Our First Nutcracker

Today I took Madeline to the Prado Theater in Balboa Park to see our first Nutcracker ballet. We went with one of my friends, Jackie, and her two girls. Since Mady started ballet this year I wanted her to see what real ballerinas look like and to see a live ballet performance. I actually had never seen the Nutcracker myself, growing up overseas I had missed that experience, so it was a treat for the both of us. Mady really wanted to wear her ballet shoes so I let her, they didn't really match her outfit but I am actually glad she wore them, it added to our whole experience. We explained to Mady before it started that there was no talking in the ballet, just music and dancing. To which she promptly replied "I know my teacher says no talking too so I know to be quiet, but sometimes I like to talk anyway:)" We took our seats and settled in to watch the show. I loved watching Mady's face as the curtain rose, she was excited and trying to figure out what she was seeing all at the same time. I think Mady might have been a little scared when she first saw the Nutcracker but she said she really liked the pretend toys. There was of course Clara, the main part, played by an adorable girl around fourteen. The snowflake dance at the end of the first act was glorious, with snow falling down and the dancers all in white flowing this way and that, it looked like a shaken snow globe and jewelery box all in one. After the first act Mady thought it was over but we told her there was one more act to go. Then she spotted Clara who had come out into the audience during intermission. It might as well have been one of the Disney princesses, she was enthralled. I love how bold Mady is, she just walked over to her and hugged her and asked if she could take her picture with her. Then after admiring her some more she asked if she could go over and tell her that her dress was beautiful. Let's see after that there was the orchestra area down front that some of the little girls were practicing being ballerina's. Mady went down and twirled and practiced her moves and told me when she was done that she was going to be in the Nutcracker next year and that when she grew up she is going to be Clara. The second act was dazzling, the Sugar Plum Fairy radiant and all of the dancers in their toe shoes made my feet ache just watching them. I keep saying to Mady, that is really hard to do as they went up and down on their toes and spun around in circles. She seemed pretty confident that she could do the same when she was big. She didn't even laugh when the Sugar Plum Prince came out in his "tights"/ muscle leotard that when directly up his crack. She must be too young to understand modesty, I and the older girls giggled a little watching him prance around. All was seemingly going well until Mady got tired. She announced very loudly towards the middle of the second act, "Mom I am ready for this to be over now I am tired" I held in the laughter as we happened to be sitting next to Clara's grandmother. It was a great performance and I hope to add it to one of the traditions that we can do every year. Here are some photos of Mady dancing down front and of her and Clara and one of us. Thank you Lord for such a wonderful day with my sweet daughter, she is such a joy to be with.

Christmas Traditions

We have a few traditions in our family, the first is that Jim reads the Christmas story from Luke to our family on Christmas Eve night. The second is that on that same night we gather the Christmas cards that have been sent to us and put them into a basket and we draw three cards and then we pray for those families/people. This year I am especially excited to share our traditions because my mom and dad are coming on Christmas Eve. Mady knows that Christmas will be here when Big Daddy and Big Mommy get here. This year I am so thankful for all that God has blessed us with but most of all for my family. The kids are so young and at times it can be so hard but it doesn't matter because God has given more than I ever deserved. So what are your Christmas traditions? I would like to hear from all of you.

It's Christmas Time

Last night we went and got our tree, we got it home and unpacked the decorations and then forgot that we threw out our tree stand last year. SO I had to make an emergency run to Target, by the time I got back Aslan was too tired to help decorate(sorry buddy maybe next year). So Mady and I decorated the tree and Jim watched for a little while and then fell asleep on the couch. Then Mady and I snuggled under the tree and read a book and we both fell asleep. She is so excited for Christmas to be here. I can't really put presents for her or Aslan under the tree until right before Christmas because the temptation is too much. We started our Advent Calender it has little prayers in each box so we get to pray with her everynight, most of the prayer are about being grateful. I still haven't finished my Christmas cards need to get that going this week. Lots to do and fun to have this is one of my favorite times of the year.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We spent some time with friends over the weekend. Thanksgiving we spent Thanksgiving with the Shirley's. Jim was sick though and did not come to dinner so it was just Mady and myself and Aslan came later after his nap. We did have a good time of just relaxing and dinner was delicious, but we did miss daddy being there. We went to the beach all day on Saturday and then had friends over Saturday night for game night. Sunday was church and the guys went golfing after, so Jenna and I just hung out at my house and read magazines and then had some dinner and fun with the kids. Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, I tried to post on Thanksgiving but our internet was not working.

