When the desire is strongest...God steps in and saves me!

This seems to happen about every six months. When I feel the strongest desire to go running home and admit defeat in California, God seems to bring small little blessings to my children and I realize I can't quit now - if for no other reason for my kids' sake. There are days that I miss my family and friends to such an overwhelming degree that I am willing to tell Phil to quit the job and move home and figure something new and different out for our lives. But then days like today happen.

Logan got a call from a young person in our church that is trying to fix my office phone. He has to run wire in some very "small" places and asked if Logan could help him. So, Logan is off crawling in small places running wire so that his mom can have a phone in her office at the church. I am so thankful that Travis trusts Logan enough to do what he is told and doesn't mind being with him.

The girls are invited to a "giving" tea party with the other little girls in the church. All frilly and fun and best of all they are giving gifts to a child that may not get any other presents.

Then, tonight, all three of the kids will be picked up by two fabulous ladies in our church, taken to dinner, Christmas light touring, then dessert and returned back to us. And, they offered to do this. It wasn't like I had to beg, borrow and plead with them to take my kids (and as most of you know, I wouldn't do that anyway!).

So, I am sitting here wondering....would they be getting these experiences in Oregon? Of course not, because they would be busy with all their grandparents and family. But, here, people in our church know our kids don't have their grandparents and choose to do special things with my kids just because they want to.

I know God knows my deepest desires, but for now, He chooses to keep us here and gives me these moments of thankfulness for the experiences my children have received since being here. If living down here makes my children better people as they grow up....then it will all be worth it!!

One Amazing Forty Year Old!!

Could it be possible?

Are you really turning 40 years old today? I can hardly believe it. I have to admit, I have always thought of "40" as being old. Not ancient, with a cane, needing a hearing aid, but old nonetheless. But, I have to say....you are a pretty awesome 40 year old!!

So, to the most amazing, handsome, loving, generous 40 year old I know....Happy Birthday!!

As I was reading the birthday card Victoria made, I just had to use part of it for this years addition to my list of "38 Reasons I Love You" which is now "40 Reasons I Love You"........

40. "You are the laugh of the family" - I read that and thought...perfect!!! You truly are the "laugh" of our family. Your funny ways make our kids (and me) laugh so hard, I LOVE it!! I am so thankful for your awesome sense of humor and the joy you are to everyone you are around.

You might be 40....but I am so happy to say that you are "My" Amazing Forty Year Old!!

Happy Birthday Phil....I love you!!

Eight Wonderful Years

It is hard to believe we were blessed with our first little girl

eight years ago...

There are moments I look at those deep brown eyes, with those beautiful black eyelashes and wonder how you got so big and grown up looking. But, you have always had that grown up look. You were so adorable in your sweet, "Victoria"n dresses Grandma bought you. All your beautiful black hair and your bright red lips made you the perfect "Victoria". We had all intentions of calling you Tori, but you have always looked like a Victoria. So, now we only shorten your name when we get lazy and don't want to say all those syllables to get your attention..

and it actually turns into "Tor".

And...the older you get the more I realize how blessed I am to be your mom. The smiles from little girls when you make a point to call them by name or ask them to play. The giggles from the bedroom when you and your sister are supposed to be going to sleep. Your consistent prayers during devotion time for "Aunt" Pam to get better from cancer, for Grandma to feel better, for Daddy to have LOTS of customers. Your sweet voice as you are singing with all your heart. Your "girlie" look when you are going to church. Your rough and tumble way when you are playing football with the boys or riding your four-wheeler. The twinkle in your eyes when your Daddy gets home from work. Your brilliant mind that is always at work. Your sweet smile when you first wake up in the morning and your sweet kiss when you are going to sleep at night. So many things that make you the sweetest

Eight Year Old I know.

Happy Birthday sweet Victoria!!

