Giving Double Thanks

 Iris turned five! ...for REAL!  We arrived at the Avenell home (Grandma and Grandpa's place) for an evening meal with cake made by cousin Marissa.  It's a pumpkin coach with three different kinds of cake and delicious frosting.  Iris loved eating it with peppermint ice cream.

This was the Barbie birthday-five new dolls (not all full-size) with a fashion box for all the clothes and uncomfortable high-heeled shoes for the dolls.  The dolls even have a camping tent.  The wedding dress-up dress is from mom.  This scared Dad a bit because Iris looked like she was getting married.

A precious gift were two "All About Me" book, one that was completed by Brian when he was eight years old and a new one for Iris, for when she can write words and short sentences.




We were thankful that everyone was together and could enjoy some warm sunshine (83 degrees!) on Thanksgiving Day.  Iris LOVED being around cousins, even though they were all at least two feet taller than she is.  We (the parents of Iris) were happy to have a real date with free babysitting.  Mexican food and a James Bond 007 movie.  What a treat!

The day after the birthday/Thanksgiving meal we hung out by the pool (Ooh, it felt good to swim!), played the board game "Sorry", decorated a gingerbread house, and went to see the turning on of awesome Christmas lights at a local church.

Sooooorry!  (snicker, snicker)

There's Riley with Gabrielle.

 The gingerbread decorating was full of laughter, frosting on the fingers and snacking on small candies.  There was even tri-color candy corn (green, red and white) for the rooftop.  Our future pastry chef, Marissa, put frosting as icicles hanging down.  It looked pretty real.  Iris really wanted to take the house home, but it would probably never make it in one piece.  So, it's onto Christmas decorations.










Aunt Diane put up her lovely ceramic nativity set (see below).

 
  It was very appalling how the "black Friday" frenzy of buying bargain gifts not only started with people lining up at the stores for days before Thanksgiving, but several stores opening the evening of Thanksgiving.  What happened to relaxing after a delicious turkey meal?  I acknowledge that Thanksgiving is an American holiday, but it still goes well with the real meaning behind Christmas-Jesus was God's gift to this world of sin.  The material-mindedness of Christmas is so far skewed from what the joy and hope of the season was intended and could be.

I, for one, would like to raise Iris with the sane spirit of celebrating Jesus' birthday and how God kept His promise to send a Savior to all humankind.  As December is here, I pray that I will have the strength and wisdom to participate in activities that puts Jesus at the center, and not what I'm going to get.  I guess I'm starting to mature.  However, Brian and I are probably going to shop for some expensive items this Christmas for our home.  Forgive me, Lord!

Advent starts next week.  Yeah!

Celebrating Birthday #5

 Iris' 5th birthday party came early and with a co-celebrant (Monique) because of her birthday actually ON the Thanksgiving holiday this year.  It was very special because the five girls (see photo to the right) that came over were able to watch a live production of "Snow White and Dwarf Family", which didn't exactly follow the classic Snow White story.  There were totally different names for the dwarves, The magic mirror had a real dislike and negative attitude toward the vain queen.  But most surprisingly, Snow White married "Grumpy".  What a hoot!
 

After the show, getting autographs

Monique, Emma, Josie and Claire sat with Iris

The co-planner mom, Judy, made delicious treats with the theme of Snow White food, including the chocolate "kiss from the prince".  The carrot cake cupcakes were beautiful and totally yummy!

 After dress up time and treats, the birthday girls opened up presents in under 15 minutes.  Then, it was back to playing for a little more.  Being into dress-up and princesses, Iris immediately put on her "Tiana" dress and wanted the glittery nail polish put on right away.  Mom agreed to help her.

Her yellow crown was from her classroom celebration which happened the day before with not sweet treats, but a fruit snack, pencil and compass ring for her classmates.  All in all, she had a great time!  We (the parents) are glad that it was past us.  Now onto the extended family birthday celebrations!

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  ~Psalm 139:14

Scary, but fun days

It's Halloween Day.  Can you tell? It started this past weekend when Iris went to on a playdate with at friend to the Oakland Zoo.  There was a short time when these two little girls were alone and far ahead of their moms.  The zoo staff was fast and found them.  We continued to enjoy the warm day, walking around to see animals, and getting treats to eat (for later). 









