Right Now Is The Right Time!

There's a Right Time for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3 (The Message)

There's an opportune time to do things,
a right time for everything on the earth.

A right time for birth and another for death,
A right time to plant and another to reap,
A right time to kill and another to heal,
A right time to destroy and another to construct,
A right time to cry and another to laugh.
A right time to lament and another to cheer,
A right time to make love and another to abstain,
A right time to embrace and another to part,
A right time to search and another to count your losses,
A right time to hold on and another to let go,
A right time to rip out and another to mend,
A right time to shut up and another to speak up,
A right time to love and another to hate,
A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I've had a good look at what God has given us to do-busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time-but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it- eat, drink, and make the most of your job.
It's God's gift.

I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear.

Whatever was, is.
Whatever will be, is.
That's how it always is with God.

Happy New Year!
May God Richly Bless You in 2010!

A Good Report

The other day I was opening the mail, and amongst all the Christmas cards from family & friends, I saw there was an envelope from the Bible College Kyle, my oldest son is attending. This is his first year of college, he graduated from High School last year.

I said "uh oh, this could be your report card!" I opened it and starred in amazement. Now Kyle is very smart, but has always been an average student. Too social to spend time studying. I can't tell you how many phone calls and notes I've gotten from his teachers over the years, telling me Kyle is not living up to his potential academically. He's too talkative in class (I have no idea where he got that from!) And doesn't take school seriously.

I announced standing in the kitchen; "You Got Straight A's!" Zach, my other and much more studious son walked by and said "You sure that's Kyles and not my report card?" You can always count on a brother for support! Zach has pretty much always had straight A's. Kyle, not so much! We all couldn't believe it, and celebrated together! I even hung Kyles report card on the refrigerator! I knew I had to Blog about this milestone in my child's life!

I guess that old saying better late, than never applies here. If the very first time a child get straight A's isn't until they start college, it's worth the wait! I think taking classes of his choosing, things that interest him, and move him toward his goal of someday being a Youth Pastor is what make the difference. He took some Theology classes & Public Speaking.

Way to go Kyle, we're so proud of you!
Keep it up!

Merry Christmas 2009

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
2009 has certainly been a year of highs & lows for the Forbis clan.

Our oldest son Kyle Graduated from High School!
And has just finished his first semester of Bible College.
He wants to become a Youth Pastor some day.
He has had the same girlfriend, Olivia, for almost 2 years now.
That's a record for him!
Yes, my baby boy will turn 20 years old this next year!
How can that be possible?!

Zach just turned 18.
He will Graduate from High School this year!
We will have two out of school, it's hard to imagine.
Zach is enjoying his Senior year.
Getting straight A's.
Playing Guitar in Jazz Band, and singing in the top Choirs.
He wants to become a Music Pastor like his father.

My twin baby girls are now 12 years old!
They are in 6th grade,
that means next year is Jr. High! Ouch.
They are truly Pre-teens,
concentrating on their friends & fashion.
Lexi loves playing the Flute in the school band,
and Erica plays the French horn & is our little song bird.

I went back to work this year.
After being a stay at home mom for 18+ years.
I took a part time job in retail,
and just 3 or 4 months later I found myself managing the store.
So now I'm working full time and I really love my job.

John was just recently laid off from his job.
And has been searching for a new position.
We started at this Church the summer before my girls started Kindergarten.
We'd seen it thrive and grow, as John grew in his ability to lead others in Worship.
Please keep us in your prayers as we look for Gods will for our lives,
and figure out the next step on our Journey.
And I must say it's been kind of nice having him home more.
I get off work, and dinner is already cooking!
A girl could get used to that!

From our Family to yours:
Merry Christmas & may you be blessed in the New Year!

Christmas Cookies!

When I was a little girl my mom would set aside one day every year to make Christmas cookies. The entire kitchen & dining room would be covered with dough, ingredients, cookies cooling, frosting, frosted cookies "drying", all us kids loved that day! And the days following that day, because we got to eat the Christmas cookies!

