Merry Christmas 2009

Arms Wide Open

This is my most favorite worship song right now...the words are amazing, and the cry of my heart.

take my life, i lay it down
at the cross where i am found
all i have i give to You, oh God

take my hands and make them clean
keep my heart in purity
that i may walk in all You have for me

oh, here i stand arms open wide
oh, i am Yours and You are mine
Jesus

take my moments and my days
let each breath that I take
be ever only for You, oh God

oh, here i stand arms open wide
oh, i am Yours and You are mine
Jesus

my whole life is Yours
i give it all
surrender to Your Name
and forever I will pray
have Your way
have Your way

-- Hillsong United

Rachyl's Wedding Weekend

Last weekend I had the honor of being a bridesmaid in my dear friend Rachyl's wedding. Rachyl and I met at APU back in 2001, and she has been an awesome friend to us even despite the physical distance the last years. We were thrilled when her and Jonathan met and started dating...they are such a great couple. Shaun and Jonathan have a lot in common too so we look forward to many fun hang-out times in the future!

The weekend started off Thursday night with the bachelorette party at Buca di Beppo's. Danny Devito showed up too! LOL! Then we headed over to Rachyl's place where we played some games and had some tasty drinks and desserts. The bottom left picture is one game we played -- creating lingerie out of streamers.

I spent the night in Orange, and Friday was spent running errands and putting together last minute decorations for the wedding. Friday night was the dress rehearsal and dinner, and then Saturday, the big day!

Rachyl looked AMAZING!

Kristin was also a bridesmaid, and another dear friend of mine.

Me & my bud.

Good times with old college friends:
Kristin, Christy, Rachyl, Lancianne, me, and Elizabeth

First dance.

Notice the cake toppers -- shows their personalities well.

=)

A Little Chit Chat with Landon

This is for the grandparents. =)

Trick or Treat

We took the kids around the block tonight...they were excited to dress up, especially Natalie who said, "Today we can pretend to be something that we are not!" We didn't explain much about Halloween, just that they could go around and collect candy. It was fun. =)

Disneyland

A couple of weeks ago my parents were down here before their Mexican Riviera cruise out of LA. We spent a day with them at Disneyland which was SO much fun...Natalie had been counting down for weeks! You can read more about it on my Mom's blog. Thanks Mom & Dad for an awesome day!

Since that day we have been back a couple of times (we bought passes!) and it has been SO much fun to share the joy with the kids...and Shaun too, since he is the biggest Disneyland fan I have ever met!

Yesterday we met up with some old college friends, Greg & Kathy, and their 2 year old daughter, Savannah. We hadn't seen them since before we all had kids, so it was fun to reconnect and see each other as parents!

Another Hospital Visit

Two weeks ago we had another big hospital scare with Landon...he had gotten ANOTHER cold which resulted in us doing breathing treatments with him at home. One night he just kept coughing and coughing, and I did multiple breathing treatments in a row (normally they are supposed to be every 4 hours) but it still was not working. I spoke with an advice nurse who thought I had everything under control, but I was still nervous so I made an appointment with his doctor, who was available for 9am that morning (unheard of!).

At around 8:15am I was getting REALLY nervous...his breathing was labored and he kept crying. I knew he was having difficulty breathing. Thankfully we made it to the doctor's office in time and there she gave him two more breathing treatments and also did an X-ray, which showed no pneumonia. The breathing treatments were still not working, so at that point she recommended we head down as soon as possible down to the hospital in Panorama City.

Shaun & I had driven separately to the Dr's visit, so we decided to drop off his car at home before we left. The doctor had told us we could grab a few things from the house if we needed to, but I was SO nervous about his breathing that we didn't even grab anything -- just went straight there. When we arrived we went straight up to Pediatrics, where they immediately surrounded him and started him on a continuous breathing treatment. Poor little guy -- I had to hold the mask over his face from noon - 8pm. He wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything because it took too much effort. The nurses told me later that they were so surprised he hadn't beent transported to the hospital via ambulance because his breathing was SO bad. They told me that it was as if he was trying to drink a milkshake out of a coffee straw -- that is how hard it was for him to breathe!!! He had been using his stomach, neck, and clavicle muscles in attempt to breathe. When I heard this I felt SO bad, but at the same time so thankful that God allowed us to make it there in time.