In the evening, Iris got to see some friends from preschool days.  There were crafts, games like bobbing for apples, and a trampoline for jumping.  Thanks, Emily! 

This morning was a class breakfast for families.  The kids had great costumes.  In Iris's class, there were several princesses and a few witches (sorcieres). There was an all-school parade and a short school day.  How convenient!  Now, onto trick-or-treating.

Tres Belles, n'est-ce pas?

Happy Halloween!

Olivier is a real volunteer clown!

Asha, Ilaria and Iris

Mom sayings

My book group recently read a new best-seller called Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst.  It's about understanding the raw emotions when we get "out of control" in order to make wise choices.  As I read this book, I thought about my words and thoughts that I use often when communicating with the family.  As a mom, I'm telling Iris many things that I think are teaching and for her own good.  So,"Why don't I take my own advice?"  Here are a few of my mom phrases:

Do one thing at a time.
I admit to having taken pride in being a multi-tasker.  I've got four or five books that I'm "reading"(really??).  I can grade papers, snack and watch a video at the same time (...NOT!).  I can organize papers and/or projects for four different work committees (I'm exhausted!).   What happens is that I lose track of tasks and/or take too long to complete them.  That results in frustration or stress.  These habits are not anything to be proud of. I'd much rather boast in the Lord.  I truly need to keep Christ and his Holy Spirit to direct me in each moment of my day BEFORE I get lost in the swirl of busyness.

Take small bites.
I've become acutely aware of my own poor eating habits because I see Iris doing the same.  One of them is stuffing her mouth with too much, and how she says she's hungry as soon as she sees something that she considers yummy (a treat!).  I believe that if I do what I say, I wouldn't be craving so much nor overeating.  Even as to non-food things, I really need to break tasks down when I think I've got too much to do. Every step can be doable the more I trust in Jesus.  Furthermore, I find that as I attempt to limit myself to one thing that is a true priority in my life (e.g. praying, doing a devotional with Iris), then God's grace gives me enough time, energy and purpose of mind to complete what HE knows I need to finish.  The rest I can "leave on my plate" until later.

It's okay to fall down...sometimes.
Iris is so scared of falling because she doesn't want scrapes, bruises or any kind of pain.  None of us seek this, but I see how not being afraid to fall allows us to endure and continue to enjoy the life and work we have.  If I stall or cry too much, I don't get anywhere.  Also, others may not want to be around us because we're too sissy or wimpy.  As I consider my excuses for doing God's will, I think I'm being like Iris in not wanting to fall or fail because it could really her me, or at least my ego.

Are you still hungry?
Take and use what you have before getting more.  I consider as I want that late evening cookie with hot cocoa how much I'm eating because of other reasons that have nothing to do with my hunger.  Stress, nervousness, procrastination or depression are all possible reasons that I think I need to eat.  I just catch myself wondering, "Would I hunger this much for knowing God better and becoming a true disciple of Christ?"  If it's not that, is food really more important?  There's also the guilt that could set in about how there is real starvation and chronic hunger among people groups around the world.  How can I be more mindful of them and put down that cookie...NOW!?

You need to eat real food first.
This has to do with the order of different foods my family eats.  I want Iris to eat her nutritious food first because that will make her stronger.  So, why do I eat calories that does my physical body no good?  In fact, more and more I believe the all things processed should be banned from not only my diet, but my household.  Sugar would be a good place to start, but that will be tough to convince my dear husband of.  The principle is still very important.  Consume, read, and meditate on the truth first and foremost.  For me, that points to delight in the Lord because He delights in me (and you).  Pray first.  Meditate on God's Word (the Bible).  Put Jesus as the first appointment of each day.  That is the more satisfying thing to do because God sustains us both spirit, body and mind.  Trust Him!

Put away your things before doing the next thing.
If you're done with one toy, put it away.  I would love that Iris were more tidy about her things in her room.  Yet, I look at the various piles of papers, bags of folders, and small stacks of books that I keep.  Yikes!  What kind of example am I?  I then have to ask, "Do I really need these things now?  Later?  Ever??  So, I would ask God to help me put away those things in my life that are unnecessary and worse, keeps me from knowing or trusting Jesus with my life.  Instead, I want to believe the He will provide all because he promises that He knows what I need even before I speak it.  Thank you, Jesus!