Happenings

Jim and I have decided to pull Mady out of her preschool. I had had some reservations since the beginning of the year after a few incindents that happened. Then last week I helped in her classrooms and afterwards I just felt a pit in my stomach all day and night. There are just a group of boys in her class that are just way out of line. They seem to really dominate the atmosphere in the class, and it makes the rest of the kids suffer. It is not a learning based preschool so the emphasis would be on the playing/creative aspect and my thought is that is if she is not being built up and encouraged as a person then why bother. Jim has been supportive and thinks that it is the best decision. I haven't told the teacher or the director of the school yet, I thought I would wait until after Thanksgiving break. I am going to just start schooling her at home and doing more crafts with her at home. I do need craft project ideas though for anyone out there reading this far!!! We will use some of the money were were spending on her school to build a craft corner in our house. I am sad that it is not going to work out however this next year of her development is so important to much to risk being feed the wrong things/ideas. I know God is sovereign on all things and that will still work all things for good in Mady's life i just feel it is too early in her life to have the discussion of pointing out differences in people with gospel in their lives and people without the gospel in their lives.

Quotes of the week:

Mady-

" Mommy I like my new Hello Pitty bandaids you got me"

Swinging on the swing out back I am explaining what the word cordinated means, I say "to have control of your body", right as I finished the words, she accidently does a backflip off the swing and lands on her back, she is crying for moment and then realizes, " That was not cordinated was it mommy" We both were crying with laughter.

" Mommy will you sit with me outside while I finish my lunch" "Sure" I reply. After I sit down She looks out at the sky for awhile and the looks at me and says,
" Mommy I love you all the way up to heaven"

Aslan-

He knows the sign langage for More and Please and Thank You. Most of his day her points to what he wants and then signs more please. He says MaMa ALOT, but everytime he says it I love it because he really doesn't say much, except NANA for banana, DADA, swng for swing,
I sing to him every night and every naptime the same song, so now when he's tired he will come up to me and hug me and start to sing the song to me:)

He loves his Sissy and loves to wrestle with her. I am so happy that she likes to wrestle too! They really make each other laugh so much and don't really fight much. I am enjoying this season with them so much.

Ballet Time

Mady started a ballet/tap class this fall. She loves her teacher Miss Lisa and I love watching her in her class. This school is affiliated with the royal academy of ballet in London so they really creative methods of teaching the little ones proper form. The waiting area is small and it is especially fun keeping the little man contained, one day I 'll take a picture of what the lobby looks like when he is done.
We have been keeping busy lately, Mady keeps telling me that she wants to do home school. She can write her name and most of the alphabet. She is smart as a whip, I have to explain everything in detail. We will see about the home school, we live in one of the best public school districts in the state. We'll see what God will do when the time comes.

Our Indian and Pirate

This year Mady dressed up like a little Indian and Aslan was a pirate, which was very fitting for him this year with his chipped tooth. Too bad we couldn't get him to say "Arrr". To coerce Aslan into getting a patch drawn onto his eye I did it to his Daddy first to show him it was alright to be painted. He still didn't like the idea very much so I did the best I could. We went trick or treating with our neighbors and had chili afterwards over their house. Mady and Aslan were so cute walking up to the doors together. Aslan would be so excited walking to the door and ringing the doorbell, then when someone would answer the door he would drop his candy bucket and run for my legs. We all had a really fun time... it's these little moments that make up the sweetest memories.

Fire Update

We have been spending lots of time indoors as the air quality is pretty bad. When you go outside for any length of time you feel as if you have just smoked a few cigarettes( yes unfortunatley I know what this feels like). Aslan has had a bad cough over the last few days that have kept him up at night due to the air. It seems to be hitting the little ones harder than Jim and I. This picture was taken the one time I did let the kids go out so I could water the lawn, it was very dry from all the smoke. I couldn't stand to see their little faces looking so longingly at the hose so I let them out for just a few minutes. Alsan especially enjoyed holding the hose. Now having the swing set in the back yard is like having a carrot dangling in front of them every day since they can't go out and play with it. We hope and pray that this will be over soon and life can return to normal for all of us. I am headed to get some pumpkins today and let the kids paint pumpkins then maybe Jim will carve them later with the kids.

