Luke ~ So Stinkin' Cute

I haven't posted much lately on this little man so here are some shots that capture life with Luke.

Luke is ready to go play outside! What a ham!




All meals are a full sensory experience with Luke. Clean up aisle Luke!

Luke is stylin'!! That tongue cracks me up.





Luke is clearly an Abshire ~ his love for peanut butter is genetic proof!

Christmas 2008

Christmas started bright and early here at the Abshire home. The girls were so excited for Christmas morning. We enjoyed cooffe cake (Jesus' happy birthday cake) and presents. It was such a joy to see their faces. We enjoyed a visit from Papa Bill & Grandma Kay in the morning. The the Cavey Clan came for a Christmas dinner, presents, and a Christmas play put on by our very own Abbie Abshire. We had a wonderful day of celebrating our Savior's birth. A day filled with love, family, and memories.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Christmas Eve

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve candle light service at our church. The Christmas story was shared from the Word and beautiful songs were sung, turning our heats toward that first Christmas. After the candle light service we headed to our friends home for some good food and lots of laughs. As one of their traditions, you draw a name of someone there and make a representation of them out of cookie dough. It is too fun. Miss Kathleen drew Abbie's name and made the cutest cookie. Hopie drew Mama's name and it was quiet a creation. Papa somehow drew Mama's name too and made me a heart cookie (because I'll always have his heart) and a horse cookie (for my "dumb" mare that doesn't like him). It was a fun evening!

Mama's Little Helper

This has been a wonderful Christmas season. We did less and slowed down this year and loved it. Mama realized how big her girls are getting. She had alot of help with Christmas baking. We made our traditional "Buckeyes" ~ peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. Abbie helped roll the peanut butter balls. It was a sweet time of working together, talking over things, and making memories.

A Walk Through Bethlehem

As part of our Christmas traditions we take "a walk through Bethlehem". A 7th Day Adventist church reenacts what the time around Christ's birth might have looked like. It allows people, especially children, to experience the excitement around the birth of our Saviour ~ Jesus. Our children love this event.
Jesus is the reason for the season!

School Christmas Program

We count it a blessing for our girls to be able to attend a small school in a small town. They just had their Christmas program and it feels like Christmas. It was sweet to hear all those voices singing of the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus.

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Kayanna sandwiched by her buddies Emma & Brady.Abigail with Natlie & Chandler.

Thanksgiving 2008

With full bellies and thankful hearts we had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. It was a sweet supper with a table full of children & friends. I (Liz) pointed out to Rob what a blessing it was to have such friendship, a table full of girls who couldn't wait to share what they were thankful for, and a live praise band after supper to give thanks. It was a precious time that will be cherished.

Psalm 92:1
It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High

Thank you El Elyon for who You. We love you.

Simply Fun

In a time where children constantly want to be entertained, it is fun to watch them entertain themselves. The laughter and noise that can come from children in footed pajamas and a set of stairs is amazing!

Tiger Pride

The colors orange and black were almost mandatory in our town today. Tonight is the biggest game of the year ~ Shafter Generals vs the Wasco Tigers. This has been a rivalry for many many years. The girls have excited all day to go to the game tonight displaying their "Tiger Pride". Papa is taking them to the game tonight for as long as they can handle the cold. Mama and Luke will opt for our warm, cozy home with a good book and some sleepy time for Lukester!

Post game results were Wasco beat Shafter!

Peacekeepers

Today all the children are home today celebrating Veteran's Day. I (Mama) enjoy my children home, minus the whining and fighting. Note to self, we live in a fallen world, so the perfect home is not this side of heaven. BUT I love having the times of peace, love, and self sacrificing between the children (heck, ya better throw me in there too). Anyway, our devotions today were on peacekeepers (getting along with others). How perfect on a day home together to apply and live it out! It was sweet to see the girls thinking of the other first. Trust me, I will take it when it comes. We do desire to live lives that bring our Savior glory and are in such need of His grace. I praise Him for the glimpses of His love being lived out in front of me.
Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

The Adventures of Luke Josiah

It had gotten quiet for a couple of minutes at the Abshire home. Quiet for anything longer than a minute, in a home with a toddler, is something that will require your immediate attention. So I went to find our son Luke Josiah. As I came into the kitchen I found what he had discovered. He discovered that he could climb up onto the the middle of my very small desk, with a cowboy cookie in his hand! I was impressed. He wouldn't let go of that cookie for anything. I found chocolate all over my bills and desk. So I will have a smirk on my face this next month as I pay chocolate covered bills,

remembering how I found Luke.

My Prince

I have kissed my fair share of frogs in my life BUT

I have finally found my Prince!!!!!

After 14 years of marriage he still makes my heart leap!