These are just some of the repeated phrases that I currently catch myself saying to Iris.  I'm sure more will come up as I learn and yearn to teach her to live a godly and Christ-filled life.  The book, Unglued, talks about "imperfect progress".  That gives me hope.  Thank God!  As my family, relative or friends, thanks for your prayers.

~Cindy

All..He has made was good

Last Friday, Daddy packed up sandwiches and water to go to a special place where thousands of birds (swifts) fly around sunset to enter and roost in one chimney at a private high school.  As we anticipated the birds coming, I marveled at the vibrant nature around-trees, grass, river, sky.  The sunset was beautiful and the temperature was cool.  See for yourself!

 

  The birds came, swirled around for nearly half an hour before they gradually went into the chimney for the night.  This is a phenomenon that happens annually during a week or so during the month of September as the season changes to fall.  What a wondrous gift to behold!  Iris enjoyed petting a couple of dogs and building a "house" with sticks, rocks and leaves as we watched the birds flying around.  Simple pleasures at its best!

Sunday School has started, as well as Iris' first year in AWANA.  She is Cubbie now!  This means learning about God's world and memorizing scripture.  This week's coincided with her lessons at church on Genesis.   Her verses so far were 1 John 4:10, Romans 2:23, and Romans 5:8.  This week it is from Genesis 1:31- "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."  It is important to remember how spectacular God is because of his power over Creation, including us.  From the beginning, people were to walk with God and care for His creation, always remembering WHO brings life; that is God.  Watching the swifts swirl around, I marveled at the beauty in diversity, as I praised the Maker.  Isn't He great?!!

August is Back-to-School

With vacation behind us, we were all back to work or back-to-school mode in early August.  What this meant for Iris was a big change- new school where the teachers speak in French and English.  A new charter school was what we (mommy and daddy) decided would be the elementary school for Iris.  This is the first year of the opening, as well as the first year that schools around the state offered a "first year Kindergarten" or "Kinder Academy" for children not yet 5 years old on September 1st.  Iris won't be five for another two months, so that meant she could attend another year of preschool or start in this pre-K grade.

First Day of school

The school has been "fantastique" so far.  We were more nervous than Iris was.  It meant longer days, five days a week (well, one day is minimum day), wearing (unofficial) school uniforms, meeting new class of 20 students, and hearing French from her teacher every day.  I'm excited for her to be learning another language, although people question, "Why French?"  My answer:  Pourquoi pas?  I'm also eager to learn with her, since I haven't tried to study French in nearly 30 years!  We had our first "back-to-school" night, so we could hear more about her school routine and year plan for study.  Only a couple of "bumps":  Iris was told that her mommy packs too much food for the day.  A classmate scratched her face for no apparent reason.  I just hope she's not scarred.


Work for Dad and Mom have been busy, too.  Within six weeks time, Daddy had to give 5+ presentations for work, including one in front of the CEO of his company.  He also was asked to polish off a technical article for a magazine that will be published in October.  For me (Mommy), I'm trying to adjust to the new world of "school mom" and consider where I can volunteer, while I continue to teach one class two mornings a week.  This course is new (an advanced reading class), so I've been challenged not only to think more deeply about reading skills myself, but also to put in enough time to lesson planning that makes sense for students.  In addition, I'm taking on a new leadership role at my church, which will involve more meetings as the congregation begins the process to search for a new associate pastor.

Yes, I had an icy pop!

Where is my mind?  It's on Iris' care, teaching, and nurturing while not rushing her to grow up.  It's on clearing more "stuff" out of the house and garage because Iris will need different "stuff".  I think of my parents, especially as my dad (A-gong) is needing more care for his symptoms from Parkinson's.  I think of my nieces and nephews, most of whom do not know Jesus as their Savior.  I also think of what activities do I need to give up because I really can't do it all.  I don't want to be a "supermom" or a "tiger-mom".  I want to be faithful to the woman that God intends for me to be.  Help me, Lord!






