Christmas Day

Just my own family for Christmas day, or so I thought before I received a call from my "niece" Becky. She is a single mom with two sons who recently moved from Texas to California to start over. She completed a Certified Nursing program and got a job in Huntington Beach as an activities director for an assisted living facility. She asked for Christmas off so she could spend it with her family (us). So we welcomed her and her son Will to spend the day with us. The last time I saw Becky, she was 12 years old, so alot has changed considering she is now 39. Paul and I had stayed up so late on Christmas Eve playing Tripoley with Lauren, Jared, Lex, and Marcus that when Becky and Will arrived, only Paul & I were up and only Paul was dressed : ) Needless to say, we had planned to have our stockings and gift exchange over and done with before Becky's arrival. Nope, didn't happen. So here are some pics of our fav gifts: Lex hoarding his gifts : ) Who knew there could be joy in hiking? A nice voodoo pedal for Jared's guitar I was fleeced!Bongos, the next addition to his percussion collection Mom looking beautiful Katie loves American Girl accessories! Lauren with her backpacking guitar My nephew Rob sent this great pic of Avery in his new mustang

I'll Be Home for Christmas . . . .

Christmas Eve we went to church and then headed over to Chris & Sally's to exchange gifts with my brother's families. My brother Ron had been ill with the flu and wasn't able to be there, but Debbie and the boys came. Kevin & Diane along with their sons Chad and Chase were doing Christmas #3 of 5. Ah the joys of making the rounds with family. Here are some pics: Diane & Chris (love the Christmas suspenders!)Kevin & Paul Debbie Ryan & Erik Chad is pleased with his collection of Roald Dahl Books Katie shows her mouse cookie which won "cutest cookie" at her Sweet Greetings get together Chad, Alex, Katie, Chase, Lauren, Jared, Ryan, Erik
All my Mom's grandchildren with the exception of the Utahns, Desiree, Rob & Avery

Each Day. . . .

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE . . .

No occasion justifies hatred;
no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY . . .

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . .
the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see
people as anything less than human beings,
created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as
anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE . . .

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE . . .

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll
invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the
wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment
to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new
assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS . . .

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to
the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS . . .

I will go without a dollar
before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked
before I will boast. I will confess before I will
accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS . . .

Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates
will not question my word. My wife will not
question my love. And my children will never fear
that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS . . .

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL . . .

I am a spiritual being. . . .
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow
and rest.
________________

MAX LUCADO
When God Whispers Your Name

A Star Is Reborn

My precious daughter enjoyed performing in Christian Youth Theatre Productions all through her middle and high school years, and always did a great job of getting into the character she was portraying. When she left high school and began classes at Biola University, it was somewhat dismaying to me to realize that she would not take any drama classes. Since the drama majors were first to be cast in lead roles, and she wasn't a drama major, it didn't make sense to her to audition for any plays. So, it was a very sweet time to be able to watch her perform this weekend in Rancho Community Church's Christmas Musical. Her role was Sandra, a single mom with one daughter who is struggling to make ends meet, and it is Christmas. Lauren really got into her role and when she cried out to God for His help, my family and friends seated with me were all crying! Here are some pics from the play: "Sandra stressing over the bills" "Trying to muster up the spirit and help Brittany hang ornaments" "Crying out to God for help" "The Holy Spirit guiding her as she surrenders her life to Christ" "Reconnecting with longtime friend who has been praying for Sandra" Curtain Call Meeting and greeting friends and fans, Christina & Rachael Autographing programs (No rest for Stars!) Claim Jumper After party; Christina & Laurette The girls with "Mum" as Kurt says With her parents who are extremely proud
And now to feed my nostalgia which seems to be welling up in me frequently as of late...... Here is a photo of Lauren's first performance: At the tender age of 2, she portrayed a shepherd in our church's recreation of the nativity. The fingers never left her mouth throughout the entire performance. Isn't she adorable!
Love you Lauren Michelle!