Ending Summer on a High Note

We really only had a one month summer vacation so we tried to make the best of it. The first week was spent with our wonderful friends, The Johnsons. The parents had a business meeting in San Francisco and we were blessed to have their kids with us for four days. Oh, how we love being together. The kids all had a blast and I thoroughly enjoyed having a little 2 year old girl around to cuddle and love. After their meeting, the parents came back and stayed with us for a couple more days. We enjoyed an "adult" only dinner....their kids are older and could babysit my younger kids. It was lovely since I rarely get to be with just adults. Then we spent an entire day having a blast at Six Flags, then topped off the weekend with fun in the neighborhood and a Johnson/Swank Football game at the park. It was hard to say goodbye, but we are so excited for our camping trip together in October.


Then, Logan got his braces put on. He was soooo excited....until the next day. That is when he realized it might be a long year. I keep telling him it will all be worth it when those teeth are so straight and pretty....I promise you he will be the most handsome boy out there!!

Next was Logan's big "11". I always have a hard time on my kids' birthdays because I know time is going much faster than I want it to. The best thing on birthdays is to stay really busy and just enjoy the day and the one we are celebrating. We spent a wonderful day with some great friends hiking up Westwood Hills in Napa. It was absolutely beautiful and kids had so much fun running, hiking, climbing and swinging!!

To cap the summer off, my mom and Michael arrived for a week. It was wonderful to have them visit when we had no school, no quizzing and Phil was able to take three days off. The guys enjoyed golfing, us girls enjoyed shopping and all of us enjoyed a wonderful day at AT&T Park watching the San Francisco Giants play baseball. I have never been much of a baseball fan, but being at the game was so much fun that it turned me into a big Giants fan!!

A wonderful end to Summer 2010...now on to Fall 2010!!

Wide Awake at 3:05am

I opened my eyes and saw it was still dark out, whew...at least I can get more sleep. I rolled over, looked at the clock and it said 3:05 AM. Why, oh why, do I do this? Then, I realized it is not 3:05 AM on an ordinary day. It is 3:05 AM on August 17th. Exactly 11 years, 5 minutes after the time my sweet son arrived!! I laid there and thought about those first few minutes of his life. Then, I sadly realized, I can't remember them because I was coming out of anesthesia from a very scary, traumatic, nothing seemed to be going right, c-section for my first-born to arrive. I laid there thinking about all the things that could have gone wrong that night. And laid there with the most thankful heart that God decided to make sure everything was okay and my sweet Logan arrived safely!

It is hard to realize 11 years have passed, but the fear I felt for about 1 hour will never leave me. I remember the concern in the nurses eyes. I remember my doctor coming in, eventhough he wasn't on call, and explaining what was going on. I remember my doctor yelling in the operating room that things needed to be handled now! I remember the look in my husbands eyes as they ushered him out of the operating room while they administered the anesthesia. Then, I remember holding that precious child in my arms for the first time. I remember his sweet face, his large hands, his cowlick in the middle of his forehead, his scream. I remember the over-whelming feeling of responsibility that hit me, even in my medicated state. That day completely changed my world.

So, I laid in bed awake a little longer this morning, thinking about the abundant blessing I have. God gave me a son first to really see if I was in for the long-haul on this mothering thing. I still ask God why He didn't give me a brother if He knew He was going to give me a son someday. I truly shake my head at times because the world of a boy is so different than the world of a girl. But, I love him more than words can say. I am so proud of the boy he has become and look forward to seeing all that God has in store for his life. I love you Logan....have a great Birthday!

Feeling a little left out? Not at all!

I got a text from Phil a little while ago with an update on when he and Logan would return from work tonight:

"Just want you to know Lo and I are out for a birthday dinner just the 2 of us...he asked if he could go with just me"

Oh, how that kid loves his Dad. I remember when he was little and people would always comment/judge/criticize Phil for how much he worked and that he didn't spend enough time with his son and if he wasn't careful his son wouldn't want anything to do with him and he would turn into a Mama's boy (now that makes me laugh!) and you know, boys need their Daddy's to teach them how to be men. Crazy thing??? I actually listened at first and fretted and worried and tried to figure out how to change life, then I realized God had it all under control. Whew...having a few more kids really helps you to stop listening to all the crazy people out there that have too many opinions and not enough of the facts.

