Just so you know, when you send me a Christmas card with a smiling picture of your adorable family I don't just display it during Christmas and then chuck it in the trash. Nor do I stick your card on the refrigerator to get covered in dust and splattered oven grime. Nope. Your smiling Holiday faces are way too precious to be treated carelessly. Instead I proudly display all the beautiful people in my life for a few months and then I safely tuck you away in a basket along with all your cards from years past.

This way I can watch you get old your families grow.

And I can regulate who dropped us off their Christmas card list.

So now, knowing how much I cherish your Christmas cards wouldn't you want to send out the very best one possibly? Like the Christmas photos cards from Shutterfly.

They are cute, modern, quality and affordable. And if you have super adorable Christmas card photos (like we do thanks to the ultra-talented Hervey Photography) then you can choose to display 1-2-3 or more pictures on one card! Genius.

Last year's Hosking Holiday Collection

In the past I've used Shutterfly for Christmas cards, photos books (I make a new Shutterfly book every year. They are awesome), and these really super cute address labels that actually have your family's picture teeny-tiny in the corner. It's really easy to use and fantastic quality. I am so excited to get our 2010 pictures so that I can start creating oodles of cards and merchandise with my adorable son's mug-shot on everything.

And while you're there agonizing over which of the great cards to choose from you can get a bunch of other stuff done as well:

Calendars for Grandma and Grandpa. Hip invitations to your next big bash. And even birthday cards!

Further Images of "The Cheese Face

Typical "CHEESE"

Sweet "CHEESE"
(The only way to capture a sweet smile from L is to get him just as he's relaxing out of the "CHEESE")

Pirate/Attitude "CHEESE"

Check back tomorrow when I'll tell you a bit about our untraditional Thanksgiving and shamelessly promote Shutterfly in an attempt to get free stuff. 

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 25 -

LIFE

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 

I am the good shepherd. 

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." 

- Jesus

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 24 -

fancy food and lollipops

I heart really good food. I like most everything (except papaya and raw tomato) but I'm particular when it comes to quality and flavor. A bit of a food snob. So to be honest, most "family-friendly" chain restaurants don't really do it for me. 

But I love going out to dinner; leaving me in a bit of a predicament with my toddler. There aren't many family-owned - toddler-friendly - nice enough to have wine glasses on the table - restaurants. (note: if you've been a loyal reader you've probably notice I make up my own grammar/punctation rules. thanks for just going with it.) And when we do find one of these rare gems - that has baby seats AND gourmet spices - the evening still has a 1-in-3 chance of going well.

It could end up like this:

1) Landon whines, demands "down", pouts, empty salt shakes, gnaws on sugar packets, shrills, and causes general ruckus until finally being escorted out of the restaurant with to-go containers - frustrated, embarrassed parents in-tow. 

OR

2) Parent 1 eats silent and lonesome while Parent 2 spends the entire meal coloring, playing trucks on the table, making silly faces, and resorting to a doggie-bag in order to keep the peace.

OR 

3) We plug him up with a Lollipop. Landon is quiet, the wine is sipped rather than gulped, fellow diners look peaceful, and food is savored while still warm.

So yes, I've abandoned a few principles (i.e. my child will not touch sugar until he's 12) but what's a couple of dum-dums when warm gingery thai noodles with cilantro shrimp and chilled pinot grigio is at stake?

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 23 -

My iphone

Seems shallow to list my phone when space is limited to 25 things, but I just love it.

Especially when I can catch spontaneous moments such as this:

Landon "reading" to Butter. (hang in there - he really gets going towards the end)

25 Days of Thankfulness

Days 19, 20, 21 and 22

My parents

My sister

My son

My husband

Important Disclaimer: My list of 25 things is not in any particular order. I feel it important to note that just in case tomorrow I choose to share my thankfulness for wine. Because although I do love myself a nice glass of pinot when it comes down to it I, like most, am more thankful for my family than vino. Although the two do compliment each other quite nicely. Family is more lovely with wine. Wine more enjoyable shared with family.

How easily I could wax on and on about my family.

I was born to wonderful parents.

They gave me a fabulous sister.

I married the most amazing man,

And we have an incredible son.

I have always cherish my parents.

But now that I see just how much they love my son I am overwhelmed with respect and love for them.

If you don't have a sister I am bummed for you.

They are the best.

