Christmas Cuties...

Go Titans!

A few days before Christmas Dan took the three older kids to the last home Titans game. They had a blast! Too bad they're not headed for the playoffs. Maybe next year!

Family Treasures...

For years my grandmother has needle-pointed each family member their own Christmas stocking. She began with mine and has since added many, many more. I love the way they make our family room look so warm and cozy each Christmas. Mostly, however, I enjoy the heritage that they hold.

Merry Christmas to All!

"Fear not for behold I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For unto us is born this day in the city of David a savior who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!" Luke 2:10-14

Keeping a Christmas Tradition...

A great memory I have from childhood is making homemade Chex Mix with my mom. Now that it is sold pre-packaged, I'm sure many kiddos today haven't had the privilege of this classic Christmas tradition. This afternoon a couple of the kids and I sat down and made some old-fashioned Chex Mix for the annual Francis Family tree decorating tonight. It dawned on me that now that I have a gluten allergy, I would need to come up with a gluten free recipe. I know many of you have chosen to eat "gluten-free" for the same reasons we do or simply for the health benefits. Either way, I thought you might enjoy this Gluten-Free Chex Mix recipe to share with your family.

JJ's Gluten Free Chex Mix

4 1/2 cups Corn Chex
4 1/2 cups Rice Chex
1 cup mixed nuts
1 cup Glutino Gluten Free Pretzel twists
1 cup your favorite Gluten Free crackers broken into pieces (I like Glutinos)
6 T. butter (or Marg.)
2 T. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 t. seasoned salt (I used Lawry's)
3/4 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. onion powder

(Directions the same as original Chex Mix)
1. In a large microwavable bowl mix cereals, nuts, pretzel twists and crackers. Set aside.

2. In a small microwavable bowl melt butter. Stir in seasonings and wor. sauce.

3. Pour over cereal mix. Stir evenly to coat.

4. Micorwave for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring every two minutes. Spread on paper towels to cool.

The Lion and The Lamb

by Savannah

Gluten-Free...

As most of you know, we are a (somewhat) gluten-free family. I say "somewhat" because I'm the only one who has to do it 100% of the time and I only occasionally make the rest of the family suffer with me. =) Really though, we are learning a lot about the health benefits of living gluten-free. Sometimes, though, I feel as though many of the gluten-free recipes are fairly labor-intensive for a busy mom with 4,
almost 5, kiddos. So often, I modify recipes that we already use which has proven pretty easy to do. So, for anyone who is interested, here is a gluten-free recipe of mine that we used tonight. Everyone loved it...we hope you do to.

Gluten-Free Tuna Noodle Casserole

2 cans tuna
1 1/2 bags gluten free penne noodles
Progresso Creamy Mushroom Soup
1 to 2 tblsp. cornstarch (to serve as a thickener)
approx. 1 tblsp. thyme
approx. 1 tblsp. rosemary
a dash of majoram
pepper (to taste)
cheddar cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Prepare noodles according to package, drain, set aside. In a sauce pan combine tuna, soup, herbs, pepper and cornstarch over medium to high heat. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat and let simmer for about 6 or 7 minutes until it thickens to the consistency you desire. Remove from heat. Place noodles in a greased dish, pour soup/tuna combonation over noodles. Sprinkle with cheese. Place casserole in oven and cook for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Jesse Tree...

Have you ever created a Jesse Tree? Neither have we, so this year is a first! A Jesse Tree is a way to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Each day a new scripture is read and new ornament is placed on a small tree in the home. Yes, this is a different tree than your Christmas Tree. Why the name "Jesse Tree?" Isaiah 11:1 says " A shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit." Jesse was the father of King David who was in the lineage of Christ. The "shoot" described in this passage is a prophecy of Jesus, Himself, made thousands of years before His earthly birth. I encourage you to take 5 minutes and read this chapter that so eloquently describes the beauty and majesty of the Son of God.

Our homeschool group is coming together to help one another create ornaments and devotionals for our Jesse Trees. Each family was given a different passage of scripture for which to create an ornament and devotional. We each make 25 copies and then come together to exchange with one another. Our passage this year is Isaiah 9:2-7. This is probably a familiar verse to many of you. Below is a copy of our devotional. I hope it encourages you. Blessings!


Jesse Tree Devotional
Day 12: Isaiah 9:2-7; The Promise of the Savior

Isn’t it mind-boggling to think that Jesus was promised before the foundations of the Earth were formed (Col.1:15-20)? It was always the Father’s plan to send His Son to His people for redemption. Way back in Genesis 3:15 we get our first glimpse of this precious promise. However, God gives us a detailed description of how this Savior would come into the world, rule and reign forever in Isaiah 9:2-7! He would be a great light for a people who had been in darkness for so long, He would increase their gladness and He would break their burdens. His throne would be eternal and the government itself would rest upon His shoulders!
And isn’t He all of these things and more? This Christmas as you look at the bright lights in the dark night, remember your Savior who is the Great Light. When you see the word “peace” displayed throughout, remember your Savior who is the Prince of Peace. Today, celebrate Your Savior who was promised over and over again by a Father who always keeps his word.

