Christmas Season

These last weeks have been some busy ones. It is finally is starting to feel like Christmas. Even with the heat waves we have had.
- Christmas Cards done - Check
- Mailed - not yet
- Tree and Decorations - Check
- Gifts - Check

Our house is decorated and filled with the wonderful aroma of the Christmas Tree. Brian lit our first fire of the season last night. It got Kaylah excited and determined to touch it, of course we had a little battle on that one. She knows the meaning of No and does not like it. She throws her head and lip and down and just yells at you. It is sort of funny but, I know it's only now that it is funny.

Brian has been working tons these last couple of months. Weekends are busy for him so, family time is very much cherished and this weekend we got tons of it! Jaden is done with Soccer for now and we are debating T-ball he wants to do it but, I don't know. And yes Karate is still going - he had a meeting with his master last week on discipline. I think he took it well and seems a little bit more focused - I know "He is only four, what do you expect?"

I've been adjusting to having two kids, I know it's been almost a year but, now it's starting to feel more like it. Kaylah is somewhat mobile, she crawls pretty fast is cruises on anything that will allow her. Her curiosity is incredible! Jaden is my typical boy, running, riding his bike, loud as ever and the never ending question of "Why?" I loathe that question. The car with the both of them is crazy they are either laughing at each other or yelling, whining, crying or creating some kind of new sound (at the same time).

We are excited for Christmas this year, to celebrate with all of our family, to watch Kaylah's eyes light up with new things and to to watch Jaden's anticipation for things he now understands and knows. With all the lights, and gifts from the season we are having too keep remind Jaden that it's not about all this but, our Lords birthday.

This last month I was reminded on our Thankfulness and many blessings not just now but every day of the year.
God Bless - Love the Frankes
Talk to you soon

And the Holidays START

This month has been a busy time. A time of Anxiousness, nervousness, prayer, play, trust, and Love. As with most people the economy has taken it's toll on us as well and with the holidays starting we are once again reminded of the true importance in it all - GOD and FAMILY.

This month Kaylah turned 9mo. she is an army crawler , not sure if that is going to change. She manges to get where she wants rather fast. She is in love with her big brother and does this yell that we know is only for him. Her eyes light up when he enters the room, and he is the first person she looks for in the mornings. She starting to cruise and wants to walk - OH NO!!!

We are blessed with Jaden loving being a big brother. He loves to help feed Kaylah and take care of her. Even though recently he commented " Mom, if you have more kids I can be taking care of them." I had to laugh.. He is still playing soccer and has his on and off days he's only FOUR. He is also still committed to his Karate, he is practing his forms to for his yellow belt. Karate has been teaching him a lot of commitment, and discipline.

In between the toting of school and activities the kids have been enjoying making a mess of the house , a pumpkin patch trip with Jaden's class, and Halloween Party.

Children

Wow, when I started this blog, truthfully I never attended to write a lot. But, it's nice to have a place to share your thoughts if someone cares enough to read them. Well this week has been one to share. God has been working on my heart with being a mother ever since my son was born but even more so since we added Kaylah. He's been helping me understand how important it is to instill his word in our childrens hearts each and ever day.

It's amazing to reflect back on the trails that he puts in our life to help prepare us for things that we cannot even imagine. With adding our second little bundle of joy it has truthfully been a roller coaster. It's not quite the same as it was with the first. Meaning were in different seasons of our life now and Brian's job has changed quite a bit. And for everything I am truly grateful.

Last month I was blessed enough to share about what we are called to be as mothers. What God desires from us to teach our children and how important that is. With everything I have had been going on I felt a need to share those notes from that retreat.

Raising Young Children
The name of the session was raising young children but, it truly can apply to anyone that has children.

To share a bit, of what this week has been - I have a cousin who is in a bit of trouble. Someone that means more to me then just one we see on the holidays. She has been at times like a little sister and that is the love that I have had for her. She is now older with two children around the same ages as mine a boy and a girl. With her being in trouble and seeing the consequences of sin that she choose is just horrible, dirty, disgusting, etc.... But, yet my heart cries for her to know that God's truth and love is there for her to grab. My heart is for her children who had no choice to live the life that their mother choose. How unfair that can be! As I hold my daughter or hug my son I cannot quit thinking about when the last time they were hugged, cuddled or just loved just to be loved. I wonder what is to come of their lives, what will they be like as they get older? And more so will she be there?

Parents don't seem to understand and never will how their decisions in their lives affect their children. As parents we as adults can move on with our lives and make better choices. But our children will forever have those memories ingrained in their minds. There will be times where places, sights, or sounds can stir an emotion they can't quite explain because maybe when they were their last they cannot remember. What my point is, is please don't ever say my child is too young to understand!!! It's not true.

When your done reading this for all those with children they are blessed to have you as a mother or father just hug them and love them everyday.

With that I think this is another link to notes on Gratitude - Always be grateful


Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding - Proverbs 3:5

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] - Hebrews 13:5 (Amplified Version)

This is Brian at the Rodeo in Kansas City

Crazy Schedule

This last month seems like we have been real busy! We have been adapting to Jaden's busy little schedule - Do I have him in too much?
Mon, Wed. and Fri - School from 8:45-11:45am
Tues. and Thurs - Karate now at 5-5:45pm then
Wed. and Saturday - Soccer.

The little guy has so much energy. I don't understand where the boys get it from. No matter how many bike rides, park, school he is still going...going and going... at the end of the day. We are learning how to read and write now, - What happened to my little baby boy? When did he get so big?

He is currently a little under the weather and the that little baby boy has appeared again. I truly do cherish that time when he lets me cuddle him and hold him.

Well take care -
The Frankes

Hello

Hello, This is the start of our family blog. It seems like many family and friends are now "bloggers". So for the peer pressure, here we go. Let's see where do you start this blogging business.

Well this is the mom and wife of the group - Isabel
We are currently living in San Diego in the Chula Vista area. I like to say Otay just because it's a little newer then Chula Vista. Anyhow, I am blessed to be a Stay at home mom to two beautiful children - Kaylah born on 01/18/08 and Jaden 41/2 years. My husband Brian Franke is a Lineman Apprentice for SDG&E he is in his 2nd yr. He loves the job, but it is a prayer every day for saftey and strength that only comes from our Father above.

In our spare time apart from family time - Jaden is playing soccer and is a orange belt in Karate. Kaylah is exploring all toys in her mouth, attempts to crawl and stand up. Brian is practicing surfing, and just being a daddy and jungle gym for the kids. Myself other then chasing my blessed children around, I am a leader in our women's group at church (pacifichope.com) that keeps me busy with studying and growing in the word. Also I have become quite the crafty one and do enjoy crocheting, making bows and new one beading.

Well I hope to keep you all updated on our daily turn of events and adventures of the family life.

Talk to you all soon, drop a line anytime. Isabel