Sherreitt Family

I'm seeing a theme...

2011-09-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Well, even if no one is out there, this whole blogging thing has been on my mind for the last couple of months and I'm sitting down trying to 'start' again. It's sorta like exercise....looooming over my head, caaaaallling for me to come and join it. So, this theme that keeps popping up...this, this, "I'm going to do it! I will! I will" is lame. So, here's to turning over a new leaf. 2 posts in 1 calendar year. Ok, so there's work to do. I guess I can only go up from here, right? Here's a bit of an update in our lives: house is complete, backyard is done, we have been in for 1 full year, baby Jo-Jo is now 14 months, we are homeschooling full time, boys are full fish and learning to surf (dawn patrol is a regular word in this home), Dave is still amazing-steady-keeps my head on-caring-funloving-wonderful, I am realizing 4 boys is fun-demanding-inventive-doable, we went to Florida to see friends and do Disney World, my sister in law(my bro's wife) has breast cancer, my brother in law(dave's bro) got married, our first nephew on Dave's side was born, and we still live in our sleepy little beach town, God is still faithful, He still loves us, We still seek Him. What else is there?

What a Super Sunday...

2011-02-06T14:40:00.000-08:00

Here I am, at the computer, doing grown-up stuff like: bills, catching up on emails, and blogging...on Super Bowl Sunday!? So not like me. Normally we're doing the last minute clean before friends come over to root and cheer, OR we're somewhere by now, getting ready to watch the game. But nnnnot this year. Nope. We decided this is the year to NOT go anywhere or do anything, except watch the game from our own couch with our own fam. Meanwhile, I'm computering away doing all those ever-important things I formentioned.

Thought I would post a few new pics of what's been going on in the Sherreitt fam these days. Stay tuned for a slide show...

60 Marbles...

2011-01-30T00:02:00.000-08:00

This is the phrase in our house that means, "date time", for the boys. They have these jars....that start out empty. Marble by marble, they get to see their jar fill up. How, you ask? By showing a pure motives, a kind deed, what Jesus would do in a situation. I got to take Adog out on his date which he proudly earned by ataing those 60 marbles...

Can't wait for those other 2 monkeys to fill their jars too. How we cherish that special time. Probably more than they do!

I will get pictures up, I will!

2011-01-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

My goal is to keep up with this thing! Argh!

Trying Hard...

2010-09-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's taking a long time to get pictures organized for the 'before/after' shots. I'm still working on the slide show....

Brick by brick, nail by nail...

2010-09-23T13:34:00.001-07:00

It is late and the slide show is DONE....for now! How I hope it makes sense. We went from a 2bd./1bath to a 4bd./2.5bath.....converting our old Master Bdr., to a new family room, connecting it all to the existing house. The long hallway you'll see is our 'dorm' hallway, where you'll see all the doors leading to the bedrooms. Starting at the front end of the hallway is our old bathroom, converted down to a powder room. At the VERY end of the hallway is our new Master Bedroom. Enjoy the show.......

Starting Anew

2010-09-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's hard to know where to begin. Do I even have time to discuss where we are in our lives? I tend to be a 'short version' person in my head, but then the 'long version' person when divuldging, telling, discussing, rewinding. We are in our house, we are thrilled to tears, we are exhausted, we have a new baby who is deliciously precious, we have two kids in school, we are in major transition, we are adjusting. We are joyful, we are so busy, we are enjoying, we are focussed.

I will attempt to put pictures together of the house~ sort of like the before and after pictures that line up with each other. In the meantime, I have a kitchen to clean, lunches to make, and a baby to feed.

It felt good to get a post down, and some thoughts written. Short version won.

A new look...

2010-05-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

We'll take you back to the beginning of framing to give you a point of reference with the house. We know it's confusing since some of our picture are from different angles. Most of the pics are from the last 2 weeks. Nothing to Ooooh and Aaaah about, but it shows a few changes in the 'look' of the pad. It's coming!!! Plumbing has started (by the most handsome plumber in the universe...Dave), and Framing is ending. Roofing is 1/2 way accomplished, and Electrical is next. Day by day.....

--kate for the workin' crew :)

New Day...