At the hospital he was diagnosed with asthma. Although it is somewhat scary, we are relieved to finally have an answer for all of the breathing problems he has been having for the past 6 months. Now we are on a preventative care treatment...every day (morning and night) we give him Flovent through an inhaler (and an aerochamber, which makes it easier to use a puffer with a toddler). Our goal too is to figure out Landon's "trigger's"...the things which cause him to have asthma attacks, whether that be colds, weather changes, activities, allergies, dust, mold...etc.

Please pray for our little guy...it has been a rough half a year for him (and us!) health-wise. Pray that we can keep a close eye on him and also trust God to watch over him!

29

This past Sunday (the 18th) I started my last year in my twenties...oh boy, does it really go downhill from here???

Copperhill Women's Retreat

This past weekend I spent in Ventura with some of the women from our new church, Copperhill Community Church. It was such a great weekend -- I was challenged, met new people, and had fun! I also lead worship along with Sarah (the girl in the yellow) and it went really well...it was the first time either of us had lead so it was scary and challenging, but I am so glad that we did it.

LA County Fair

I think the center photo should be our this year's Family Christmas Photo, dontcha think? By the way, I love that I am the pig...I admit that I do love to eat. But...did you notice what Shaun is? =)

Just Playing

One-and-a-Half Already!?!?

I can't believe that our little boy is already a year and a half...

Some updates on Landon:

• He is trying SO hard to talk. I think he seriously thinks he is making complete sense but it is all gibberish...it's hilarious! Some words we do understand are: "wa-wa" (water), "Daddy", "doggie", "cat", "doo" (juice), "shoes", "dee-doo" (thank you), "ahh duh" (all done). I know there are more, but I can't think of any at this point! =) He also loves making animal noises, and pretty much any animal in general.
• He LOVES balls. Literally, he could toss a ball around ALL day long. And he has an awesome throw.
  
• He has 8 teeth -- 4 on the top, 4 on the bottom...with his i-teeth and molars about to come in any day!
• He is sleeping quite well...there are still maybe 2 - 3 nights a week where he is waking up early in the morning for milk (between 4 - 5:30) but the majority of the time he is sleeping 8pm - 7:30am...straight. Fabulous.
• He loves getting out of the house. As soon as anyone gets their shoes on he is at the door with his own shoes (trying to put them on) and then has a complete meltdown if he isn't the one leaving the house.
  
• He LOVES his big sister...they play so well together!
• He is SUCH a JOY and we are so blessed to have him as our son!

Warning: Cute Kids In Pajamas

Magic Mountain Nights

When we first moved back here we all decided to get Six Flags Magic Mountain passes, since we could buy a day and get the rest of the year free. Since we live less then 5 miles away we all agreed it would be a good investment! We have since spent many nights walking around the park, going on free dates, and taking the kids just to get out of the house. Natalie and Landon LOVE going there and on all the little kiddie rides. We've taken Natalie on the Log Ride a couple of times and she hates it, but not for the reason you might think (the big drop!) but instead because she gets water in her eyes! LOL...finally we realized that if we take a washcloth along for her on the ride she uses it to either cover her eyes or to wipe her eyes if they get wet. Silly girl. =)

First Haircut!

After we got back from our trip to Canada we decided it was time to chop off Landon's cute curls. They were ADORABLE, but when it wasn't curly (after being slept on) it was straggly and too long. Shaun liked it -- he thought it was "rock star." But I kept talking about how it needed to be trimmed that he finally gave in because he knew I wouldn't shut up until I got my way. =) Good husband!

He still looks cute as ever, and like such a big boy!

Since then...

