Happy New Year 2009

Happy New Year! I use to be an advocate of resolutions; however, after repeated years of not keeping them or feeling discouraged about my failure in accomplishing as much as I had hoped, I threw out the whole resolution idea. This year is different for me! I have set two major goals, which I will not share. They are very personal items that I have set as a target for myself in my own personal life. See, this year is somewhat important to me: the 9's have always been years of significance in my life. Let me explain what I mean:

1969: I was not alive during this year, but my parents got married in 1969 and that was important in my own welfare :)

1979: This was the year that I developed Type I juvenile diabetes. As a young child, my life changed dramatically. I will never know what it is like to be "guilt-free" in eating. I must continually juggle the amount of activity I do with the foods I eat, the stress I am under, and the amount of insulin I have taken. The Lord gave me a disease that I can live with, and He has used it in many ways to bring His name glory; however, 1979 was the start of the lifelong challenge for me.

1989: This was probably one of the funnest years of my life. I graduated from high school and started college at Maranatha. As a young adult, I really enjoyed myself and my new-found freedoms.

1999: This was the year that I gave my birth to my firstborn, Wesley. I love being a mother, and it all started in 1999.

That brings us to 2009. These former 9's, you must admit, were all life-changing and rather climactic events. So, the question looms......What will happen to me in 2009??????

I am not worried, nor am I apprehensive. You see, I am not superstitious, either. I don't think the number of the year plays any role in life events. But....you must admit, it is rather ironic.

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 :)

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.