Mine is particularly great. She's fun and funny and generous.

Sisters can share clothes and boy drama and inside jokes like none other.

Actually, I have an entire book of wonderful things I wrote about my sister as we were growing up.

One of these days I'll tell you more about it.

April loving on her nephew
(Jessica G - try not to be too weirded out by the lip kiss!)

Outside of the Lord RJ is the most important person in my life.

He's my confidant, my friend, my encouragement, my support, my go-to guy for fun,

and so much more.

It's really impossible to put into a few short words.

My son. My boy. Is the light of my life. The apple of my eye. The delight of my day. 

But I feel as though I don't need to say these things.

If you know me, in "real life" or from this blog you already know all this.

25 Days of Thankfulness

 Day 18 -

being a stay-at-home mom

I feel incredibly privileged to be able to stay home with Landon each day.

I think this mom said it well.

How easily I can see myself being bratty and taking my full-time homemaker role for granted. I really hope I never do. It is a blessing.

And since I can't talk of being a Mama without including some over-the-top adorable pictures, here are a few for your viewing pleasure. I present to you: 

Landon's First Haircut

Shaggy puppy before pic

Cheese face!!

Thank goodness they had a TV and turned on Sponge Bob
Or else he might not have made it

My baby all grown up
*tear*

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 17 -

The friendships in my life

There is nothing like having a birthday to remind you of the wonderful people in your life.

Yesterday, the celebration of my 28th year, was filled with amazing people.

I was called, texted, facebooked, emailed, hugged, and blessed.

Each person in my life is a gift.

And I feel so privileged to have such a diversity of friends.

Thank you all for being a part of my life!

Back to the Thankfulness

Thanks so much to all of you who commented on yesterdays post.

When I decide to write something that could be "controversial" I get a bit

of a sickness in my gut, because I know people can be very opinionated and feelings

can be hurt. I hesitate at the "post blog" button for a long time, but this time I was truly

looking for some different viewpoints on the situation (not just trying to stir up an argument)

and I really appreciate what everyone said. It gives me a lot to think about. 

Although Holly, who is actually going through the process, said it best: 

When it comes to decisions as big as adoption there really is no right or wrong way.

It's a family-by-family decision.

Much like the decision to use birth control or not, right?......

Anyway -

25 Days of Thankfulness

Days 15 & 16

Other People's "Junk"

& 

Running

Someone's cast-off
A turn-of-the-century, antique fan

Thank goodness for people's old stuff otherwise my house wouldn't be furnished!

I seriously think nearly 60-70% of our furniture is either an antique, thrift store find, or Craig's List deal.

And I love that! Antiques have a story behind them and it's so fun to hunt for beautiful old things. 

And who doesn't love an amazing Craig's List find. 

Like our dining room table from a well-off Santa Barbara family.

It was only a couple years old, in near perfect condition, 

and about 80% off the original Crate & Barrel price! 

And I am so thankful for the ability to run.

I have a love/hate relationship with running, 

yet I would be devastated if I didn't have the ability to run.

How thankful I am for strong legs and a healthy body.

It's a gift I too often take for granted. 

Time Out from 25 Things

I haven't ran out of things to be thankful for I just felt the urge to write out some of my thoughts regarding baby boys and girls. 

Over the past few years God has really been tugging on my heart regarding orphans. No, the Hosking family is not adopting. And we don't have any plans to adopt in the future (if God steers us that way we are happy to go there, but He hasn't as of yet). However, I've been burdened for the fatherless (and motherless) children - all 147 Million of them - and feel as though God is steering me to somehow love and help these children. (The how part still remains to be figured out.) 

That being said I've been reading more orphan-centered blogs, books and attending events such as Voice of the Orphan.  And my ever-so-supportive husband has been coming along as well. So orphans and adoption have been points of discussion in our home and among our friends lately. And yesterday, RJ and I were discussing what I will call "the adoption gender issue."

If one chooses to adopt a child is it okay for them to choose the gender?

This question hinges on whether or not you believe in God and have faith that He has ultimate control of your life. God doesn't allow us to choose the gender of our biological children. Therefore, why should we be allowed to chose the gender of our adopted children?

Now, I'll admit I am somewhat sitting on the fence with this issue. If someone has a good argument for being "allowed" to choose a boy or a girl in adoption I would love to hear it? (So if we ever do adopt I can request a girl!). But at this point in time my gut instinct tells me we should allow God to decide through the adoption agency/current needs. He knows what's best for our family. So shouldn't He be given the ultimate authority?

