An Act of Mercy

This morning I was watching the news and one story in particular really caught my eye.

It began by showing a convince store robbery, which occurred last winter. The robber held a gun to the cashier/ store owner, then surprisingly the cashier comes around the counter with a big shot gun, and points it right at the robber. Instead of running, the thief falls to his knees and puts his hands together as if he were praying. There was no sound on the video but the convenience store owner starts to narrate, saying that the man began to cry and begged him not to shoot, saying that his family was desperate and hungry. Slowly the owner lowers the gun, pulls $40 out of his pocket, and hands it to the would-be robber along with a loaf of bread; making him promise that he will never steal again.

I didn’t think this would end well, I expected to hear the thief was arrested. In fact when I tried to search online for the news report, all my searches brought up stories about either the robber or the victims being shot and killed.

However, this winter the convince store owner received an anonymous letter. The letter was from someone who simply thanked the owner, saying that he had a steady job and was able to provide for his family. “Thank you for saving my life.” Folded in side was a 50 dollar bill.

The more I thought about this story the more touched I was.

If the store owner had scared him away, he probably would have tried to rob someone else.

If had shot him the news would have reported on it, and viewers would have thought ‘well, he shouldn't have been trying to steal.’

If the store owner had pressed charges, the robber would have gone to jail. How could he take care of his family from inside prison?

My heart is so full when I think of how merciful that man was. The store owner was truly a type of Christ.

The Great Outdoors

We finally took the quads out,for the first time since we moved. We had a really great time camping with our friends the Valdenagro's, and Amie & Andrew. Lilly had a great time, even though she just couldn't keep out of the cacti. Its the first time that the kids have really been camping, there were no facilities so that was interesting to explain to them where they could go...

We had a creepy guy come to the door and threaten me and the kids a few weeks ago(I'll have to tell you about that later), so Tom took his 22 and let everyone try shooting.

It was nice to just relax. While we sat around the campfire, I read to everyone; THE HUNGER GAMES(our new favorite book, along with the sequel, CATCHING FIRE -which is way better than the Twilight series).

I'm too Spooky for my Hat

Kaylee and her friends from school.



Warner with his Buddies.

Xander and his whole class.

I don't know who these kids are but I thought their costumes were great. The dad of R2D2 was putting some last minute duct tape on his robot durring the monster mash. THe little mummy in the wagon really had both legs broken, way to make the most of a crappy situation, I bet he got a lot of sympathy candy!

This is Halloween

In honor of all the Halloweens that we've spent together, I decided it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane.

Xander almost didn't

make it in time for

Halloween. He wasn't

due unitl the midle

of November, so we

whiped him up a

sidekick outfit

(though he didn't

actually go

Trick 'or' Treating)!

Go Dogs Go!

The other day I found Xander sitting on the stairs,

reading one of his favorite books GO DOGS GO!to our dog, Lilly.

We read it so often that he has it memorized.

I love that he was taking the time to make sure she could see the pictures.

Taco Chicken Rolls

Every six weeks or so, I get together with a wonderful group of ladies, and we make freezer meals. Dinners that we all help make, then freeze until we need them. I wanted to share a recipe for one particular dish that is a little different but good.

Taco Chicken Rolls

3 lbs chicken breast
1 c. finely crushed Dorritos (I like nacho flavor)
1/2 pack taco seasoning
3 oz. Montery Jack cheese(cut into 2in sticks)
4 oz. chopped green chilies

Poud Chicken to flatten it. (If it is very thick, you can also cut it in half horizontally.) Place a cheese stick and1 Tbs chilies on each piece of chicken. Tuck in ends and roll up, secure with toothpick. Coat chicken with dorritos and seasoning mixture.

Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Kids tested,

mother approved!

And by the way, you don't have to freeze it ,but if you do it will keep for months.

Opening Ceremonies

Today when I took Kaylee and Warner to school they were having a special ceremony for the start of the school year. First of all, since I know I can trust all of you not to think I'm a sissy, I will confess, I did cry a few times (and I'm not even pregnant). When I heard all 900 kids along with the teachers and some parents, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, it really hit me, that even though I do not appreciate, the direction our country is being taken in, I really do love our country. I think that I had forgotten how blessed we are to be "one nation, under God".








Then the kids sang a song about Nevada being their home and how beautiful it is here, and I thought, ...they're right...then I cried a little more.

So for the start of the year kick off, very student and teacher released a balloon of school color in to the sky. I tried to get some good picture but they really don't do it justice; it was an awesome site.

As a special guest former Nevada Senator Joseph M. Neal (who the school is named after) gave a speech about how proud he is of the kids and the goals for the upcoming year. I was touched when the principal told everyone about all the wonderful things he had done to contribute to education. I really miss having elected officials with strong morals, and kids and families at heart.