New Mercies . . . EVERY Morning!

A Broken Car Seat and a Gospel Lesson

2012-02-07T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I have not posted in quite a while - largely due in part to time, but more than anything, I often don't feel like I have much to blog about. Tonight, I have a quiet house, a few moments to blog and more than anything - a testimony to God's greatness in using all things for His glory and our good. So I feel compelled to share - it was a precious lesson to all of us and I am praying God uses it greatly in the life of our family.

Last night was quite an adventure - another story all in itself - the short version - Ethan got sick several times, resulting in the car seat needing to be cleaned. I worked on that today and had it sitting there - waiting for all the drying parts to be returned. The car seat has this lovely piece of foam that is the head support. To a little four year old girl, this must have looked like a craft project waiting to happen. More than once I had said, Allison, don't touch the foam. While getting dinner ready I see Allison holding a piece of the foam and hear Jeremy asking her where it came from. Eventually she pointed to the broken foam in the living room. Yes, you guessed it, she decided to disobey and tear the foam so, as she put it, she could "make something." To say I was upset would be quite the understatement. I was not happy at all. Jeremy took her to her room, talked to her and we left her to stay on her bed while we discussed matters in the other room - trying to decide what to say, what the consequences were and cool down - all were needed. We talked about how she could pay for it (she had money from Christmas) but that seemed like something of little impact since she doesn't have a real concept of the amount of money. After a period of time Jeremy said he needed to go back and deal with her - I asked, "What are you going to say?" Jeremy's reply, "I don't know exactly, but talk to her about the gospel and forgiveness." When Jeremy came back and shared with me about the conversation, I realized that God used the broken car seat to teach us all a big lesson. Jeremy said that when he was talking to Allie, he told her she would have to pay for the repairs or replacement, no matter how much that was (and we had told her it could be lots of money). She looked up at him, feeling badly and said, "Daddy, I can't pay, I only have $2 from Uncle Adam and $1 from my bank, I don't have enough and I can't pay." Which made her sad. It was at that moment that Jeremy (being a wonderful father - tender to teaching our children about God's love and grace) realized that this is EXACTLY what God has done for us - we come to Him completely unable to pay and he says to us, "I will pay." So Jeremy looked at Allison and explained that because he loved her, he would pay what she couldn't. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk to her about how God did this for us, he paid for our sins which we could never pay for. Jeremy headed to a meeting and Allie brought it up again to me, telling me how special it was that Daddy was going to pay for something that she couldn't but should. When she prayed tonight she thanked God for paying for what we couldn't.

I am beyond thankful above all that God did pay for what I couldn't! I am thankful for real lessons in life where he clearly reminds us of his love and grace. It may have been seemed like a broken car seat - but really it was a great reminder to all of us how God paid for what we couldn't. Allie knows tonight that her daddy loves her - that he is going to take care of what she can't. I pray that takes hold in her heart and that there comes a point where she sees exactly what God has done for her. So thankful for those moments when we so clearly see God at work - His glory - our good! My heart is smiling -

Nothing Like Time with My Kids!

2011-09-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

So Jeremy is backpacking and so the kids and I have enjoyed some good time together. Yesterday we headed to IKEA with a friend and enjoyed checking out some fun things there! Then the big decision - where should we have lunch? So many good choices! Once we thought about the Pazookie at BJs, the decision was made! Lunch was amazing - fried artichokes for an appetizer, open face roast beef sandwich for the main course (for me) and then yes, a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pazookie for dessert! It was amazing! Of course that meant now we had to go to the Outlet Mall to catch Labor Day sales - I mean - walk off the Pazookie! We caught some good deals. There were a few points when I was wondering why I decided to do this big trip with the kids - like when Allie was crawling through clothes or the window displays or when Ethan was screaming because his sister took his balloon, but I honestly have to say they were GREAT! They did so good being dragged everywhere and I am thankful that I have a girl who loves to shop and try things on - love that I will have a shopping buddy! We then headed home - a full 9 hours of shopping and fun!

Today we hung out at home and enjoyed being together - complete with a walk to Crepevine for lunch (Allie's choice) and the walk was a workout! A double stroller in heat made for some good exercise! Then my favorite part - naps for everyone - ME included! And now - Ethan is sleeping and Allie and I are relaxing watching a special Dora episode "Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom." I love time with her! She is growing up way too fast in my mind but thankful she wants to spend time with me. I love it when she says, "Mom, this is the best day ever!" I love "Mommy and Me" time! So tomorrow - I think feeding the ducks and the park - at Allie's request and we both agree Moxie's would be a special Labor Day treat!

My Girl Kicked back in her favorite chair - the laundry basket - enjoying the evening!

This pic - purely for fun because it makes me smile!

Catching Up

2011-09-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Writebol's had a fun summer! One of our favorite summer activities is the Sonoma County Fair! We were able to go several times thanks to our fair entries! Enjoy a few pics of our first visit to the fair!

Allie's First Entry to the Sonoma County Fair - Isn't she a great little artist?????? She got us a free ticket!

Fun on the tractor's with her friend Gracie!

You can't be at the fair and not have your free Clover Ice Cream Cone!!!!!

And yes, we came home from the fair with a new member to our family, Allie's pet bunny - Sparkle!

30 Days - Only 29 More to Go!

2011-09-01T21:29:00.001-07:00

So day one of the Shred is done! I am back at it and this time with complete accountability! I have two friends who are in this 30 days with me! We are doing 30 days of the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD. So in April I started this video and completed 30 days of workouts - every day - didn't miss a day!!!!!! There were days I felt like I was going to die (and tomorrow will be one of them when I go to put my feet on the floor and try to walk) but it was good - I slept better, felt better over all and clothes were fitting differently - - loved it - hard work but loved it. My sweet husband promised me a trip to the SPA if I did all 30 days! The SPA was amazing - I had my ultimate massage and was feeling so good about my reward that I decided it had to be done again - back to the shred!

I was thinking about it and wondering - if I felt so good while doing it - why did I quit for May, June and July - - - then I remembered - oh right - the flu for most of May at my house and then travel galore! But seriously - it is time for no excuses - time to be serious and stay committed. I am excited about getting back in to the daily routine (I am such a routine person) and LOVE that I am not doing this alone! Thankful for the two people in this with me! Trust me - only real friends would commit to this video for 30 days! So day one is done and I can honestly say - it felt good! (Ask me tomorrow what I think - lol!)

Come On Let's Go to Nowhere Land!