(My sister in law Judy, & I Rolling, rolling, rolling)

When I moved out of state & had children of my own, I wanted to keep that tradition for my kids, but, you know me, I'm no Martha Stewart! So, I cheated! Yes, that's right. When my kids were little and I didn't live near my mom, I bought ready made Pillsbury sugar cookie dough and canned frosting. My small children still got the experience of rolling out & cutting the cookies, frosting & decorating too! But with much less mess. Brilliant I know! I'm great at cutting corners! :)

(My sister in law Debbie giving the girls directions.
my girls & 2 of my nieces)

But, now since moving back home to Arizona, and my kids are a lot older, we've gone back to the true fashion of making Christmas cookies. My mom can't really make all the cookies herself anymore. So, we made a new family tradition of making them together. It's our annual "Cookie Messtravaganza!" My sister in law, Debbie has us all over to her house. Everyone comes with their cookie dough already made. Then we roll them out, cut, bake, frost & decorate them all together. (We usually order Pizza & play games too while were at it!)

(My niece Alarie, being cute!)

Well, every year I manage to talk someone into making my dough for me. (yes, I'm a whiner, not to mentioned spoiled!) But, this year my mom was out of town until the day we were making cookies, and I couldn't manage to talk any of my sister's in law into making it for me. Can you believe it?! I was pretty nervous to make it myself.

(4 generations making cookies together!
My Mom, my brother Danny, his daughter, Sarah
and her son Avery!)

So, the night before our cookie day, my girls spent the night at a friends house, and my oldest son's girlfriend Olivia, who is the queen of baking, had to work. (I wonder who her manager is that planed that schedule?! haha She works in my store!) So, John helped me, and it was fun & a lot easier than I remember it being. And our cookies turned out great! John & my boys said they were the best ever! (kiss ups!)

(My brother Marty & his daughter Rachel
she did much better decorating than he did!)

I thought I'd share my moms recipe with you, my blog readers & friends. If you don't have your own family tradition of making Christmas cookies, I highly recommend you start one of your own. And if you do make cookies, don't forget to save a few, to leave out on Christmas eve for Santa! He loves them too! Happy Baking!

Christmas Cookies

Ingredients:
2 cups Butter, softened
3 tsp. Vanilla
1-1/2 cups Sugar
6 cups Flour
2 eggs
2 tsp. Baking Powder
2 Tbls. Milk
1 tsp. Salt

Blend together flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside.

Cream together butter & sugar. Stir in eggs. Add milk & vanilla. Mix Well.

Slowly add flour mixture into creamed mixture, mix well.

Chill for 1 or more hours.

Roll out to 1/2" thick. Cut out in designs.

Bake at 400 for 7 min.

Cool. Decorate.



Frosting

Ingredients:
1 Box Powdered Sugar
3/4 stick of Butter
1 tsp. Vanilla
Milk


Mix powdered sugar, butter & vanilla with mixer.

Add small amount of milk until spreadable consistency.
(not too thin)

You can add food coloring to make different colors of frosting.


(Me, decorating cookies with my Mom & my daughters Lexi & Erica,
"Cookie Cuties!")

Forbis Family Fun Night, Christmas Style!

We went to see Star Of Wonder, it's the Christmas production put on by Phoenix First Assembly of God. One of the largest Assembly of God churches in the country. And let me tell you they put on quite the show!

The kids waiting for the show to start,
Left to right: Olivia, Kyle, Zach, Erica, Lexi

They have live animals: Camels, Elephants, Horses, Dogs, a Tiger and a Kangaroo in their production. Angels flying from two balcony's high. Dancers, singers, actors, cirque De sole type acrobats. All with the Christmas message.

Kyle playing Santa with Olivia!

Lexi and Erica in a One horse open sleigh! Hey!

My girls' band teacher at school played in the orchestra for the production. And a Jr. High Pastor we used to work with, is now on staff there and was a dancer. We had a great time.

Pastor Christina (in the middle) who danced in the show,
with Shane & Heather, who are soon to be married interns at Phoenix First.
All of whom worked with us in the past and are good friends.
It was great seeing them again.

