But Not Gino

My wonderful mother-in-love wrote this fabulous Children's book and has just had it published this spring. We are so proud of her! It is called But Not Gino and has a nice little song on CD to go with it! The kids love it and love their G-ma!!

Safe Families 2014

Easter 2014

Les Miserables

Justin got to be in our city's production of Les Miserables. We loved watching him in it! I took the girls to see the show on opening night, another night took Andrew, and another night went with our friends. Andrew and I got to go back stage and meet the cast which was a blast. He especially loved meeting Gavrosh and Cosette since he sings all of their songs constantly.  It was such a fun and memorable experience! We made some great friends too.

Friends!

Blessed

As I look back on housing situations in the past for Justin and I, it is impossible not to see the providence of God. Currently, we have been so blessed by my sister's in-laws, and been given the opportunity to live in a wonderful duplex. It is not far from our life and friends.  It has a front and backyard with a place we were able to put a tree fort and a fun swing. God has blessed us so richly in our housing needs ever since we were married. Early in our marriage we lived downtown and next door to my childhood best friend and her husband. Then we moved to LA. We stayed in motels for a bit and then were taken in by a couple at our church with a beautiful home and an in-law unit for us. We then were able to buy our house next door to our church. Grace Church is said to be the Disneyland of Christianity. It was amazing.  The amount of joy, worship and fellowship that happened at our home next door to Grace was unbelievable. We named our second daughter Sara Grace. When we moved back, we were able to live just blocks from my parents, which is the home we were in when Katie was born.  Then we moved next door to our amazing friends the Maclennans (I'm not making this up... It's unreal) then, we had to move and found a place we LOVED... and my sister and her husband moved in next door to us!!! This was the place we brought Andrew home to. What a whirlwind of blessing upon blessing. Just when we were feeling the urge for more space, my sister's in-laws called and offered to let us rent their 3 bedroom duplex within our budget.

(my favorite quote from Steve, my sister's father in law, "We are not on this earth to make money.") 

So here we are, in a smallish town that we love, with a beautiful home we don't deserve. We have beautiful views of the mountains and the sunsets.  I have no idea how long we will be able to stay here... but I do know this: God has and always will provide for us. We praise him and thank Him for such kindness, and we are at peace with...and are excited for...whatever he provides next.

4 1/2

Katie is now four and a half. I can't believe how fast this year is going by. It's flying. Katie is such a joyful playful girl who is always making us laugh. She has an explosive and dramatic personality which always leaves us wondering what she will say, do or sing next. She loves others passionately. Kalena left for a sleepover tonight and Katie cried for her on and off all evening saying she missed her. Her favorite things to sing are Songs from Frozen and from Les Meserables. She also loves the songs she learned at Little Lambs ("The Same Same Hands") and she learns chants the girls bring home from school (she will break out the books of the bible at the top of her lungs anywhere we happen to be).

I pray Katie will always be dramatic and energetic for The Lord and her passion for life and love will bring people to know true life and God's love. We praise God for creating Katie! What a masterpiece she is!

Kids cooked dinner!

Tonight was the first time I was in an advisory only role during the making of dinner... the girls did it all. I was so proud of them! Waffle turkey sammies... Yum!

My little nurse in training

Katie is so sensitive to Kristen and loves to help me take care of her. I am so thankful for her sweet tender heart. While brushing her hair, Katie says "it's ok Kristen, don't cry. Your sister does this to me too." This morning we were with Kristen again and she got upset that I started brushing Kristen's teeth without her. 

Katie helping wrap Grampa's leg.

Grammy and Bampi Day!

We had a fun time at Six Flags with my parents. The dolphin show was a highlight for everyone!!

Dr. Andrew

The girls all had broken limbs one morning, and Dr. Andrew and Nurse Mommy had to put casts on everyone.

Cousins!!

We had a great visit down to San Diego to spend time with our family! We are so in love with our new nephew, sweet little Max!

Baking cookies with cousins Brooklyn and Macy!