2011-08-31T21:42:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it - but it is true - my little Allie will be four years old in a month and 3 days! So let the birthday plans begin! Yes, she has chosen a theme for her birthday that isn't easy - why? Well, it is an older cartoon and so finding anything to go with it has created a big challenge for a mom who loves birthday parties and loves to keep everything in theme. So the theme - well folks - we are headed to Nowhere Land with Maggie and the Ferocious Beast. I think that Allie's love for pretend play is the biggest reason she has fallen in love with watching Maggie!

I have to say that as much of a challenge as it is, Allie and I are having a lot of fun getting things ready for the party. So here is where we are so far:

Found treat bags on eBay that are actually Maggie and the Ferocious Beast - this was an amazing accomplishment - so when it said, "Buy it Now" we bought it immediately!
Safari hats - just like Maggie's hat for everyone to wear - finally found - google is an amazing thing!
Magnifying glasses for everyone as we go exploring!
Food - not completely planned yet, but we do know it will be a picnic - because Maggie always goes on a picnic complete with white and red checked table cloths! And the drink table - a lemonade stand - just like Maggie!
Games - well "Pin the Spot on Beast" of course, "Return Hamilton to His Box" (getting the stuffed pig Hamilton into a cardboard box by throwing him - Hamilton lives in a box on the show), and the "Side-step Race" - the red crab does this with everyone on the show and his name is Side-Step.
A few crafts - making Maggie and Beast dolls and coloring the map of Nowhere Land (SO excited to find this!)
Cake - still working on that one - have a few cake people I am talking to :)
Outdoor viewing of a few Maggie and the Ferocious Beast episodes - this is Allie's BIG request - when we do movies with the college students in our yard on the "Big Screen," Allie is sad when she can't stay out - so she has requested that we watch Maggie on the "Big Screen" outside for her birthday.

So there ya have it - our current plans for a fun trip to Nowhere Land!!!!!!! The best part of the party though - my mom (Allie's grandma) will be here! Allie gets Grandma and I get help :) Yea for Grandma's!

Completely Done!

2011-08-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

It is amazing how God gives us exactly what we need when we need it. So many times in my life God has used music and lyrics to remind me of great truths and promises that come from Him alone. I wish I was able to write about all God is doing in my life - but first - there isn't time - it is too much to write and it just isn't the time to write about it all. But over the last few months, circumstances have caused me to have doubts and fears have been great. God has used this song over the last week to really drive home to me that the VICTORY is won. I am an heir with Christ. What God completes is completely done. Really thinking on what it means to be an heir with Christ is overwhelming. Last week in the sermon I heard the pastor was pointing out that we don't get to choose to be an heir - - - we are chosen as heirs. We can't walk up to someone and say, "hey - I want to be your heir - make sure I get this and that." An heir is chosen. How crazy is that - God, in all my mess, chose me to be an heir with Christ - - - inconceivable - but TRUE! I have a long way to go - but working on leaving those fears behind. The song is so true - I don't know what lies ahead and I am sure I will fail - but God will keep me to the end. I was also remind of two HUGE truths this week (thanks to my brother for the reminder!): God loves me and God is for me. If that isn't something to cling to, I don't know what is - - -

Completely Done - Sovereign Grace

What reason have I to doubt
Why would I dwell in fear
When all I have known is grace
My future in Christ is clear

My sins have been paid in full
There's no condemnation here
I live in the good of this
My Father has brought me near
I'm leaving my fears behind me now

Chorus
The old is gone, the new has come
What You complete is completely done
We're heirs with Christ, the victory won
What You complete is completely done

I don't know what lies ahead
What if I fail again
You are my confidence
You'll keep me to the end
I'm leaving my fears behind me now

It's Fair Time!

2011-07-30T09:21:00.001-07:00

It is fair time! I have had fun entering things in the fair and the BEST part - free tickets!!!! So far I have entered a decoupage foam diamond (decoupaged with old fair photos), decorated cookies and a photo of Allie. I am happy to report that my diamond got a first place ribbon and my photo got a 3rd place ribbon. Exciting times when I didn't anticipate winning anything!

Today I entered my "Mix Trix" cake. I made a Chocolate Marbled Pistachio Cake. I was to use a cake mix and make a creative cake. I was pleased with how it turned out - my biggest fear was that it was a bundt cake and as I was taking it out of the pan I was praying the whole time that it would not stick. It came out perfectly and my family seemed to think it was yummy! It was fun to make and fun to just enter something - no matter the outcome. Here is the recipe to share and some pictures - now off to get ready so we can go to the fair today. Excited to enjoy some fair food for lunch, let the kids see the animals and check out the exhibits!

Chocolate Marbled Pistachio Cake

1 pkg. white cake mix

1 pkg. Jello Pistachio flavor Instant pudding/pie filling (4 serving size)

4 eggs, slightly beaten

½ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup orange juice

¾ cup chocolate flavored syrup

powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 10 inch tube pan; set aside

2. Combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, ½ cup water and juice in large bowl. Beat at medium speed for 5 minutes. Pour 2/3 of the batter into prepared pan. Stir chocolate syrup into remaining batter. Pour chocolate batter slowly over pistachio batter. Do not stir or marble the batters—this will happen during baking.

3. Bake 50 – 55 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Remove from pan, cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

A Week of Blessings!

2011-07-24T22:37:00.001-07:00

We were so very blessed this past week to spend time with Jeremy's parents. They are missionaries in Zambia. Being in ministry presents certain challenges - one of the biggest is getting to be with family. With our family spread from Africa to Missouri to Colorado to California we have become great at traveling via plane and are thankful for things like Skype!

One of my prayers before Allison was ever born was asking God to help my children to know their family - even with many many miles between us. I can remember when I was pregnant with her praying and asking God, "Lord please don't ever let it seem when we visit that we start over with her learning who people are. Help her to be close to them even though we are far apart." God has been so gracious and we are so blessed. He has answered that prayer for me. I can say that Allie is so close to our family. She had not seen Jeremy's parents in over a year. When we got to the airport and I got to watch her run to Grammy and Papa wrapping her little arms around their necks, I was reminded how God is faithful and hears our prayers - how he desires to bless us and cares about all the details of our life!