Fire Storm

As most of you know we were evacuated for a couple of days from our house in San Diego. Although we are still under a mandatory evacuation from our neighborhood we are back home as of last night. The big witch fire is north of us about 8 miles and to the east of us about 10 miles. Jim and I both feel okay about being here for now, we obviously are watching the tele for updates. So far all the families in our church have been accounted for, and no one has lost their home, PRAISE GOD! A few are on the border of the fires and there is concern now about another fire north of here called the rice fire that could get homes up in north escondido. Also the fire south of here is threatening homes in east county. But as for us we are safe and are home today just cleaning up all the ash off of our back patio, spraying down all the furniture and swing set,etc. I accidently left a window open so there was ash in the house as well that I just finished cleaning up. It's pretty dirty and I constantly feel thirsty from the air quality being so poor. Thank you all for your prayers, Jim obviously is not working right now so please pray for the Lord to provide for us finiancially as there is no money coming in now or in the near future, a bit scary as the first of the month is rolling around. We are trusting in His faithfulness to us. I will keep you posted. Love to you all and am so grateful for all the calls and emails.

Mady's First Haircut

Well I finally broke down and cut Madeline's hair. It was getting pretty long and stragly in the back. I just did a trim and did not do bangs or anything like that. But it has been almost 4 years. Funny to think the hairs from when she first came out of my tummy were still on her little head. She did great and was very excited as you can see from the pictures.

Birthday Dinner

I got to go to dinner with my three closest friends here in San Diego. We went to this yummy Greek restaurant called Yanni's Bistro. The Lord has blessed me so much with these three ladies. Each of them ministers to me in specific ways. They are a BIg reason that my life here in San Diego is so RICH with God's love. He pours it out through them. So this picture is from the left, Jan, Michele, myself and Jenna.
Thank you friends for a wonderful evening and for giving such delightful and thoughtful gifts.

Birthday Roundup

This past weekend was my birthday, no I am not saying how old I turned but let's just say my 20's are officially over. My husband and I spent the weekend together here at home while my friend Jenna blessed us with caretaking for the weekend. We spent opur time together at a leisurely pace first breakfast in Mission Beach Cafe, then we took a long drive out the I-8 turning off on to the Sunrise Highway which winds you through the moutains of San Diego to about 7,000 feet to a little town called Mt. Laguna. Every step of the way there are turnoffs so you can gaze at the valley below. On the way we listen to a book by John Piper called The Misery of Job and the Mercy of God. It is the book of Job written in poetic form by John Piper. It was so encouraging( I know you wouldn't think so by it's title) to my heart, to see all the trials that God brought to Job, how he responded in such faith and courage to bear such pain... all to know his Lord fuller and deeper.

" One year of misery, he thought, is not too long to see of heaven what I have seen, and watch the power to heal, and loving what I feel now. Unless perhaps six years have made the recollected pain to fade, and turn the memory of dread into a noble cause, and shred the fabic of reality and truth beyond identity. He looked across the fields of wheat, and endless rolling hills of sweet green pasturelands for all his herds adn flocks, and thought, " There are no words to speak the substance of my soul and joy to God, nor yet extol his worth above the vast rebirth of all my dreams. No dancing mirth can suit or satisfy the kind of tearful pleasure that I find when I recall what I have lost by his decree, and what it cost me to see my God"



And then we came here, and I came undone, and sobbed greatly, for my God has been so merciful to me. So lavish in his giving that I often take for granted his daily beckoning of my soul, his want of fellowship with me. His love and care beyond measure extended to me and my family. To consider all that God stripes me of daily are just my filthy rages, all to know my God. Lord I thank you for the daily wounds of conviction that are a stinging reminder of your love for me. Thank you for preserving my life and for the great length you go to save us and rescue us daily. God you have been so good, I bless your Holy Name!

