White or chocolate?

So the other day when Arika and I were riding in the van, somehow the subject of ice cream came up. She informed me that she doesn't like chocolate ice cream. She likes the white ice cream. Than asked what kind the white ice cream was. I told her that it is called vanilla. Arika quickly exclaimed that vanilla is her favorite Ice cream! Which just isn't right! I grew up in a home where if there was ice cream in the house, it had some kind of chocolate in it! Where did she get vanilla as a favorite! Guess I'll have to blame her daddy! I do have to say, it is fun to watch my kids personallities come out more and more!
So are you a chocolate or a while ice cream person (as Arika would say?) Personally I LOVE chocolate with nothing on it.

Encouraged!

Ever just have a day or time that you just feel so down, Or so discouraged that something just isn't going to happen? To be honest, I've been a little frustrated at God. Not understanding why we haven't had more support come in yet. Wondering if we are still suppose to go in April. Then the Lord provided a large gift that will cover the cost of our visa's (which we apply for in Nov.) and pay for part of our plane tickets! What a loving and amazing God we serve. Just a confirmation that He is in control and that we are on the right track.

Then this past weekend we had a missions conference that we were a part of. What an amazing weekend! I felt so welcomed and loved. The Lord provided the money for us to have a babysitter for the kids Friday night, and then my in-laws willingly took our kids for all of Saturday. (Thanks mom and dad Abbott!) So one very nice thing was not having to worry about my kids while at a conference. I feel that most the times we go to churches, that I don't have much opportunity to talk to people, do too taking care of the kids. What a huge blessing it was!
On Saturday, they took all of us missionary wives shopping! Oh, how much fun we had! I'm pretty sure that all you moms would agree that if you have to buys something for yourself that you almost feel guilty, even if it is something you really, really need. Do to somebody in your family needing something else. Well, I was given some money and told I could only spend it on myself! That took all the guilt away! I got some much needed dress pants and some nice shirts for when we go into churches. I felt so special.
We had a great time sharing and meeting new people.

If asked to describe this last weekend in one word, I think it would be ENCOURAGEMENT! I walked away from the missions conference so encouraged.

My mom's group has been doing a Bible Study on Encouragement. It is really cool to see how the Lord works in our lives!

Do you have...

a Saturday morning tradition? We do! We make donuts almost every Saturday morning! Hang on, I know what your thinking, I could never do that! Well, it's quite simple. So I think anybody can make them. Even though they are do-able from scratch, it is much more time than I have on a Saturday morning! You want to know my secret? Canned biscuits! yup, you can use the cheapest kind you can find or if you want really, really good donuts, Pillsbury Grands biscuits are the best!
You can usually find them on sale for a $1, or less if you have coupons, around here.

Step 1 put oil in pan and heat over medium heat.
Step 2 open can of biscuits
Step 3 shape donuts, have fun and experiment!
step 4 once oil is hot enough place biscuits in hot oil, (carefully)
step 5 turn over once golden brown.
Step 6 when both sides are done, place on top of a paper towel on a plate.
Step 7 Eat plain or top with powdered sugar, cinn. sugar,or make a simple glaze to dip them in!
Enjoy!

We have a blast as a family making these! Something we look forward to every week! I would love to hear if you have any fun traditions or just special traditions you do with your family.
Have a great day and maybe you'll even try making these for fun!

Oh, how I ache.

Tonight, I sit here with tears running down my face, not understanding, but knowing that God is in total control. I ache for our dear friends, Curtis and Joanna. Joanna is the mother of 3 beautiful children. All under the age of 6. About a week ago she had surgery on a tumor located in her brain. They were not able to get it all due to the location of the tumor. They found out that it is cancer and is the worst possible kind. She'll be staring chemo and radiation soon. She's been given 1-2 years. I sit here wondering why her. But then I am reminded that God is in total control. And because of sin in this world, we have sickness and diseases. God is the GREAT Physician. He is more than able to heal her completely. That is my prayer. But know at the same time that it is all for his Glory. Please pray for them as they go though this time of taking in the info, talking to their kids, starting chemo, and adjusting to all that is going on in their lives. Please pray as well for the rest of their family. They have family in Indonesia, and Mozambique, as well as in the states. I can't imagine how hard it would be to be that far away.
Our prayers are with you Curtis, Joanna, Kanes, and the rest of the Jackson clan.

First Haircut!

It's amazing how quick time goes, how different boys and girls are, and quiet interesting to give a 9 month old boy a haircut with clippers!
It was quiet funny and frustrating all at the same time.

The pictures pretty much tell it all.What's that noise?

Okay, I can do this!


I don't know... the spoon was distracting at first...

spoon, or no spoon, I'm not liking it...

I really don't like this! I've had enough!

Soccer mom...

Go Orange Team!

for a day! So this last weekend, Jim and I kept some friends kids so they could go away for their anniversary. On Sat. morn they each had a game. We had a total blast watching them and cheering them on. Philip's team won! And for Anna, they don't keep score! Just trying to get them to kick the ball, is the important thing!

Over all we had a great weekend, and would do it again!

Arika was so up set when she didn't have a soccer uniform to wear and that she didn't get to play! Maybe next time!

No way...

Here's my little ham!

is it really true...am I a mom of a preschooler? It sure seems way to soon that my daughter has officially started preschool!
Monday was her first day! She absolutely loves it! She wasn't sure at first, but it took her just a few minutes to decide she'd be fine. Every day she goes we ask her if she learned anything, her answer so far is no. They had show and tell the first day. They were all suppose to sit down, Arika was kind of lost and upset that her friend Anna wasn't there! (Even though I had told her continually that Anna would be at a different school) So her teacher had her sit in her lap.

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend. We are headed out of town for a missions conference. Not sure when I'll get to post again.