Surprise visit!

The family that we nannied for in TX, while Luke attended grad school, is coming to visit. Luke and the family were trying to surprise me but somehow it seems to be a difficult task to keep a secret from me...it makes Luke so mad. Either way, it was a fantastic surprise, just not the way they wanted it to play out and I couldn't be more thrilled. It's just been way too long. The last time I was able to see them was a year and a half ago. We talk on the phone but a visit was long overdue in my book. I asked Elena, about a month ago if I were there hanging out what we would talk about? Without hesitation she said, "boys!" She's becoming quite the big girl and I just don't another minute to pass before I get to give hugs and hang out. I'm so thankful that they are taking time out of their busy schedules to travel here to visit.

Me and Elena from our last visit to TX.

It's Official!

My sister's family has been in the process of adopting a little girl from China for the past 3 1/2 years. Within the last month or so they found out that they are FINALLY matched with the little one whom God has chosen to join their family. We couldn't be more thrilled and anxiously await the time when we will get the opportunity to see her, embrace her and praise God for His work and many answered prayers He has seen fit to answer to bring this little girl home!

So let me introduce you to our new niece...Melia Lu!

I know my sister's family would covet your prayers for the remaining details that surround the adoption process!

and just another picture because she's such a dolly!

Spring Break visitors

Grandpa and Nana came to visit for a few days over their Spring Break. As always, we built lots of memories and were blessed by your presence!

First order of business after they arrived and gave hugs was opening presents for Ataly's birthday from Auntie Cole and Uncle John and Nana and Grandpa Tim.

Ataly got a sweet new ride and the boys were putting it together for her.

Checking out all the bells and whistles.

The adults went out to celebrate ON Nana's birthday...Happy 50th Nana!

Playing a game of Chutes and Ladders before bedtime.

Traeger tried his hand at kite flying for the first time...

and loved it!

No stop in Medford is complete without a trip to Happy Joes.

Cuddle time with Grandpa always makes Ataly's heart happy.

Traeger loved all the reading time he got in the morning with Nana snuggled up in their robes.

The kiddos watched a show while the adults finished their Nertz game.

The cool dudes heading out to lunch with the ladies.

Hanging at the grandparents

While I was away at the conference Luke's parent's willingly loved on the kids. It meant a lot to know they were in good hands and having a ball! Thanks Nana for taking lots of pictures to document the memories that were made.

One of their first outings was to McDonalds.

Lots of time was spent hanging out in the ball pit...always a big hit!

Reading with Luke's cousin Autumn and cousin Annabelle.

Enjoying a snack with Grandpa Tim.

Despite the chilly temperatures they got out for a walk.

Bath time is a favorite pastime at Grandpa and Nana's.

The big surprise for Nana was when Daddy showed up to celebrate her 50th birthday...the kids thought it was great to have Daddy around too!

Blessed!

Breakaway Conference 2010 was a fabulous weekend away with two woman who I've been blessed to know for the past 25 + years (Casey) and 10 + years (Jessi). As I prepared for the weekend away the word that kept coming to my mind was BLESSED!

I was/am blessed to...

*have the opportunity to attend a conference where I knew my walk with the Lord would be encouraged and challenged!

*be going with two fabulous woman who know me well and still love me and challenge me to be the best me I can be

*be known

*have in-laws to love on the kids so I could "breakaway"

*have a church who values the pastor's wives and provides a way to "breakaway" to be refueled.

We arrived safely, checked in and were ready...

to let the weekend festivities begin!

A candy bar was enjoyed by all...we filled our bags so full and left no room for a twisty tie.

Casey always has a way to rope me into crazy ideas I would never venture to do on my own... I think I secretly like that she forces me out of my comfort zone, stretches me and opens the door to lots of fun times!

This time she roped me into being a participant in "Clipped". We won, but as you can see it wasn't from the pure looks of our product...our enthusiasm took us to the top I think.

It seemed as if we were packing our bags to head home before I could blink. But there was no doubt that our hearts had been touched, encouraged and challenged, we had lots to take home and process and a fun time was had by all.

Being silly together...I think we're going to be seeing a lot more of that in the future.

Moving on...