Getting that text from Phil confirms that God knew what He was doing. Yes, Phil has always worked A LOT. But, the amazing part is that God created Phil a little ADHD (not diagnosed, just an observation), not so good for his elementary school career but great for being a Dad that works 70-80 hours per week. I have never met another man like him. Every night he still gives his kids the time and energy they need and on his weekends off we make the most of them. Yes, the garage is a mess (so Phil uses the front door instead of the garage), the backyard needs some tending to (I just close the blinds before he comes home), but our kids get to enjoy their time with their Daddy.

So, no, I really don't feel left out all...just incredibly blessed that God chose to give me a husband that is my son's best friend. Enjoy your dinner boys....you deserve it!

So much has happened...

What a busy, busy couple of months we have had. It started and ended with Bible Quizzing. On June 19, 2010, the Napa Junior Bible Quiz Team took Second Place at the Western District State Finals....which qualified us for a spot at the National Tournament in St. Louis, MO during the week of July 24th.

The weekend started out a little bit rocky for us. We lost our first quiz, then found out that our second quiz was up against the team that took first place at the last quiz. We knew that if we lost the second quiz we were done for the year. And we knew it could go either way since we had battled back and forth all year. We were thankful that our team was able to win the second quiz and continue winning until the championship game. We lost, but were so thankful that we finished second. However, this extended our quiz season and actually postponed summer vacation as most of us know it. The next month was spent planning, fundraising, practicing, quoting, planning, practicing, fundraising...I guess you get the point. I now realize I am part of one of the best churches around. It was absolutely amazing the way people helped us get to Nationals; between washing cars, helping me organize and plan the trip , making plum jelly until after midnight to sell as a fundraiser for us, buying lots of "Floats and Boats", organizing future fundraisers and just giving our kids so much encouragement. I am so thankful to be in a place like this and to know that when we have done all we can do, He sends people to help pick up and move on until the task is accomplished.

Nationals did not go as we wanted....we got knocked out of the tournament pretty quick, but we were so proud of our kids for the tremendous year we had. I was truly privileged to work with four of the greatest kids. I pray that this year of quizzing was as enjoyable for them as it was for me.

It was sad to see the quiz season come to an end, but realized that my summer could begin. After losing our second game, we packed up and headed to Indiana to see Phil's cousin and his family. It was a much needed trip. As we got closer to the "country" of the mid-west, I could feel all the stress and pressure start to leave. As I sat on the back deck, listening to the kids swim, looking out over Phil's-late-Grandpa's "retirement" farm, I realized just how faithful God has been to us. I realized the last year has been more insane than usual for us, but in the midst of it all, it didn't feel like it. That is how God works....He puts you under intense pressure and heat in order to mold you, but He is so gentle sometimes that we don't even feel the magnitude of the heat until we are in the cool again. I pray that He molded me into a better person, mother, wife and friend over the last 8 months.

Now...on to summer!

**A slide show of our trips is in the making....**

You Can't Be Serious...Already?

**Disclaimer: I wrote this the day before Mariah's birthday and never posted it (or anything else for the last two months). Since I make this blog into a book, I must still post it so that she doesn't grow up feeling left out and unloved and in counseling when she is 19!!**

Mariah is currently running around all excited. Excited that the day is almost here. Excited that Nana is on her way. Excited that tomorrow we get to go to Six Flags. Excited that she is....yes, another year older. I, however, am running around grocery shopping, baking cakes, cleaning house, preparing for a weekend of fun with my mom. But not with as many giggles as Mariah. While I am doing this, my heart is a little sad. Could the baby of our family really be turning "6", already?


When we were at the grocery store, the clerk pointed to Mariah and said "she must be the bossy one". Well, not really bossy, just very sure of herself! Actually, Mariah is the least bossy of the three. However, she will not be left out or forgotten because of her age or size. She is Spunky with a capital "S" and the older she gets the more she acts like her Daddy. She is goofy and silly. She loves to smile, laugh and giggle (even when it isn't a good time!). I decided the youngest child is either the clown or the quiet and shy one of the family. And, since God chose to not give us a quiet and shy child, this puts Mariah on the side of being a clown. This year has been a BIG year for Miss Mariah....