Since we got back the kiddos both have been sick and on antibiotics. Thankfully Shaun and I didn't get it...well, at least not as bad as they had it! I have been fighting a sore throat but have been fine other then that!

Today was the first day of school at Valmont Academy (formerly Valley Montessori), Shaun's parent's private school. I had my first day of lessons...I am going to be teaching 11 students on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings! Shaun is also continuing to work at the school, and as of right now it's not just a temporary thing anymore. It's pretty cool how God has lead us and directed us with HIS will for us...

We recently were applying for a full time position leading worship for young adults and we were supposed to be interviewing for it but ended up backing out a few days beforehand -- we just didn't feel at peace about it. Instead we are getting more involved with our new home church here in Valencia. Shaun has been asked to lead worship about 50% of the time, which we are so excited about. It is a very informal position, but we are excited about the church and the opportunity to use our gifts there.

About the school -- Shaun is going to continue working there but is now taking on a more administrative role, along with the fix ups and tutoring he was doing. Our goal is to come alongside his parents and help them to cast some new vision with it and maybe someday open a second school in another location. We'll see -- we have a lot to talk about and plan for. But for now we are taking it one day at a time!

We are excited about the opportunities we've been presented with. I must say it isn't what we thought, and I still feel like I'm waiting for the "aha" moment where we look back and say that everything we've been through makes perfect sense...but who knows if we will ever feel that? For now we are content and continuing to trust...and thankful that God still sees us, loves us, and is showing us that. =)

Summer

Again...sorry for the lack of blogging! This summer has been crazy busy and FUN and I will do my best to update you on what we've been up to!

We spent two weeks of fun (August 8th - 22nd) up in Canada with my family. Julene & Chris (and company) were home on vacation and since our work situation has been pretty flexible we decided it was the perfect time to go see them, and be there the whole two weeks! It was SO great to all be together...after not seeing them for 15 months!

The kids had so much fun playing together...it was so cute to see Natalie tagging along with her "big" cousins -- Tehya, 7, and Paeton, 5. Natalie acted so grown up around them too which was so great of course! My favorite thing she said was, "Mommy, Tehya's not my cousin anymore. She's my best friend." =)

Papa & Mimi (my parents) recently re-did their backyard. The kids had a BLAST playing out there!

Just being together was great...going to church together and lunch afterwards, hanging out as siblings at Ben & Kari's, going in the hot-tub, going to Hatzic Lake (the family cabin), and eating TONS of delicious food that my Mom made and planned so well for ahead of time.

We also were together to celebrate Julene's birthday a few days late (the 3rd), Tehya on the 11th, Paeton on the 13th, and my Mom on the 17th.

The whole family also spend 3 nights up in Shuswap at two beautiful condos on the lake. The weather was kinda sad (cloudy/rainy) but we still had a great time!

Thanks for hosting us, Mom & Dad for two whole weeks -- we had SO much fun! =)

Superstar!

Oh, Daddy will be so proud. =)

My Weightloss Journey

So I have been desperately trying to lose weight. I have been doing Weight Watchers since the middle of June. I really don't mind the plan -- it really encourages a healthy lifestyle and exercise. Both great things! I have been so discouraged though -- I have stuck to the plan and after ten weeks only lost 7.4 pounds. I know that is good...but it is hard when other people around me are losing double or more in the same amount of time!

Now Shaun and I started a new exercise routine...it is high impact and intensive...basically 10 different exercises daily for one minutes straight, and then repeating the whole routine 3 times. It is supposed to increase your metabolism a lot, as well as confuse your muscles because you are daily doing a different set of exercises. It is INTENSE and hard. But good...we have been doing it now for 8 days (3 days on, then a day of rest) and I can already tell my arms are slimming and my pants are bigger. BUT I am not really seeing results on the scale.

Another part of this exercise routine is that they want you to eat MORE. This is so confusing and frustrating to me because I feel like I am getting conflicting information. Weight Watchers is basically reducing your caloric and fat intake, whereas this is wanting you to increase your protein intake so that your body doesn't go into starvation mode.

