Christmas cards with pictures to compare from year to year. And all the comparing of the pictures is probably the very reason it takes me twice as long to prepare for Christmas as anyone else. I can sure get lost in photo albums.

There are other holiday cards to choose from as well if Christmas isn't your thing. If you are lucky enough to be bi-lingual or have friends who only speak Spanish, Shutterfly has Christmas cards in Spanish as well.

What about last minute gifts for teachers or friends? Everyone needs a wall calendars. Those are easy to make as well. And the best part is the timing. Granted you can't wait until the night before to make your orders but there is a very quick turnaround time.

The thing I really like about Shutterfly other than the choices, quality, quick turnaround, ease etc, is the lifetime storage of your photos. There is no cost and you will always have the pictures and products you have ordered previously. It is really a very sweet deal.

So go check them out. And then put me on the Christmas card list so I can see your final product! Now I have to take a wonderful picture or series of pictures of G to use on my own free 50 cards I get in exchange for this post. All opinions on Shutterfly really are my very own. Shutterfly is pretty much the only photo store I use.

Wanna See Why I Am Pro-Life?

For awesome ultrasound pics go visit the President's cousin, Milton Wolf at the Wolf Files.

Pretty incredible if you ask me. Christians need to stand on the side of life no matter what arguments are given.

Historic Election

Graphic courtesy of AIGA, the professional association for design.

If you haven't heard already, today is election day, the day to put our country out of the misery of the Obamacrats in DC. Let's do it. Get out and vote if you haven't done so already.

Creative Halloween Projects

Being creative for the SITS Site for a chance at the give away. You can use a recycled can, construction paper, googly eyes (if you have them), glue, and make...

A scary pencil holder for halloween. Didn't take long and was a fun thing to do together. This is a re-post from an earlier craft project. So yes you may have seen it before.

Still Dreaming

Due to the growing nature of our family, not in additions but in actual age and height, I have sort of been dreaming of changing our current kitchen set up from low table to the high table with the extra tall bar stools. See the current chair occupied by G is too low for her to use without a booster but she is going to hurt herself in the unstable booster because she is much more independent not needing me to get her in or out of her chair. I am dreaming with help from the CSN Stores online. Of course I am not only dreaming of newer and better furniture or home decorations but also kitchen cookware and bright Christmases for G. With over 200 stores represented my dreaming can be totally continuous if not interrupted for work.

Coming up I will be reviewing a product from one of the stores. Stay tuned to find out what it is.