"Explorer Spirit…Servant Heart…"
Jan 28th, 2015 by leigharev2
My sweet gal pal, Shanti, asked if we wanted to go in with them on a holiday lights limo-van ride. She didn’t have to ask us twice!
All the kids…
We went through two neighborhoods. One was near our home that we were familiar with. The other, though, was new for us, and it had decorated sidewalks to encourage walking instead of driving. They did a magnificent job decorating their yards. It was a pretty warm night; perfect for a night out with the kids….
Jan 28th, 2015 by leigharev2
Wow, all I can say is Wow….my oldest is 12. I am watching my boys turn from kids to young men. It’s happening too fast!
Little brother “R” decided to give “A” a scavenger hunt first thing in the morning to welcome “A’s” birthday.
Writing up the hints…
Our family tradition is to create a day that the birthday boy wants. This begins with breakfast. This year, ‘A’ requested the same breakfast that “buddy the Elf” had in the movie Elf. We actually had a holiday neighborhood breakfast on ‘A’s birthday, so he decided to wait one more day for his special breakfast. I videotaped it, but it’s too large to post here.
Here is his breakfast: Spaghetti with maple syrup, sprinkles, mini-marshmallows, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, M&M’s, and Frosted Chocolate Fudge Pop-Tarts.
HE LOVED IT! Once a year, I’m a “yes” mom, and this one really tested my boundaries…
On to ice skating! We went to a place that had both and indoor and outdoor rink. We all skated. It gets a little harder for me each year 🙂
Next stop…”A’s” favorite place on earth….Mikuni Sushi
Mikuni’s has a wheel that you spin on your birthday. ‘A’ won a bag of rice 🙂
We went to a movie. I don’t recall what…
Cupcakes to finish the day…
Happy Birthday to one of the most incredible people I know. This young man is going to take on this world in a mighty way!
Dec 24th, 2014 by leigharev2
My sweet friend Sharon passed away late November from cervical cancer. An incredible woman who was an inspiration in all parts of her life. She is loved and terribly missed by many.
She had friends within both the Bayside and Bridgeway homeschool networks. Our two networks decided that we would commit to covering all the food, as wells as set up and breakdown, for the memorial service.
I want to give a special shout out to Costco of Roseville, CA. With the craziness of the holiday season, I was concerned that I would be stuck in the Costco lines to purchase a large bulk of the food. I called them, and they coordinated their team to let me purchase and pick up the food an hour prior to Costco opening!
I was so proud of my boys. They spent the whole day with me, from morning to evening. They helped with all the different elements: set up, handing out programs, hosting a potato chip bar, and break down. It was a long day, full of laughter and tears. They kept up a terrific attitude the whole time.
Dec 24th, 2014 by leigharev2
I am blessed with the gift of friendship with some amazing women. We met through the common lifestyle of homeschool, but bonded over our love of our Lord, and our family.
Every year, the four of us take a “homeschool mom” retreat, and get out of town for a day trip. This year’s destination….Sacramento! HA! Yes, this year we decided to stay in our own backyard!
We started in Midtown and shopped a little. Found a neighborhood farmer’s market and bought a few goodies. I bought some delicious persimmons. God’s candy.
The citrus trees are poppin’!
Had lunch at a delicious place called The Porch.
Then on to the Tower Cafe for some yummy drinks and dessert…
Then on to the Global Wonderland at Cal Expo…a great day with great friends!!
Dec 24th, 2014 by leigharev2
Getting my table ready for the annual event. Our homeschool network hosts two tables. 80+ tables, all uniquely decorated. It’s so beautiful. This year, we had a dinner with a concert by Nichole Nordeman. Incredible night!
Dec 24th, 2014 by leigharev2
Our wonderful fire department decks their truck out in lights and drives through our neighborhood. Santa sits up top, playing Christmas carols, and his elf assistants hand out candy canes. We never know when they are coming, and they alert us with sirens and loud music. All the kids in the neighborhood race out to see…
Dec 7th, 2014 by leigharev2
Aren’t they adorable?!
Dec 7th, 2014 by leigharev2
Leaders Jeff and Debi Redmond were the hosts who handled the food and beverage and programming of the event. It was held at our home.
The boys decided to dress up and serve as doormen…
Singing Christmas carols!
Two amazing people, Jeff and Debi!
Dec 7th, 2014 by leigharev2
It’s December, and they still want to sleep outside!
Dec 7th, 2014 by leigharev2
We flew home from Maui on Monday. Thanksgiving was later that week. Our friends, Steve and Mary, and their kids, joined us, as well as our friend, Newton (his family lives in China.)
My cousin, Terry, surprised us with this beautiful bouquet to grace our table.
Chelan preparing for the feast…
A house divided….