We were so blessed this past week with so many blessings - - - I wanted to share them and recount them. This week I was continually reminded of how much God loves us and how he showers us with blessings. While we can't be together as much as we would like, he replaces those times we aren't together with amazing quality time together when he does allow us to be in one place. Precious memories were created. So here is my list of my week of blessing (and realize there is more than I can list - this is just a snapshot):

Friday

Seeing Allie run up and wrap her arms around the neck of her Papa at the airport and hug her Grammy!
Watching Grammy get to hold Ethan for the very first time and watching Ethan scrunch his nose and give his Papa a BIG smile for the first time in person!
Getting to eat a Pazookie with Jeremy, Allie, Ethan, Grammy and Papa at BJ's
Telling Jeremy's mom we were headed to the coast that very night
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Saturday

A crazy but traditional Writebol "hike" - getting to see the light house at Point Reyes
Playing games with Jeremy's parents
Deciding what goodies to buy at the "general store" in Tomales
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Sunday

Getting to sleep later than 7:00 a.m.
A fun trip to Petaluma - enjoying awesome Mexican food at what will probably become a new favorite restaurant of mine - Mi Pueblo
Game time with the family
Grilled Pork Steak for dinner
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Monday

Getting to celebrate the first birthday of my cute little guy, Ethan - with Grammy and Papa here!!!!!!!!
Watching Allie make monkey bread with Grammy
The sunshine at the coast - incredible!
Having friends and family at Ethan's birthday party
Watching Ethan eat his first very own cupcake!
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Tuesday

Getting up and having Jeremy's mom here to help me with the kiddos
Coming home and getting to go out to dinner with Jeremy's parents
Frozen Yogurt time at Moxies
Taking fun pictures of Allie with her Grammy and Papa
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Wednesday

Coming home from work to surprise Jeremy's mom with a trip to Coldwater Creek Spa for our pedicures!
Getting to just sit and visit with Jeremy's mom
Walking through Ross looking at fun things iwth Jeremy's mom
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Thursday

Going to San Francisco on a double date with Jeremy's parents: Sam Wo for dinner, walking around Chinatown finding amazing cheap things to buy, ice cream at Ghirardelli
Having a sweet friend watch the kids for us so we could go to San Fran
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

Friday

Working half-day
Celebrating Jeremy's mom's birthday with dinner at home, games and fun gifts!!!!!
Hearing Allie ask for Grammy to put her to bed and "lay with her for one minute." (This happened most every night!!!)
Getting in bed that night and getting to say the words to Jeremy's parents, "See you in the morning!"

It was an amazing week - one we are truly thankful for!!!!!!! I loved - LOVED watching the kids every day play with their Grammy and Papa and fall more and more in love with them! Saturday was a hard day - sad that they had to leave. But - - - - - - - one thing I know - we can't wait until we are together again!!!!!! I am thankful for my husband's parents -- God blessed me beyond what I could ask or imagine! We are simply blessed!

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

2011-07-14T22:42:00.000-07:00

It is hard for me to believe that we are already half-way in to 2011. Over the last several days my mind has been churning - not sure why - just lots of thinking going on (possibly since things have slowed down enough for me to have time to think - lol). I have thought a lot about the last year of my life and all the lessons that have been learned and many still being taught to me. A year ago today I was preparing to have a baby, knowing that I would be induced on July 18 if my sweet peanut didn't decide to come before then (which was terrifying to me - and I was induced), my family had just experienced the loss of my grandfather two weeks prior and my not being able to be there was very difficult for me. My husband was preparing to participate in a Master's program in Seattle which God had miraculously provided for - but remember - new baby, almost 3 year-old and starting back to work in September. There were so many other things going on within our immediate and extended family in the months to come - more than I have time to write about. Big things were happening and still are. I look back at all of that and am amazed. I joke but there is a lot of truth in saying that I feel like the last year has been an exciting, scary, nerve-wracking roller coaster ride with many ups and downs.

The best part of this last year is to look back and see the work God is doing in my heart and my faith. He is stretching me and growing me by only his mercy and grace. It is Him and Him alone who gets all glory for the fact that I didn't go into a full-on panic attack each month when Jeremy went to Seattle for class. God is faithful - His promises are sure.

Since June, Jeremy has been on a leave of absence from where he works to finish his Master's final project (PRAISE the LORD he is done with school!). It has been a wonderful time to reconnect as a couple and as a family. It has been good for us to "take a breath" and really get time to be fed spiritually. It was much needed even though he had lots of work to do for his project. Because he has been on "leave" we have had a chance to visit other churches and that has been amazing. Last week we went to visit a church where we have some friends and it was wonderful to worship with them. I was overwhelmed with the joy and warmth we were greeted with. The singing - AMAZING! One of the songs we sang was "Jesus, Lover of my Soul." I have to say that this is a song I have sung many times - and this sounds odd to say (and slightly embarrassing) but this was the fist time I really remember singing the song and really thinking on the words of the song. I think this may be my favorite hymn right now. As I read over the words, thinking how Jesus is the real lover of my soul, it really does sum up so many of the prayers I have had over the last year of my life - and will continue to be. I think this will be part of my daily reading each day - to think on the words of this song and really make them a prayer for my life. I am so thankful that He is full of grace and truth, the source of all righteousness, that His grace has covered all my sin - that He is the Lover of my Soul. While some of the things that have happened over the last year I would not have chosen on my own, I am thankful God uses all things for our good and His glory. Oh and with Christ - I think that I am starting to be able to loosen the grip I have and put my hands up on that roller coaster ride - knowing I am safe with Him.

Jesus, lover of my soul,

Let me to Thy bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll,

While the tempest still is high.

Hide me, O my Savior, hide,

Till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide;

Oh, receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;

Leave, ah! leave me not alone,

Still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed,

All my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head

With the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call?

Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?

Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—

Lo! on Thee I cast my care.

Reach me out Thy gracious hand!

While I of Thy strength receive,

Hoping against hope I stand,

Dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want,

More than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,

Heal the sick, and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy Name,

Source of all true righteousness;

Thou art evermore the same,

Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found,

Grace to cover all my sin;

Let the healing streams abound;

Make and keep me pure within.

Thou of life the fountain art,

Freely let me take of Thee;

Spring Thou up within my heart;

Rise to all eternity.

Charles Wesley

Monkeying Around!

2011-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

So I always have dreams of being "crafty." I wish I had more time to devote to doing crafty things and wish I was a little more on the crafty side. I am in the process of planning my son's frist birthday party (which is for another post - but I can't figure out where the last year went - except that wherever it went it went way too fast!). I am excited about the plans for his party and we are going with a monkey theme. I think it will be very fun and very cute!

All that being said, I decided to make his birthday cards - thinking hey - I can do this and save money at the same time. So I discovered - yes, I can do this - but not so sure in the long run I saved money - lol! I have to say however that I am very excited about the final product and glad I decided to make them! They are each just slightly different in design which is fun too! Can't wait to hand them out!

Thanks to my friend Jamie - she helped me glue lots of rafia!

