Time Together & Memories Made

Loved being with Family
Blake,Grandma, Shelby, and Brandon


Being Silly

Shelby brushing uncle Waynes hair with her new barbie brush

Blake & Shelby

Brandon

PRIME RIB dinner...YUM!

At the Dinner Table

Aunt Kim, Brandon, Blake, Austen, Mom, and Wayne



It really was a special Christmas with my in-laws! They are such a blessing to me. Bryan makes his annual traditional Prime Rib. The kids spend time together playing and opening gifts. For me, it was a special time with my MIL. She always makes the Holidays special, and takes into thought every gift she gives. I especially LOVE the traditional Jammies we all get.

Thank You Mom for a SPECIAL Christmas...we LOVE you!!!

Austen- Monkey Jammas

Blake- Truck N Car Jammas

Wayne- The Grinch Jammas

Me- Penguin Jammas (so cuddly and warm)

I got a vanity mirror, and new set of pots n pans!! It is what I needed and I was delighted to get things I need and can use ;)

Night

I have been thanking God for things in my life that I do take for granite. The Lord is good.


May we not lose the true meaning of this time of year, and may we remember those who are less fortunate. Share the good news, share the HOPE we have in Christ.





Blessings to all ;)
night
Brandie

Hmmm..It is way to late to Blog!

Today I have been in a fog. Hubby came home tonight,

Hmm why are you down? And of course...I said

"I don't know"...lol

Do you ever feel like the conversation in your head just won't leave you alone?

Akkk! All these thoughts, then the prayer request that make my heart heavy.

Hearing that my grandma spoke to my mom brought on different emotions.

I just felt like I was in such a battle. I have not really been able to focus

on any one task today. I have muddles through school with the boys. Austen is still struggling in math, so we started doing it together. It was around noon and I was already tired and wanted

to nap. So I slept until 5 :O......ran like mad to get dinner done.

Now it is 12:10 and I am finally tired enough to go to bed!

Tmorrow is a new day..... Lord be my guide!
~Bran

Motocross...Fun Day With My Boys

Clark County Fair Grounds

Motorcross Season 2010

Personal Lessons

It was a blast watching the boys ride today!

They had the whole track to themselves. Joey Lancaster

gave them personal lessons. Wayne even was able to come for the last hour

of the lesson. We are looking forward to a few more practices this month.

Teaching Our Children The True Meaning Of Christmas

The stores are full of shoppers, hoping to find that perfect gift, and houses are decorated with

Christmas Deco. You can feel it in the air, and hear the excitement in your children's voices.

My kids love this time of year. My concern is do our children truly

know the meaning of Christmas? For them is it giving OR receiving?

Here are some ideas to help teach our

children that the TRUE JOY comes from giving.

1. Visit a Homeless Shelter & Bring a gift

2. Make Christmas Cards and take them to a retirement home.

3. Get a group together and go sing at a old folks home

4. Get a Giving paper from a local mall for a needy child and have your children pick out the gift to give.

5. Help a local food bank gather food .

I Can........

20 Cans of Wisdom

1 Why should I say I can't when the Bible says I can do all

things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians

4:13)?

2 Why should I lack when I know that God shall supply all my

needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus

(Philippians 4:19)?

3 Why should I fear when the Bible says God has not given me a

spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2

Timothy 1:7)?

4 Why should I lack faith to fulfill my calling, knowing that

God has allotted to me a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)?

5 Why should I be weak when the Bible says that the Lord is the

strength of my life and that I will display strength and take

action because I know God (Psalm 27:1; Daniel 11:32)?

6 Why should I allow Satan supremacy over my life when He that

is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1 John

4:4)?

7 Why should I accept defeat when the Bible says that God

always leads me in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14)?

8 Why should I lack wisdom when Christ became wisdom to me from

God and God gives wisdom to me generously when I ask Him for

it (1 Corinthians 1:30; James 1:5)?

9 Why should I be depressed when I can recall to mind God's

lovingkindness, compassion and faithfulness, and have hope

(Lamentations 3:21-23)?

10Why should I worry and fret when I can cast all my anxiety on

Christ who cares for me (1 Peter 5:7)?

11 Why should I ever be in bondage knowing that there is liberty

where the Spirit of the Lord is (2 Corinthians 3:17)?

12 Why should I feel condemned when the Bible says I am not

condemned because I am in Christ (Romans 8:1)?

13 Why should I feel alone when Jesus said He is with me always

and He will never leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20;

Hebrews 13:5)?

14 Why should I feel accursed or that I am the victim of bad

luck when the Bible says that Christ redeemed me from the

curse of the law that I might receive His Spirit (Galatians

3:13, 14)?

