Thanksgiving weekend---Christmas preparations and birthday cookies

Amy was able to spend the weekend with us, but more importantly, Saturday was her birthday. When she walked into our house on Wednesday, I was baking pumpkin bread, chocolate chip cookies, and brownies. She said, "Oh, I want some of my mom's butter cookies!" So, for her birthday, she spent most of the day making and frosting them. They turned out pretty good and tasted great! Happy 20th birthday, cousin!

Thanksgiving weekend always includes the Christmas tree decorating for the Beard family. This year was a bit different in that we purchased an artificial tree. When Gary was pulling it out of the box, Brooke asked, "Is that a real tree, daddy?" After his reply, she stated, "It looks kind of funny." Well, we had a little work to do to get it into shape, but the outcome was satisfying. All three kids enjoy putting up their ornaments---they get a new one each year.




Getting ready for tree decorating----- as reindeer??????

Pilgrims and Indians

The boys had a special chapel service at school today, in honor of Thanksgiving. They were encouraged to dress up as Pilgrims or Indians. Of course, an Indian is much more fun :) In fact, as I pulled into school to drop the boys off, I was overwhelmed by the sight of all the Indians.

In the special service, Andrew quoted Psalm 100 with his class. Wesley was a bit nervous because he had to do a reading of Scripture, all by himself. I was unable to attend, but Wesley told me: "It was all the kids, pre-school up to 8th grade and lots of parents." Andrew said Wesley did a great job.

I am thankful for a school in which this important topic of thankfulness is given due recognition. The children also presented canned foods and packages for needy children.

Wicked!!!

Amy and a friend from college, Michele, came out to visit us this past weekend. They are always welcome visitors at the Beard home. One of the main things that they wanted to do this weekend was to go to the Broadway production of "Wicked" in Hollywood. The three of us went on Saturday evening. Being with college students, I guess I was a bit more adventurous. We had no tickets. Instead, we went to the theater 2 1/2 hours early to put our name in a drawing to win front row tickets for $25.00. We did not win the lottery :) Instead, we were able to purchase any available seats for $45.00. This is a huge savings, since we had looked at prices the night before and couldn't find any for under $108.00. We sat on the right hand side, third row. It was an excellent show. Michele had the sound track, so we listened to it on the ride to and from Hollywood. I have to say, my whole take on the Wizard of Oz has dramatically changed. Thanks, Amy and Michele for a fun evening.

Amy and I before entering Pantages Theater for the showing of Wicked.

Michele and Amy were "flabbergasted" to actually be at Hollywood to see Wicked.

I voted today

I use to be one of those Americans who was thankful for my right to vote, yet I did not vote. I rationalized that one vote does not really make a difference in the big picture. However, recently, I have realized that God never asks me to make all the difference in the big picture; He simply asks me to do what I can. I voted today!

I live in a very Democratic and very liberal state. California can be the leader in many political ideas. We have two propositions facing us today in CA. One deals with abortions for minors and another with homosexual marriages. These have been big issues in the state. Our church has had 24-hr. prayer vigils to bring these matters before the Lord. My children not only know where we stand but why. On the way to school this morning, Andrew expected to see signs in everyone's yard, since it "is election day." He also commented when one neighbor had a "Yes on 8" sign and another neighbor had a "No on 8" sign that those two people "must not like each other very much." I explained that people have different opinions, but God asks us to do what is right and to still love others!

However the outcome, I am so thankful that I serve a powerful God. The state of CA may take a bad turn, but I know my condition is sure.

By the way, it has been a crazy week at our house. Just to summarize: a mainline water pipe broke in our front yard; our second car is out of commission; Gary is on jury duty; we have a possible two offers accepted on houses; but, I still did get out and vote!