Some Christmas Pics

Children's choir at Ventura Baptist Church

Gramma bought Brooke her Christmas dress (with dolly to match!). She was our Christmas princess.
Andrew and Wesley were part of our children's choir this year. I was happy to be able to help direct. They played bells also, which was fun for me. It brought back the days of Maranatha Handbell choir.

The children were asked to come forward as our family pastor shared the Christmas story with them. Brooke got right behind the choir risers, which made for an interesting picture. It was a fun day of worship and praise this Christmas season.

Look at Brooke! She is five

When I asked Brooke what kind of cake she wanted for her birthday she said, "Chocolate with chocolate frosting." I asked her what kind of shape or design she wanted. The kids usually get creative with their cakes, and I have fun doing that with them. Brooke said simply, "I want triangles." So, it was not too hard for this math teacher to figure out how to cut a rectangle into some triangles.


To celebrate Brooke's birthday, we had a "girl's day out." Brooke, her best friend Malia, and I went out for lunch at Applebees (Brooke's request), played some games/rides at Chuck E Cheese, and then the girls got their nails done.


We bought Brooke a bike for her birthday. Last night, after dark, she was out riding on the back patio.

Wesley and "The Three Trees"

Wesley's class did a reading/acting in the elementary chapel service today. They did "The Three Trees." It is a good story about how three trees wanted to be something great and were disappointed when they were made into a trough, fishing boat and a plain board. They later grew to realize their use by the master as they played the part of the manger, the boat from which He calmed the storm, and the cross upon which he died. Wesley did the main narrating part, and he did an excellent job. It is fun to see his "drama" side. To read the full story, click on the link: http://www.pennyparker2.com/trees.html

We got snow!

The kids were just watching a Christmas cartoon (Charlie Brown's Christmas) and we noticed that we are under a winter advisory. It was also nice to wake up this morning, and while taking the boys to school, see the snow covered mountains. I just wanted to let all of my mid-west family know that, though we live in CA, we still get to enjoy the beautiful snow (sort of). Now, I just have to persuade Gary to drive us up in the mountains over Christmas break to let us play in the snow :)

Christmas Traditions

Christmas brings out traditions in many people. I remember when we were first married, Gary and I started traditions of our own. I love them! One tradition we have with our children (and one that they love) is the Christmas advent calendar. Mamaw Beard started and created our first one. She filled each pocket with goodies for the kids. Since that time, we have mixed it up, but they always enjoy coming down the stairs each morning and opening their "pocket." Many of the pockets this year hold cards with different activities that we will do. These pictures are from our "let's build a gingerbread house today" card. The gingerbread house, in my opinion, does not taste that great, but it is great fun to create! So, a new tradition begins :)