Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks to God. Eat lots of turkey and pie. Love your family.

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours.

VOTE!

Please vote! I urge you to vote YOUR values and beliefs...not what this world says is 'right.' Most importantly, PRAY! Pray for discernment as you vote and for this nation!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Happy Fall!

I love the change of seasons. Where we live, there isn't a drastic change in weather, but each season arrives with a change in focus.

For me, Fall is a time to start preparing our hearts for the great celebration of Christmas, Christ's birth. What better to prepare us than thanksgiving?

Psalm 100:4-5

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."

No matter what happens in our homes, in this county, in this economy, in this world, we have the truth and promises of our faithful Father in heaven - His everlasting mercy, a living hope, an undefiled, incorruptible inheritance, a place reserved for us in Heaven for those who choose Him. I am thankful for these promises ... for I know I have a BIG God who can (and has) overcome all things ... what else REALLY matters?

What are you thankful for?

You know you are a paranoid Mom when…

You didn’t let the nurses leave the hospital room with your newborn-son unless Daddy followed…

You let your son sleep in your bedroom until he was three, fearing something terrible could happen…

You took Child Development courses to become a preschool teacher so you didn’t have to send him to preschool without you…

You can’t imagine sending your son to Kindergarten FIVE DAYS A WEEK, so you home-school two days…

You go get your seven (and a half, you cannot forget the half)-year-old son a cell phone for his first “official” play-date without Mom.

I just kissed my son good-bye - leaving with his buddy to watch a high-school football game – brand new (pay as you go) cell phone in his pocket. We were both nervous and excited, but wholly trusting the Lord.

Am I paranoid? Over-protective? Some may think so. But I feel I have followed my heart’s leading, cherishing these precious childhood years – doing the best I know how in this journey called 'Motherhood.'

He is growing so fast. I know it won’t be long before he is driving to the high-school football game on his own. Redeem the time, I say again, redeem the time…

A picture from the first day of Second Grade…

Summer

Summer has proven to be as fast-paced as every other season of the year! We have been keeping busy...

David has been working, and working out! (check out his 'fitness photo' on my new photography blog, link at left, woo-hoo). He has really been dedicated and has recently started playing racquetball to add some cardio. He loves it. He purchased a new racquet - who knew there was such a BIG difference? Technology - it is so far reaching! The three of us went to the gym last Sunday afternoon and played together...well, David attempted to teach us how to play. It was fun! Way better than walking a treadmill for 30 minutes!

Jarrett has been a busy boy. He finished up 1st grade and attended a six-week literacy program at his school. He made knew friends, and we learned more about his learning style/needs. He has enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, swimming, and just started football again - after some persuasion! He is doing so well this year! Actually, the entire team has progressed -- maybe they will win some games this season! Raffle Tickets Anyone? $2 each ... LOL! :)

I have been busy, too. Between home, work, school, creating a new photography blog/business, preparing to teach an outdoor photography class, and a handful of photography sessions/events, I am one stretched woman! While it keeps me going (and going), all of these things are such a blessing in my life. I don't think I would change any of it. I appreciate that I have been called and equipped to minister in different ways. Redeem (make the most of) the time, Eph. 5:16.

Oh yeah, Jarrett and I spent yesterday afternoon at Boomers! We had such a good time...go-karts (6x), bumper boats (x2), ferris wheel, tea-cups (x3), swings, miniature golf, arcades, pizza, and ICEE! What a day! He came in this morning and gave me a big hug..."Thank you, Mama, for the best day ever yesterday!" The joy of motherhood...

God bless.

Seattle...

Aaaahh. Makes me want to sit and sip a sweet cup of coffee! I loved my cup of java so much I had to take a picture of it. I am sure the ambiance of the morning had a lot to do with it ... but I thought I would share anyway...isn't it cute?


We had a lovely time in Seattle. David was in meetings the majority of the time, but Jarrett and I had fun! And it didn't rain! I love the 'adventure' of exploring a new place.

Our hotel was in the downtown shopping district (good thing for David I don't like to shop!) I think this shot below captures the 'feel' of downtown ... I loved the trees and the art ... lots of art everywhere. Did you know that every new building in Seattle must commit 1% of its design to art?? More details and photos to come ...

Update ...

Not much to report here!

Jarrett finished up 1st grade (OMGoodness) - He is 'enjoying' a 6-week summer literacy program at his school, three 1/2 days. He is a swimming fool! He loves playing in the pool, playing with the puppy, and sleeping in! :) He is also enjoying weekly horse back riding lessons with Grammy.

I am keeping busy - working, taking photography classes, photo shoots, etc., oh, and most importantly, being a wife and mother.

We have been trying to get our house, yard, and pool cleaned-up and presentable. It is a lot of work maintaining a home.

David has been working - and continuing to work out. He is very committed to staying healthy and strong. We celebrated Father's day with both families at "Fort Pierce" - filet mingon, crab legs, yummy, yummy!

Hope you all are having a wonderful summer - it's hot out there!

Celebrate Life!

It was a weekend of celebrating!

Friday Jarrett and I went to Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate Morgan's 3rd birthday (my friend's daughter)! Jarrett had a great time playing with Aiden ... it is amazing how quickly children grow up. Happy Birthday Morgan!

Saturday morning I went with my sister to her friend Katie's 'Celebration of Life' service. It was very emotional, more emotional than I expected. Katie was such a big part of my sister's life as we grew up...it is very sad to lose someone so young and full of life. She is home with Jesus now...but even in death God is using her life - at least 10 people received the gift of grace at her Celebration. He truly does work all things for good - even if we don't yet understand His 'higher ways'. My heart aches for her family's loss, especially her precious little ones. Please continue to pray for Jake, Jaydn, Brynne, Jacob, parents, family, and friends...