• She learned to ride a bike without training wheels


• She started school


• She learned how to read, write (the correct direction - hard for "left-handers", I guess), and add.


• She learned the art of being quiet when her brother and sister are arguing (a true art that most "youngest" learn quickly)


• She started to drive the four-wheeler with her Daddy on the back (never mind the fact that she flipped them both off the back of it!)

What a joy it is that God decided to give Mariah to us to raise. I feel blessed every time she calls me "Mom"and gives me one of her tight, tight hugs. The name "Mariah" means chosen by God and this is true. God knew we needed her and all the spunk she adds to our family....Happy Birthday Mariah, enjoy your day! I love you!!

And Second Place Goes To....

Napa Junior Bible Quiz Team!! Way to go kids...

The really exciting thing about the Junior Quiz teams in this area is that at each quiz a different "team" or "church" has taken First Place. It has been fun to watch the amazing competition, but also to watch all the quizzers enjoy each others company after they are done quizzing. That is a pretty awesome thing to watch.

Logan walked away with "Second Highest Quizzer" of the day....another exciting moment in his career (ha ha!)

Victoria is still doing fantastic. She is able to answer some questions (when the boys let her!) and she is so stinkin' cute up there. She works so hard at home and at practice...watch out, because once she gets older she will be giving her team mates a run for their money!!

Mariah enjoyed having some of her friends from our church at the quiz. The quiz was only about 30 miles from Napa, so we had a lot of people that came to watch and "cheer" on our kids. It was awesome!! And...Mariah had fun visiting with all of them!

18 Years of True Happiness!!

Yesterday was my 18th Anniversary of being married to the most incredible man in the world. I keep thinking I can't be old enough to have been married this long. What were my parents thinking letting their daughter marry at the age of....what, 10?

Words can not express my wonderful world with Phil. Oh, it hasn't always been perfect and difficulties have come and gone, we are human, but I am thankful that even in those difficulties I know that he still loves me. What a true privilege it is to have been married to such a great guy. When I look back on my life when I was teenager, I am still amazed at the merciful hand of God. He has been so good to me and I will always say that the best thing He did, besides saving me, was giving me Phil. So, this post is dedicated to you, Phil, the sweetest man I know:

My mind is flooded with such sweet and precious memories of our life together.....

I remember the first time I saw you (cutest boy I ever saw!), I remember our first date, I remember our first fight (hilarious!), I remember the moment I realized I was in love with you and wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, I remember the day you proposed to me, I love to think about the beautiful wedding and the awesome trip to Mexico, I remember buying our first house together, then building our second house and the numerous weekends and vacations working side-by-side to create a beautiful home and yard, I remember the day we found out we were actually starting a family (finally!), I will never forget your willingness to work so hard in order for me to give up my job to stay home with the kids, I will always remember your encouraging words when I felt like I was a horrible mother, wife, person. I will always cherish your complete commitment to me and our children. Your strong desire to spend every moment away from work with us. I really do love every sweet hug and kiss (even when I am REALLY busy and don't have time!).

And now, I look forward to all the things in the future. I look forward to getting up each morning to your sweet face and going to sleep each night with you beside me. I will enjoy every smile, laugh, cry, words of frustration and moments of staying up until midnight just so we can have a conversation. I am thankful that when I am weak you are strong and that you keep me balanced.

I am so thankful for a marriage that has been filled with 18 years of joy and look forward to decades more. I love you Phil!!

Motherhood

"Motherhood is the journey out of self-centeredness" - Unknown

What a privilege it is to be called Mom (although I prefer the days of "Mommy" but I have resigned myself to the fact that those days are gone). Each day I am more thankful for the opportunity to be a mom to three of the most spectacular children.

There is a post that keeps going around Facebook and it really is true.

Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. When you were born, I saw your face and knew I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for you. To this day, I will.

So thankful that I have been blessed with three precious gifts....I love you Logan, Victoria and Mariah!