However, God also gives us the freedom/responsibility to make decisions based on what is best for our family. I know a family that's considering adoption that has two girls, obviously it would be nice for them to have boys. Or a family with two boys and a girl - that little girl would love a sister. So is choosing the gender of the adopted child one of these responsible parenting decisions?

You tell me....

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 14 -

My In-Laws

And promise I'm not just including them because they read this blog. 

I married into a great family.

They've got their crazy.

And their kooky.

But they still remain  pretty swell.

My mother-in-law is the easiest person in the world to get along with. No exaggeration. 

My father-in-law sometimes comes across a bit rough around the edges,

 but he's actually quite squishy in the middle.

And he loves to teach me how to cook.

And since he's a kitchen genius I'm happy to allow him to.

(despite the fact he always tried to rearrange my cabinets! grrrr)

Actually, I always thought him and I should have a Food Network show.

We would call it "Cooking with Dick".

(get it. the Richard thing in this family)

 I also have the coolest brother and sister-in-laws. 

Check them out:

How cute are these two!
See more of them here and here.

Musical genius
Fashion extrodinare

Hip-Hop Master
Dotting-est uncle

gorgeous cowgirl
pro-rodeo star

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 13 -

Trader Joes

I heart Trader Joes. Big-time. Seriously. 

I hope to one day wear the Hawaiian shirt with pride. Everyone always seems so happy there - and rumor has it they get to sample cheese in the back. 

If I moved somewhere without a Traders my family might starve. 

I hate Vons (or Ralphs, or any of those other big-obnoxious grocery stores), but sometimes I am forced to go to the big florecent-lighted, super-store for a random ingredient. And when I have to got I run in and out as fast as I can - forcing myself not to gag and shake my fist at the rows and rows of packaged, corn-based, processed, boxed, junk. No dawdling. Unlike at Traders where I spend a quality chunk of time pursuing the "new items" section (which is thankfully located near the sample snacks so Landon stays happy too). 

I love pretty much everything TJ's. I feel disloyal stating this but I could pass on some of the produce. However, the cheese, wine, frozen food, dairy, sections more than makes up for the sometimes scare produce. And the prices! You can actually buy parmesan cheese at TJ's without watching a quarter of your grocery store budget disappear. 

Once my friend Bethany posted her favorite Trader Joes items. I love it because she introduced me to one of my new favorites: TJ's frozen turkey meatballs!

So here's a list of some of my favs: 

frozen crushed garlic (so great for cooking)

frozen orange chicken

tofu blitzes (frozen)

TJ's premium coffee ice cream

pomegranate keifer

2% plain greek yogurt (add honey & sliced almonds at home - yum!)

blue cheese slices (great for burgers)

Instant Mac N Cheese (so much less artificial than the stuff at the other stores)

Beer bread (box mix)

Simpler Times lager (so cheap and still a decent beer)

whole grain dijon mustard

garlic mustard aioli 

red pepper tomato soup

I know there are so many more that I'm not thinking of right now. But I would love to know some of your TJ's staples too.

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 12 -

Our Home

Here she is 18 months ago. It looks so different now with all the plants grown big

Although I whined a lot during the construction process (because it sucked) I am so incredibly thankful for our home. RJ was more pro-home-buying than I was, but now I've fallen in love with our little place (largely due to the incredible amount of work he put into it.) I love that it's small, but not too small, Comfortable but not shabby. Stylish but not unapproachable. I love that we took Landon home here from the hospital, and that I got to paint his room bright orange and no one could say a thing about it. I love that we will mark his growth on the walls, and every time I cook a meal in my kitchen I feel thankful for my husband. I love that Landon's best friends live just blocks away, and the older neighborhood boys wave to him as they skateboard past. I love that half the neighborhood knows Butter, so she's always returned when she escapes out the side gate. And I love that we're the house on the corner that everyone knows has those Reality stickers on their cars. These four walls are a blessing and I pray that they bless others as well. 