2010-05-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we are adjusting to life of a remodel. Back walls are gone, and new house addition is being 'tied in' w/ roof lines, etc. We're temporarily at our friend's house who is graciously allowing us to carry on our 'normal lives' while living with her. We're hoping roofing can start this weekend. When there is a major change in the way things look, we'll post some pictures! :)

Pressing on....Kate, for the Sherreitt Crew

House Pictures...Round #1

2010-04-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a taste of the beginning of the housing project.....from day #1, up until framing....framing is actually close to being done now! Enjoy!!!

THE HOUSE.....

2010-04-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

Well, we are attempting to revisit the blogging world with the purpose to keep family and friends in touch with our housing project. It's been 38 days since we 'broke ground' and we are well on our way. We've been knee deep in trenches, caked in mud, dusted in sand, and feathered with saw dust. Our kids have slept through jackhammering, pounding, and giant trucks dropping this and that off. They have participated in almost everything they are allowed to participate in. Watching Daddy is the biggest highlight of their lives so far, and what a highlight it is!! Dave is single-handedly in charge,doing an amazing job, and leaning on the experience and help of 3 solid neighbors who are well versed in the construction world.
We know that watching housing projects of others is...well...fun and all(!), so we won't bore you with every single detail, set-back, and triumph. We'll stick the highlights and show the major stepping stones to give a flavor of the progess. Our ending date....soon, that's all we can say. As our day is, so shall our strength be---that's summed up Bible Verse, turned into a "Mildred-ism", and become a "Piper-ism".
Baby is making great strides in his/her growth in the tummy. We are T-12 weeks until this one launches off. Many attempts at getting our attention with some Braxton Hicks Contractions. Yesterday was the most 'real'....11 contractions in 30 minutes. Rest and water seem to be the antidote to early labor onset, so I'm cuurently bloated beyond mammoth porportions....and resting each day.
Well, pictures are coming, I'll let you know when. Check back when you have a sec to see the updated progress.

Staying calm in the chaos and loving this season of life....kate, for the fam

Must needed correction!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

So, in our little summer slide show, I featured a picture of Dave waterskiing. Yes, it was a good picture....but check out THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!! So proud of my man!

2009-09-16T10:14:00.000-07:00

A montage of some highlights this summer!!! I'll try to keep them coming!!! New York, then some beach days, San Diego, Bass Lake, a few days around the house, etc. The boys keep on growing....we're so thankful!

August and September

2009-09-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I'm the world's worst updater. Basically, August flew by. I went to New York, then our family went to Bass Lake. Then September came, Labor Day and the bam, the new school year. Joshua is in 1st, and Samuel is in Pre-K. Both are loving it. Our house plans are sorta under way. We feel excited about the year to come. Andrew is 2 and is amazingly coordinated and a born gymnast. Did I spell that right?? Well, pics should be here soon....

June and July...

2009-07-06T14:42:00.001-07:00

Where did June go? I have some fun pictures that I'll get up and running soon. Just wanted to get a July Post on the books. The big boys finished school, Andrew turned 2 yrs old, we built a treehouse!!, spent time w/ old college roomies. Fun, busy, foggy month. Summer is in full swing!! Pictures yet to come...

Catch Up Photos...

2009-06-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, this a bit of our Spring Time....Joshua's Birthday, Camping w/ the fam, and Palm Springs. Enjoy the Catch Up! :)

Ok, admitting rookie-ness

2009-05-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I sorta figured out how to link you all to another place. Read below to find out why you should go to JoysHope.com. hah! I did it for reals this time. woohoo!

http://www.joyshope.com is where you should go

waaaaiiit a minute...trying again

2009-05-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

ok trying this...

my first link attempt...

2009-05-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

i am attempting to link you all to my friend Julie's blog. She makes just about everything and anything that is cute and usable and inventive. She makes Martha Stewart look like a preschooler. She makes me feel retarded, but in love. :) Anywhooo, she features other people's amazing talents on her blog also, and the person who she's featuring today makes this cute 'bunting' banners that she's giving away. I wanna win one, and so could you if you follow this link....hee hee! yay! I did it!
http://www.joyshope.com/2009/05/crazy-cute-party-bunting-giveway.html
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uWvhsVhg1OA/SiARfB6Eu6I/AAAAAAAACsU/dkeGctq9JUk/s1600-h/il_430xN.72063530.jpg (this is the picture)

Shifting...