Thankfulness...

The last few weeks have been very trying on Phil. For me, it is hard to watch. He has always been the positive, optimistic, full-of-faith one. And it is really hard for me to see the most wonderful person in the world struggling and fighting with all he has just to maintain.

The other night at dinner, he was discussing some "not so fair" situations within the company he works for. As he was talking, he was getting more and more aggravated at the situation he is currently in. He worked his tail off for 10 years as an Assistant Manager in hopes of getting a smooth running, profitable store. Instead, he got a store that has a lot of problems and is not very profitable. He is currently working more now than he was his last couple years as an Assistant....that, was not the plan! Anyway, as he was getting more frustrated with each word, Logan says, "But Dad, we are here because this is where God wants us!" Oooops!! Out of the mouths of our children comes wisdom. So, early the other morning I realized something:

Everything I prayed for came to pass. I prayed that our move would not hinder our children or the people they are becoming. I prayed for a place we could enjoy as a family. I prayed for a church that would love my children and that my children could grow and thrive in. And, God knew neither Phil nor I could just sit on a pew and do nothing. So, as a bonus, He threw in a trust and confidence in our Pastors to allow us to be working in areas of ministry already. So, if I sit and complain, I am no different than the Israelites when God miraculously brought them out of Egypt.

Regardless of all the crazy "outside" stuff going on, we are where we belong. It is time to stop talking and whining about the unfairness of the company, why they do what they do, the Area Manager that just doesn't understand the situation, the quarterly meetings trying to defend your stores current economic position. It is time to stop worrying about the people that you thought would never forget you but somehow have, the lack of calls or messages when you really need some encouragement, the temptation to give up and move back to familiar territory.

My blessings are so abundant....I have a husband that adores me. Three healthy, happy, well-adjusted children that make me smile at the little people they are becoming. Precious friends that I can call on and they give me the wisdom and encouragement I need. An awesome church that feeds our hearts and souls. New friends that I really enjoy being with.

Life is crazy and and it rains on the just and the unjust alike. My prayer is that we remain on the "just" side. How sad my life would be if I allowed myself to move to the "unjust" side because of life's circumstances. So, in all things, I will be thankful!

Sweet Reward For A Lot Of Hard Work

We had a great weekend of quizzing....

Napa Quiz Team took First Place at the 2010 Spring Open in Manteca, CA.

These two boys were machines that day. Out of a total of 7 Quizzes for the day, they brought home a combined 13 ribbons for highest scorer or second highest scorer for each quiz.

Logan was First Place All-Tournament Team for having the Highest Average Score of the Day!!

We were so proud....he works so hard and truly LOVES quizzing. It was AWESOME to watch the shock on his face when they called his name to receive this trophy.

Victoria is always ready for the camera!! We were so excited that she got to answer questions this quiz. This is great considering she is at least 2 years younger than the "youngest" quizzer in the Junior Division (which is for ages 9-12). She should be in the Beginner Division, but we didn't have enough kids to make a team so she is quizzing with the big kids and does an awesome job keeping up with them!

This is what happens to Mariah at the quizzes...it is just too much for her to take!!

After a great weekend and lots of fun, we are now off to study for another quiz in May. To date, Victoria has memorized 171 verses and Logan has memorized 234 verses. I am continually amazed at the ability of children. And yes, I must say, a little proud!!

Just say NO!

A couple weeks ago, Logan was helping Phil at work. Phil's new assistant, Tony, had to go to the bank and Logan went with him. Side note for all my friends that know me all too well: Tony is a great guy. The first day he started it seemed like we had known him forever. I worry though that our life might steer him and his wife away from having kids...not really. He is wonderful and so good to our kids. The bank is located inside a store and Tony was buying "energy drinks" for the other guys at the store. Here is the conversation:

Tony: "Hey Logan, you want an one?"
Logan: "Sure! No, just kidding. I am not allowed to have them"
Tony: "Well what do you want to drink?"
Logan: "I'll take that Mountain Dew..."
Tony goes to grab the Mountain Dew
Logan: "No, I was kidding. I can't have that either, it has too much caffeine."
Tony: "Oh, its okay."
Logan: "No really, I am not supposed to drink that kind of soda"
Tony: "We'll just get it and see what your Dad says. If he says you can't have it, I will say I didn't know and then you will have to drink it because I already bought it." I am really hoping at this point that Tony was just testing Logan to see what he would say...but I never asked him.
Logan: "No, I'm not supposed to drink those. Can I get something else"
Tony: "Sure, what do you really want?"
Logan: "I'll take a Root Beer"

This is why I love strong-willed children. They are horrible, tear-your-hair-out toddlers and preschoolers that make you (and all the other adults around you) think you are the worst mother in the world. But, they really know how to stand their ground as they get older...maybe we will be able to enjoy him as a teen-ager (because his early years were enough to make up for the crazy teen-age years!). Another side note: yes, we know caffeine isn't horrible or that big of a deal - hey, some days I live on it! But, hang out with Logan for a while and you will understand why we limit his intake!!

Way to go Logan....you are awesome and no matter what is offered to you, always stand your ground. You know what is right and wrong and God will ALWAYS make a way of escape for you!

Mommy Reality

I really shouldn't look at current pictures of my kids and then switch to looking at pictures of when they were little. It is a reality I don't like! I wonder where the time has gone. I realize every parent says this, but it is so true. Now I am trying to figure out how I can live my life so that I don't keep feeling this way. It is easy to say that the last 15 months have literally flown by. Things have gone so fast that I have a hard time remembering all my kids had birthdays and are actually 5, 7 and 10 NOT 4,6 and 9. We have been so consumed with living in a new area, missing our family and friends, traveling back and forth for visits, getting adjusted to a new church and new responsibilities, trying to keep our heads above water and everything else that goes along with moving that I feel like I have almost lost a year of time with my kids. That, makes me sad because I know the years go fast enough as it is....

I remember when Mariah was a baby and thinking that I would always be in the same never-ending circle of diapers, feedings, nap schedules (literally all day depending on which little one was sleeping at the moment), asking cows milk or soy milk (only my closest friends and family really get this one!!), tantrums over anything and everything, toys strewn throughout the house no matter how hard I tried to keep them in their rooms, play dates gone really bad or really good (depending on the day and mood), and complete exhaustion like I had never known before. It truly feels like yesterday that I was sitting on the couch feeding Victoria, while Logan played cars on the couch next to me, and thinking about how much my life had changed in just three short years of "mommy-hood". And now, I find myself with three very independent, school-age children. How in the world did I get here?

I know, I got here one day at a time, going to bed saying "Whew, I made it! I conquered the day" or "Wow, the day conquered me!"....I wish I was one of those that could truly love each day for what it is, but instead I over-analyze and think... how could we have done this day better? What should we do different tomorrow? Should I just sell them and start over? I am thankful at times for my analytical side, but in mothering it sometimes doesn't work. I often long to be the mother that can truly live in the moment, without thinking about things so much. But, that is completely against my nature....I am a fixer, planner, organizer by nature and most days I feel like I am fixing, planning and organizing my kids through their childhood. Which, unfortunately, makes you focus on the tasks and not the moments that you will never experience again.

So, I think I will take my own advice that I put in the heading of my blog - "enjoying each moment as it comes" and let go of some of the fixing, planning and organizing that comes so naturally for me. Maybe it is good for me to have those moments when I look at my kids and just want to cry because of how fast the time has gone. It will make waking those three sweet cherubs up that much sweeter for me. God has blessed me abundantly and I need to remember that He chose to make me a Mommy and I will enjoy each minute....even during my analyzing!

Spring Break at the Oregon Coast

What a great trip we had...but I can honestly say I don't think we have ever had a bad trip! Enjoy the pictures...

This picture slideshow created with Smilebox

Some of the highlights....