15 Why should I be discontented when I, like Paul, can learn to

be content in all my circumstances (Philippians 4:11)?

16 Why should I feel worthless when Christ became sin on my

behalf that I might become the righteousness of God in Him (2

Corinthians 5:21)?

17 Why should I have a persecution complex knowing that nobody

can be against me when God is for me (Romans 8:31)?

18 Why should I be confused when God is the author of peace and

He gives me knowledge through his indwelling Spirit (1

Corinthians 14:33; 2:12)?

19 Why should I feel like a failure when I am a conqueror in all

things through Christ (Romans 8:37)?

20 Why should I let the pressures of life bother me when I can

take courage knowing that Jesus has overcome the world and

its tribulations (John 16:33)?

Dr. Neil Anderson, Freedom in Christ Ministries

Character Trait~Loving

Loving:

To be devoted to, kindly care for, admiring of; Genuine love includes the qualities

of self-sacrificing and commitment to one another.

Verses:

Colossians 3:14

Galations 5:22-23

1 John 4:7-11

John 3:16-17

John 13:34-35

John 21:13-17

10-26-10

Today's Character Trait~ Merciful

Mercifiul:

Graciously forbearing and forgiving; kindly withholding punishment due to

an offender; compassionate

Verses:

Luke 6:35-36

Luke 15:11-24

Matthew 5:7

1 Peter 3:8-9

Titus 3:4-6

10-25-10

Character Trait~ Peaceable

Peaceable:

Able to make relationships happy and harmonious; bringing unity; not causing strife or ill

feelings; quiet and restful.

Opposite:

quarrelsome, or hostile

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the childrfen of God.

Other Verses:

Genesis 26:17-25, James 3:17-18, Romans 12:18

Today we talked about getting along with one another. When we argue and fight with one another we are causing disention. The other verse that we talked about that I often quote at home is "A soft answer turneth away wrath but grevious words stir up anger" (Proverbs 15:1)

We had a great time in the Bible today!

Beautiful Sunset Pics

Teaching Biblical Character~ Diligence

Blake drew a person mowing a lawn.

Character Trait Verse

Eccl 9:10a

Definition :

Careful; putting forth earnest and honest effort; not lazy or slothful; constant in effort

to accomplish what is undertaken.

Verses:

Ruth 1:22-2:23; Proverbs 4:23; 10:4-5; 1 Kings 11:28; 2 Thes 3:10-13; Eccl 9:10

Biblical Character Trait Of The Day

Definition of Obedience:

Following directions or commands; doing what one is suppose to

do or not doing what is not allowed; submission to authority.

Verses: Col 3:20; John 14:15,23; Acts 5:26-32; 1 sam 15:12-25;Dan 3:8-18

Our Memory & Writing Verse Today:

Colossians 3:20

Children obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Homeschool Happenings

Hard to believe that it is almost mid October!

The kids both have settled in to a routine for school.

Blake is a wiz at math and Austen is enjoying reading.

It has been nice to have some dry days as Austen has been able

to play basketball. Tonight we went to a football game in La Center

to watch my niece cheer at half time...Very Cute!

Well I am going to call it a night..

Hope you all have a blessed weekend

Proverbs 1:5a

A wise man will hear and increase learning

Happy Friday!

Yae! Weekend is here! I always look forward to having

our family all together on the weekend. The fall weather is beautiful,

not much rain yet, just the brisk cool mornings. This week has

been a bit of a challenge with Blake having this cold, but he still

has been plugging away at his school work. The plan for the weekend

is to work on things around the house. Deep cleaning and wrapping up

some projects we have been working on. The pole has arrived for the

Owl Box, just need to dig the hole and pour the concrete. The

kids are exited to get it up! There are many people on

my heart today for prayer. Life is not always easy but

Let us remember...The Lord is faithful!!

Wishing You All A Blessed Friday

In Christ,

Brandie

Owl Pellet / Craft Homeschool Pics

Ages 6-under did owl craft

Agest 7-up disected pellets

This was the lil ones craft ;)

Owl Pellets/ Craft and Cookies for Homeschool Friday

Owl Cookies

Craft

Owl Pellet Kit

Owls, Owls, Hoot...Hoot

These 2 are the cutest owlets! They will flege soon. I have taken several screen shots

on Live owl box San Marcos California.

It has been so fun watching these lil ones grow up.

I recieved our owl pellets in the mail yesterday,

and Blake did his craft example last night

Barn Owls...Homeschool Project

Austen made a Owl Box for his science project, and then Friday we will have a science lab and we will dissect owl pellets.