My Great Thing

2011-06-04T06:32:00.001-07:00

Six years ago today, I was up early excited about all the day had in store - - - - I was getting married!!!!!!!! Thinking about that day makes me smile so much! I had spent quite a few years praying that God would bring a godly man into my life and it seemed that it was never going to happen. The summer of 2003, God did a big work in my heart. He really worked that summer on my being content with Him alone and trusting him in being single. I could have honestly told you in August that summer that I was fine being single - ready to face life and be happy if that was what God had for me. Then the most amazing thing happened in September. A very handsome, kind and godly man showed up in central Missouri and I fell head-over-heels for him! The story about meeting Jeremy will have to be another post - but we can suffice to say, God brought me my "great thing." There is a song Jeremy and love and played at our wedding that says, "Praise to Him who gives us all good things." Psalm 103 was the verse on our napkin at our wedding:

Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

God not only satisfied my desire to be married - he abundantly blessed my life with exactly what he knew I needed. Jeremy is a blessing beyond what I could ask or imagine. He is my very best friend! Above all he loves Christ and that translates into an amazing love for myself and our children. For those who know me, you know I can at times worry or be fearful. Jeremy is my calm voice of reason. He lovingly points me to Christ and demonstrates through his life a complete trust in Christ and no reason to fear. I love him for many many reasons! He is kind, caring compassionate, fun, helpful, handsome, intelligent, outgoing, hardworking, student of God's word, gentle, trustworthy, a good listener, an amazing daddy, fun to laugh with, loves to travel, is an amazing grill man, is a foodie and this list could keep going! God knew exactly what I needed and I am thankful that in His perfect timing God brought Jeremy into my life! Did I love the long wait - - not so much - but the blessings were WELL worth the wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Six years ago today I got to marry my very best friend! Jeremy I love you with all my heart and I rejoice that God chose to bless me with you!!!!!! It was a wonderful wedding day. I pray our marriage will continue to grow and reflect Christ in all we do. I am excited about all God has in store for us! Jeremiah Lee Writebol is definitely my great thing! I love you babe!!!!!!!

Where Does Time Go?

2011-05-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Let's just start by saying Allie loves her "Friend Lil!" They have been together since Lily was about 8 month old and Allie was 11 months old. They are quite the buddies - a lot like sisters and for that I am thankful. I was going through pictures and I could (and think I might) make a book of them over the last 3 years - it was so much fun to go back through pictures and see all they have done together! Lots of fun for sure! As I was looking at the pictures I have to admit I was a little sad - where did time go - they have gotten so much bigger! But I was also realizing as I was looking at the pictures that each and every stage has been so fun and I am thankful for all of Allie's friends God has given her! I am excited to continue to watch them grow and learn. All of Allie's little friends hold a special place in our family's heart and really are like family to us. Just ask Allie - she will tell you about all the cousins, aunts and uncles she has! God is good!

Now - - - check out the little girls - from their first stroller days together to a current picture of them at Family Fun Day! I could have posted a lot - but this will give the dramatic changes! I love these girls!

Daddy/Daughter Dates

2011-05-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

I love - LOVE the fact that I have a husband who loves to "date" his daughter!!!! I love - LOVE the fact that I have a little girl who LOVES to be with her daddy! When I was younger my dad and I would have special dates. For his birthday he and I would always go out to lunch for pizza at Godfather's Pizza - always! We would also go out to dinner and Christmas shop for my mom's gifts before Christmas - and the best part - we still do this. It is something that I treasure and hold very dear to my heart! My dad showed me at a very early age how a man should treat me. I felt treasured by my dad and knew that he loved me very much - that he would set aside special time for just me. I still feel this way - I get excited each December knowing that I get a night out with just my dad. It is special to just be together, get to talk and catch up, laugh and have lots of fun looking for gifts for my mom.

Tonight I am home with Ethan - which is super fun. Jeremy is out with Allison. He has been taking her on dates. Usually about once a month. I love it - I love seeing her eyes light up when he asks her, "Allison can I take you on a date tonight?" Her first response (after a HUGE smile), "where are we going?" Tonight Jeremy asked her where she would like to go out to eat. Her response, "Taco Bell!!!!" (very enthusiastically!) Not bad that she is such a cheap date - lol!!!!! She also didn't know when she left that he was going to surprise her after Taco Bell and take her to Build-a-Bear. Wish I could see her face when she goes in and realizes what that will mean.

My heart is happy knowing the investment he is making in her little life. She is learning not only that her daddy loves her very much but also how a man should treat her and care for her. She is building precious memories to last a lifetime - just like my dad has done and is still doing for me!

There is nothing like Daddy/Daughter dates! I think my heart is smiling as much as she was earlier this evening when she eagerly needed to "get ready for her date!"

I have posted some pictures - not from tonight but from her date with Jeremy in February for Valentine's day complete with flowers and candy as well as a few pictures from Dad's and Donuts at PreK with Allie. Enjoy - now off to enjoy my little guy!!!! Mommy/Son time is super special too!

This is the Day the Lord has Made!

2011-05-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

For those who check here (which I think is a small group of you) you may have noticed that it has been a while since my last post. We can suffice to say that the Writebol's seem to have spent the last month and a half with some form of a new illness about every two weeks. And yes, we have a new one that popped up this weekend. My little "E" caught a bug and has spent the weekend sick - I feel like the rest of us are waiting time-bombs! Needless to say I am one tired mom - worn out on most all fronts. The end of the school year is a very busy time for me and it seems there is something going on every night (between school and a husband in ministry). I am embarrassed to say it but I have had my fair share of complaining over the last several weeks. God has been really working on my heart - - - there have been some situations beyond sickness that have challenged me and caused me to have to really focus on where my joy comes from. My joy can't be in things of this world - it can only be from Christ. Therefore - my verse for this week is:

"I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

Today, tomorrow, the next day and the next and so on were all created by Him for his glory and purposes and my good. Therefore - I will rejoice in Him. He is my joy and salvation. (Thanks Esther for posting that verse - I needed to see it and think on it! I love you!)

New Mercies - New Week

2011-04-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Last week - wow - there aren't enough words to describe how hard it was for the Writebol family. It started Monday - a disappointment we weren't expecting followed by Ethan throwing up, a double ear infection, Jeremy and Allie sick on Wednesday and me just not feeling good from about Thursday night until now. It was a hard week. On Thursday Jeremy said, "we missed watching Survivor last night." My reply, "oh no - I played Survivor last night." That was the night of everyone except me sick - being up the entire night with Allie throwing up every 30 minutes. No sleep, MOUNDS of laundry - it was rough. But one thing I know and am confident of - God's mercies are new every morning. In the midst of a rough week there were definite evidences of grace all around (easier to look back now and see them - in the midst I admit it was tough). God grace in the last week:

Extra time with my family
A nap here and there
A few good chats with my sister-in-law
A precious call with my mom (me in tears and her praying) but still good!
Sweet time of worship with the people of SOMA
Getting to hear my husband preach
Picking out garden plants with my little girl
Snuggle time with my little "E"
Good time in the word with the help of my new commentary
Booking tickets to Seattle for Anniversary and Jeremy's Graduation - can't wait!

