our week in california

First stop - a junky beautiful hotel in Roseburg, Oregon.

The kids didn't mind the junky-ness or the mildew on the shower curtain.  Stella told me, "mom it's beautiful here, don't you think?"  I told her it'll do for the night, but in my mind I'm thinking - please oh please let there be no bed bugs here.  

3 little monkeys in the "beautiful" bed.

Second stop - Aunt Tricia and Uncle Koby's house!

We stayed with my sister for the first half of the week and soaked up every last second of that sweet baby, Caleb.  Oh man, he was sweet.  I love everything about newborn babies.  He was perfect.  I didn't even hear him cry during the night.  Did he cry, Trish?  I doubt it.  He was too sweet to cry. :)

Caleb with his crazy cousins

Getting all lotion-ed up after his bath.

Caleb loved Ava's kisses, you can just see it in his face.

Stella got her ears pierced on the trip.  We went for a walk along the paseos one morning and ended up at Valencia Town Center.  I asked Stella if she wanted to run in and get her ears pierced and of course she said yes.  It was a late birthday present for her.  She did great and didn't even shed a tear.  I was so proud.  She just keeps growing up.

We saw our shadows!  It's a beautiful thing, that sunshine.  I was thankful it shined every day we were there.  We put on shorts and bared our white legs.  It was awesome.

Sean tried out a rip-stick.  Yep, I like the looks of him.

The kids had fun playing in the pool, the spa and playing with the dog, Duke (or Doot, as Ava called him).

Third stop - Papa and Nana's house!

We played a lot of Wii.  I whooped up on Sean and knocked him out.  I had a sore arm the next day to prove it. 

The Bateman family came to visit!  We love spending time with this special family.  I think they should move to Washington.  I'm just saying. :)  The kids all get along so great and us adults get along pretty good, too.

The kids decided to play a friendly game of freeze tag a.k.a. tunnel tag.  The dads thought they would go and "help" the kids out.  Who do they think they're kidding??  They're the biggest kids out there.

It was a great trip!

to california and back again

21 hour drive
bug splattered windshield
a menu so simple you can never go wrong
pirates booty. a lot of pirates booty. i'm still finding pirates booty...
100 miles and the cows, letting us know we're getting close

more of our trip coming soon...

in the bathroom

Sitting in the office I can hear the pitter patter of her little feet running to the bathroom.  She's talking to herself saying, "go poo poo, go poo poo..."  I can tell she has made it to her potty chair from all the clunking around I hear.  I peek out the door and see her undies strewn across the hallway floor.  I smile.  It's quiet for a few seconds until the cheering starts, "Yay Wava!  Yay Wava!  Getta treat!!"  I hear the pitter-patter of her little feet again,  running back to the kitchen.  A chair slides across the floor.  She's talking to herself again, deciding which treat to choose.  "Ummmmm...orangey one."  Here come those quick little feet again.  They're coming to find me.  They're getting closer.  And then I see her.  She gives me a big smile with a cheek full of an orange (sugar free) candy.  I tell her great job, give her a big kiss and a high five.  She's growing up.  Way.  Too.  Fast.

sweet, sweet baby

Last week I was in California and I was holding this sweet baby boy.  His name is Caleb and he's my nephew and I love him a lot.  When I finally got the news that he was born (I only called like every 10 minutes :) I couldn't help but cry many, many happy tears.  God is so good.  I was so overcome with thankfulness for the Lord's provision to my sister and her husband.  

All in His perfect timing  

I remember when I got married being so happy, but yet at the same time, so sad.  I, the little sister, was getting married before Tricia, the big sister.  I didn't understand why the Lord would provide a husband for me when I felt so unworthy of one.   And yet hadn't provided one for Tricia, who I felt was more than worthy.  I remember clearly sitting in the airplane after our wedding, on our way to Seattle.  I was reading a card from Tricia and I was crying like a big baby.  I knew everything was about to change and it made me very, very emotional.  Those same feelings came back every time I announced I was pregnant.  It had been my prayer for many years for Tricia to find the man God had planned for her and to have a family of her very own.  So when I drove down to California and I saw my sister with her very own son, my cup ran over with thankfulness.  The Lord has provided Tricia with a godly husband and now with a beautiful baby of her own, all in His perfect timing.  There are no words....  

I'm so happy for you, Tricia and Koby.  Caleb is just right.  Even when he wants to party at night and sleep during the day, he's still just right because he's fearfully and wonderfully made.

xoxo

spring is springing

I would say spring has sprung, but it's technically not spring yet and, well, today it's dark and scary outside.  The wind is blowing, it's raining and it doesn't really feel like spring is right around the corner.  I know it is though, and that makes me happy.  I love spring.  I love spring flowers and I love the newness of God's creation.  I think spring may be my favorite season of all.  It's when the days start getting longer, the sky shows mostly blue instead of gray, and it's when you find yourself having an extra 'spring' in your step.  My heart sings for spring.  Come soon Spring, you can't get here quick enough.

a gorgeous family

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of taking photos of the 'B' family.  I had never met them before, but instantly I knew they would be fun and, not to mention, beautiful.  Everyone was so easy going and very patient with me because, lets face it, I have no idea what I'm doing.  I just roll with it and they rolled right along with me.  It was fun and I was blessed to do it for them, and I was blessed that they even asked.  I have no idea where all of this photo stuff is going to lead me, but I do know I enjoy it.  I like getting out of my little comfort zone and stretching myself.  Ultimately, I want to be obedient to what the Lord wants me to do and if taking photos is it, then praise Him, I hope I get better.  Or, if this is the last time I get asked, well take a look people because here's my moment of fame. :)

I wanted to ask 'L' if she'd give me her boots, her necklace and her sweater after we were done.  But I didn't because I didn't want her to think I was a crazy person or something and I figured her arms and feet would have gotten a little cold on the way home. ;)

 

 

 

  All I can say is I wish I looked half as good when I was 9 months pregnant.  But I didn't and I don't really want to talk about it.... :)

 

 

  

Big thanks to the 'B' family.  It was a pleasure.

xoxo

I love her

From her head down to her toes

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Awesome Giveaway!!!!

EPIPHANIE IS GIVING AWAY YOUR CHOICE OF

A BRAND NEW CANON 5D MARK II!

OR

A $2500 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO SOUTHWEST AIRLINES!!!

 

For details on how to enter CLICK HERE.