Since we don't have a Church we're a part of right now, I knew we wouldn't really have a Christmas service to attend, so we used this opportunity to get dressed up & make this our Christmas service. Then we looked at Christmas lights on the way home. It was a great evening for the whole family, and it was free! :)

Us, in front of the giant Christmas Tree.
Left to right: Kyle, Zach, Lexi, Erica, me & John.

"Two Turtledoves"

A Christmas Carol

Last night I took my girls and two of their BFF's to see A Christmas Carol. And just like I knew it would be, it was so good! It's in 3D, which is really cool, but of course the glasses aren't all that comfortable, and it makes me feel a little bit motion sick. (I'm getting old, I know!)

And before the movie started, I pick up my bucket of popcorn, (I had skipped dinner so I could have movie theater popcorn! My favorite) and dropped the whole bucket. It landed face down. I said well, at least I get a free re-fill! The lady next to me thanked me for trying to share my popcorn with her. I told her I was glad I could be the pre-movie entertainment. And at least I got a funny tweet out it! It was a Twitter worthy moment.

Jim Carry was great in the movie, it was very well done. And the story, of course, is timeless. I've read the book too by Charles Dickens. It could be scary for younger children, (after all is about a haunting) but, it brings with it such a great message.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart,
and try to keep it all the year.
I will live in the past,
the present, and the future.
The spirits of all three shall strive within me.
I shall not shut out the lessons that they teach."

Update

I wanted to keep you updated as to what's happening with our family and our job search. As you know my husband lost his job almost a month ago. I've shared with you how I tend to worry.

John has sent out dozens and dozens of resumes, from Washington State to Washington D.C., and everywhere in between. He's lead Worship at a few local Churches here, and we've met with some local Pastors as well. You can check out his web site here.

We are open to whatever God has for us. Of course we would love to be able to stay here, at least until the school year is over. This is Zach's Senior year of High School. So, even if we were to move, we'd let him stay here to finish his Senior year and not move him. Though that would be extremely hard for me to do. (I've always wondered how the parents of the Olympic athletes could let their kids go live with a coach for 4 to 6 years.) Even though my boys are 18 & 19, it would be hard to move without them. Kyle is in his first year of Bible Collage. And he too would stay to finish the school year if we got a job in another state.

I'm very thankful to have my job. It's been such a blessing. And I have to tell you, I could get used to this having a man home all the time. :) John's gotten so much done off his "Honey Do List!" He's cleaned my carpets & curtains. He even shops for me, which is NOT his favorite thing to do! And It's so nice coming home from work & dinner is cooking. He gets the kids where they need to be, and I don't have to worry about it. We've become that old show Who's The Boss! And he's even better looking than Tony Danza! :)

We got a call from the Girls school letting us know they are giving both our girls scholarships to 6th grade Science Camp. That is so nice. They have been looking forward to and talking about Science Camp for 2 years. The entire 6th grade goes away for like 3 days. They do experiments and have a great time. Zach loved it when he was in 6th grade too. But, it's $100.00 per kid, and when you have twins, of course everything is doubled. So, the girls knew it was a very big possibility that we wouldn't be able to afford for them to go. They are so excited and relieved to know that's taken care of. Now, we just have to be living here in the spring when they go! :0

We know God's got a place for us. So, please keep praying with us that He shows us where that is soon. We know He is in control. It's just hard to not worry, and not let it get me down. (3 cold sores in 3 weeks, shows I'm worrying too much! Ugh!) Thanks to all our family and friends for sticking by us, and lifting us up in prayer. We love you.

Us!
Then and Now!

Step Into Christmas

Step Into Christmas

(By: Elton John & Bernie Taupin)

Welcome to my Christmas song
I'd like to thank you for the year
So I'm sending you this Christmas card
to say it's nice to have you here
I'd like to sing about all the things
your eyes and mind can see
So hop aboard the turntable
Oh step into Christmas with me

Step into Christmas
Let's join together
We can watch the snow fall forever and ever
Eat, drink and be merry
Come along with me
Step into Christmas
the admission's free

Take care in all you do next year
And keep smiling through the days
If we can help to entertain you
oh we will find the ways
So Merry Christmas one and all
There's no place I'd rather be
than asking you if you'd oblige
stepping into Christmas with me


Merry SITSmas to my Blogging community!