So I'm confused. Any tips???

Crazy Life...

This past Monday Shaun, the kids, and I drove out to Old Town Pasadena because I had to stop by a music store to pick up some music for one of my piano students. After that we drove down to Azusa Pacific University because Shaun had to pick up some paperwork. It was SO strange walking through the campus...the place where Shaun and I met almost 8 years ago! And now we were back, after being married 6 1/2 years, and two kids later. It was so surreal. It is such a beautiful campus!

Fourth of July

(sorry, these pics are quite delayed!)

Orange County State Fair

A couple weekends ago we all headed down to Costa Mesa for the Orange County Fair. It was blasted hot outside (well, high 80's seemed hot that day!) but we had fun anyways! We took Natalie on a giant ferris wheel, which she was nervous about but loved!

these days...

A lot of people have asked what we've been up to recently. So here's the scoop!

We are living quite comfortably at Shaun's parents house in Valencia, CA. Shaun has been working most days at Valley Montessori (my in-law's private Montessori school in North Hollywood). He has been doing some renovations on the school and landscaping, and also filling in with teaching/running a class if his parents need some backup. I am also spending a couple days down at the school teaching piano! I have 8 students there, and I split it up over 2 days (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings). Natalie goes in with Shaun a few days each week and spends time there in the preschool classroom. She LOVES it! When I go down I take Landon with me and he hangs out with Shaun or Kathy, or in the preschool class. It really is a great set-up...free babysitting while I work! I hope to get more students, especially in the fall, but for now I am happy and blessed with what we've been provided with at the moment.

Emotionally we are...okay. It's been a rough road. As of today it's been 2 months exactly since we left Vegas. It seems like we have been in California for longer but the pain is still so fresh that it seems like yesterday. A lot of you don't know what happened...the very SHORT story is that Shaun was forced out by one man who had too much control in the church, and for some reason didn't like Shaun even though the rest of the staff and the church loved him. All of that was very hurtful and we questioned why God allowed this to happen to us. And it didn't help when the weekend after we left we found out that that pastor had resigned/been fired due to a moral sin issue. We have really questioned the timing of it all...if the "sin" had come out even a week earlier we would possibly still be there and have a job! But through it all it confirmed many things for us -- that Shaun was truly wrongly treated, and that God didn't want us in Vegas anymore.

Honestly we are SO happy to not be in the city of Las Vegas anymore--it's not the ideal place to live or raise a family! We are thrilled to be in Southern California and even more excited to be near family after being far away for over 3 years! But we loved the church and the amazing friendships that we had there...and of course we also miss having a paycheck! =)

We are processing, questioning, wondering, hoping...the list goes on and on. Do we look for another ministry job? Is that even what Shaun wants to do anymore? What does God want us to do? Does He even care if we do a ministry job vs. a "normal" job? If we're not in ministry then what should Shaun do?

The story of Joseph has come up MULTIPLE times (sermons, family members, Veggies Tales!) over the past few months. He was wrongfully treated by his brothers, but he later says:

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good..."
Genesis 50:20

We are trusting that God has intended this for His good...and we cling to that.

I have tried to summarize our feelings and what's happening but honestly my words can't convey...the long and the short of it is...we really could use your prayers.

Specifically for:

• Shaun - that he would not listen to the lies that say he is not good enough...that God would clearly and quickly convey His plan for us!...for joy in the day to day as we figure this out
• the Kids...that they will remember this season as a joy-filled time as a family
• Kristal...that I would be supportive to my husband and family...that I would cling to Jesus in my loneliness and questioning.

The Kiddos

Just some updated pictures of my cute kids! =)

Father's Day Gift - Baseball Game!

(Sorry, these blog posts are a bit out of order!)