Here's a recent prayer that I discovered for praying boldly for children:
* I pray they grow up to be some of the most godly people in their sphere of influence.
* I pray that they would be caught when they make wrong choices.
* I pray that God would save them from the wrong friends and save them for the right friends.  And that goes for their future spouses as well.

Enjoying the outdoors

We love the outdoors

Summer happened, but what happened?  Well, July was a bit of a blur because of a 3-week visit with one of Iris' cousin (GB), and coincided in part with a 12-day camping trip up the west coast that led us to Seattle,WA area to see relatives.

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle!

Look, we're making potstickers.

What do I remember?  A lot of playdates and swimming in friends' pools or at the YMCA.  Iris has blossomed in terms of putting her face and swimming with a "noodle" (pool toy) or without a noodle.  She started wearing her goggles in the water, too, because she enjoys going underwater and seeing mommy there.

Class, are you ready?

Hi, Mom!

We were thrilled to get our kites flying.  Wahoo!

We really tried to skip rock, but we throw "like a girl!"

Beverley Beach, OR

On our vacation, tent camping was a real adventure, but we were thankful for beautiful scenery, a helpful pre-teen that was VERY LOW MAINTENANCE, and for fun meetings with second cousins that are growing up fast.  The trip didn't start out so good because we forgot the campstove at home.  That meant a trip to Walmart (much to Daddy's chagrin to have to enter a Walmart) and keeping a 2nd campstove at home now.  Instead of walking along the sand dunes in Oregon, the mist and rain kept us going to museums, an aquarium, and a floating restaurant (Mmmm fish and chips!).  We were able to spend a leisurely day by the beach, as well as witness an incredibly beautiful sunset near Newport, OR.  More importantly, Iris slept very well in a tent; probably better than the rest of us.  Campfires were enjoyable because of the warmth it gave.  Iris will always remember the roasting of marshmallows. One memory is of her creating a drama of a house and a visitor among some tall trees at our campsite.  She was solo, but it was fun to hear her imaginary conversations. 

Egg beaters on the ceiling?!  That's crazy!

Once back in civilization, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, where Iris ordered an "omelette du fromage" (which is the only French that Daddy has been teaching her.  More on that later).

Iris helped tie-dye this shirt.

Through all the driving and planning what to cook over a campfire, I was amazed at how God gives us an abundance of nature, joy, refreshment, and time to draw close to loved ones.  He truly watched over us, and continues to bless us with stories and new experiences.  However, I'm challenged to truly sit and seek His presence on a more regular basis, such that He can be the reigning King over my and my family's life.  So, I pray.  and pray (for good teaching), and pray (for right decisions), and pray (strength and courage).

Child behaviors

For a year or so, I have wanted to write about the precious moments when Iris's outbursts, funny observations or discoveries painfully remind me of how I am sometimes like a child with my heavenly Father.  Here are some samples:

"I don't want to...."  is a too common phrase from Iris whenever we (her parents) would like her to get ready to go somewhere.  I have heard from moms that this is most likely  power challenge because she rightly wants control of her life and choices.  So, we try to give meaningful choices, but have to sometimes use force to get her in the car, put on her clothes, etc..  Of course, this doesn't mean any hurtful force.  Nevertheless, I would like her to learn how to choose the way that she needs to go that honors God.

God's reminder:  From Proverbs chapter 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,  and he will make your paths straight."

 OR from Proverbs 4:10-11, "Listen, my child, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.  I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths" 

"Go away."  Iris says this when she wants to hide something from me, or that she knows that she needs to do something I'm asking, but that she is choosing not to do right at that moment.  For example, brushing her teeth is sometimes a battle.  She can do it by herself, but I often finish the chore because she misses her back teeth.  Really what she would rather do is play with something in the bathroom, such as her hair and hair clips, instead of doing other personal grooming.  

God's reminder:  Psalm says wherever you go, I [God] will be there.