My Little Princess

I gave Mady her Dress Up Day costume a little early. The girls had so much fun on Sunday playing with them and twirling around. Sweet reminders of all that is truly important in my life. It also prompted me to think, maybe her pretend world is what is real, and the world I live in is the one that is filled with falsehood. In her world she ready's herself for a prince, dresses herself and adorns herself with jewels. Waiting in anxious anticipation for her prince. In her world he really is coming and she delights in the waiting, twirling and dancing and singing. She lives more heavenly minded than she even realizes, what an example to me to anxiously await my prince Jesus and to delight myself in him while I wait to journey back to my REAL home.

photo by carissa batten

My Week

Last week was one of those weeks that I look back on and breath a sigh of relief that it is over. I am thankful that nothing serious happened however it was a rough one to walk through. Saturday Mady slipped off the counter and split her lip, lots of blood and crying, then after church the next day she started throwing up on me, the floor, turns out it was just the beginnings of a bad cold. Next day she opened the TV cabinet on Aslan's face and chipped his front tooth. He looks like a little redneck now. That same night as Mady was geting undressed for the bath I was wiping up popcicle off the floor and bending down right abover her. When she stood up she smashed into my eye with the back of her head. Lots of blood, lots of crying from myself, Aslan, and Mady just shell shocked saying, "I'm sorry mommy, i'm sorry mommy" over and over again. When the smoke cleared I had sustained a significant gash over my right eye, and had to go to Urgent Care and get a few stiches.

So Thursday I took Aslan to the dentist to make sure there wasn't any damage to the nerve. Oh boy, picture just for a moment a high energy 18 month in a confined space. Oh my goodness was that fun, he was pulling out toothbrushes, floride packets and floss from all of the drawers. Spraying himself with water from the metal tools that are connected to that silver tray that slides over you in the chair. Running up and down the aisle that all the chairs were in, pulling down everything within in reach along the way. I loved how when the dentist finally came in to give my the prognosis he just causually sits there with his legs crossed trying to show the xray. I am trying my best to listen to what he is saying as my 1 and half year old is vandolizing his office, smiling and all the while, I'm thinking will you please get to the point before he does permanent damage to himself. I love how naive most people are to an energetic toddler. The good news is he is fine just going to have a slightly crooked smile for the next 5 years or so.

Our weekend was much quieter, I got my hair done, and Sunday we had a bunch of people over after church who hung out all afternoon and evening. It was great!~ So that's why I haven't posted in a little bit, life has been full of constant surprises and reminders of God's sense of humor.

Things I Love About Fall

* the leaves changing
* apple pickin
* biting into a freshly picked apple
* the smell of baking apples
* closing my eyes and listening to the leaves rustling in the trees
* the cool breeze on my face
* scarves
* making Fall Crafts with my sweet daughter and her friends
* apple cider
* the warmth of a HUG on a crisp day
* the radiant blue sky on a crisp day
* hiking to the top of a mountain and seeing the canvas of God rich with color
* planting bulbs
* playing in piles of leaves
* the sound of fallen leaves beneath my feet
* leaf angels
* thanksgiving
* going to a high school football game
* my fall table cloth I made in 2003
* berry bouquets on my table
* reflecting on change and how God creates such beauty through change, and welcoming it as I do this season... it is always a reminder of God's faithfulness.

May you enjoy this season.

Mady's First Day of PreSchool

A little late on this post, she started right when we got back from Georgia and Virginia. She loves her new class and new teacher Miss Cullison.

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

Amazing

Aunt Jackie's House

1st - Mady helping to make Noah's birthday cake with Aunt Jackie

2nd - Mady splashing Aunt Jackie with cake batter, very funny!

3rd- Aslan and Big Daddy

4th- I just love his face in this picture

Surprise

Two weeks ago I went on a surprise trip visit to see my sister in Georgia. I just couldn't let the season of fresh zeal, grace and newfound joy in our Savior go by without being there to drink deeply of his love. She had no idea I was coming, I took a shuttle from the Atlanta airport to the town she lives in. When I arrived she wasn't there, she was actually at a dinner at the church. Mady came out from the bushes to say "surprise" when she got home, she was SO EXCITED to see us. From the moment I arrived I could sense the Lord's spirit in her home. Her usual reactions to things were markable different, with her children, her husband, and with life's interuptions to " our plans" for the day. The Lord's peace had come and rested her soul. She was joyous and excited, and so grateful for the books that I had brought with me to give to her. One of which was the Jesus Storybook Bible that I gave to her two sons. She was so gleeful in exclaiming to her oldest son, " Look Christian now Mommy can read to you and teach you about Jesus."