The baby owlets..Carrie and Ashley

screen shot from today

Owl Box Live Cam

We have been having fun studying Barn Owls for Science this year! I was doing a search this summer and found a live owl cam in San Marcos, California. Austen did a wood project and made a owl box. It turned out GREAT!

Check out the Live cam below

http://www.sportsmansparadiseonline.com/live_owl_nest_box_cam.HTML

Back To School 2010-2011

I can not believe that it is that time already! Summer went so fast. We had some great family time this summer, camping , motorcycle riding, and the Great Wolf Lodge trip.
It sure didn't seem like the weather got warm until the end, but I am thankful we had some days w/out rain ;)

Austen is in High School now and Blake is

in 2nd grade. We had some fun coming up with our school name this summer...

and it's official.....as you see above it is RIVERVIEW ACADEMY ;)

Driving school this year for Austen...eeek he turns 15 in November.

Well, it is off to bed. I am looking forward to getting back to blogging

more this fall. Hope to be able to visit some blogs as well.

I do more now on facbook then blogging, catch me there as well at

Branmadetags

Blessings,

Brandie

Beautiful Days ;)

I am so exited to have this beautiful weather! We needed some sun and the Lord has brought it to us! Yae! Summer has began for the Richards Family, we have lots of projects planned. Austen is getting calls right and left to work for people. Little man Blake turns 7 a week from today! I picked up a new Bible study book called 'Precept Upon Precept' , and I am looking forward to digging into Gods Word with this study. It has been hard to plan things in advance such as the group Bible studies, because I just never know how I am going to feel.

I have been enjoying my Paint Shop Program creating new scripture tags. Last night Wayne spent quite a bit of time digging the holes to find the septic tank lids....and Hunter (our pup) was out helping too..lol. I got some funny pics of them. This weekend is the homeschool conference in Portland....I planned on attending, but I am just not feeling up to it. Next school year I am planning on making some adjustments in our homeschool schedule, and curriculum. Austen is going to be in high school and Blake in second grade. I am going to do some research on the different learning styles so I can make some changes.

Looking forward to a nice warm weekend with my family.

Blessings,

Brandie

Where Do You Find Contentment?

Are you looking for contentment in all the wrong places?

Often times we get stuck as Christians, we look at our life and think, but Lord this is not the way I envisioned my life to be? What does success mean to you? This is something I have really been pondering lately...NOW I don't mean success in the eyes of the 'World' but success that God will be pleased with. Our desires should be to please the Lord. But many times I will look at my circumstances or what I don't have and not be satisfied. How about you? May the Lord help us stay focused on godly contentment...that bring true peace and happiness!

Let's Look at What God has to say here:

1 Timothy 6:9-11

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and [into] many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Let's look at the word contentment....

1) a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed
2) sufficiency of the necessities of life
3) a mind contented with its lot, contentment

1 Tim 6:6

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

The key here is godliness WITH contentment

"God may allow His servant to succeed when He has disciplined him to a point where he does not need to succeed to be happy. The man who is elated by success and is cast down by failure is still a carnal man. At best his fruit will have a worm in it."- A. W. Tozer

Christian Families

The Christian family was the bulwark of godliness in the days of the Puritans; but in these evil times hundreds of families of so-called Christians have no family worship, no restraint upon growing sons, and no wholesome instruction or discipline. See how the families of many professors are as dressy, as godless as the children of the non-religious! How can we hope to see the Kingdom of our Lord advance when His own disciples do not teach His gospel to their own sons and daughters?

~C.H Spurgeon

Is Your Home A Refuge?

An ideal Christian home ought to be a place where love rules. It ought to be beautiful, bright, joyous, full of tenderness and affection, a place in which all are growing happier and holier each day. There should never be any discord, any wrangling, any angry words or bitter feelings. The home-life should be a harmonious song without one marring note, day after day. The home, no matter how humble it is, how plain, how small – should be the dearest spot on the earth to each member of the family. It should be made so happy a place, and so full of life, that no matter where one may wander in after years, in any of the ends of the earth – his home should still hold its invisible cords of influence about him, and should ever draw resistless upon his heart. It ought to be the one spot in all the earth, to which he would turn first, when in trouble or in danger. It should be his refuge, in every trial and grief.

J.R. MillerHomemaking, 1882.

The Family~

The family was God’s first earthly institution. Before there was a government, and long before God instituted the church, He ordained marriage and the family as the basic building block of society. The destruction of the family we are witnessing today is, I believe, a harbinger of the ultimate collapse of our entire society. The more the family is threatened, the more society itself is in danger of extinction. We’re living in the last days, and nothing shows that more graphically than the deterioration of the family.

John MacArthur
Successful Christian Parenting, 1998, p. 217.