After the service, we went up to David's parents' home to celebrate Mother's Day with ALL the Moms! We had a great B.B.Q. and a nice time with both families. We are so blessed to have both of our mothers here with us and so close. There were a lot of plants/flowers going around! My Mom and Dad gave me tulips for Mother's day ... they smell heavenly and are beautiful (pictured here)!

After that, we went up to my parents' home to celebrate 101 years of birthdays! We combined the following birthdays: Melissa, David, and Misha!

I hope that I can continue in this state of celebrating ... never taking for granted the precious time we have here on earth, time with those we love, and most importantly, the precious gift of salvation through Christ. May His love brighten your day!

Please Pray for Katie!

Katie is my sister's dear friend, and she is battling for life. Please, please pray for her.

Please visit link on the left for more information.

And remember, God works all things for good...

DISNEYLAND

We finally made our much-anticipated trip to Disneyland! It was great to experience the 'magic' of it all through Jarrett's eyes (it just isn't the same as an adult...)!

Jarrett's face on our first ride - the Jungle Cruise! I remember this exact feeling as a little girl! :) Wonder, curiosity, fear, excitement! What fun!





Of course, he had to get a pair of mouse ears - not the traditional black one's, but the light-up chrome pair! I wanted a tiara, but we didn't get to the Mad Hatter until the very end ... next time I am starting there so I can wear it all day! It is funny - it is absolutely acceptable to be as silly as you want at Disneyland! :)

Jarrett rode his first roller-coaster, BIG THUNDER! He was a little apprehensive, but he LOVED it! He was saying, "let's do it again, let's do it again," as we were exiting!

Oh, one more thing ... a picture of the watch 'maker' sizing David's new watch - the ultra-collectible Boba Fett limited edition watch...Happy Birthday, love!



Yo, ho, yo ho ... :)

An overdue update!

We have been a busy family. Nothing 'big', just life.

It has the feeling of Western Days around here...Jarrett started horseback riding lessons (see post below), Western Day dress-up at school is next Wednesday, the rodeo comes to town, and the annual parade! Yee Haa! I am feeling a little cowgirlish! :)

Thus, I posted one of my favorite pictures as my header. This is my Mom's barn door. Oh, the stories it could tell...a gateway to my childhood. Just looking at the picture brings me peace as I reflect on the joys of times past.

Horseback Riding Lessons!

Grammy has blessed Jarrett with horse back riding lessons! We created a photoshow - there are so many pictures to share! Enjoy! And many thanks to Ms. Ronalynn at Harvest Ranch Ministries!

He is Risen! He is not here!

May your Easter celebrations be focused on the sacrificial death of our Saviour, His triumphant victory, and our assured hope!

God Bless You!

Jarrett's Easter craft from school...precious!



And an invite...

Happy Valentines Day!

For God so lo V ed the world,
That He g A ve
His On L y
Begott E n
So N
T hat whoever
Believes I n Him
Should N ot perish,
But have E verlasting life.

(sorry - the letters won't line up - but all the CAP letters spell VALENTINE)

May our lives be so filled with the love of Christ that we love one another ... not only on this special day, but each and EVERY day!


God bless you.

M

An update! Finally!

I apologize for not updating the blog - in over a month! Life has been full...full of blessings, trials, change, and the day-to-day stuff.

David has been working - here, there, everywhere! We are thankful he has been working...it has been slow in San Diego. But, God has always been faithful in providing for the needs of our family. David has been quite busy working, but he was able to get one more hunting trip in before the season ended. He has been working out and is looking good! :)

Jarrett has been busy at school, and he is doing well. He started vision therapy once a week through his school. A vision screening revealed Jarrett has mild to moderate difficulties, mostly ocular motor - so they are doing basic strength exercises. She anticipates a huge improvement by June! He has expressed an interest in BMX riding/racing. We are going to visit a local track and check it out! In the meantime, he takes advantage of the jumps the neighborhood boys build near a creek by our house. A little bit of dirt in a concrete jungle! It is funny. They build. The County comes and fills all the holes and knocks down the jumps. The next day they rebuild. Repeat.

I have been busy. I accepted another job, which was unexpected, but a good thing. A lot of prayer and a big blessing! :) So I have been transitioning in/out of offices, which has meant a few more hours working. But it has all worked out. I love to watch God work...to see how He fits all the pieces of the 'puzzle' together, so perfectly! It is also an encouragement/confirmation to know I am in His will. I still struggle with change - not so much trusting Him, but being bold enough to obey. I am not a risk-taker, so it is hard for me to LEAP! But I did, and He has been faithful. He always is. Needless to say, there hasn't been much time to 'play' with photography (or much else), but I have a wedding calendared for each of the next three months! :) Bible Study is going well. I do love digging deep in His Word...it is such a blessing.

Thanks for visiting the blog. It is my hope to keep posting!

Go Chargers!

Too cute not to share!

Have a lovely day in the Lord! :)

Wrap it up!

Happy New Year!

The holiday season is wrapping up as quickly as it arrived. Our family had a wonderful Christmas, and we rang in the New Year...asleep! :) We look forward to 2008. It feels like a year of change ... new beginnings, new traditions ... not sure what that involves, but we are ready.

We have some sad news...we had our first 'funeral.' Our beloved hamster Mia died yesterday. The cause is mostly unknown, but our son is grieving. He is a sad, sad boy.

Some photos of our holiday celebrations ...