Ataly is a big girl now and that meant it was time to say good bye to the piece of plastic that has brought us much peace and Ataly much comfort over the past 2 years. To be honest, I dreaded the day as I knew it wasn't going to be a pretty sight, yet I knew it was a necessary part of becoming a big girl. So...just the sight of Luke cutting the pacifier immediately sent Ataly to the floor for a 10 minute tantrum.

Not a happy camper...

I'm sure she was even more mad at the fact that I was video taping and photographing the big event. I think she'll be able to laugh at it one day...just not today!

After some encouragement and prayer, she decided it was time to come to terms with this dreadful parental affliction.

"Life will go on, and it's going to be ok...I think :O)"

Nap time that day wasn't bad, only 5 minutes of crying, and Jimmy and Taylor put her to bed without any tears shed that night. However, the next day she made up for it and cried for over an hour at nap time before finally coming to grips with reality. Oooo let me tell ya, that was a rough afternoon. It took her until Thursday after nap time to really pull through. The last 3 days I've been doing the happy dance because she seems to have moved on. I'll keep you posted if it takes a turn for the worst. I'm seriously praying we don't return there, because I can think of much more pleasant sounds to fill my ears than a crying/screaming girl longing for her pacifier. We did the same thing with Traeger the day after his 2nd birthday, and I think he's doing alright. It's going to be ok.

Mission Team Retreat

So here is the 2010 Mission Team...destination San Fran, CA

The team got away for a retreat to bond, have bedtime be optional, learn that flexibility is the name of the game and prepare for one of the greatest experiences of their life. Mission trips are so great! You have your mind set on what you think God is going to accomplish and He does that and so much more. I'm so thrilled for this group of youth and leaders. Can't wait to hear the stories they bring back from the trip of how God showed up and moved in mighty ways!

When you think of it, please be praying for the team. They depart June 20th-26th.

A weekend to remember...

It seems as if we like to cram as much as we can into our schedule?! So to follow suit, we squeezed 6 wonderful things in an extended weekend. It was so worth it and a good time was had by all!

First stop!

Breck and Ataly's birthdays are 4 days apart so we left a day early so we could celebrate together ON Breck's birthday.

There's nothing better than being in Nonnie's arms.

Breck's friends celebrating the birthday boy!

Birthday kiddos!

The cake toppers that I spent way too much time on but liked how they turned out...

so was it worth it?

fingers or fork?

fork.

Auntie Cori and Ataly

I'm blessed to have this sweet and silly little girl to celebrate!

Ataly receiving her first Bible from Nonnie and Grandpa Bruce.

Thanks P family for the "add a pearl" necklace...what a treasured gift!

Oshkosh Gymnastics Center

The kids and I joined Breck and his friends at the Oshkosh Gymnastics Center for his birthday celebration...such a fun place to burn lots of energy!

Are you getting this on camera mom? Am I strong or what?

Traeger's favorite was the slide that went underground and the ladder as the exit.

Sleepover at Grandpa and Nana's house!

As I was unpacking the kid's luggage for their sleepover at Nana and Grandpa Tim's, Ataly made herself right at home, climbing into the crib to greet Tiger. Thanks Nana and Grandpa for loving on the kids so I could get away for the Breakaway Conference, while Luke worked.

Breakaway 2010

I was blessed, once again, to attend the Breakaway Conference with these two amazing friends. More pictures and details to come....

Celebrating Laura!

After the conference and Luke's senior high lock in, we met up with the fam to surprise Laura and celebrate her 50th birthday!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ataly!

The kids and I traveled home from Cedar Grove on Ataly's birthday. So the big deal ON her birthday was that Jimmy and Taylor came over to help us sing "Happy Birthday" (and of course she loved all the presents she got to open too). And a special thanks to everyone else who thought of Ataly and blessed her with sweet gifts. It means the world to us that you pour love into our kid's lives!

She loved everything and was full of smiles!

Thanks guys for coming over to celebrate the birthday girl ON her big day.

Ataly Raen...you are so worth celebrating!

We love your smiles, giggles, girly ways (including screaming), and the joy you bring to our home. You are a special gift from God and we praise Him for you. Our desire is to love you more each day and trust God to give us the wisdom and knowledge to lead us to meet your needs and love you in ways that speak to your heart. We love learning new things about you each day and look forward to what God has in store for your 3nd year of life!

The fun, busy, and blessed weekend came to an end all too quickly...lots of memories were made. We're also so thankful for the answers to several prayers for the hundreds of miles of safe travel and health!