"I want you to come here." or "I want you to be with me." as cries for companionship and need for help.  I am often absorbed in some chore or work that I'd rather not interrupt.  I find myself answering with phrases like, "Come here" or "I can't right now."  I guess I assume that she really doesn't need my help to do something that she does very well on her own, nor is she in trouble.  The message to her may be that her need isn't important enough.  Zing!  Instead of bothered by the intrusion, I need to be gracious in the realization and joy that I'm needed.  Thank God that He knows how much we need Him, and he promises to be near.

God's reminder:  "Come near to God and he will come near to you." from James 4:8

"I'm hungry" has become a demand for food.  I remember saying that often to my mom as she cooked in the kitchen each evening.  As I think of true hunger in the community and around the world, I cringe when I hear from someone that he or she is starving.  I've tried unsuccessfully to fast more than one day, but the experience points to the stronghold that food plays in my life. So like Iris in complaint of her craving for food, I must remember that I spend way too much energy and thought on what food I will eat, and that I might not get enough.

God's reminder:   From Matthew chapter 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?"

and 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

"I want to be a ballerina"

    According to her preschool teachers, Iris would like to be a ballerina when she grows up.  She completed 9 months of ballet and has tried tap (only part of 4 weeks). She did well as a flower in the Spring Ballet performance because she didn't freeze nor cry on stage.  Also, she made an adorable flower. It's so fun to see how Iris is making friends with a few ballet class members.  She even wanted to invite a girl (Sparrow) from the ballet/tap class to our house that she had only danced with a few times.
  Other friends include Alexis, Serena, and Amalie. 

Watch Miss Stephanie!

Miss Marilyn taught tap dancing

Iris enjoys dancing because she often lifts her leg up and dances on her tiptoes at home.  She hasn't quite gotten the skipping practice, and she still bends her knees to touch her toes, but she loves to move and twirl like a ballerina.  So, how much do we buy into the trappings of the ballet world?  This is the hard call as parents to choose programs and activities that open children up to new things, but not exhaust them with performing and being in "class" all the time.  Taking a musical instrument, attending a Bible class, getting into swimming or gymnastics all are programs that I'd like Iris to try.  But how much is too much?

I know we need to take cues from our children and be sure to allow for free play time.  Therefore, I continue to pray about each thing I sign Iris up for.  She's going to a dance camp that features French language next month.  Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a popular summertime activity, too.  Then, we're going on our real camping vacation up to WA state.  There are so many choices, and it's tiring making all these decisions.  However, it's worthwhile to see Iris learning, smiling and generally being a 4 1/2 year-old.  Lately, she's been fascinated and wanting to play-act being pregnant and having a baby because several moms that we know had recently or will have babies soon.  This makes me wonder how much to tell her now about that and what NOT to tell her.  I just pray that she will make choices with her body and life that are God-honoring and God-fearing.  More importantly, she'll have a real heart to follow Jesus.  First step:  have her praying and reading the Bible. 

Memorable Memorial Day weekend

 We spent two nights in the cool shade of redwood trees in Gualala.  Iris did great on her first campout in our new tent.  The weekend was great fun, thanks to joining with three other families with children close to Iris's age-8 adults and 7 children.  Iris walked a long way to the beach, where she had fun playing house. We took turns kayaking because one family brought two kayaks to row along the river.

Daddy, what is Jiffy Pop?

Campfires were fun and necessary for s'mores and Jiffy popcorn.  We were responsible for one dinner, and then didn't have to cook for the rest of the weekend because each family took a turn.  It was a great time of sharing stories, parenting woes, and camping stuff that we needed.  We were thankful that Iris slept all through the night. 

Welcome to my beach house.

It was windy by the coast, but Iris was determined to build her house.

Iris flying a kite (not ours, though)

Kayaking and building forts along the river

Dad explaining how canons fire

On the way home, we stopped by Fort Ross, where there was special Russian orthodox ceremony and BBQ going on.   The weather was beautiful and the food smelled great.  Iris enjoyed going through the different buildings, so that Daddy could explain how people fought 200 years ago.





 We were all truly blessed by God's creation, covering of grace, and fellowship of friends, young and old.  I thought often of Psalm 104:4-5   

How many are your works, Lord!
    In wisdom you made them all;
    the earth is full of your creatures.

There is the sea, vast and spacious,
    teeming with creatures beyond number—
    living things both large and small.