God's mercies are everywhere - it is good for me to stop and see them! And yes - I am more than excited about a new week - today is palm Sunday - a week to really think on the Passion week - leading to the death and resurrection of my Savior. I am praying that this week more than ever I will be aware each moment of the grace and mercy he so freely bestowed on me. Thank for new mercies!!!!!! Every morning!

Just for fun I have included two pictures that just melt my heart!

Long Week But Evidences of God's Grace All Over the Place

2011-04-08T23:04:00.000-07:00

This week has been one that has seemed long and I am so very tired but my husband has reminded me to keep my eyes open because everyday there are evidences of God's grace all over! He is so very right - God's grace surrounds me! So in light of that thought and because of the inspiration of my friend I leave you at the end of my week with a list of things that made me happy this week (in no particular order):

My fantasy Nascar team winning the race! Finally!
Jeremy's last trip to Seattle for school - Graduation in June :)
Ethan snuggling and letting me hold him while he falls asleep
Playing dollhouse with Allie
Pesto Pasta from Mary's Pizza
My little Allie singing "Beautiful Shore" and The Rizers with me in the car
A donut on the way to work with Allie
Fellowship time with my Catalyst Group
Tax Refund!!!!!! This is a first!
Good times of reading in my new commentary book to help me in my devotion time
Talking to my Grandma
Date Night with my husband - dinner, ice cream and just being together
Watching students where I work shine in giving speeches, presentations and more
Sunshine
Allie saying, "I need to tell you something . . . I love you with all my heart!"
A six-second kiss from my husband
Friends who are there to listen and pray
Daffodils

I could go on and on - God is gracious and I am thankful! Now to take care of the being tired - off to bed!

A Warm Spring Day

2011-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

The weather has turned into something wonderful! Sunny warm days where we can get outside and enjoy time together! Allie is really into walks these days and Ethan loves being in the stroller on the go! Today was a perfect day weather wise and so Allie, Ethan and I headed out for a walk in our neighborhood. It was a lot of fun. We came back home and headed to the back yard to enjoy a little more time outside. Allie willingly gave up the infant swing to Ethan and went in the "Big Girl" swing. She then spent a lot of time showing Ethan how to slide and ride her bike. Fun times were had by all!

Lessons In Discipline

2011-04-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

I need to start this post by stating from the get-go that being disciplined is just not my strong suit. I always have great ideas and good plans but struggle with the daily discipline to see something through. A little over a month ago I was inspired by a friend (who I really want to be like when I grow up) to exercise. I read on her blog that she was doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred and was quite intrigued by this. I was watching Biggest Loser while reading her blog and immediately thought, "I should be doing this." I jumped on Amazon, checked out the DVD and instantly ordered it. Grand idea in my mind - big question - could I really be disciplined enough to see it through to completion? 30 days of consistent exercise? I have to admit part of me really thought I would start and like everything else it would end after a week or so of trying. But deep in my heart I wanted to finish a full 30 days . . . I wanted to be disciplined to do something that was hard - that would be a challenge to me.

Discipline can seem like a nasty word. I looked it up and found that one of the meanings of discipline is: The treatment suited to a disciple or learner; education; development of the faculties by instruction and exercise; training, whether physical, mental, or moral. Doesn't sound so bad - but does involve several things: an intentional choice and a clear commitment.

I am more than excited to write this post and say that I did complete the 30 days! It didn't happen without struggle, sweat, aches, help from my husband, and yes, even a new pair of tennis shoes! :) The exercise has been great - I have slept better, feel better and while I am bummed that the scale hasn't changed, clothes are fitting much differently. But the last 30 days have benefited me more than the exercise. I have learned some good lessons in discipline. Things that I can apply to other areas of my life and hopefully continue to grow to be more disciplined. What did I learn?

*Accountability is ESSENTIAL! I made many people aware of what I was doing - people who I knew would encourage me and keep me accountable!

*Pressing on even when I didn't want to! There were many days that exercising was the last thing that I wanted to do but I have learned that a disciplined person makes hard choices - funny part is I always felt better when I made myself do it!

*Set short term goals! It would be totally unrealistic for me to say, "I am going to exercise everyday for the rest of the year." But it is within reason that I can do something for 30 days - - "I can do anything in my life for 30 days." Breaking things into smaller goals makes attaining them easier to reach.

*Set a schedule. I had a pretty regular time for exercise each day. Having a time that I knew I would exercise helped me set a routine that I and my whole family knew and expected. This allowed my husband to be a big help and encouragement to me. My daughter would even exercise with me at times.

*Discipline involves sacrificing momentary pleasures for what matters most. In regards to my exercise, being healthy and able to help my family is important. Momentary pleasure might be hitting the snooze button, laying on the couch, playing on the computer - but those things don't matter most.

*Reward is a good thing. My sweet husband set a reward for me if I completed a full 30 days - - that was a big driving force for me to finish. While rewards don't have to be material rewards and don't have to be big, it is ok to reward ourselves for a job well done.

*After a period of time, the thing you are working to be disciplined in becomes a normal part of your life. One you miss when it is not there. This is one of the craziest things to me but after 30 days, I gave myself a day off yesterday. I can honestly tell you I missed exercising yesterday and felt a little guilty for taking a day off.

*Being disciplined really does take a conscience decision and commitment that says, "No matter what I am going to do this."

I have a lot to learn and still have much growing ahead of me in being disciplined. But the last 30 days taught me a lot and I am excited about the next 30 days! April 1 and back at it. The one thing I know is that when I am determined, I really can do it. The other thing I know - I have a massage at Coldwater Creek waiting for me!!!!!

My Great Thing!

2011-03-12T01:08:00.000-08:00

One more trip - - - can't even tell you how excited I am that after April Jeremy won't be making monthly trips to Seattle for class. Don't get me wrong - ReTrain has been a blessing beyond belief for us as a family and for Jeremy is his training for ministry. When Jeremy received a full scholarship to ReTrain, I had no idea the impacts it would have on us as a family. It has been wonderful. It has been exciting to see him learn a lot, be challenged by the gospel, meet people who have become friends as well as mentors, and to watch the impact that ReTrain has had on how Jeremy ministers first and foremost to us as a family and then to the community around us. I love it! I would recommend it to anyone whose husband is in ministry. The rewards are HUGE - - - but sacrifice is involved. It has not been an easy 8 months. Every month Jeremy goes to Seattle - sometimes for a three day trip and sometimes for a week. It is a challenge to be a mom of two kids on my own during those times and I have a little girl who misses her daddy a great deal. It is also a sacrifice during the month as well. Jeremy has about 1,000 pages to read after each class and typically about a 15 - 20 page paper to write - so all of that on top of ministry/work and family - it is a challenge.

