Star Students of the Month

Rob and Allie were BOTH chosen by their individual teachers to be the September Student of the Month in their classes!

When the kids were told that they were getting the Student of the Month award, Rob asked inquisitively, "...What's Student of the Month?"

The kids found out what Student of the Month was when their teachers got up in front of the school and shared why they were being honored with the award...godly character, respect for the teacher, attentiveness in class, and first time obedience were some of the things mentioned.

Marcus had Friday off from school and was able to come to Rob and Allie's school with Josh and I to see them presented with their awards. It blessed us so much that he was so happy for his brother and sister.

We all celebrated and went out to lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and then to TCBY for frozen yogurt.

It was a great day celebrating three great kids!

Celebrating Birthdays

September is special because Josh and I both celebrate our birthdays.

Josh's parents were able to be here for mine. We were so blessed because he preached two services, a men's discipleship, and a marrieds class! We had such a special time together.

love the CA grown sticker on the lilies Jenn gave me

lunch at my favorite sushi restaurant...we missed you Danny

new shoes for playing tennis from my kiddos

Josh made me an amazing chocolate sheet cake

Josh's Day...celebrating with a great lunch after morning service

new golf clothes

Singing happy birthday ;)

Birthday celebrations are so fun and a major tradition in our family!

Happy times for everyone! 

Back To School

With the kids going to school this year we decided to make some special cookie jars that I found online (as well as a new cookie recipe) that they could give to their teachers. The kids and I made them and they each gave them to their teachers on the first day of school. They were a hit!

Chocolate Chip M&M Pudding Cookies...
(you can freeze cookie balls to bake later too)

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter (softened)
3/4 cups brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.4 ounce) package of vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup Mini M&M candies

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour and baking soda, set aside.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar. Beat in the instant pudding mix until blended. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Blend in the flour mixture. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips and M&M candies. Drop cookies in rounded balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake for 10- 12 minutes in the oven. Edges and tops will be golden brown.

And to help with the routine of making lunches I took the 
brilliant pinterest idea of having food baskets to hold the stuff for their lunches. 
I simply pull out both baskets, get the sandwich stuff out and we're good to go.

one small basket for the fridge

one larger basket to hold dry goods that sits in the pantry

I have to say I LOVE the baskets! 
Genius idea to make things quick and easy!

Special Guests

We were so blessed to have Mrs. Luz and her daughter, Carla, come visit us over Labor Day weekend.
Mrs. Luz was one of Marcus' preschool teachers back in Santa Monica!
Marcus loved having Mrs. Luz as his teacher!
They have a special bond.
They share their memories of those days when they see each other.
Marcus has always had a special place in her heart and she had to come see him play football.
We had a wonderful time.
Thank you so much for coming Luz and Carla!

Marcus hurt his left hand at his game, so we are praying for complete healing.

Mrs. Luz and her sunshine!

Rob & Allie Start School Today