2009-05-26T22:07:00.001-07:00

Well, May has been the month of moving from the surreal to the permanent...a true shift. A whole new way to be processing tragedy. We have passed the month marker since we lost our little one. It has been a busy and fun month, filled with a whole bunch of new memories. Joshua had a birthday (6!!), our family took off and went camping in the middle of the week, then turned around to go to Palm Springs, and then Dave will be off to Men's Retreat this weekend. And then it will be June. Wow. We've had a great time as a family and we're glad to just be cherishing life more, that's for sure. Pictures to follow soon....

Time for an update...

2009-05-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have no idea who is out there reading anything on the computer these days, let alone our blog ,but sometimes it's nice to get some thoughts down. The past month has been interesting. Our #4 little boy went to be with Jesus, and is no longer growing in my womb. It has been an extremely difficult time. In the same breath, we know that God is still in control and there are many things that will never be explained to us while we're on Earth. I am thankful that I have little ones to hold and love and a husband who is amazing, and has been incredibly solid during this time. What fools we all are to think we have control over anything in our lives. We sure THINK we do....but we sure don't. Trust has a completely new meaning for me. It has always been one of those 'easier said than done' concepts...and now I am having to train myself to lean into trusting God. What a growthful, painful, hard, wonderful, concept. So, we press on....

January Highlights...

2009-03-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a little taste of our January. Yeah, I know it's March, but I'm catching up here, people...bear with me! :)

A little break...

2009-03-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

We've been away from the Blog world for a while. All I can say is, I discovered Facebook. What in the world? All these ways to spend our precious time, and the computer just eats it up. Well....my goal is to limit myself, so that I don't become addicted!!! Argh! A lot has happened in January and February. I'm going to try to do a few separate slide shows. Here's hoping!

Better late than never...

2009-02-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a FEW Christmas Time memories. The slide show gig isn't working too well! Oma, if you're reading, I'll post the pictures of when we saw you guys in a different picture reel...!

oops....we have a problem...

2009-01-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

...working on the technical glitches of the slideshow....hope to have it up and running soon! Please standby while our photo department tries fix the hick-up...!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year....

2009-01-02T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a little slide show capturing the month of December. Enjoy!!!

Recent Random Photos...

2008-12-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd try to captivate the last 2 months in a little collage. Hope you can see it all! 13 more days until Christmas!!!

Gifts from God...

2008-12-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

Our children really are Gifts from God. No matter which way you look at it, there is nothing that we as humans can do to grow/create/design a child. It's all a pure gift. This last weekend, we got our kids dedicated at church. As an outward stance of showing others that we truly want to raise these precious gifts in the way they should go so, and also recognizing that they are first and foremost, the Lord's. These are a few pictures of the special morning...

Advent...

2008-12-07T23:24:00.000-08:00

The countdown is on until Jesus' Birthday!! We had fun decking our halls and partaking in some community events to kick off the celebration of the season!

Testing the Collage Idea...

2008-11-17T15:22:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday David!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

So...............today is Dave's birthday! Happy 34 to my man! I love you!!!

Lots to Blog....

2008-11-17T14:15:00.000-08:00

Well, hello blog world. It's been a while. Hm.....a lot has happened in the last month. We've had some fun adventures as a family, everyone dressed up for Halloween, the big boys are enjoying school and learning a lot, and as usual, they're growing up way too fast. We're right in the thick of 'busy'. But, God is good, and He has us right where He wants us...relying on Him! We're so thankful for where we live, for our family, our friends, and the memories we're building with our boys. Enjoy the 'catch-up' slide show....

"Mommy, I want to marry you..."

2008-10-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

...is what Samuel said to me last night during bedtime. That comment made me cry, laugh hysterically, and cherish the moment. They're only 3 once, eh? Just had to share...

God is Big and Funny!

2008-09-26T21:15:00.000-07:00

Our God is BIG. Really BIG. Making the Universe? wow. Commanding the Thunder? easy. Shaking the Earth? in an instant. Our God is also funny. Hilarious. The duck-billed platypus? ooookaayy. The mocking bird who chirps at 2:00am? that's a good one. Choosing to make a zuchinni the size of our son? yep. Even the tiniest part of creation...a vegetable...there is power and humor. What a great, personal God we have!

Summer's Gone....School's Here!

2008-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

Our exciting summer memories have quickly taken a back seat as our fall season has kicked off with plenty of activities. The biggest of those being SCHOOL! Wow. A Kindergartener? A Preschooler? What? The boys love it....we're adjusting. It's been 3 weeks of school so far and, yes, we're still adjusting! There's a myth that life gets easier when the kids are in school.....yeah, well, not so for us. Maybe it's because we're rookies. Whatever the reason, it's that bittersweet excitement+sadness. Here's some photos of the first day of school...

