Birthday Surprise!

Yesterday, January 2nd was my birthday. I'm not telling my age! Anyway, I was so surprised to get flowers from my family in New York. I also received some very beautiful roses from Tim and the kiddos. In addition, we went to Colorado Fondue Company. Erika and Josh never been and they enjoyed it so much...so did I. The manager of the restaurant was ready to take my birthday picture with the extra large moose mounted on the wall. I passed on that this year! They continued to shower me with gift cards and encouraging words. What a wonderful birthday! I'm truly blessed!

Just wishing you a wonderful New Year as you begin 2008.
May we all look at this coming year with great anticipation of all that God wants to accomplish in us and through us.

Christmas House

Tim did such a great job with our outdoor Christmas lights!

Christmas Morning!

Well, I just noticed, I did not take too many pictures from Christmas morning. Anyway, every Christmas morning, the kids send Happy Birthday balloons (helium) up to Jesus. This is something we've been doing since Erika and Josh were little. Our Christmas this year was very quiet... besides the 5 minute excitement outburst Josh had because he received a special gift. All of this was caught on tape! Christmas Eve we spent it with Aunt Joan & Uncle Bill, went to look at Christmas lights and read the Christmas story while sipping on hot apple cider. I feel very privileged that we have an opportunity to worship our Savior as some countries are being persecuted every day for their faith.

Disney Hotels

Sunday night a group of us went to a couple Disney hotels to spend some time together and enjoy the beautiful Christmas festivities that Disney offers each year. The kids had a great time hanging out with some friends and they loved riding the monorail and the boat. No one got lost...just a couple minor injuries from a fall or two! And, it wasn't the boys this time!

Ice at the Gaylord Palms

This is the first time we've been to ICE. The ice sculptures were incredible! The kids loved the ice slide. Oh... and Tim too! We had a great time as a family and glad we went. However, we probably wouldn't do this every year though.

Sphere Christmas Party

Just a couple pictures from our sphere Christmas party. It was held at the Rejonis home this year. It was amazing. These pictures do not do it justice. I have more pictures but didn't want to post them until I had permission from everyone who would be in the photos. Anyway, what a wonderful time we had. Thanks to our hosts, the Rejonis', Twinings and Chews who blessed us beyond words!

Walk Through Bethlehem

Our family has been attending Walk Through Bethlehem for the past 11 years! Erika was 3 when we first started going. Each year, Longwood Baptist Church puts on this program. As you tour through the city of Bethlehem you will experience perhaps what it may have been like nearly 2000 years ago when Jesus was born. We have enjoyed going over the years. In fact, most years we go 2 nights and invite friends to join with us. And, even though Erika can recite the whole tour, she still enjoys going! Perhaps, I will find a couple pictures to post of first time we took her over 11 years ago.

Christmas Cookie Exchange

A holiday tradition for me every year is to organize a cookie exchange. I've been doing this for several years now and it is so nice to include Erika in on the festivities. I usually do this event early in December so you can freeze the cookies. What I enjoy most about our time together is each person shares about a favorite Christmas tradition or something that has impacted them that particular year.

Christmas Picture... Take 30

Wow! 30 pictures later and I think we may have a Christmas photo. By that time, Josh is looking into space, leaning on his sister, looking for a stick or something within reach to play with. I thought that when the kids were older that taking a Christmas picture would be a snap. Well, I was so wrong. How do parents with multiple little ones get good pictures? Do they settle for whatever they can get? I suppose whatever your child is doing in the photo truly captures who they are. Isn't that what photography is all about? Okay, next Christmas I'm going to send a picture of my kids just being themselves! It should be interesting...

Thanksgiving Day

We celebrated Thanksgiving this year with our co-op family. It was so much fun. Some of the kids dressed up and we played some authentic games as the pilgrims and indians did back in 1621. The adults made some traditional food as well as some authentic food such as cornbread, cheese pie and venison. This was a Thanksgiving we will remember forever!

The Powhatan Indians!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Is That You Superman?

Let's just say, this picture can and will be used for the future! Okay, Josh decided to try on a size 3T superman pajamas that we had. As you can see, the pajamas are a tad bit small. Oh, and the bottoms are inside out. Well, the top is another story... but as you can see it is also a wee bit small in addition to being a little immodest. Josh keeps our family going by making us laugh!