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 11 -

My US Citizenship

Bc baseball is ionic USA

While I would love to have dual citizenship (most any other country would be cool, more for the novelty of it than anything, although if I could choose I would pick the Netherlands because of my Dutch heritage) I am incredibly thankful that first and foremost I am an United States Citizen. I am thankful for the freedoms and rights given to me as such. And I am incredibly thankful for the men and women, past and present, that have fought and/or given their life so that I might enjoy these gifts. 

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 10 -

Cheese

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 9 -

Date Night

Last week RJ and I had two date nights in one week. 2 IN A WEEK. For all the single/child-free readers out there let me just tell you: unless your parents live next door and continually kidnap your child in the evenings, or you can easily dish out more than $10/hour for a reliable teen to watch tv at your house (AND you can squeeze yourself into said teen's social calendar), this-just-doesn't-happen. It might happen ever few weeks because our marriage is worth the financial sacrifice or your friends step-up and watch the little tyke for you (as our awesome friends often do!!) But two dates in one week is unheard of.

If I might offer you a comparison. Learning that you and your hubby get to go out and do grown-up activities all-by-yourself is much like finding the perfect pair of jeans. Jeans that fit like a glove, make your butt look amazing, lengthen your legs, and don't cause love handles. The jeans you've been searching months and months for. And then, you take them up to the sales lady, whip out your credit card, and you find out that they're 80% off. The.best.feeling.ever. Two dates in a week is alot like that. 

Our first date we sipped a delicious wine, ate sweet potato fries (among other yummy things) and saw a movie on the big screen. A classically wonderful night. 

The second date was a bit of a surprise. Our friends invited us out for a last minute jaunt downtown to find dessert. They already had a sitter and we could share. They also included another couple, mutual friends, so the six of us could enjoy conversation with spouses and friends without interruption. 

We had such a good time. We were feeling young, and alive, and went out planning to paint the town red - nevermind the fact it was nine, eight, 7:30 p.m. when we hit the swanky downtown bar. We toasted pomegranate martini's, paid tribute to our children by dancing to the band (children have no fear or self-conciousness when it comes to dancing. lack of rhythm or not they shake what their mama gave, or didn't give, them. so why shouldn't' we!) and gorged ourselves on Ben & Jerry's all while enjoying the freedom, the conversation, and the incredible people watching (helllooo Cougars!) in downtown Ventura. 

I am thankful for blog friends who don't judge me for being unable to actually post daily and instead need to do a few days at at time. :)

Day 8 -

My 24/7 Family Class

Every Monday morning my friends Amber, Shanoah and I attend a two-hour parenting class. Amber and I must have our children (and ourselves) dressed, lunches packed, breakfast eaten, class materials gathered, and seat-belts buckled by 8:30am. Then we drive nearly 40 minutes with our toddlers to Westlake Village, to drop them off with an amazing child care team, all so that we can learn to be better wives and mothers. 

And I think it's working. This class isn't for the faint-of-heart. It's challenging so many of my natural tendencies (i.e. my self-centerdness) and demanding me to rely on The Bible as my ultimate parenting guide. And it isn't just a quick workshop overloaded with ideas and broad concepts. It is 25 weeks of practical, Bible-centered, realistic, advice, tools and understandings.

The class is taught by Chelsea Cameron (wife of Kirk Cameron - remember the curly haired guy from Growing Pains). And Chelsea isn't just a hollywood mommy who wants to do something "good" with her life. She's the real deal. The woman has never had a nanny and she has 6 kids. Not only that but the first four are adopted and - get this - they are all one-year-appart! At one point the age range in her house was: 6,5,4,3,2,1. Mama Mia that is insane!!! And yet she hasn't lost her mind, she not only loves but enjoys her children, and she has an close relationship with each one of them; and she really love the Lord. I can't believe I get to learn from this woman. 

The class is based off Ted Tripps book Shepherding A Child's Heart, I highly recommend reading it if you are a Mama or Papa. And, of course, get into Proverbs. It's chalk full of amazing parenting advice.

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 7

Our Church

www.jesusisreality.com

I really love my church. And by church I mean our home church where we worship on Sundays (although I do also love the entire church of Christ following Believers).

By the grace of God Reality does many things right. Our pastoral staff is focused on prayer, Jesus, Bible teaching, and loving. Our lead pastor (Britt Merrick) is not afraid to say it how it is. He preaches straight Bible  - the hard to hear stuff included. The worship is incredible because it is completely focused on glorifying God. But mostly importantly the members really love Jesus and consequently they love people. 