I have been learning over the last 8 months in some big ways more and more that God's plans are perfect, his timing is perfect, that this life isn't mine and that my trust and dependance on him must increase. I wish I could share all that has happened in the last 8 months - it is quite amazing the circumstances and situations God has taken us through. But in each one I have seen God's care, grace and provision in our lives.

It has been good for me in so many ways to learn to sacrifice over the last 8 months. We have so much and really deserve so little. I am thankful for the opportunity God gave us with Jeremy attending ReTrain - - - - - it really has "re-trained" us in gospel thinking and helped us grow as a family. I am thankful for a husband who loves Christ above all things and is passionate about growing in the knowledge and grace of Christ. Jeremy really is my Great thing that God blessed me with beyond belief! He has worked hard and done well in his classes. He has been diligent in study and done his best to not let it take time from our family. He has ministered to us as a family in a whole new way. I am so proud of him!

I am eagerly anticipating our trip together to Seattle for our 6th anniversary as well as his graduation! So he makes one more trip in April, none in May and then we go together in June - I can't wait! I am excited about school being done (I chuckle as I write that because Jeremy loves learning so somehow I think school will always be in the picture in some way - lol) and having my great thing here with me more! Thankful for ReTrain and God's work through it - - and excited to have the one I love so much back home!

Cooking Under Pressure?????

2011-03-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

A year and a half ago, my friend and I found a kitchen essential the day after Thanksgiving - a pressure cooker! We had been told that a pressure cooker was a kitchen "must have" and of course when there was an amazing deal on one we were up at 3:00 a.m. and ready to make the purchase. We were so excited that not only did we get up at 3:00 a.m. to get the great deal but we then proceeded to wait a year and a half before even using it! That is slightly embarrassing to admit to - waiting a year and a half to use something that was a "must have."

Well, I first must tell you that I was a little on the scared side to use it - what if it blew up and exploded all over me and my kitchen?????? So my friend Christine and I (yes, she is the other happy shopper who bought one!) decided that while our husbands were away we would get together and finally try out this pressure cooker thing - you know - find out if it was a "must have." A cookbook called "Cooking Under Pressure" had been recommended to me (you can get a great deal on it at Amazon). And yes, I had gotten the cookbook a year and a half ago as well! We set out to choose a recipe. Coq Au Vin it was! We didn't even know how to pronounce it until after dinner last night.

So we began prepping the meal. Not only was it fun to cook together but it was nice to split the cost (we didn't choose the cheapest recipe in the book) and I also figured at least if it blew up we would be in this thing together! It was so much easier than we could have imagined! Browned the bacon, browned the chicken, sauteed the veggies and then made the meal all in one pot - - amazing! What was more amazing was that it was cooked in 10 minutes! The best part - nothing blew up! The meal turned out perfectly and we can't wait to make it for our husbands! So we had Coq Au Vin, mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus. Quite a meal!

So will I be using my pressure cooker again - YES!!!!!!!!! It really is a kitchen must have!!!!!!! I give credit to Cecile D. She is a kitchen genius and has had a huge impact on my planning and cooking! Often times I feel like I am cooking "under pressure" with not much time - working and wanting to maximize time with my family. The pressure cooker has changed my cooking life! The thought of making a pot roast in 40 minutes is exciting to me! Now I know how the Iron Chefs get those meals done in one hour! Last year my discovery of great crockpot meals made a huge difference in my cooking - this year - the Pressure Cooker! All of you who don't have one - it is a MUST - trust me! And now I have to admit - we did almost turn and run when we did the "Quick Pressure Release" and it made a scary sound - - - but I will be doing it again - VERY soon!

Who gave her a license?

2011-02-16T21:48:00.000-08:00

Want to make a 3 year-old very excited? Tell her when she wakes up from her nap that someone has brought her a little motorized car just her size! Hard to believe my 3 year-old is driving!!!!!! Allie was recently very blessed to have someone give her a little motorized bug car and she LOVES it! It is fun to watch her cruising around our drive-way in her little car. God has blessed us in so many ways. We are very thankful and Allie says a BIG thank you to our friends for the little car! As you can see from the pictures - she is quite excited! Right after the pictures she ran into me - lol - we still need to practice steering a little bit :)

Things that melt my heart!

2011-02-10T23:47:00.000-08:00

There really is nothing like being a mommy! Jeremy has been blessed with the opportunity to go to Seattle for school this year and is gone once a month for approximately 3 - 4 days each time he goes. That blessing is a story all in itself - God's provision clearly displayed for us! When Jeremy is gone, I miss him very much and he does so much to help with the kids that it is hard to have him gone - but there is nothing like being a mommy. As much as I miss Jeremy when he is gone - I do have to say I treasure the time I have with my little ones. From their smiles to the sweet things they say, they really do melt my heart. So just to name a few things that make me melt:

1. Having your 3 year old daughter tell you, "Mommy this is the best dinner I have had in my whole life."
2. Laying in the grass with your daughter singing songs and having her climb all over you telling you how much she loves you.
3. Watching your daughter hug and love on her brother and say, "Mommy, I am the goodest big sister ever!"
4. Hearing your daughter say, "Mommy I really miss daddy - he will be home soon - don't worry."
5. When you are sad, having your daughter say, "Don't be sad mommy, it will be all right." (Followed by a big hug!)
6. Seeing your little 6 month old light up when you enter the room (Ethan's smiles are killer - melt me instantly!)
7. Singing "God Made Me" at the top of your lungs with your daughter while riding home.
8. Playing a great game of Hi-Ho-Cherry-O and getting beat by a three year old who is quite proud of herself.
9. Hearing "Mommy" at work coming from a sweet voice on the playground - what a blessing!
10. Snuggling with your 6 month old.

These are just a few things that make me say, there is nothing like being a mommy - - - my kids have not just stolen my heart, they melt it quite easily. So thankful for them!