Summer Story: Bass Lake!!!

2008-09-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

So THEN.....we got home from Hawaii, and had a week to reorganize, get school supplies, and clean again....and then the grand finale was our trip to Bass Lake! It holds a special place in our hearts and has so many memories. We packed up and got to have a week filled with fun in the sun. We were with Grandma Pi and Papa John and had wonderful time. We got to hike up a river, go fishing, hike our favorite hike with the boys, go down a waterfall slide, swim, tube, and OH YEAH....WATERSKI(including the 5 year old of the bunch!)!!!!!! It was our last hurrah for Summer '08! You can't beat the fresh pine trees, warm weather, the little village, the Forks!, and the-last-week-of-summer glass (that's code for smooth water). Take a look.....

Summer Story: Hawaii!!!

2008-09-12T08:44:00.000-07:00

So...after San Fransisco, we had a week and 1/2 to come home, relax, do laundry, and go to the beach. It was starting to feel like a typical San Clemente Summer, when all of the sudden we looked at our calendar and realized it was time to pack up again! So, this time, instead of tuxedos and fancy dresses, it was shorts and bathing suits! Some 15 of us Sherreitt's went on this Hawaii Excursion! Dave's Grandparents organized and gave us the trip. It was such a special experience for everyone. Highlights include: Hiking through bamboo forests to a waterfall w/ a rope to climb straight up!, many-a-beach-day, snorkeling, a boat trip around Lanai with the best snorkeling on the planet, a luau, the Iao Valley + river walking, and watching the Olympics!!! Dave and I are huge Olympic Junkies!
Here's some photos of our trip!

Summer Story: San Fransisco

2008-09-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

So......after Dave returned from Bali, he went to work for 3 days and then it was time to head to the airport for trip #2: San Fransisco. Our boys were in a wedding for Dave's cousin who was getting married on Treasure Island (right off the Bay Bridge, on the way to the city). Our entire extended family was going, so it turned into a vacation! We had time to go to the city for a few hours Saturday morning before the wedding. With 'Nama and Hoppa' (grandparents) and 'Gi-Gi and Joe-Joe' (great-grandparents) along, we got to do some sight seeing as a whole crew. The wedding was beautiful and a total blast. Here's a peek at the weekend...

"Let's Start at the Very Beginning....A Very Good Place To Start..."

2008-09-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful to God that we had SUCH a fun summer. God is good, and we praise Him for the incredible memories that were made and the experiences we all had!

Dave kicked us off with a 2 week trip to Indonesia starting July 1! He went with his friend Justin, while Justin's wife, Sandy, and I kept the home fires burning! Our men had the trip of their life....I mean the 'surf' of their life!! Dave and I traveled to Indonesia 6 years ago, so Dave was stoked to be returning!! The culture, lifestyle, and people are so unique and refreshing.

Here are a few pictures to give you a flavor of the trip:

2 months + 22 days

2008-09-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello the blog world!! Yes, it has been 2 months + 22 days since our last post. We now live in Alaska, have twin girls, and are working for the Peace Core.....just kidding! Not THAT much has changed! We've had the craziest traveling summer of our lives so far. So, stay tuned because I am going to try to get to work on some fun pictures of where we've been!

Longest Angels' Game Ever!!!!!

2008-06-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

For Joshua's 5th birthday our fam went to see the Los Angeles-Anaheim-Orange-County Angels! Joshua got a glove for his birthday and was eager to use it at the game. No such luck, but it was still fun. The boys were SPORTS for hanging in there with the game, for there were no runs....for 12 innings!!!! agh! Alas, we gave in and left before the game was over, only to find out on the radio that the Angels scored in the bottom of the 12th. Oh well, next time!

Wedding Pics.....

2008-06-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

The Ring Bearer Trio.....

2008-06-11T08:45:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we were so blessed to see Dave's brother Joel get married to sweet Julianne! It was a busy, exciting, nervous day filled with some fun memories. Our boys were the ring bearers, and on the Wednesday before the wedding, we made a split second decision to rig up an old fashioned toy fire truck so that it could be pulled down the aisle carrying baby Andrew. Joshua pulled, Andrew sat, and Samuel brought up the rear carrying the pillow. Unfortunately we don't have any pictures yet of the trio actually going down the aisle, but they were precious! :) Here's a few pictures of the day.......