Family Discussion Questions:
1. Which of the descriptions of our Savior stand out to you most? Why?
2. How does it encourage your faith to know that Jesus was promised to you thousands of years before He was actually born on Earth?

Ornament Symbolism:
*Clothes Pin: Baby Jesus ( A child will be born to us, a son will be given to us…Is. 9:6)
*Purple Felt/Gold wire: Robe of Royalty and Crown (His name will be called…Prince of Peace…Is.9:6)
*Love Charm: Symbol of God’s Passion and gift of love (The zeal of the Lord will accomplish this…Is. 9:7)

Sweetpea and other news...

Suddenly fall (and cold weather) are upon us. Before we know it the holidays will be arriving and, for the Francis family, that means another arrival to follow shortly. Little sweetpea is growing well. The picture below is from my ultrasound this morning. Her little mouth kept opening and closing and she even let out a big yawn while we were watching. The doc took a 3D picture as well which showed her off her chubby little cheeks, so darling. The picture itself is a profile shot with her head on the right side, belly in the middle and knees tucked up. It almost looks like she's smiling =)

In other news, McKayla celebrated her 7th birthday yesterday!!! We had a family party and tonight she has one of her best friends over. They're planning to make pizzas, watch movies and have a sleep over! Savannah just finished her semester at her homeschool tutorial. She was taking Latin and a life-skills math class. She will continue with both classes after Christmas. Daniel stays busy keeping up with his sisters and playing with friends. Annabelle is learning new words and tricks each day. Above all, she just loves to be with the other kids wherever they are. She always wants to be included. Next March we will be moving to the other side of town. We are really looking forward to it, although we'll miss our great neighbors here.

We hope that you all are doing well. We would love to hear from you anytime or, better yet, have you for a visit!!

Love to all....The Francis 7

Boy or Girl?!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be adding another GIRL to the Francis Family!!!! We found out this morning at our ultrasound appointment which also showed that she is perfectly healthy....praise God!!!

We thank you for your continued prayers.

Much Love,
The Francis Family

Francis Family Players Presents....

Making their on-screen debut, McKayla (playing the role of God, the captain and the sailors) and Daniel (playing the role of Jonah) present Jonah 1:1-9, Filmed by Savannah Francis. So use your imagination and let's pretend that the jungle gym in my dining room really is a ship (yes there is a jungle gym in my dining room....two words: Homeschooling Family, enough said). The blue sheet represents the stormy sea and the goldfish crackers represent, well, fish...oh and a snack for Daniel =)Stay tuned for more to come!

PS
Remember to pause the blog music down there on the left side of the blog.

A word of encouragement....

" In [God's] hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10

This word of scripture encouraged me this evening and I just wanted to pass it along. It is such a relief to know that our lives are in the hands of One who has far greater wisdom, knowledge and goodness than we do.

Mr. Science

Daniel, as I've mentioned before here, has developed an intense love for science. In fact as he puts it, he's "a huge fan of science." In particular, he loves Anatomy. Which comes in handy this year since Savannah is working on a year long study in Anatomy. Daniel has enjoyed looking at pictures in her science text and checking out books from the library about bones, the heart, the digestive system etc. Today, he opened up "Mr. Science." A plastic, empty man in need of his bones and organs. Actually, it was meant for Savannah to use but he has had fun playing around with it. Sorry the picture is a bit dark!!

And in other news.....we're expecting again!!! Yes, sweet baby Francis #5 is due to arrive mid February. We're all thrilled especially since Annabelle will have a sibling so close to her in age. We had the opportunity to see "little bit" on the ultrasound a couple of weeks ago and all is well. Healthy and growing! We feel so blessed.

Hope all is well with you and yours....Love, the Francis 7!

Cousins....

We're enjoying a visit from Dan's sister and our sweet niece, Eliana. Here is a pictures of the babies enjoying some play time!!

More Vacation Pictures

We're onto day 9 here on the east coast. What made today more special than the others is that our beautiful, oldest daughter turned 12. Hard to believe but true. I will post some pictures of our family party this afternoon soon. She celebrated the day by going out to breakfast and to the movies.

We've continued to spend most days playing on the beach, shopping on the boardwalk and visiting the amusement parks. It's been some great family time! God has truly blessed us.

Much Love, from the Francis 6

Vacation...

Ah, the beach!!! Yes, we are being totally spoiled with a wonderful beach vacation here on the east coast. It has been a great change of pace and scenery, not to mention some sweet family time. Annabelle experienced her first taste (literally) of the ocean while the others dove into their first tastes of frozen custard. (if you don't know what that is, a trip to Ocean City must be in your near future!) For me (JJ) it has been a strange but wonderful to experience as I watch my children enjoy the same wonders I did as a child. The first time my family and I visited "the shore" I was 8 and now we're bringing our kiddos...what a blessing! Anyway, here are some pictures of our trip thus far....gotta run, the beach is calling!

Hooray I'm 1!

