Hannukah Party

Last night the SoCal Wilcox clan were invited and attended a Hannukah Dinner at the Temple Beth Sholom , along with the Sobek's, Hilton's and Phillipson's.

Hannukah, the first successful fight for religious freedom in the world. People had been forced to pray as the ruler prayed.

In 167 B.C.E., a group of Jews, lead by the family of Mathathias of Modi'n, sent up a cry that they would not desecrate the name of G-d or abandon the laws of Moses .They were willing to fight the mighty empire of Antiochus IV of Syria, to preserve their freedoms, or die in the attempt. Their battle, and the Miracle of the Lights that went with the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, is remembered to this day.

Today, people around the world stand up and proclaim their inalienable right to worship in their own way, and to be free from political oppression. This right belongs to all people.

Everyone was very friendly and made us feel right at home. The food was good, the conversation interesting and the singing, well not so much.

Little Brookelynn even won a door prize!

Christmas at GG's

Every year the Saturday before Christmas we have our family Christmas Party at GG's. Lots of food including the icecream drink, tons of people, decorations and even Santa are at our party. We really missed those of you that were not with us and hope to see you soon.

Most special is the Nativity scene this year acted out by the children. We had Mary and Joseph with Baby Nic as "Baby Jesus", along with the shepherds, Wisemen and a multitude of angels.

Baby Nic becomes official

Yesterday Baby Nic (or Nicole's baby as Trinity calls him) was blessed by his dad. It was a very special day and a beautiful blessing. Everyone was there except for
Jerhi, Terry and the kids. (We really missed you guys) Baby Nic hss come to two special parents that love him and are doing such a great job. He also has many Aunts, Uncles and cousins that adore him. His Grandma and Grandpa Wilcox feel so blessed to have one more (18 total) grandchild. We are so proud of each and every one of them and their parents who spend evryday dedicating their lives to make sure these specical spirits are taken care of.

WE LOVE YOU ALL

Happy Birthday TD...The Big 13

I would say, that I can remember the day that he was born. But I really can't. Mom probably can, and she will tell you it gets harder and harder each day, but he is a good young man when he wants to be.

Our little boy is growing up into a man more and more each day.

We love you TD! Happy 13th!

Now go take out the garbage.

If you weren't such a special kid you wouldn't have been recognized by Disney to receive such an honor for your birthday!

Christmas is coming and it is so fun to watch the kids as they perform. Trinity has joined Rylie, Parker and Britney in "Sunshine Generation" and today they performed at the festival of trees.

Christmas Aspirations

Since moving to California we have gotten caught up in the Christmas lights of the year. To be honest it wasn't by choice but more as a neighborhood requirement from the first year we moved into the new house. Our neighborhood and even entire subdivision does more lights than anything I have ever been involved with. I will have to include some pictures later.

One day, when I have less kids and more money, I aspire to do something like this:



Carol of the Bells - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Very surprised to see this is in Lindon, Utah.

The Playoffs

 

We are off to the second round of play-offs today for the Menifee Wildcat Junior All American Football League. TD's team plays Norco, and it's a grudge match as it's one of only two teams that beat them during the regular season. That's him #55 holding together the pocket so the QB can throw.

You can find our more information here, and check out a bunch more pictures of the entire league here.

Blatant Promotion

This is a full featured advertisement and nothing more. Take a look at the site, read the information, watch the videos and then sign-up you and your kids (ages 6-16) for the beta test of what is sure to be the biggest and best kid game out there since jump-rope!

Don't delay!

Pictures from Brit's Baptism

Grandpa Jerry and Peggy
Baby Nic
B'Elana and Britney
Britney and Trinity
Silly faces!
Okay, not really from the baptism, but from the party after :)

Witches at Gardner Village

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Political Ads

Those of you may not know this about me, but the Andy Griffith show is one of my favorite shows of all time.

With that said take a look at the fantastic political ad that I just found and discussed on Eaten By an Ogre.

Happy Anniversary Honey!

This is where I should do the required post and put up some wedding pics or what not as it was 17 short years ago that Terry and I were married. But that would require more effort then can be done with a cell phone post as I am doing right now.

On October 17, 2008, some 17 years and 3 days ago (although it seems like just yesterday), I married an incredible, intelligent, beautiful woman. Those of you who know me for who I’ve become and what I’ve accomplished have her to thank for it.

Terry and I went off the grid this weekend leaving life and responsibility behind, escaping from it all and just enjoying a moment.

Now back to the grind...

Bates Nut Farm

 

With taking advantage of Hunting Season or UEA whichever you prefer, we took a day trip to the Bates Nut Farm. It is a short drive and it got the kids out of the house as they are on their 3rd week of being off-track and are a bit stir crazy. For ~$8.00 the kids get to chose a Pumpkin, ride on a hayride, and go through the straw maze. Petting zoo and pony rides, lunch and snacks are extra.

It was a nice adventure with the kids having fun. The degree of enjoyment diminished with the age of the kids as I think it is much more suited for under 12 then over 12, but if you notice Ali is absent from any pictures as High School girls do not get off-track in October.

Full size pics are available here.

Update: I noticed that the site I linked for the Bates Nut Farm is down because of too many hits. This reminded me that I forget to mention how surprised I was at how many people were there. Not that it was Disney crowded, but just surprised at how many people including some school fieldtrips were there for some out of the way nut farm.

Yes on 8

I have an idea on how to keep "Yes on 8" on everyone's mind, strike up the conversation etc.

Everytime that somebody sneezes, instead of saying "Gesundheit", proclaim loudly "YESONEIGHT"! It will undoubtely lead to a conversation with those around you each time.

Try it...it works!

Taipei, Taiwan

 

Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Finally arrived...you can read more over at Eaten By an Ogre.

Hope for the Youth of the World

On Friday, Terry and I came home from dinner and a movie and found our 14 year old daughter and her bestfriend quilting. This was a Friday night mind you...with no boys, no phones, no curfew issues, etc. While it may be a couple of years early, let's just hope this holds up.

 

Are you ready for some Football

Stolen from Eaten By an Ogre
http://www.blog.eatenbyanogre.com/2008/09/19/frozen-in-time/

Have created an album where by participants, family and friends can download, print, email etc to their hearts desire (for non-commercial use). Maybe one day when I get the hang of things I can submit some to the press.

TD is number 55 if you can't see his face with the helmet on...

Riley's Farm: Raspberry and Cider

It's actually been a couple of weeks since we made the Saturday day trip to Oak Glen and Riley's Farms for a fun filled Saturday. Being the last Saturday before youth football would take over the weekends we made the day trip to experience the adventure we had heard so much about.




Oak Glenn is famous for apple picking, but apples weren't quite in season yet, I think that happens more in October, so maybe we can hit that when my parents come to visit. It was Raspberry season so we picked and we picked.





Ali was there too, but she was camera shy, and I was behind the camera.

Next it was on to the Cider House. Although apple picking season was still a few weeks away, there still were apples for you to make your own cider, and the kids really got into it.







Last but not least, was a late lunch. BBQ and a couple pictures will say a thousand words.





Looking forward to heading back there in October when the kids are out of school.