Sycamore Canyon Camping Pictures......

2008-04-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sherreitt Family Camping....

2008-04-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well.....we did it! We made it through a crazy camping weekend with all 5 of us! With our car packed from floor to ceiling, and our matching blue "S" shirts on, we journeyed up to Sycamore Canyon Campground near Malibu and had 2 beautiful days filled with fun, crying, dirt, sand, loud people, mosquitos, wildflowers, quick pay showers, climbing, swimming, and not much sleep! But, who's to say that memories weren't made!? We loved our family time, and knew going into it that it was going to be quite a treck with the kiddos. All 3 did surprisingly well. Joshua was all boy.....ripped his shorts, climbed up every tree in sight, built sand forts, had dirt all over his clothes, and ate s'mores. Samuel followed in suit, but was much more content w/ a shovel in hand or his little tractors, and looked so forward to his hot 'shock-lit'. Andrew explored dirt to his heart's content. He is crawling over and under and through everything. The tent floor did NOT stay clean. We tried to enforce the 'no shoes' rule, but we should have enforced the 'no clothes' rule since most of the muck was on them! :) Dave and I were filled with joy watching the boys explore life outside. We'll post some pictures once we dig our camera out of the dirty camping gear......

Bees and Crabs.......

2008-03-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

So, last Saturday we had the typical Saturday: playing outside, digging, hitting baseballs, and, oh yeah, running for our lives as about 10,000 bees (NO JOKE) came full speed ahead toward our house. The picture above shows what the bees looked like, once 9,000 of them left. One minute the sky was as crystal blue as could be....the next minute, it was dark, brown, and buzzing. WHAT IN THE WORLD!?! 1.7 seconds later I corraled the kidlets and we ran faster than lightening into the house. We proceeded to man our post from the front window....which we were glued to for at least 15 minutes. Poor Dave was unloading the car when all this happened. The word 'panic' doesn't exist in Dave's vocabulary, so he nonchalantly sauntered inside as if nothing happened. It was the most random, frightening, fascinating event that has happened to us in quite a while (we lead exciting lives, eh?)!! So then we segue from bees to crabs....
That evening we had the privilege and honor of taking our Aunt to celebrate a BIG birthday year! We went to Joe's Crab Shack for some delicious seafood fare. What an experience! Waitresses singing, lights all aglow, fish hanging from ceilings--we had a ball. My aunt is game for anything. She's been all over the world, has 2 masters (in CHEMISTRY! and Library Science--woohoo Ames!), and a doctorate in something that I forgot the title of. She TAUGHT at UCLA, she's been to all my major events in my life, including those little soccer games and track meets that seemed giant at the time. She can hold her own just about anywhere, and she's got our entire (and I mean entire) family tree allllll mapped out. Although 'retired' she's the HR Manager at Mt. St. Marys' in LA. What an incredible woman. I'm proud to be her niece!

Spontaneous Fun.......

2008-03-06T15:07:00.000-08:00

One day we thought we were going to be having a normal week at home, and then next day we said 'yes' to an opportunity to go to Mammoth! A little spontaneous fun for the Sherreitt Crew! Some friends of ours had their plans almost fall through, but it worked out for us to save them from demise! ha ha! So, last weekend we headed up the 395 on a 6 1/2 hour jaunt to California's beautiful Mammoth Mountain. All 3 kids plus snowboarding gear and some 'inside' entertainment for the wee ones. We had a blast! Dave and I got to go snowboarding in the morning and then we came back and watched all the kids while our friends went in the afternoon. The next day I got to hit the slopes again to get my snow legs into full gear. I'm officially addicted to snowboarding and cannot WAIT to go again. It had been almost 7 years since going, and I was officially the 'Nine Ball' on the first few runs. Okay, on most of the runs. But....that's way in the past and the new and improved shredder awaits her destiny. More snow to be had, I hope! Here's some pics of some fun in the snow!!

The New Look

2008-02-17T13:47:00.001-08:00

Thought we'd change things around and add some zip to our blog. We gotta keep everyone on their toes, ya know? :)

Off and Running....

2008-02-16T13:35:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post a little update on the Sherreitt Fam. Joshua did SO well with his procedures he had in the hospital. He's already off and running as though nothing happened. Amazing how resilient kids are! Here's a little slide show of 2008 so far....Enjoy the pics.