Currier & Ives Christmas Supper and Dance

Friday, Dec. 8th, Paul and I along with Chris and Sally and Bob and Ginger put on our dancin' duds and headed up the hill to Oakglen. Please check the website to find out about Los Rios Ranchos and the Riley family: www.losriosranchos.comThe evening began with appetizers and carolers. All the people who sang, played, or served us are either Riley children or have married into the family. The caroler in the gray silk hat is Tim Riley, son of Dennis and Sharon Riley. Here is our party waiting to be dismissed to get in line for supper. The menu was yummy! Ham, Chicken Pot Pie, string beans, red potatos, and biscuits. After supper, Devon Riley (another son of Dennis and Sharon) led us in singing Christmas Carols accompanied by the Riley Mountaineer Band. We were going to sing "White Christmas" and the request was made for baritone voices to come up to sing with the microphone. My own darling went up there at our group's urging and gave his best "Bing" imitation. All the Riley kids were summoned to the front and brought along all the guest's children to lead us in a robust version of "Frosty the Snowman" We finished with "Oh Holy Night" and then the kids passed out chestnuts which had been grown there on the farm and roasted for this occasion. A very strange tasting nut! Here is the Rileys Dance Ensemble: Dennis "Pa" Riley on the Banjo, Devon and Tim Riley on the guitars, Shelli Riley on the spoons. The keyboardist, cellist, and violinist were friends of the Rileys. A few dance photos: Bob doing a left arm swing. A right hand star Awww!! so fun! Can't wait for next year. Everyone put it on your calendar because we want to take a big group with us!

Christmas Time is Here

One of the best things about the Christmas season is connecting with friends and just enjoying the wonderful gift that friendship is. We have been trying to get together with Greg and Lori for more than a year. Talk about being too busy! Well, we finally got our priorities straight and enjoyed a meal together at Harrys Pacific Grill on December 1st. We then went back to our house and taught them the fun, lengthy card game, "Hand and Foot". What fun! Can't wait for the next time : ) On Saturday, the 2nd of December, our Community Bible Study Leaders had a Christmas Brunch with husbands included. Rob, who is very talented musically, led us in some Christmas Carols with the guitar which he only recently had taken up. Everyone had a great time chatting. Deb went all out this year with her twinkling Christmas light necklace. By far the most dazzling piece of jewelry there! : ) OK, this is what happens when you give your husband the camera so he can take a few pictures. The gift exchange was very fun. I did steal the Noah's Ark ornament from Jackie but it was done in christian love! What a wonderful group of God's people. I so love being in CBS primarily for the in-depth study of the Bible, but also for the great people I get to "hang out" with.

Happy 26th Birthday Lauren!

Saturday, the 25th we began our trip home from Utah. We would have broken the return trip into 2 days but wanted to have Sunday at home to rest and get ready for the work week ahead. It turned out to be a very long drive due to horrendous traffic from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga. Ugh!This day happened to be Lauren's birthday. Here is her morning picture in the truck at the beginning of our trek. We made our first stop for gas and bathroom . This gas station had a grizzly bear which made for good picture taking. Next we checked out the regal Elk I had taken Lauren's present to Utah with us, but she was disinclined to open gifts there. So I put it back in the truck to be opened when we were home. At yet another gas station, the fam asked how her birthday was going. She decided right then and there to open her gift in the back of the truck. We had given her a national parks pass and a gift card to Macy's but the fun gift was what she opened here. A little background: when Lauren was at Biola, I had given her a pair of slippers that she really loved. Recently, Sima and Roscoe decided to eat the bunnies while she was at work. This was very distressing to her, so I determined to find her a new pair. Needless to say, she was delighted with the little hares! At this point, Jared took the wheel and Lauren in her slippers, navigated. Paul watched "Prisonbreak" while I listened to my ipod and napped. The road trip was delightful! I hope we can do another one soon! On Sunday, we did Lauren's birthday dinner along with Ice Cream Cake......Happy Birthday my favorite daughter! I love you dearly!