Of course, the church is made up of humans, and humans are flawed. Therefore, our church does have its flaws and problems. However, the good far outweighs the bad.  RJ and I have a life group (small group) in our home on Wednesday nights. And we have found some of our riches friendships through this group. We've also been able to share our life struggles, accept help and encouragement from people, encourage and help others ourselves, have fun together, cry together, support one another. Church should be like family. And we have really found that at Reality. We feel incredible blessed to not only be a part of something that brings us closer to Jesus but shows us Jesus through loving relationships. 

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 6

Butter

(the dog. although I do really really love the food too.)

Our poor dog is totally neglected. She doesn't get a daily walk as she deserves. Sometimes I forget to feed her until past noon. There are days she barely gets a second glance. Yet she loves us unconditionally. Her tail always wags in joyful greeting when we step outside. She is thrilled beyond belief when we give her love and attention. If you sit on the ground with her she loves climbing all the way into your lap. She is incredibly patient with Landon whose "petting" still looks a lot more like whacking. And she does an incredible job at her one chore - cleaning up under Landon's high chair. 

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 5 -

our suburban farmstead

Landon doing his "chores"
feeding the chickens their scraps

I grew up in Northern California, as did RJ, so we are both used to big tress and cheap(er) land. And I'm not about to complain about living near the beach but you do have to spend a million-bazillion dollars to have any amount of property OR you have to move to Santa Paula (where its only a million-trillion dollars) and Santa Paula is HOT.

So we do the best we can with the slice we've got. I love that our boy is growing up on a mini-farm. He might not have the horses, sheep, hay bales and front-yard-pig-slaughtering experiences that I had, but he is learning to take care of animals, collect chicken eggs, and water the garden. It's the best of both worlds: a neighborhood with friends right across the fence and a henhouse to muck. We are blessed.

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 3 -

My Happy Childhood

Dad and I throwing in a line

I'm one of those extraordinarily blessed people who had a very joyful childhood.

My parents have been happily married for nearly 35 years.

As a child I had a sister to fight play with, pets to enjoy,

extra-curricular activities, help with my homework, a safe and secure environment.

I never doubted that I was loved.  I knew my parents were proud of me.

My family introduced to me Jesus at a young age, 

so I got to grow up secure in His love as well as theirs.

In a world with millions of orphaned, abandoned and abused children

I am realizing just what an incredible blessing my happy, carefree,

loving childhood really was. 

Sometimes I wonder why I got to be one of the fortunate ones.

Why did God choose me to be born in the United States, 

to John & Jeanette,

and an incredible extended family as well,

who together covered me in protection?

Children do not get to choose the life they are born into.

God is opening my eyes and widening my heart.

My very being is burdened for children who are growing up with so much less than I had.

And I'm realizing that I was blessed so that I might be a blessing:

"Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required"

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after

orphans and widows in their distress"

Orphan Sunday is this Sunday.

Please consider taking two hours out of your day to love on children who need it most.

You don't have to have a plan to adopt to help hurting children.

Go here for an excellent list of way to help.

National Orphan Sunday information can be found here.

And if you live in Ventura/Santa Barbara County go here for Orphan Sunday info and more.

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 3

Hot Coffee

'nuff said.

25 Days of Thankfulness

Day 2:

A Hot Bath

I l-o-v-e myself a hot bath.

At the end of nearly every day, when the boy-child is down and the dinner dishes are washed,

you can find me sprinting for the tub.

Clothes flinging and bubbles piling as I hasten to enter my retreat. 

Usually I'll bring a good book,

or if it's been a particularly difficult day a glass of wine,

but often I just sit,

and get toasty warm,

and relax, 

alone with my thoughts.

ahhhhhh!

Halloween and 25 Days of Thankfulness

We had such a fun evening yesterday:

Landon actually wore his penguin costume and didn't remove the

hat as I anticipated.

He had more than 12 little friends over and it was ABSOLUTE chaos of the very best kind.

Apparently an 18 month old can figure out what "trick or treating" is. He LOVED getting a new "toy" for his bucket at each house.

And he gnawed through the wrapper on one of the "toys"...

ahhh the delight of your very first SNICKERS bar.

I had more self-restrain than normal and didn't go to bed with a terrible stomach ache like most years.

And even the dog got to be a part of the fun.

I am so thankful for acting silly!

Especially with these two