Motorcycle for Sale!!

Well, it is time to sell Josh' motorcycle. It is way too small for him. I'm kind of glad though because it made me a little nervous. That is probably the mom in me. Anyway, I've listed it on craigslist with only one call. I don't think people are buying pricey things these days. And, this is a pretty pricey item for a young child. I will probably advertise it in the motorcycle trader here soon. If you know of anyone who is interested in buying this lovely motorcycle (Yamaha PW 50) send them my way!

Erika & Emma

It was so much fun having Emma over for the night a couple weeks ago while their parents went to a football game. Erika and Josh really enjoyed playing with Emma. Emma can now say "Erika" and "Josh" and the pronunciation is pretty clear. I think this book is about farm animals and Emma sure knows her animal sounds. Okay, Erika and Josh would love to have a baby around the house. I wonder what Erika and Josh' parents have to say about that?

Brother & Sister

This picture actually freaked me out a little bit. I have never thought that Erika and Josh looked alike. Erika favors Tim's side of the family with the light complexion, freckles and light eye color. And, Josh favors my side of the family with the olive color complexion and green eyes. We haven't been in the sun since school started so Josh' usual surfer tan has diminished quit a bit. So, when Erika took this picture, I was amazed at actually how much they really do look alike! It was scary! What do you think? Do they look like brother and sister?

Rear Ended!

On my way to drop Erika off at the church building on Monday, I was rear-ended. It really caught us all by surprise. Erika was in the front passenger seat and Josh was in the middle seat. Fortunately, no one was in the back seat. I usually have a least a couple extra kids with me but that day I did not. We jolted forward and glass from the rear window came flying. I have a sore and stiff neck but the kids are fine praise God! This is the second time this has happened to me in the last year and a half. Anyway, I'm not complaining just very thankful that it wasn't worse.

Our Personal Retreat!

Erika and I went away for the weekend on a mother-daughter retreat. We feel extremely blessed to have spent this time together. Our first night we went shopping and I bought a couple of dolls that Erika has collected over the years. And, of course clothes shopping! The next day we slept in and then spent some time going over the book Shopping for Time. I'm amazed at how God continues to grow our relationship as mother-daughter. I love the fact that Erika and I can talk about anything! Thanks to my wonderful husband who released me to go so I could spend some alone time with Erika.

If you have never gone on a personal retreat, I would highly recommend going!

Send the Birds!

Well, our bird feeder has been up waiting for birds to come for about 4 weeks now. Josh has been patiently awaiting the arrival of at least one bird! I've read it takes about 6 weeks for birds to go to a new feeder. I hope what I've read is correct. We live in a subdivision and a lot of the trees have been removed. However, around the perimeter of the subdivision is lots of woods which gives me hope that birds will come. So, join me in praying that God would send the birds so Josh can enjoy this little science project/experiment!

Appreciation Luncheon

A couple weeks ago Metro Youth hosted a 55 and up appreciation luncheon in the chapel. This was the second one that Metro Youth hosted and what a success it was. Approximately 42 guest attended, 20 youth and lots of parent participation. The youth were so excited to serve these folks in our church and be able to express their appreciation for their commitment to the local church. And though Erika is out of Metro Youth, it was an opportunity for Erika and I to serve these people who we dearly love. The youth spent time with the guests and served their lunch, drinks and dessert. I was amazed at how the youth were interacting. Jesse Phillips was there and MC the event. He did an outstanding job and appreciate his dedication to the youth of the church. We also put together a couple games: Name that Tune and Name that Celebrity. It was so much fun and the guest did a great job recalling those tunes and celebrities of the 40's, 50's and 60's! There were also a few give-aways. In addition, Erika was able to honor Judy Jones and Zachary honored Jay Schmatjen. They were both so surprised! I'm thrilled Erika and I were able to be a part of this wonderful day. These people have invested so much into Metro Life Church. Their commitment to God and the local church is a direct reflection of their Love for the Savior. They are extremely appreciated! A big thanks to the youth and parents!