YES ~ I really kissed a frog ~ TWICE!!! Yuck is all the kids could say! They didn't think I would do it.

Halloween 2008

The girls were both excited about dressing up for Halloween this year. The school they go to had a Halloween parade so everyone could see all the costumes. It was quiet a show. Then off to classroom parties. I remeber these fun days from my school days and was thrilled to be a part of them for my children.

Off to the Pumpkin Patch - Round Two

This morning I got to go with Abbie's class to Papa's Pumpkin Patch. We had a blast. I have such a connection with her class. I have been reading to them weekly since they were in kindergarten and have not missed a field trip EVER. Abbie reminds of this every time there is a field trip. I dig these kids!

Fall 2008

The Abshires had a blast today. After church we spent the day hanging out around the house and working on our front porch decorations for the fall. As you can see from the pictures, it is a family affair. We have done these fun legs stickin' out of hay a couple of times, and learn more every time we do it. Aaron is the stinkin' genius that had us work backwards this year and it went fabulous. We all laughed and joked as we worked on this. The big joke was how big Mama's bottom looked, in the haystack, folks. Yeah, real funny ~ ha ha! Mama is a pretty good sport though! As we had supper and shared our favorite part of the day, our table was unanimous that our day together was a blast. Abbie ended with a worship song we all sang this morning at church, which is also on our hearts as the day ends:

"How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing"

2 I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Psalms 9:2 (ESV)

Off To The Pumpkin Patch

Rock Star

I have been given a gift with "A Friend Of The Heart". The Lord has truly blessed my life with my girlfriend Keri. It is the kind of friendship that is so safe you never have to worry that you are misunderstood because she knows me inside & out. She has held a ton of positions in my life over the past 10+ years.

She has been my travel buddy (pre-children),

a birthing coach (alongside Aaron) for all three children,

my nurse during Abbie's pregnancy (IVs are NOT her specialty),

my advocate at Doctor's offices when I couldn't even sign paperwork,

my soft shoulder to cry on when the world doesn't get me,

my support when I have wanted to just give up,

my biggest cheerleader in anything I do,

my quiet support at the back of a room,
my compete opposite in so many ways (yet it just works),

my faithful friend (in spite of myself),
and soooooo much more.

I share this because it is her birthday tomorrow. It is a time to celebrate her precious birth that has been such a blessing to me. So she & I started celebrating today!!! We went out and did something that neither of us had EVER done, which is always better to do with your girlfriend. We had our toes done, "Rock Star" fashion. If this is Greek to you, you are not alone. Keri & I looked at each other like we were dropped into another world. It is this fancy gel stuff you have put on your toes. Like my wording there? Well our toes are looking awfully pretty! We both laughed and said we were probably going to run into walls cuz' we're checkin' out our toes!
We are both easily impressed!

I tie this together by being thrilled to celebrate Keri's life of 35 years (oh, did I just say that?) and her friendship. If Keri were a "Rock Star", I'd be her biggest fan!!!!

9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Eccl 4:9-12 (NLT)

That third cord in our friendship is Jesus, who is at the core of our friendship. It is our prayer that He be glorified in our lives and in our friendship, because we are nothing without Him.

Thank you Jesus!

County Fair Time

Kayanna Hope had her first field trip at school. Of course Mama wanted to tag along! They went to the county fair and had a blast. We missed the pig races but got to smell ALL the lovely animals. In case you were wondering, there are no scented candles at the fairgrounds!
Just good ole' manure & livestock!
We had a great time.

Fireproof

Last week we sent an email to a lot of our friends regarding a new movie that was released last weekend. We had posted the trailer for Fireproof on our blog and even our Facebook account (we were just a little passionate about it). If you didn't check out the trailer, we strongly encourage you to. We went and saw the movie last Saturday. It was a great movie. We were so glad they touched on so many issues in marriages. You will be affected by this movie. You may just hold your spouse and praise God for what He has given you. You may look at the ways you treat your spouse and desire to make changes. It may send you to your knees in intercession for another couple.

Christ must be the foundation of our marriages.

Romans Chapter 12 (the whole chapter)
12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor

The investment into our marriages is absolutely priceless.

Invest largely in this covenant relationship that you are in.

The Love Dare Book from the movie Fireproof

Here is the movie review from Plugged In

A Devotional that is emailed to us each day

Dee Dee

A couple of weeks ago Mom called me (Liz) to ask a favor. Papa Bill has a job that takes him out of town during the week. So, Mom was wondering if we could take care of Dee Dee, their mare. Of course I didn't hesitate with my answer ~ "YES" and "YOU BET" and maybe a "NO PROBLEM!" Man, twist my arm! Dee Dee is 3 1/2 years old and is so friendly. She is one that Aaron can ride, which plum tickles me to death. I will make sure that Baby Girl (my mare) doesn't get too jealous of the new mare at the sables. So for the next couple of months if we're not at the house, we are probably out either cleaning corrals, grooming horses, or actually getting to ride together. Yippee!