• Getting to see all of our friends and family. What a blessing good friends and family are. The trip is made more complete because of them!
• Lo received a gift from some friends....A personalized, autographed football from Joey Harrington. Thanks Michael and Lesli!!
• I made it up the South Jetty on my four-wheeler. Now that is a big deal for me!
• Logan learned how to ride my four-wheeler. That is a big deal for him because he had to learn how to shift. Not such a big deal for me because now he thinks he gets to ride my bike. Well, since I still cook, clean and pack everything I get first dibs on it. But, go ahead Logan and ride it anytime it is raining!!
• None of the bikes broke!

How blessed we are to be able to enjoy this time relaxing and unwinding from life's craziness.

The Magic Number - 100

Victoria did it!!! She memorized verse number 100 on Saturday and she is so excited. I think she told EVERYONE at church on Sunday. The amazing thing is that she can still quote verse #1-99 to me. In fact, we sit down every afternoon and she quotes all the verses to me. It is awesome to hear her rattle off 100 verses!!

I am so amazed at how much children are really capable of. At the beginning of the year I really didn't know how many she would be able to memorize. She has proven to me that 7 year-olds are able to accomplish a lot more than we think they can. I am so proud of her and her desire to be a part of Bible Quizzing.


Way to go Victoria - YOU GO GIRL!!

The "Ah-hah" Moment

I remember when we were getting ready to move down here, Phil and I said that in a year or so it will all make sense. I remember about 3 months into our move, us reminding ourselves that someday we will be sitting on the couch and say "yes, this is where we belong". To be honest, that hope kept us here when we, actually I, really wanted to run away. I remember about 10 months after our move, we were sitting on the couch saying "is this why we are here?". And, about two nights ago, sitting on the couch saying "ah-hah". We know we are here for something bigger than a job with Les Schwab. I am so glad my life doesn't revolve around my husbands job, but that my husbands job revolves around where God wants us.


We are so blessed to be here. I have found that during the last year the storm has raged, doubts have come and then faith has been renewed, loneliness has come and gone, so many tears have been shed and then God has brought us smiles. But, I know without a doubt our family is where we belong. God has been good to us and continues to remind us that there is more to life then our "immediate" happiness and contentment.


I am so thankful for the hope of the "ah-hah" and a God that continues to teach us and love us until we get to the point of "Not my will, but Thy will be done".

Congratulations to some GREAT kids!

We went off to Turlock for our first quiz last weekend. First, I must say...Napa is really a great place to live, especially after seeing all the places I could have been moved to. Talk about ugly (sorry to anyone that thinks the Modesto area is pretty - I don't mean to offend)!! No wonder people think the Napa Valley is so gorgeous. Don't get me wrong, it is VERY pretty. But, so is Oregon. So, I sometimes don't understand it when people go on and on about this area. I guess I don't think about how pretty it is where I live because I have been SO spoiled. Now, after our trek to Turlock, I think I will appreciate that I do live in a gorgeous area.

The weekend was so much fun....kind of a girls weekend with a couple boys thrown in just to make things interesting. Phil had to work so it was just me, my kids, my sweet friend Jamie, Hunter, and his mom Melanie. We had a blast and I got to stay in the "girls" room and left poor Melanie to the boys room. The kids did amazingly well. The boys placed 2nd in the Junior division and Victoria hopped on a Beginner team and they placed 4th in their division. A great way to start the year and we are excited for the next quiz in February!!

Congratulations kiddos - you are awesome!!!

Let the games begin...

Or should I say let the craziness begin?! We are getting ready to head out for our first Bible Quiz of the year. We are SO excited!! Logan woke up early this morning, and as we met at the stairs he said, "Mom, I promise I didn't get up so that I could play the Wii, but because I am so excited to quiz!"

We are blessed to have a team from our church this year. Hunter goes to our church and quizzed a few years ago, but hasn't had a team to quiz with since moving back to this area. Ever since we moved here, he and Logan have been talking about quizzing together. And this year we add another Swank to team....Victoria!! Because of her age, she should be in the "beginner" division but we didn't have enough "little" kids to have a beginner team. So, she is going to quiz with Logan and Hunter. She works so hard it is amazing! It won't be easy for her since all the kids will be at least 2 years older than her, but she is willing and that is what counts.