A Little Bit of Andrew.....

2008-01-20T20:57:00.000-08:00

Just thought we'd share some shots of our youngest dumpling. He might be tiny, but he sure has a giant heart. He's our little champ! Weighing in at only 14 lbs., at 6 months old gives us a hint that he might be our lean-mean-fighting-maching!

Things are 'Caught', not 'Taught'

2008-01-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

I tend to 'rewind' events in my head after they happen. I think it helps me remember, or maybe it's just the way I process things. Tonight, before putting the boys down the bed, we had one of those precious times that can't be created or forced. They just tend to 'happen'. The boys were all cozy and clean, and we were all snuggled together on the floor ready for a prayer time. Magical. After we prayed, which always just touches my heart, Joshua said, "The way I can learn more about Jesus is from stories in the Bible, like how Peter trusted God when he walked on water to meet Jesus out on the Lake". My jaw dropped. We soon found out that was what his story was about today in Sunday School. Then Samuel chimed in, "No matter what happens we just have to keep looking at Jesus, just like the guy who got out of the boat". I was cracking up in my head, but blown away by there ability to retain and reference the story. I share this only for this reason: lessons are 'caught' not 'taught'. I have read and shared and 'taught' that story with both boys a number of times. But something about today made them 'catch' it. Sometimes God uses a differet voice, a new friend, a fresh face to help us catch the point He's trying to make. How I pray that our boys truly catch on to the incredible love of our Savior. Moms who are reading this, be encouraged that your kids will catch on....but it may take someone else's voice.

Kids Say the Funniest Things....

2008-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I'm learning that my blogging entries are becoming fewer and father between. Oh well, ya can't do it all! I just had a minute and thought I'd just write down a few funny things that our boys have been saying recently!

--When asked about some special treats he'd like for his upcoming birthday, Samuel said: "I'd like lollipops, gum, peppermint, gumdrops (?), candy canes, chocolate yogurt, licorice, and a chocolate banana cake in the shape of a monkey".....anything ELSE Sammy? You'd think we've never given the kid a sweet....
--We have spent some time reading 'realistic' books. One recently has been on outer space. Neil Armstrong was brought up and the boys now know who he is and what he did. Samuel boldly says, "The first man to ever ever EVER touch the moon was God. Then 'Leo' Armstrong".
--Our eager learner, Joshua has just started 'homework' for preschool. He finished his first assignment and asked if he could get started on his next one. I said we had to take them one day at a time. His response, "(Sighing sadly), I NEVER get to do homework again?"...I just laughed and laughed.

"They Sure Do Look Alike"

2007-12-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night I was half asleep feeding Andrew at 11pm, and I started staring at his little face. I started thinking, "hmm....they DO look alike", meaning all our boys. Just this week, more and more people have come up to me and made the same comment. I guess sometimes they do, and sometimes they don't, right? I thought I would try to find pictures of all the boys at similar ages to show their similarities. God's creativity is amazing. It can never be completely duplicated, which shows how incredibly unique His design is! Let's see if you can tell who's who!Scroll down for the answers.....

- green outfit at top: Andrew
- Hooded towel: Samuel
- Picture w/ David: Joshua
- Yellow outfit w/ left hand near ear: Andrew
- Naked Baby w/ blue blanket: Samuel
- Light blue onesie with right hand up: Joshua

How did you do? :)

A few more Colorado Pics...

2007-11-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

I messed up our little slide show of Colorado. I thought I had more pictures enclosed. Hopefully you can see a better taste of our time....

COLORADO!!

