Fruitbearers

1. On June 16th, my husband started his new job as an assistant city engineer. 2. We have made quite a leap this leap year.  We sold our house in July; after living in the same area for about 12 years, we relocated to a new city to be closer to my husband’s workplace.  We moved into our current home on July 31st. 3. We had always wanted to live in the country; the dream finally came true .  We bought two goats (a Nubian and a LaMancha) to be our pets and our lawnmowers. 4. Both my husband and I turned 40!  My birthday this year was an unforgettable one . 5. Our niece gave birth to a baby boy on Nov. 6th.  His name is Javari.  He is so adorable! 6. Our daughter, Alyssa , has been a contributor at Growing in Grace (free online Christian magazine for ladies) since February. 7. Both Alyssa and I have become book reviewers for Thomas Nelson Publishers. 8. Some of our cool outings/field trips include: Seaside/Cannon Beach , Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm , Champoeg State Park , Do

Yesterday was my 40th birthday.  I had a wonderful, relaxing day filled with love (and chocolates, too ).  I received lots of hugs and kisses.  Several friends on Facebook and the Homeschool Lounge left me sweet birthday greetings.  My 10 year old son played Chinese checkers, Mancala, and Battle ship with me.  My 7 year old son nibbled a piece of ham into a heart shape for me (isn’t that sweet?)  My daughter made me this beautiful ring.  My sweetheart gave me a gorgeous heart-shaped blue topaz pendant on a white gold necklace.  I love heart-shaped stuff .  In the evening, we (the whole family) went to see A Christmas Carol (with a twist) performed by the international students at George Fox University’s English Language Institute.  Some of our Taiwanese friends were part of the cast.  I enjoyed singing the Christmas songs they sang between scenes.  We sang God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen, The First Noel, Angels From the Realms of Glory, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Away in

The Homeschool Lounge is having a weekly theme/giveaway each week this month.  Week 1 (Dec. 1st to Dec. 5th)’s theme/question is:   In this day of over commercialism, how does your family keep a meaningful and Christ-centered Christmas? We strive to live a Christ-centered life everyday.  Our children see how we live…living simply for God…each day, not just at Christmastime.  Thankfully, commercialism does not affect our family.  Our children do not ask for presents…never make any wish list.  They are grateful for whatever gifts they receive.  They know Christ, the Heart of Christmas…who gives us the greatest gift of all–the gift of salvation! We focus on giving, rather than receiving.  Two years ago, I wrote a post titled, " It is more blessed to give than to receive !"  Please click on that to see ideas for giving.  Our family enjoys shopping for those in need and for things that transform lives like Bibles, Gospel tracts (Did you know that you can buy 200 tract