For any of you that think a young child can't memorize bible verses....watch out!! Victoria sat down the other day and quoted 40 verses to me and missed only 2!! I could hardly believe it...she is working so hard and tries her best to answer questions. It is hard because between Logan and Hunter it is hard to get an answer in....

So...off we go to Turlock for our first quiz. May the Word of God stick in them forever....

Leaving a legacy

Last weekend, we attended the funeral service for our sweet Pastor's wife. During the last year she spent most of her time battling cancer and all of the treatments, therefore, we did not get to spend much time with her. As I sat there (actually stood because there was "standing room only" due to over 600 people being in attendance), I was amazed. This woman lived her 53 short years better than most of us will live 80 years. The same words rang from almost every person that spoke: she was a wonderful woman of prayer and faith, she adored her children and poured her heart and soul into them, she loved her church and gave freely of herself, her time and her heart, she left her hand print on every person she came into contact with. She also had a faith that could move mountains but also a deep love and passion for God that was willing to accept His will no matter what it was. She left behind four amazing children and a precious husband.

Even though my children did not get to really know our Pastor's wife like I would have wanted, they spent 2 1/2 amazing hours listening (and hopefully learning) what the results are of a godly, well-lived life. I have never in my life been so awe-struck by the outpouring of love and adoration by her family and friends. She truly left a legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone that came into contact with her.

As the weekend ended, all I could think about was what kind of legacy am I leaving. I promise you it will change your life and attitude when you realize you are living for more than the present moment you are in. I am so thankful for a God that can teach us so much in life and in death.

A very merry Christmas...a tad bit late

Here it goes again...I really did write this once, posted it and NOW it is gone. I think I have a sweet five year old to thank...We had an awesome Christmas and were blessed to have my mom and Michael come visit us for four days. It was short, but I will never complain...just be incredibly thankful that they were at our house to celebrate the season. The four days were a flurry of activity and relaxation all wrapped up into one wonderful present.

We spent the first day enjoying Holiday in the Park at Six Flags. We had a blast!! Logan finally reached the height for the "Medusa" (the really big roller coaster!). I asked if he wanted to go with me or his dad...and, not to my surprise, he picked his Dad. He told me that "Daddy is just more comforting with things like this". Okay, for some moms that might have hurt their feelings, but for me I just smile. Logan loves his Dad and will admit that he is his best friend. What more could a mom ask for than her children to truly have the best Dad in the world!! Sorry - I digressed a little, Logan LOVED the Medusa and wanted to keep going on it. We enjoyed all the lights and shows as well as some fun rides - in the DARK. It was a great day!!

Then, for Christmas Eve, we took a quick trip to Santa Maria to see my aunt, uncle, cousin and her family. Quick trip isn't a good description of it since it is a 4 hour drive ONE WAY, but we wouldn't have traded that day for anything. My mom and aunt were so happy to see each other. I love the "sister" relationship - there is NOTHING like it. I totally understand that feeling of just wanting to be with your sister (Oh, how I miss my sweet sister!!). It was a lot of driving, but so much fun. I love being with my cousin, husband and their son. It was a great way to spend Christmas Eve.

My children received their wish (well, we really don't WISH for things, but I am not sure they actually prayed for it so I guess wish is the best word!). We received a Wii for Christmas!! Now, this is a BIG deal for our family since we have never had any video game stuff in our house. No PlayStation, Nintendo, DS, etc. Nothing, except for the computer and most of those games are "educational" (smile!). So, we spent Christmas Day seeing who was the best bowler (Mariah), golfer (Michael), baseball player (probably Logan) and tennis player (Phil). And, of course, we ate, and ate and ate some more. It was such a relaxing day and I think I am close to gaining about 5 pounds after all that eating!!

Now that the new year has come and gone, we are knee deep in the craziness of life. Between Phil's job, home schooling, bible quizzing, church and just trying to live we will have little time to be bored! We pray that the new year brings each of you love, joy and peace - along with a lot of memories. Love to all!