Congratulations to some GREAT kids!

We went off to Turlock for our first quiz last weekend. First, I must say...Napa is really a great place to live, especially after seeing all the places I could have been moved to. Talk about ugly (sorry to anyone that thinks the Modesto area is pretty - I don't mean to offend)!! No wonder people think the Napa Valley is so gorgeous. Don't get me wrong, it is VERY pretty. But, so is Oregon. So, I sometimes don't understand it when people go on and on about this area. I guess I don't think about how pretty it is where I live because I have been SO spoiled. Now, after our trek to Turlock, I think I will appreciate that I do live in a gorgeous area.

The weekend was so much fun....kind of a girls weekend with a couple boys thrown in just to make things interesting. Phil had to work so it was just me, my kids, my sweet friend Jamie, Hunter, and his mom Melanie. We had a blast and I got to stay in the "girls" room and left poor Melanie to the boys room. The kids did amazingly well. The boys placed 2nd in the Junior division and Victoria hopped on a Beginner team and they placed 4th in their division. A great way to start the year and we are excited for the next quiz in February!!

Congratulations kiddos - you are awesome!!!

Let the games begin...

Or should I say let the craziness begin?! We are getting ready to head out for our first Bible Quiz of the year. We are SO excited!! Logan woke up early this morning, and as we met at the stairs he said, "Mom, I promise I didn't get up so that I could play the Wii, but because I am so excited to quiz!"

We are blessed to have a team from our church this year. Hunter goes to our church and quizzed a few years ago, but hasn't had a team to quiz with since moving back to this area. Ever since we moved here, he and Logan have been talking about quizzing together. And this year we add another Swank to team....Victoria!! Because of her age, she should be in the "beginner" division but we didn't have enough "little" kids to have a beginner team. So, she is going to quiz with Logan and Hunter. She works so hard it is amazing! It won't be easy for her since all the kids will be at least 2 years older than her, but she is willing and that is what counts.

For any of you that think a young child can't memorize bible verses....watch out!! Victoria sat down the other day and quoted 40 verses to me and missed only 2!! I could hardly believe it...she is working so hard and tries her best to answer questions. It is hard because between Logan and Hunter it is hard to get an answer in....

So...off we go to Turlock for our first quiz. May the Word of God stick in them forever....

Leaving a legacy

Last weekend, we attended the funeral service for our sweet Pastor's wife. During the last year she spent most of her time battling cancer and all of the treatments, therefore, we did not get to spend much time with her. As I sat there (actually stood because there was "standing room only" due to over 600 people being in attendance), I was amazed. This woman lived her 53 short years better than most of us will live 80 years. The same words rang from almost every person that spoke: she was a wonderful woman of prayer and faith, she adored her children and poured her heart and soul into them, she loved her church and gave freely of herself, her time and her heart, she left her hand print on every person she came into contact with. She also had a faith that could move mountains but also a deep love and passion for God that was willing to accept His will no matter what it was. She left behind four amazing children and a precious husband.

Even though my children did not get to really know our Pastor's wife like I would have wanted, they spent 2 1/2 amazing hours listening (and hopefully learning) what the results are of a godly, well-lived life. I have never in my life been so awe-struck by the outpouring of love and adoration by her family and friends. She truly left a legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone that came into contact with her.

As the weekend ended, all I could think about was what kind of legacy am I leaving. I promise you it will change your life and attitude when you realize you are living for more than the present moment you are in. I am so thankful for a God that can teach us so much in life and in death.

A very merry Christmas...a tad bit late

Here it goes again...I really did write this once, posted it and NOW it is gone. I think I have a sweet five year old to thank...We had an awesome Christmas and were blessed to have my mom and Michael come visit us for four days. It was short, but I will never complain...just be incredibly thankful that they were at our house to celebrate the season. The four days were a flurry of activity and relaxation all wrapped up into one wonderful present.

We spent the first day enjoying Holiday in the Park at Six Flags. We had a blast!! Logan finally reached the height for the "Medusa" (the really big roller coaster!). I asked if he wanted to go with me or his dad...and, not to my surprise, he picked his Dad. He told me that "Daddy is just more comforting with things like this". Okay, for some moms that might have hurt their feelings, but for me I just smile. Logan loves his Dad and will admit that he is his best friend. What more could a mom ask for than her children to truly have the best Dad in the world!! Sorry - I digressed a little, Logan LOVED the Medusa and wanted to keep going on it. We enjoyed all the lights and shows as well as some fun rides - in the DARK. It was a great day!!

Then, for Christmas Eve, we took a quick trip to Santa Maria to see my aunt, uncle, cousin and her family. Quick trip isn't a good description of it since it is a 4 hour drive ONE WAY, but we wouldn't have traded that day for anything. My mom and aunt were so happy to see each other. I love the "sister" relationship - there is NOTHING like it. I totally understand that feeling of just wanting to be with your sister (Oh, how I miss my sweet sister!!). It was a lot of driving, but so much fun. I love being with my cousin, husband and their son. It was a great way to spend Christmas Eve.

My children received their wish (well, we really don't WISH for things, but I am not sure they actually prayed for it so I guess wish is the best word!). We received a Wii for Christmas!! Now, this is a BIG deal for our family since we have never had any video game stuff in our house. No PlayStation, Nintendo, DS, etc. Nothing, except for the computer and most of those games are "educational" (smile!). So, we spent Christmas Day seeing who was the best bowler (Mariah), golfer (Michael), baseball player (probably Logan) and tennis player (Phil). And, of course, we ate, and ate and ate some more. It was such a relaxing day and I think I am close to gaining about 5 pounds after all that eating!!

Now that the new year has come and gone, we are knee deep in the craziness of life. Between Phil's job, home schooling, bible quizzing, church and just trying to live we will have little time to be bored! We pray that the new year brings each of you love, joy and peace - along with a lot of memories. Love to all!