The best moment came though when we went to church together on Sunday. I watched my sister take communion as a believer and follower of Christ. Tears of joy and thankfulness streamed down both of our faces. To partake together in the Lord's supper... to hug her and hold her hand, and look into her eyes, what a blessing beyond measure. Worshiping beside her, and knowing deep in my heart that this is how we would spend eternity, worshiping our God together. God is so good, he is so faithful.

I didn't get a picture with her on my camera but I know she took one on her's so hopefully I will get to post it if she sends it to me. But I do have some others of the kids playing together and making Noah's birthday cake. Oh yes it was my newphew's 2nd birthday while we were there, as if we needed more reasons to celebrate! So I will post some pictures tomorrow. Thanks to all who prayed for me and my sister's time together, it was so very sweet.

New Swing Set

So most of you know how much I love garage sales and finding bargains. This past weekend we were on our way to a birthday party and I just had to stop at this church rummage sale near our house. As we got out of the car, Mady said mommy this isn't the party is it? I said no mommy just wants to stop here for just a second. ( I think this is going to be one of those things that my kids remember as they get older, mommy dragging them to her sales). Anyhow I have been looking for months on craigslist and sailing around and finally I spotted it outside all taken apart. A BRAND NEW SWING SET! It was all taken apart, I had the man working the sale show me how it went together. Then lady who decides the prices came out to tell me that everything was drastically reduced prices. Apparently the sale had been going for two days and they were about to close in thirty minutes. So I got this brand new swing set with slide and playhouse underneath it for $ 20.00 plus she threw the picnic table and matching sand box with lid that matched the set I had just bought. It's so cute the little table even has an umbrella that goes through the table for shade. The kids love it, they played with it in the dark the other night. Mady is telling everyone that she has a park at her house. Thank you Lord for providing such a wonderful gift for my kids, my children's friends, and all the neighborhood kids. And for making our home a place where laughter and the joys of childhood can be expressed to their fullest.

Lord I Praise You

Today the Lord answered one of the deepest prayers of my heart, my dear sister Jackie, surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. Words cannot even express the overflowing joy that I feel in the depths of my soul. Jackie Jeanne, your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life!! Thank you Lord for your Spirit revealing yourself to her, for lifting the veil over her eyes, for her being, " a new creation in Christ, behold a new thing has come and the old has passed away" Thank you Lord for your gift of salvation that you offer freely to those who will respond to your call. She told me this morning on the phone, that she finally realized that nothing could bring her happiness or fill the emptiness in her heart, not her kids, her husband, her house, or her friends, nothing... but Jesus Christ!!! She wants and earnestly desires a personal realtionship with Jesus Christ, my heart leap inside my chest, I could hardly contain myself as tears streamed down my face. I prayed with her and listened to her speak about her excitment and new found joy in pursuing her Savior.
So today has been one of the best days of my life. I can honestly say I have not prayed for anyone's salvation more than my sister's. I listened to her testimony and heard the Lord answer specific things I had prayed for over the years. Today I am thanking the Lord for his faithfulness, his mercy, his loving kindness, and most of all for his precious Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of my life and is now the Lord of my dear sister's as well. I love you my sweet sister, and I look forward to spending eternity with you laughing and singing to our God.

How can I thank you oh Lord
For calling me to you
For letting me hear you
For opening my eyes to the gospel...
As long as I have breath I will praise you
As long as my heart beats I will sing
As long as life flows in my veins
I WILL BLESS YOUR NAME!!!

Blog Help

Can someone help me figure out how to post a picture under my profile and put a picture behind my blog title. I can't seem to figure it out. I tried to reduce the file size of my photos and it still didn't work. So if anyone else out there could explain it to my I would be greatly obliged.