My Work Christmas Party

Tonight I hosted a Christmas Party for the girls at work. It had to be on a Sunday night so the store would be closed, so no one had to be working! A hazard of working retail, Mall hours! We ate lots of Christmas goodies, played some games, talked & laughed.

The Shade girls-vs-the guys: They had a list of quotes and had to figure out what
Christmas movie the line was from!
(We won't mention that the guys won this one!)

Playing Charades:

Brittany "Dashing through the snow!" Giddy Up!

Kyle acting out "Fruit Cake!" and someone actually got it!

Taylor being "The Grinch" Your a mean one Mr. Grinch!

It was also a going away party for one of the girls. Justine, who's been employed by Shade longer than I have, and has been my right hand. She's moving out of state. We will sure miss her around the store.

Olivia saying goodbye to Justine!

It was a really fun night! It's always good to connect with your coworkers out side of work. But, since I have to open the store in the morning, I better get to sleep! Or I'll be a grouchy manager! And the girls will think this party was so not worth it! :)

The Shade girls: (left-right) Olivia, Sarah, Justine, Brittany, Taylor & me

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Turning Halloween into Christmas

"It's a Bird, It's a Plane, no, it's Kyle as Superman!

Every year I look for ornaments that mean something, or represent something that's happened through the year. For example, last year I bought an Empire State Building ornament because the boys & I had gone to New York City for the first time last summer on a Missions trip & went up to the top of the Empire State Building. Or I find ornaments of the Musical Instrument one of the kids started playing that year. Or the sport they played, etc. You get the picture. But, some of my favorite ornaments have pictures in them. Like the Superman ornament, that's a picture frame as well that I found the year that Kyle was him for Halloween. Or the year that Zach dressed up like Woody from Toy Story!

Zach was the cutest Woody ever! With his little Bowl cut hair!

Or the year that my girls had a Princess Tea Party for their Birthday. I think it was the year they turned 5. They dressed up as their favorite Disney Princesses, Erica was Sleeping Beauty, and Lexi was Snow White. They were so adorable! And that year I found these Locket Ornaments that have the Princess on the front, and they open up to where you can place a picture of your princess inside.

Little Lady Lexi as Snow White!

And Princess Sleeping Beauty, Erica!

When ever my kids have friends or family members over, these are some of the ornaments they always point out to them.

What are some of your favorite ornaments you love to hang on the tree every year?

My Christmas Reading List

You know how I love to read. I am always reading a book! Well, I've shared my Summer Reading List before, so I though why not my Christmas Reading List?! Every year at Christmas time I read Christmas themed books. I love everything about Christmas, so of course my reading list would reflect that!


I just finished Love Walked In. I started it thinking it was a fall time book, but it turned out to be a Christmas time book as well. I really enjoyed the style of writing, and the story line. At times you think you know how it will turn out, but, you'll be wrong. (That doesn't happen to me often, but it did with this book.) There is some language in it & adult themes, so be warned. But, It is a good book.

For my wedding Anniversary in October, John (who knows my love of reading, and my love of Christmas) Bought me this book: On Strike for Christmas. I am just starting it. It sounds like a really cute story and a fun read. Can't wait to dive in wholeheartedly.


I got this book last Christmas & put it away for this year. Christmas Jars. If you've read it let me know what you think of it. It sounds interesting.


And of course if you're looking for a good book to read, there is always my favorite book of all time: Little Women. With it's famous opening line of "Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents" I highly recommend it.

What good books are you reading this Christmas season?

I survived my first Black Friday managing a clothing store!

Every year I look forward to the day after Thanksgiving. It's the one day a year I get up early (before the sun even!) which is a big deal for a night owl such as myself. It kicks off the Christmas season! I look through all the store adds on Thanksgiving and plot my route. Chose which store I will go to first. I make a list of all the items I want to get at each store, and what they are offering in return. This year I scored a free $10.00 Target Gift Card. A $10.00 off coupon from Kohl's, plus $10.00 in Kohl's cash. And a free Christmas C.D. from Starbucks!