A Lesson Learned

2011-01-31T20:06:00.001-08:00

Oh that I would have real childlike faith. This morning I woke up not feeling the best. I have had a cough that has been hanging on and so it was a rough start to the morning. As we were getting ready for the day, I was helping Allie get her shoes on while sitting on the edge of our bed. (I am being descriptive because I want this moment forever engrained in my mind.) Allie was very concerned that I was not feeling well. She asked, "Mommy can I get you a warm rag since you don't feel good?" I nicely thanked her but told her that it wouldn't help. Her response, "Well there is nothing I can do to help you, what can I do to help you feel better?" I told her, "Just pray today that Jesus helps mommy feel better." Immediately - and I mean immediately she grabbed my hand, bowed her head and prayed, "Dear Heavenly Father, help mommy to have a good day and please help her to feel better and her cough to go away. Amen." Besides the fact that it was amazingly precious and super sweet as well as one of those moments you are excited that she is learning what you are trying to teach her, she really convicted me this morning and taught me a lesson. Why is it when I know someone is hurting or in need that I respond simply with "I will be praying for you" and don't seize the moment and pray with them right then? Am I too worried about what they will think? Am I concerned that it will take up my time? My little girl didn't hesitate at all today - I expressed a need and she took it to the Lord with me right then and there. God used that today to really challenge me to not just tell someone I am going to pray for them, but to take the precious opportunity to boldly approach the throne of grace with them. I am so thankful for God's desire to teach me and grow me and that he chose to use my little 3 year old to do that.

A Way to Save and Shop at Home

2011-01-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

So I have decided that Soap.com is a GREAT thing. Who doesn't want to save money and shop from home - have things shipped to you for free????? I know I do! I ordered household goods tonight at a discounted price and have free shipping. All my purchases will be at my house Tuesday. I can't even tell you how excited I am!!!!!!! What a deal! I have included the link so you can enjoy too! The simple fact that I got my husbands razor refills (which I think are all too expensive) at a much cheaper price than Target made my day! Hope you enjoy as much as I do!!!!! Now - off to check out Diaper.com - hoping for some deals there too! This mom loves that I did this from my couch and saved money!

use code SWRI0534

shop for all your home essentials: Gillette Razors, Dove Soap, Moroccan Oil

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Not valid for existing Diapers.com, Soap.com or BeautyBar.com customers. Some restrictions apply.

Finding Time

2010-12-20T16:21:00.001-08:00

When I realized that I had not blogged in almost a month I was slightly embarrassed. But when has there been time?????? Currently we are delayed in the Sacramento airport - so guess what - I have time!!!!!!

The last month has been a whirlwind! We had something on our calendar every night (and day) from Thanksgiving until now - my first official day of vacation! I am sitting in the Sacramento airport waiting on a delayed flight with my two sweet kiddos and my husband. We are off to Grandma's house for the holidays and I can tell you we are all very excited about it! A break is much needed and I am thankful to get to have time with my family and friends that I don't see very often! I am thankful for days when I don't have to rush and get ready, can play with my kiddos and enjoy staying up late to play games with my family! Most often when I travel, delays can be frustrating, but really today I am ok with it - we are enjoying time together! Ethan even got his picture taken for free with Santa at the airport - not the best Santa I have seen - but hey - it was free and Ethan was in a good mood! So here is my song for the day:

Over the freeway and through the air to Grandmother's house we go!
The plane is delayed but that is ok - maybe we will see snow!

Merry Christmas!

Thankfulness Day 22: Getting Caught Up!

2010-11-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

So I just sat down after cleaning up dinner and getting things ready for the women's ministry meeting that is here at my house in about 30 minutes. I had a few brief moments and realized - "I am behind in my days of thankfulness" - - - where did the weekend go?????? Time just flies!

Over the weekend, I can say without a doubt that I was thankful for the time that my aunt and her husband were here visiting! It was just what I needed. My aunt is the best - I know that I can always count on her! She wants the best for us and cares for us greatly - I know if I needed her here for anything she would come! It was fun to watch Linda and Andy with my kiddos - Allie had a blast and Ethan was so happy! We had a wonderful dinner at LaCoco's, a fun time at Powell's Sweet Shop, great lunch at Johnny Garlics and I had a fun time shopping with my aunt! It is a rare occasion that I get some time with just her and it was much needed! I am so thankful for how God allows me to have time with my family - I loved every minute of it.

Sunday was a full day! Jeremy preached in Petaluma, made some homemade jam and went to a birthday party. I worked on some laundry and started packing for our trip to Missouri.

All that to say - the laundry is caught up, the house is clean, I have actually started packing earlier than normal (normally I am up doing laundry and packing the night before we leave until like 2:00 a.m.) and now I have written my thankful post - - - - it is a good feeling to have somethings "caught up!" I am thankful for how God continually gives me what I need and so I can head to MO feeling "caught up."

I have much to be thankful for - it was a weekend of blessings!

Thankfulness Day 19: My Mom

2010-11-19T17:24:00.001-08:00

Tonight I was talking to my Dad on the phone and he said something that I totally agree with: My mom is wonderful! I am very thankful for my mom. She means the world to me and I have learned so much from her. She has been faithful in sharing Christ with me from a very early age and always displayed Christ-like love to me! I love being with her. We have been so blessed since I have moved to California that I have not ever really had to go more than three months on average without seeing her. Over the last few months, God has been extremely gracious in allowing me to see her in April, July, October, soon in November and then again in December! That is a pretty amazing thing!

I have so many reasons to be thankful for my mom. She is such a hard worker. She gives 110% to all she does. She has always done a wonderful job in managing our home, being an excellent wife to my dad, caring for each of her kids and now loving on her grandkids. She also does a great job in her work. The thing about my mom that I love is that she doesn't do things for herself but to the glory of Christ. It is her heartbeat that Christ receive all the glory for something that is done or happens and not her. I love that about her.

I have so many good memories with my mom. I have great memories of being with her at Windermere's music retreats. Those were fun times. I also have special memories of cooking, canning corn, making decorated sugar cookies and more with her. I love the times we get together now and make jam! I love getting to go shopping with her hunting for good deals! I love the memories of decorating the Christmas tree and am so thankful I get to do that with her again this year!!!!!!!!!!

It has been such a blessing to have her come and help after the birth of both of my children. That is the best - nothing like having your mom here! She has helped me more than she will ever know!

I am learning from my mom what it means to be a godly mother and wife. She is a wonderful example of those things to me. I see her love for God's word and study of his word, which must be first in my life. I see her complete love and devotion to my dad and how she unselfishly cares for my brothers and I. I watch her love on my kids and know they LOVE being with her! God has blessed me with a great example to follow and for that - I am so thankful - I love you mom! You are the best! I am so proud you are my mom!

Thankfulness Day 18: My Job

2010-11-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

Not many people at my age still can send their grandma a school picture. I do - yes, I get my picture taken every year - have had it taken every year since I was in Kindergarten :) God called me to be a teacher/educator and for that I am very thankful - I love to work with the kids and staff and am very thankful that God has placed me at Rincon Valley Christian School. Before coming to Santa Rosa, I was blessed to teach for 10 years in Missouri - teaching Jr. High Math and English. There are so many rewarding moments in teaching and it is humbling to think that God would choose to use me to impact the lives of so many young students. I am so thankful to be where I am and get to work with Christian people who encourage me, pray for me and are committed to seeing young people come to know Christ. I truly work with a great group of people - gifted teachers who love Christ with all their hearts. It is a joy to be working where I can pray with kids and point them to God's word for truth and direction. I love the parents of the students I work with as well - they are such a blessing and it is so fun to see them each day and get to be a part of their lives. I value the partnership I have with each of them. The students are so fun - I love coming in and finding a picture on my desk that someone made for me, hearing those happy voices greet me in the morning and be in the classrooms and see all their activity!