So let me introduce you to Dee Dee.

Family Time

We have recently enjoyed a visit with Grandma Cavey, from Ohio. Amongst chasing children, eating, and fighting for air time, we managed lots of hugs & kisses. Abbie & Hopie remember their Great Grandma well. They always talk about her and Great Grandpa. We are planning on a summer trip back to Ohio next year. Lighting bugs are a HUGE hit with all of us. Not to mention seeing both sides of our families!

We love our Grandma so much! She is a pretty special lady!

Fireproof Our Marriages

Sneaking Away ~ Part Two

We had a great weekend!!! We stayed at a bed & breakfast in Carpinteria, where Liz had lived when she moved to California. The home was so sweet and the breakfasts were amazing. (Prufrock's - Bed & Breakfast) It was a lovely place to rest and relax, which was our goal.
We got to visit with some special friends on Friday night.We followed that with cooking our own steaks at a restaurant Liz use to work. The steaks were great, but if they weren't what could you do?!?
The wedding we attended was beautiful and full of surprises! We enjoyed sharing their special day with them. Aaron sure had fun at the reception. I have never seen a sober man have so much fun acting silly!! He kept me in stitches. I was just so happy to see him relaxing and having fun with all the changes he is having. My prayers were answered.

We had some wonderful meals, long walks on the beach, lots of laughter, and LOTS of coffee (Liz). Probably too much coffee. I did not just write that! There is no such thing as "too much coffee"!
Before we headed home we visited a local church that our friends had told us about. Reality - Carpinteria We had an awesome time of worship and fed a great dose of the Word. It was so refreshing to us both. We were so blessed by our time there. It was a double blessing to Liz because the pastor was a friend of hers from school. We wished we could have visited with him, met his family, and swap "brag stories" of our God, but maybe our next visit.

Sneaking Away

It is late as I write this. I (Liz) am tired from a long week, BUT I am so looking forward to this weekend with My Man! We are headed to a darling Bed & Breakfast at the beach. We have a wedding to attend at the coast on Saturday and decided to make a weekend of it. We were surprised to meet opposition from Abbie who protested to her parents going out of town without them. We explained that she will get to spend time with Grandma Kay, which usually ends all protests right then. Can you say "spoiled rotten" when with Grandma Kay? But even that didn't work. So we explained to her that husbands & wives NEED time away together and that it is VERY good for them. Then we topped it off with the promise that SOMEDAY (a LONG time from now) that she and her husband will need some time together away and Papa & I will watch their children. She seemed good with that. They will have a good time with Grandma Kay and their cousin Spencer for the weekend.
Our weekend away comes at a very good time. The Abshire home is in a time of transition. Aaron has accepted a position as a locksmith for the State of California. He starts his new job on Monday. This has been a bitter sweet time. He is excited to be transitioning into full time locksmithing. He has wanted to locksmith full time but there hasn't been enough of a demand to support that. He has also been sad about leaving his current job. His boss is also one of his buddies that he grew up with. So it has not been easy on him. So this weekend comes at a good and well needed time.
We look forward to some rest, relaxation, and walks on the beach. Don't be fooled, there will be plenty of coffee consumed! Oh yeah, and some good food! We will catch you up when we get home!

To be continued.........

Sweet Beginnings

A few times last week I woke up to one of the most precious sights my eyes have ever laid hold of. It was Abbie in "Mama's Bible Chair" doing her devotions before I had even awakened. I am always so humbled when I get glimpses of what my Lord is doing in the hearts of the little ones He has graciously placed in my life. It is my prayer that Abbie would fall madly in love with Jesus and His Word. And that Jesus would be as real and as important to her as the air she breathes.

A Mama's Prayer for her precious Daughter

Psalm 25:4-5

Show Abbie Your ways, Abba

teach Abbie Your paths;

guide Abbie in Your truth and teach her,

for You are God, Abbie's Savior,

and her hope is in You alone, all her days long.

The Girls & Little Bit

It has been a while but it is back to horse back riding lessons. They have been asking to go riding with Benny but their Mama has been taking most of Benny's time. So today was their day. This was Hopie's first lesson and she did very good. She is fearless even so far off the ground. She just kicked Little Bit telling him to "get goin'". She even reached back and spanked him while she was ridin' because he wouldn't go. He wouldn't go because she wouldn't give him any slack! Silly girl! She did great and has great potential. Abbie remembered much of her lessons and got up there and went. She is far more cautious than her sister. She rarely lets go of the horn while she is ridin', so she wouldn't think of spankin' Little Bit for not goin'. She had a great time. They both enjoyed their time until it got too hot.