Message From Ron

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.
1 John 3:1

The early church father St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.” This Advent Season I came home to the following picture(s); which shortly after would be preached (delivered) to those in our community where our incarnate Lord can often be found.

Three beautiful girls, a counter of activity, 12 bags, thoughtful food, food for thought and a Toyota.

What a gift!  My favorite gift of the season.

Christmas 2011

Christmas was, well, wonderful. We hosted Mimi and Papa this year and woke up in our own beds on Christmas morning, which was incredible. The girls embraced the morning with an abundance of screams and giggles. We all enjoyed watching them take it all in. Post Christmas, the temperature soared to summer-ish degrees and we took full advantage. There were walks, jogs, bike rides and even some paddle boarding to be had by all. We celebrated birthdays, Skyped with family far away, ate, talked, hung out with friends, went out to eat, and even saw a movie! Ron and I rang in the new year with friends and actually stayed up  hung in there until 12:00! We decided that it was over rated (the staying up, not the friends), although we do love Ryan Seacrest.   

We wrapped it all up with the Rose Parade with the Hunts on the 2nd. 

Starting Tuesday, all were back to work and back to school and I must admit that it kind of sucked.

I like being together and playing all day long! I guess that's why they call it vacation!!
We are certainly grateful for this season and this year. We are grateful everyday for family, friends, our girls, health, jobs, the list goes on and on. Most of all we are blessed to be loved by a gracious God who sent his son for us.

Santa Baby Train

I have lots of events to post, starting with Sadie's birthday. Sweet little nugget rang in the 2's with a supper out with family and a ride on Irvine Park's Santa Train. 

There is certainly great joy in watching this little one celebrate life.

Happy Birthday, Tuna

Sadie William, you're 2! 

How can these 2 years have flown so quickly?

You have us all by the heart strings, wrapped around your little fingers.

all.of.us

At 2, you are The Snuggler. On early mornings when we bring you into bed with us, trying to squeeze in just a few last moments of sleep before starting the day, you're not content unless you are laying on top of one of us, snuggled in close, and we love every second.

You are small, but mighty. You are brave and adventurous, you can hold your own with your sister,  have definite opinions about things, are easy going, listen well and are sometimes shy. You like being near mom and dad best. 

You're done with riding in the stroller/jogger or being carried. You'd much rather walk or run. Although you sometimes have to be carried, none of us can resist setting your free when you look up at us and say, "densh?" (dance)

 You love to move and groove regardless of the environment. We can be at home rocking out to the music, Trader Joe's, the airport, or even Costco. You love to "densh."

You love to play with Rosie, read, color, and yes, eat. You have the same hearty appetite that you had as a tiny baby. You'll often start the day with a banana or 2 and a bowl of cereal with a side of oatmeal. After you're finished you'll make your way around the bar in the kitchen and finish off everyone else's breakfast remnants. I love this about you.

This fall we tried to get you off of the "bink," that beloved green pacifier that was given to you in the hospital. We've tried.... and to show for it,  now you need 2 pacifiers to fall asleep. You have "bink" and "other one."

Great job, Mom. 

You are so so loved, Sadie. You are surrounded by family and friends that are crazy about you. 

I pray that as you grow we can foster your strong sense of self, your accurate read on people, your humor and your sense of wonder. You are a gift to us, Sadie. We are so grateful for you and your place in our lives. May you grow to understand just how much God loves you. May you have eyes to see all of the love and beauty that surrounds you. 

We love you to the moon and back, little Tuna.

Happy Birthday to you.