Baking and Preparing for Thanksgiving

I spent the day yesterday baking 8 dozen dinner rolls in order to take them to Sunshine Acres Children's Home in Mesa, AZ. Then today we toured their facilities. Wow! What an amazing place for children in tough situations! They have 125 acres with 6 separate homes for 10 children each, as well as other buildings for housing, dining, administration, health, school, etc. I was very impressed with their staff, facilities and their heart for these kids, as well as the staff who care for them. Having established and run a teen boys home for several years in Mexico, I understand exactly what they are dealing with and appreciate the lengths that they have gone to in order to make a difference in the lives of these children.

My heart was incredibly touched and it brought back to my mind the boys that we worked with and loved while we were in Mexico. I don't know if God has this type of work in our future again or not, but it really touched my heart to see Sunshine Acres and how they are doing what they do with such excellence. They also have a Boutique where they sell items in order to bring in additional funds. I was very impressed with the quality and prices of items there. If you live in the area, you should go check it out for Christmas gifts and decorations. They are located on Higley Rd. just south of the northern loop of the 202.

We are looking forward to the opportunity to volunteer and help in some way at Sunshine Acres in the near future. They have many needs and many areas in which you can volunteer, so if you are looking for a place to help out, there just may be a niche that you can fill at Sunshine Acres. And if you have never visited, I urge you to take the time to visit and tour the facility. It will fill your heart with joy to see how they are helping this kids have a stable, loving, Christ-centered childhood.

Raising Teenagers

Today, my baby girl turns 13 years old! Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

Wow, now both my kids are teenagers and I am in the midst of raising teenagers. I have heard so many people bemoan the teenage years as the worst time of their lives, but, although there are new challenges, I am enjoying watching my children grow up and become more independent. They are great kids and I enjoy them very much!

We spend alot of time together since we homeschool, but they also have many friends and are great kids - leaders amongst their peers. I hope to always be close to my kids and to enjoy these upcoming teen years as I watch them become the man and woman of God that He is calling them to be. I intend to enjoy my time with them, making the most of every day because we are not guaranteed any certain number of days. They grow up so fast and change every day!

I loved holding my tiny little babies in my arms! I cherished rocking them to sleep and singing lullabys to them. I enjoyed playing with them when they were toddlers and watching them explore and discover so many things. Through some tears and many joys, I watched them learn to read and then learn to enjoy reading!! I have watched them grow and learn, becoming more and more independent each year of their lives. I have watched them in many different situations and have seen how they are discerning and open to hearing God speak to them in a myriad of circumstances. They have given up many things already to follow God's leading in our lives. They have seen God bless them abundantly for their sacrifice and have watched as God has provided for every need in our lives. They have also been blessed when God has also given them the desires of their hearts.

Life has been an incredible adventure so far already! I am looking forward to many more years of adventure with these incredible gifts God has given me in my children!!