2007-11-26T13:13:00.001-08:00

Well, we're back from our Thanksgiving Vacation to Colorado! It was a week full of 'firsts' in many ways. It was our first Thanksgiving out of California. It was the first time the boys ever really played in the snow (Bass Lake was the first 'seeing' snow experience, but there wasn't much to play in!). It was our first time to Colorado. It was Andrew's first plane trip....and the list goes on. We got to see: The Olympic Training Center (I was livin' the dream!), The Airforce Academy, a beautiful State Park called, 'Garden of the Gods', and the in's and out's of Castle Rock, where my brother's family lives. Between our family and theirs, we had 7 children...6 of whom were rearing to go all day every day! The cousins played their hearts out and us 'adults' got to bond and spend such great time together. There was this one night, that stands out as such a special memory for our family. For those of you who know Robbie and Sara, you know they are very creative. Robbie can think of a fabulous activity for 6 children to do in a matter of 1.7 seconds. He can have them singing, dancing, flipping all in a line, all waiting their turn, and all totally excited. So, this one night, we got the kids in their jammies quickly so that we could do a 'show'. Robbie can do this sort of 'beat box' on his body by clapping, snapping, and keeping rhythm. He called each child's name out so that they had their turn in the spotlight, and each one got to cut a rug however they chose. It was the funniest and cutest improv I've ever seen kids attempt!! Maybe it's hard for you to picture, but it sure was fun. Just thought I'd share a stand-out event in my mind (of many that week). Our Thanksgiving was so special. Each child shared what they were thankful to God for, as well as each adult. Surprisingly it was emotional to sit back and let our hearts be touched by how God is working in the lives of our little ones. How we praise Him for all His goodness.....even on the bad days, there is still tons of goodness. We don't deserve the gift of grace, his full pardon for our sins, the sacrafice of his perfect Son to pay the debt we would have had to pay, to avoid eternal separation with the One who created us. We hope you know how much God loves you. Enjoy the pictures and the glorious scenery

Oops! Almost forgot!

2007-11-16T17:04:00.000-08:00

Well, better late than never, right? Here's our fam on Halloween! Featuring a Construction Worker (NOT Bob the Builder!), A Fire-Truck Driver (NOT to be confused with a fireman!), and a precious bunny who fell asleep! :) I was the annual 'farmer' and Dave dressed up as Dave. We don't know who the SuperMan kid is who snuck into the picture! Random!

New Pics!

2007-11-16T10:37:00.001-08:00

Where does the time go?

2007-11-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the middle of November already! Times flies! Wow. Our little Andrew is a great measure of the time that goes by, because he's changing so much. He's almost 5 months! Joshua and Samuel continue to make the days go by quickly too! They are really into space shuttles and creating as many coloring pages as they can. I think they've made about 20 birthday cards for Daddy, no joke. In between the cleaning, the packing for Colorado, the preparing for Daddy's birthday, the house projects like painting furniture black to match our decor, the laundry, we're still having fun. I might be a mess, the house may be in shambles, and the kids might be extremely dirty (there's a good chance of that), but we're still having fun. All we have is today, right? Well, back to all that's pending. I will definitely write more when we're back from Colorado.

Time Well Spent

2007-10-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

If I were to categorize how to spend time wisely, I would put "editing my blog" at the bottom of my list, and yet, here I sit, trying to make our blog the coolest it can be. Well, it's time to say goodbye for a bit and go use my time on a few more things! Happy photo viewing! :)

Bean Bags and Lollipops

2007-10-19T08:51:00.000-07:00

Oh! These Boys! They are just as silly as can be. One minute they're playing 'parade', the next minute 'astronaut', and then it's outside for baseball and firefighting. I'm enjoying these precious days that they're at home together. Pretty soon it'll be Kindergarten, Soccer Practice, and opposite schedules. These days at home are becoming fewer and fewer.

I was just struck with a profound idea today that God chose THESE children to be in our family for such a special purpose. He could have chosen any other child to be in our family, and yet, he chose these boys! God knew that they needed us as parents, and He knew we needed them. They've taught us so much about what it's like in our relationship with Jesus Christ. The more they learn from their mistakes, show us their honesty, and admit their true feelings, the more we grow closer. Just as it is with us and Jesus. How He wants us to obey, so that we don't have to stumble. How He yearns for us to admit our faults and lean on Him, so that we don't puff up with pride only to sink in our relationships with others. How He desires us to rejoice and have fun with the LIFE He's graciously given us. Just like these boys are having fun each day with their bean bags and lollipops! Oh Lord, keep us all teachable!

Here we are!

2007-10-08T15:03:00.000-07:00

So....here's our fam! This was taken on the FIRST day of Joshua's preschool. He started in September, but this is the most recent family photo we have! :) I'm still feeling like a rooking in Blog Land. I don't know how often I'll post, but here's hoping! I just praise God for the family he's given us. We are all growing and changing every day. Ok, the boys are doing most of the growing, and I guess we all continue to change.

My First Blog Experience

2007-09-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
Well, I'm a complete rookie at this Blogging Business. This is my first post. Just checking to see if it works, really. Looking forward to getting into the world of blogging. I have admired many of your blog sites. This will be a great way to keep everyone updated all at once. So long for now!