But, this year there was a glitch in my plans. An obstacle to get around. I'm now managing a clothing store in a mall. A mall that opened at 6am that morning. What to do?! Well, I asked the girls working for me if anyone wanted to work that early morning. I would rather they volunteer, instead of me just deciding who it would be. And of course if no one else really wanted to do it, it would be me. (but, I was secretly hoping I would be able to keep the tradition alive and to still go shopping!) I had two girls volunteer. I was happy!

(The morning crew, Left to Right: Brittany, Taylor, Me, and Olivia)

With my girls Olivia & Brittany, opening the store for me, I got up at 5am, and ventured out amongst the crowds of Christmas shoppers & Bargain hunters. I got some great deals! I can't tell you here on what exactly, because my kids read my Blog. (I think they want to make sure I don't embarrass them too much!) I even took the hubby along this year. (I usually go alone, except for the years we lived in Michigan, I had a friend there I talked into going with me, even though she too is a night owl!) John usually sleeps in, then when he's up, he'll call & come out to meet me at Starbucks around 9 or 10. But this year he got up and went all morning with me. It was nice having a driver, drink getter, and body guard! And most importantly a place in line holder, while I shopped! :)

(The evening crew: Taylor, Me, and Justine)

Then I went into work at noon, and worked till about 8:00 that night. Let me tell you, my feet were killing me! We were busy, and had great deals of our own! After all it's called Black Friday, because it's a day that helps put stores in the Black for the year. (As opposed to being in the red!) People were friendly. It was a fun, but long day! And now I can say: I survived my first Black Friday managing a clothing store!

Guest Blogger: Lexi Forbis

This week at school i was asked to do a poem to give thanks to your parents. We had to list things we are thankful for that our mom and dad do for us now, and did when we were younger. They have to be good things not stupid like thanks for the food you give me, thanks for the home I have. It had to be remembering things that they did for you when you were younger, like thanks for helping me, and taking care of me when I was sick, and was a baby. Things like that. And here is my poem I wrote.

THANKS

By Alexia Forbis


•For helping my pain go away when I cracked my head open twice.


•For taking me to Disneyland when I was in kindergarten through 3rd grade, every summer.


•For the love you give me every day.


•For keeping me strong and brave when I was frightened.


•For letting me know you are there in rough times.


•For telling me: "I can do it, don't give up, keep practicing your Flute."


•For giving me courage in all the things I do.


• For staying home with me when I am sick, when you should be at work.


•For providing me with a loving family, and the warm home you give me.


•For caring about me, and knowing when I do the wrong thing.


•For tucking me in bed when I was little.


•For telling me when times are rough, and I need to know.


•For helping me when I fell at the park and hit my leg on the corner of the balance beam,
and lost some of my shin.



That is what I did for my poem,

I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!!
:):):):):):):):):):):):)
<3<3 Lexi

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I am thankful for Family! For years when we lived out of state, it was on Thanksgiving that I missed my family the most. When you have young children, Christmas can never be lonely. But, Thanksgiving with it's traditions, is never the same when you're not at home.

So, now that we are back home in Arizona, within driving distance of both sides of our family, we will celebrate Thanksgiving twice. We could, like many people do, go every other year, to one side of the family, then the next year go to the other side of the family.

But having lived away, and not been able to go to either side, and then John & I have both lost sisters much too young. (both in their 40's!) As well as my Dad. We realize all too well that life can be short.

And we just realize that, this year could be someone we love's last Thanksgiving on earth. And what if this wasn't our year to be with that side of the family?! (And especially this year, as we very well could possibly be moving again in the near future!) So, we decided that as long as it is in our power to do so, we will see both sides of the family on Thanksgiving Day.

So, today we will drive an hour to John's parents house and have Thanksgiving dinner with the Forbis'! Then we will drive another hour up to my brothers house, and play games, hang out, and eat left overs with the Fink's. Then we will drive another hour back home. And that is what we've done every Thanksgiving that we've lived in Arizona. And I wouldn't have it any other way!

We are Blessed to have the families that we have.
And today and everyday, I am Thankful for them.