So much to be thankful for...

Well, it's Saturday evening and the house is clean and somewhat quiet. I had all of Marco's family over for Thanksgiving and half of them even stayed the night. The other half returned the next day for more eating and then a short trip up to Lake Arrowhead. We had a great time together. I was so busy getting ready, cooking, cleaning, entertaining... I didn't really stop to think about all that I am thankful for. There is so much too! So, I thought that I better list some of the things so that I can see them "out loud". I'm sure that I won't be able to list everything right now, but I will list all that come to mind first and then I will add to my list when I need to.

1. The health of my family and I - Not only have we all been fairly healthy, we have not had any major issues with our extended family either. I am so thankful for this.

2. The birth of our son Marco Joseph this past July. I am incredibly blessed with this little man in my life. At 3.5 months old, he already has an incredible personality.

3. My hard-working husband - Besides my father, my husband is the hardest working man I know. He pastors a brand new church, works extra jobs when he needs to in order to make sure that we (or the church) do not fall behind on our bills and can enjoy the "extra" things in life, and still helps out around the house and with the children. I often hear women complain about their husbands and how lazy or unwilling to help they are. I just smile to myself and thank God that I was able to find someone so special.

4. My children - Hannah, Taryn, Naomi, and Marco are the joy of my life. I am able to be home with them now and even homeschool the two oldest. I couldn't be happier. They each have their own special trait and I wouldn't want any of them to change for anything.

5. My church and church family - We started a church a little over a year ago. The week that I delivered Marco was the week that we moved into the new building we bought. Our people have been so faithful. They pitch in, serve, and worship along with us and we have become like family to each other. The ladies in the church are women that I consider to be my friends. My children are happy and active there as well. When things get tough, I may start to question my place in God's will and then boom! - something happens at church that shows me that I am loved and needed and exactly where God would have me be right now.

6. My friends here and across the miles - I can't say that I really have anyone here that I "hang out" with. If I am out with anyone around here - it's usually for a ladies activity. I spend most of my spare (not that there's much) time with my family.

I have friends that are not near by that I miss so much. I am very thankful for them and even though it may only be a call, text or some sort of contact with them online, I cherish every moment.

7. My house - We have moved so many times since we got married! I told my grandmother that being in the ministry is almost like being in the military. We live to serve others. Part of that means that we have to go where we are called. I am praying that we are settled now. We finally were able to buy our first house and we are praying even harder that we can hang on to it. I'm sure you've all heard about how hard it has been here in California lately - well, we are not going to ever go down without a fight. I love this place and right now - it's home.

My Favorite Things...

I posted an album on my Facebook where I decided I will keep pictures of my favorite things. I realised that just posting them made me happier. It brought me joy. Isn't it crazy that something so simple can bring you joy? If you are on Facebook, look me up. I will be adding to it as needed!

Taryn is 8 years old!

So my baby #2 is now 8 years old. I still remember the day I had her and tried to call my friends at work (GBCS at the time) to let them know. Nobody was there because it was Veteran's Day and there was no school! I named her after a young lady that I taught - Taryn Ramirez. She was one of those students that just stand out - in a good way! LOL Of course, I had other students that I adored, but their names weren't as unique.

We had a small party for her with family and some friends from church. About 25 people. Just something small...ha ha! I made pozole, chicken lentil and noodle soup, and hot dogs for those that didn't feel "soupy". It has started to get a little chilly at night and the stuff goes a long way. Everyone seemed to enjoy it.

She got 2 movies (Ratatouille and Meet the Robinsons), a Hello Kitty hoody (all sparkly of course), money (she's been saving and now has $125! She wants to buy her own ipod), and the gift she's been asking for for over a year - a new bike!

We had a great time. Taryn is one of those girls that looks and seems super confident, but she tends to crumble if you put her on the spot. She's tough on the outside, yet cries the moment she thinks she's disappointed you. She expects nothing and is grateful for everything. My baby is 8 now...

Here are more pics that I promised. This was our first Harvest Party/Trunk or Treat event and we had a blast. I organized most of the games (no biggie). I am already planning for next year even! Anywhoo... here are the pics of the kids that you all have been waiting for! I say you all, but I mean the two people that have requested. LOL! Hannah as Ugly Betty, with and without the poncho, Taryn as Ruth from the Old Testament, Naomi as a cheerleader, and little Marco went in his Pumpkin p.j's and beanie.

Great fun!

Wow! What a busy month!

The Morales family sure has been busy this month! I haven't posted in a while because there just wasn't time to sit down and do it all! Anyway, I thought I would catch you all up!

One of the events that we went to recently was the Insect Fair at Cal Poly Pomona. It is an annual thing that my girls really look forward to. This year, we took along some friends from our church. They loved it. They were surprised to see that the girls were very comfortable holding the insects. Well, they should've seen them the first year! LOL!

We also have a yearly tradition of going to the Pumpkin Patch in Yucaipa every year. We spend way too much money on tickets for the little petting zoo and the jumpers and what not, take lots of pictures and then go home. We don't buy pumpkins there because they are sooooo expensive. We get them at the supermarket for about $3 or $4. Crazy right?

My oldest daughter, Hannah just turned 12! I know, can you believe it? I am the mother of a pre-teen. *sigh* Well, we weren't going to do much for her birthday, but as usual - that didn't work out. First, she spent the day out with her dad. Then they came home and we went to Red Lobster. She has been dying to go there. I don't know why - it's over-rated if you ask me. She loved it. She got a new bed set for her room and we will be re-decorating soon. It's going to be sky blue and chocolate brown. Her "new" favorite colors. Then on Friday after our Youth Group night (which was a blast - we did a photo scavenger hunt) we surprised her with cake and ice cream for everyone. Lastly, I surprised her by taking her to the Scrapbook Expo at the Ontario Convention Center. We went for some shopping and did some make and takes at the booths. I had also bought tickets for the Crop Night from 5 pm to 11:30. We had a great time together and she even won a page layout contest! I was so proud of her.

Well, we did more - but I will post it in another post because I know some of you are already going nuts from reading such a long post. Enjoy the pics!