A Summer Highlight Video

Last summer we made our inaugural trip to Forest Home for Family camp.  We had such a blessed time, that before we left the mountain we signed up for 2011.  But as the time passed our calendars filled with other exciting opportunities -- India Mission Trip just being one of them!-- and Marty felt that he couldn't take any additional time off from work.  I was in an emotional dilemma because I believed God was saying "yes" to going, but what would Family Camp be without the Head of our family?  How could I manage all the activities without Dad, and would the experience be as enriching for our marriage without us both in it together?   God always has a plan!  And it is always so much better than our own!!

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts. "

Isaiah 55:8-9

As it turned out two of my best girlfriends were able to go with us, and their husbands stayed behind as well!  So 3 mama's and 8 kids became a family for a week and God moved in our lives and we will be forever changed.  (And Marty was able to use the alone time for serious reflection and time in God's Word, setting family goals and preparing for the challenges ahead.)

Take a moment and enjoy a glimpse of our 6 day adventure.  Plans are already in the works for 2012 -- you just may want to join us!

New Year's Eve

The weather was spectacular.  You know,  the magical combination of atmospheric ingredients that make Southern California winters envied by frozen States across the land: 

warm, sunny rays piercing through nippy air to toast the skin. 

Conditions perfect for releasing boisterous little ones into the outdoors for running, laughing, and cardboard sledding!

 Our friends Kelly, Cole and Taylor Ikenouye met us at Ant Hill Park for a couple hours of Holiday happiness.

  In the EVEning we busted out noise-makers, and let the kids stay up really late (9:00 is late around here, folks). 

Slip and Slide

Ollie got a slip-n-slide for his birthday. He LOVES to get wet and so does Zachary. Jayden dips her toes in the water and squeals. It was the perfect entertainment for a day with friends. Eventually the kids created a 'beach' by carrying sand and water back and forth from sandbox to slide. Fun in the sun for sure!!

Sunny Fun

Autumn and Zachary have developed a sweet affection for each other and their tender hand-holding and exuberant squeal fests bring a wellspring of joy to us mama's. They've been getting to know each other since May when Amanda and her husband packed up their New York home to re-establish some California roots. Amanda and I have been meeting once a week for fellowship through a Beth Moore Bible Study called "Living Beyond Yourself". While we are cozied up with coffee in the office our kids have a play-date with a babysitter.

We try to meet up with each other at least one other day during the week (having a baby interfered a bit with this plan) and 2 weeks ago we converged at a local strip mall for some Panera yum and wet-n-wild fun!! (Mima was there to provide back-up..ie chasing the run-away kid, lathering tiny faces with sunscreen etc). Oliver was super chill and slept the entire time, except for 1 hungry moment--not bad for being 7 days old!