Del Mar Fair

Every year we go to the Del Mar Fair, it is quite a highlight for me and the kids. This year Mady rode her first roller coaster, she was sreeking with delight. I wish I had brought my camera on the ride, her face was a mixture of freedom and pure horror. Here is Mady riding the horses, this is all she talked about from the moment we told her we were going to the Fair. I want to ride the horses, i want to ride the horses. So here she is riding the horses. We love her thankful and joyful heart, after the ride was over instead of asking to go again over and over, she thanked us over and over again, praise you Lord for your Spirit at work in her life. She is a gift beyond measure.

My Big Boy

Here is Aslan taken just a few nights ago, he and Mady went to hang out with my friend Carissa and she took this picture of him. She really captured a part of his personality in this photo, one that is content and needs no expression, only a look. One that says I've been around the world and this is where I want to be.

DISNEYLAND SURPRISE

Mady and I had to go see her nutritionist up in LA, gosh it's almost been a month ago. Anyhow, the visit went well, mostly ALL of the damages from the antibotics she was on have been cleared up. She is doing much better overall and still has been infection free since she started the supplements with no antibotics, PRAISE GOD! Well when we finished the doctors appointment it was like 10:30 in the morning and I called Jim and he said to take her and do something special with her. I had been promising to take her to Disneyland when she was finished with drinking all her smoothies. So... I surprised her and we wnt to DISNEYLAND for a Mommy, daughter day. I didn't tell her until we were in the parking lot. We were riding on the tram over to the park, and she just keep looking at me saying, " Mommy are we really going to DISNEYLAND!" When she saw the entrance to the park, SHe was floored with excitment, "Mommy we are here!", her next thought turned towards the princesses, " Do you think I'll meet Cinderella this time?" Well... let's just say dreams do come true at Disney... it was such an awesome gift to get to spend the day with my little princess.

Anyone want to join me? This is an annual bluegrass festival at the end of August. This will be my first year going but from the pictures it looks like a great family festival atmosphere. Mady and I are going to kick up our heels and we invite all our friends to come along and dance the day away with us!

Alkire Family Photo

Here is Jim's side of the family, Jim's sister Beth with her husband Matt, and her three kids, Jeremy, Josh and Katilyn. Jim's parents and us with our little ones. It was really great to spend time with them and get to know them better. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a great group of folks. Thanks Beth for being so loving with my Mady and Aslan. And Katilyn, for playing and doing crafts with Mady and for just letting her hang out with you. She really loved being with you, you are a wonderful young lady and I can't wait to see how you will blosom in the years to come. And Matt, thanks for all of your hard work with the party, you did all the man chores I asked of you without complaining, I can see God's mark of humility on your life. And of course Mom and Dad, it was so good to see you and just be with you guys, and thanks for all the toys for the kids. Let's do it again next year!!

50 Years

My husbands parents celebrated their 5oth wedding anniversary while we were back east. Actually that is the main reason that we went home was to throw them a party to celebrate. The whole day was such a blessing from start to finish. We had a big white catering tent sent up, we hired a bluegrass band, it was catered to make life easy for us. We had all the white lights and white linens on the round tables with colorful centerpieces and candles. They were calling for thunderstorms that evening, around 2 o'clock we heard a rumble and Beth(Jim's sister) and I prayed aloud as we heard it rumble. And God heard our prayers, it turned out to be a beautiful night. Everything went so smoothly... the best part of the night was when Jim's parents got up and honored each other. Their words were so sweet and heart felt, and so full of the gospel. God's grace is truly sufficient, he is so faithful to give them such a loving marriage. I am a beneficiary of their love for the Lord and their love for each other. I get to spend my life with their son and get to receive their input and wisdom passed to him. I am so grateful for them and for raising their son to be a man of God. Here are some pictures of Jim's parents dancing the night away... I loved watching them enjoy themselves, they are so cute!

Cousins

How sweet it is to be joined to another by blood. There is a sense of sameness, it brings a closness that cannot be found with others. The feeling that you are chosen to be a part of this family and no other. You don't need time to warm up to each other, you don't feel the need to hide who you are, you just are who you are and you are loved for that person. Such is the case with Mady and Christian, here they are enjoying their time together. Parting is such sweet sorrow....