Father's Day we surprised Shaun with tickets to the Dodgers vs. Angels baseball game in Anaheim. We had wanted to take Landon down with us too but he had been feeling sick for a few days so we decided to leave him home with Grumpa & Grandma. It is a good thing we did because it was HOT and it was hard enough for Natalie to sit still through the entire game! It was really fun though...the Dodger's won and fun was had by all! =)

Wedding Weekend

The last weekend in June we headed up to Paradise, CA for Jeremy (Shaun's cousin) & Whitney's wedding. We left early on Friday morning to get there in time for the rehearsal dinner. Shaun was honored to be an usher for the wedding. He looked quite handsome in his James Bond outfit. =)

It was a GORGEOUS wedding! The setting was amazing. The only flaw was the heat. It was over 100 degrees plus the humidity was so bad because it was right along the river, with absolutely no breeze. I seriously thought I was going to pass out! The kids were red faced and sweaty and there were bees flying all over. To top it all off, Paul (Shaun's Dad) was feeling awful and ended up missing the entire wedding. He went to the ER because of major stomach pains and found out he needed to have an emergency gall bladder removal surgery. He was transported by ambulance on Saturday night to Roseville, CA, where the nearest Kaiser Permanente Hospital is (and where his insurance is) and had the surgery on Sunday night. The rest of us (Kathy, Shaun, the kids, and I) followed him on Sunday morning and got a hotel out there to be nearby. The surgery went well and he felt a lot of relief from the pain meds and being able to rest.

Shaun, the kids, and I headed back down to SoCal on Monday morning. We had to be back to cover the school for his parents. Thankfully it is now summer and the enrollment is down so it wasn't too crazy for him! Paul was released from the hospital on Tuesday morning, but they ended up staying up there for a few days to allow him to recover at the hotel before trekking back down here.

Daddy's Day

Happy Father's Day
...to an amazing husband
...and a very loving Daddy!

I am so proud to have you beside me in this journey.
I love you!

Yosemite

Shaun's family (aunts, uncles, and cousins) head up to Yosemite each summer for a week. They've invited us to come camp with them every year for the past few years, but due to Shaun's work we were never able to schedule it. This year they were up there and they called us and said, "We have room! Why don't you come stay in our RV with us?" It was too good of an offer to pass up...I had never been and Shaun hadn't been there since 2001.

We left on Tuesday (June 2nd) and stayed until Friday the 5th. It was SO beautiful. Seriously, we drove into the valley and I felt like we had stepped into heaven! The weather wasn't too great...it rained on a off and was a bit cloudy but still we enjoyed it!

Wednesday we went on a hike up to Vernal Falls. It's a little less then 2 miles round trip, but it was SO steep. Both Shaun and I were pushing a stroller and I thought I was going to die! LOL We were exhausted when we got back. Landon and I laid down on the bed and napped for 2 hours!

Thursday we drove bikes around Yosemite all day. It was so much fun! I forgot how much I love riding a bike. We had the kids in a little Burley that we towed behind Shaun's (uncle's) bike. They loved it too.

We stopped for lunch at a little deli in Yosemite village. While we were there we ran into the Russell's. How crazy is that?!?! What are the chances of us running into Shaun's old boss (and our friends!) from Arizona in California? Neither party knew the other was going to be there! We ended up meeting with them for pizza that night and catching up.

That night was rough...it was pouring rain and Shaun was up sick. Poor guy...puking in a public restroom isn't too fun! I think it was a combination of what he ate and dehydration from all the stuff we'd done the past couple of days. By morning he was feeling better but it was POURING so we decided to head home.

It was a GREAT couple of days. We hope to make it our own family tradition to camp up there every summer!

PS. I have a few pics, but the majority of what we took are on Shaun's cousin's fancy shamncy camera...we're hoping to get those from him soon! When I do I promise to post them.

First view of Yosemite Valley

Gotta get "our" shot here!

See?!? Heavenly!

Half Dome

Vernal Falls

I stole this one from the Russell's blog since it was better then mine! =)Proof that we actually saw the Russell's in Yosemite! =)

The valley as we were leaving...even beautiful while overcast!