Today I turned one year old! The Bentleys sent me a new baby doll and my good friend Alex gave me a new outfit (complete with summer sandals!) (see pics below). My daddy is out of town so our big celebration will be tomorrow night!!! I can't wait...especially because I get my very own cake. My mommy keeps calling it a "baby cake" but someone needs to tell her that I am becoming a big girl! In fact, I can already say some words, stand without help and I am becoming a pro at all kinds of "high chair" tricks =).

Well, check back in a few days when pictures of my birthday party will be posted!

Almost 1!

Even though it is not officially my first birthday, presents are already starting to arrive! Today my Meema sent me a new toy table..I love it! My brother showed me how to work all of the gadgets. Mom and the girls watched and laughed because, I guess, in all of my excitement I was making some pretty silly faces. So, here is a picture of what I think about my new toy...now the birthday countdown begins =)

Field Trip..

This morning the kids and I explored a wonderful nature-center near our house. Savannah has been working to complete their Jr. Naturalist program but we had never had the priveledge of exploring this amazing treasure-trove. Inside the center the kids learned about bugs, animals and plants. They looked under the microscopes, played in the "learning tree" and checked some amazing fossils. Outside in the pond they caught baby frogs, saw turtles, fish and even a snake! At the other end of the property they have a "nature play" yard with huge mounds of dirt and two fountains for water play. They had a blast!!! Enjoy our pictures =)

Love, The Francis 6

Summer's Comin'!

If you didn't know what the date was, here in the south, you'd think it was July. By 9:30 this morning it was already 81 degrees! So, the kids and I agreed the only thing to do....was to go swimming. That counts for physical education, right? Actually there was a study done which found that children who exercised prior to working on school work performed better and were more focused than those who did not. So there, I'm totally justified.

I digress.

But really have you ever seen anything cuter than this little ray of sunshine? Look at those cheeks in that darling sunhat! I love chubby babies in swimsuits. Something about those roly-poly thighs in ruffles just makes me smile. The kids loved taking her in for her first dip. Timid at first, she was kicking and splashing in no time. I love taking the kids to the pool. Kids, no matter how old they are, and water just seem to go together.

Hope you're enjoying your day in your neck of the woods!

Adventures in Homeschooling

Homeschooling, if you've done it you know it truly is an adventure. Really every day is wonderfully different! Even the days when we don't do all we set out to accomplish, God is good and teaches us far more than we could imagine. I say, "us" because I think I learn just as much, if not more, than the kids. So just for fun I thought I'd interview our "middle little," McKayla for her thoughts on homeschooling (and life in general).

1. Q:What is the best thing about homeschooling?
A:That I get to do math everyday

2. Q:What is the worst thing about homeschooling?
A: That I don't get to see Daddy

3. Q: What is your favorite/least favorite subject?
A: Reading and Math and Science/Grammar

4. Q:What is the most interesting thing you've learned about all year?
A: That tigers are becoming extinct
Q: What can you do to help?
A: I can ask people on mommy's facebook page to stop shooting tigers and killing them for carpets.

5. Q: Why do you think learning is important?
A: Because you get to learn different things. In Bible-time you get to learn different things about Jesus. Like that Jesus was alive before he came into Mary's tummy and he taught people about God.

6. Q:Do you ever get to play with friends?
A: Yes, everyday. My friend Caroline lives behind me and I visit her almost everyday. It's really fun to go there because she has a sandbox.

7. Q: Do you like being with your brother and sisters all the time? Why or Why not?
A: Yes, because I like to play with them. Especially I like to play on the trampoline with Savannah because I can bounce her high and she screams like a girly-girl.

8. Q: Is there anything else you want our friends and family to know about your adventures in homeschooling?
A: I just like that we have really long breaks outside because I like to play with Daniel outside on the playset because we go weird ways down the slide.

Ok there you have it. A 6 year old's take on homeschooling-life! Hope to have some pictures of our days posted soon. Take care!!!

--The Francis 6

2010

So, are you still there? Did you think that we'd fallen on the face of the earth? Well, if you're still following us...I'm amazed! Holidays have come and gone and we've been knee-deep in busyness. Good busyness, but busyness none the less. We visited California for Christmas and New Year's and saw almost all members of our extended families (and given the size of our families, that is quite the accomplishment). I have to admit that it wasn't too terrible to be enjoying the beach on a 70 degree day at the end of December. Mind you, back home it was a balmy 9 degrees. Yes, I said 9...as in single digit.

We're back into the swing of things with the second semester upon us. Savannah is enjoying her Friday tutorials where she takes Zoology, Public Speaking and an Inventors class. Over the holidays she lost her bunny, Thumbelina. However, a sweet friend is letting her adopt their bunny, Matt. She can hardly wait until he arrives! McKayla is working hard in Kindergarten and tries to keep her younger siblings in line. =) Daniel...well, Daniel is just hilarious. He loves playing with his buddies and helping with "his baby" as he refers to Annabelle. The littlest munchkin is already a bundle of energy...seriously, she never stops moving. She adores the other kids and gets a big kick out of Diego. Recently, a good friend from church took some pictures of the kids. She is extremely talented and extremely humble about her work (H-you rock!) Hope to update more often....love and blessings to you all.