I am thankful that God continues to provide for my family. Not many people get to work on the same campus as their spouse, have their little girl on campus for Preschool, ride to work with their spouse and only be about 4 - 5 minutes from home. It is a real blessing!

Allie's First Gymnastics Show

2010-11-17T21:44:00.000-08:00

Allie is taking gymnastics lessons at school every Tuesday morning with Coach Gary and Mud Puddle Gymnastics. He does a great job - she loves the class! They had a show last week and so I wanted to share with those who couldn't be there a little of her performance. As you can tell - we have a little ways to go, but she is learning and loving it! It will be interesting to compare the performance now with the one they will have in the spring! Enjoy watching our little gymnast!

Allie's First Class Chapel

2010-11-17T19:58:00.001-08:00

Today Allie's PreK Class, the Purple Parrots, sang at our school chapel! It was so cute! It is hard to believe that she is old enough to be at school and participating in chapel! Time flies but we are loving each stage with Allie! Hope you enjoy watching this cute video. The little girl right beside her in the blue and white shirt is her friend "Lil" - they have been together since they were born and I am thankful they are in the same PreK class.

Be patient - they eventually come walking down the aisle.

Thankfulness Day 17: Answered Prayer!

2010-11-17T18:21:00.001-08:00

So I didn't have a post yesterday - not because I wasn't thankful but because it was a non-stop day. Yesterday I would have written how thankful I am for my Catalyst Group - there is nothing like the body of Christ and being in community together. It was a special time of sharing a Thanksgiving meal together and then spending time sharing our praises and giving glory to God for things he had done in our lives this year. I am very thankful for a group of people who I can "do life with" and know that no matter the need - big or small - they are there!

Today - I have MUCH to be thankful for! There is great rejoicing today for answered prayer in our family. My dad recently had surgery for prostate cancer. We have all spent the last week praying as we waited for the pathology report to come back to let us know whether or not the cancer had spread or not. Praise be to God who hears our cries - the report came back clear and they were able to get it all in the surgery! What a blessing and answer to prayer! We have people all over praying and I am so thankful for everyone who prayed on behalf of our family! Again, the body of Christ is a precious thing! It was so exciting to be able to tell people today that God had answered our prayers - people who had been praying specifically for us. I am thankful for all the people I work with who would ask about my dad and pray each day! I love you all!

Being home for Thanksgiving will be extra special as we have another HUGE blessing to be thankful for! God gets all the glory - it is because of his mercy and grace that we have anything at all!

Psalm 103:1-3

1 Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Thankfulness Day 15: Getting Out!

2010-11-15T21:43:00.000-08:00

After spending 123 hours straight in my house with a sick little girl, I am thankful to say she is well and we were able to get out of the house today! Praise the Lord! It was a very long week - Lysol became our best friend and I did more laundry in a week than I have done in the last month. The washing machine ran non-stop. Jeremy was in Seattle and so it was a tiring time - but I am thankful today for time out of the house, the weather was beautiful and I got to spend a little time at Barnes and Noble with wonderful friends/coworkers of mine while having a nice cup of Caramel Apple Cider in a red cup - which also makes my heart happy! Getting out of the house was a much needed blessing today! Fresh air and a change of scenery was the best! I think Allie was as glad as I was to get out of the house! So glad she is feeling better!

Thankfulness Day 14: My Grandma

2010-11-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

Last night I was able to visit for a while with my grandma on the phone. She is an amazing lady and I love her with all my heart. She was so encouraging to my heart last night - when I called her, my glass was definitely half-empty, but she kept encouraging me and just talking to her made my heart glad! When I say she is amazing, I really mean amazing! She is a strong lady. She has had some very difficult things in her life and yet she has a calm stay about her and cares for her family. I look at all she has dealt with and done in her life and I have the utmost respect for her. When I think about the things she has been through, I think I really might have folded in dealing with those things, but not her, she is a woman of strength and courage.

I have so many fond memories of my grandma! She is a really fun person to shop with - I can remember every year looking forward to her taking me shopping for school clothes - it was fun and she has GREAT taste! She always looks nice. I wish I could look as nice when I put on a jogging suit to walk as she does! I love being in the kitchen with her and watching her make fabulous meals! She makes the best Jeff Davis pie (even though she would tell you something like "It is probably watery"). It is the BEST! I remember her always caring enough to make us our favorite meal for our birthday dinners, picking me up from school and the memory that stands out the most - I used to be a person that would get REALLY homesick when I had to go away from home for camps, etc. Well, I was to attend a cheerleader camp and just couldn't handle it - guess who came and stayed with me - my grandma! Most high school kids might have been embarrassed at getting homesick like that or having their grandma there with them - not me - I was just glad to be with her. I always know I can count on her and she will always be there for me! She is a hard worker. Everything she does, she gives her best to - from cooking and cleaning her house to taking care of her family.

I think my grandma is one amazingly beautiful lady. She always looks great! She cares for herself and walks almost everyday I think. She is in much better shape than I am - I should take lessons! No matter where she goes she looks classy!

Over the last several years, I watched my grandma demonstrate to me real love. She spent the last several years taking care of my grandpa. His health was getting worse and he required a lot of help with things. She loved him a lot and took wonderful care of him. She was always there to help him in any way she could. It wasn't always easy, but real love sticks it out even when it isn't easy. It was obvious that she loved him in the way that she took care of him with all her heart. It was a wonderful example to me. I know it wasn't easy caring for him at the end at home, but she did it because she knew it was what he wanted. She sacrificed much because of her love for him. What an awesome example of how we are to love. Putting yourself aside for the best of another.

I am thankful for such a great example of love! I am thankful for my grandma and all she has done for my family. I am proud that I have a little girl who is named after her - Allison was my grandma's maiden name. My grandma has had a big impact on my life and I love the times I get to talk to her and be with her. Recently she was able to come to California to see where I lived, meet Ethan and spend time with us. It was meant the world to me and I am so glad she was able to come! Now I am excited that I get to be with her on Thanksgiving! She is definitely someone I am thankful for!

Thankfulness Day 13: A Trip to MO for Thanksgiving

2010-11-13T22:14:00.000-08:00

God continues to provide and bless us with exactly what we need when we need it. A few weeks ago, I was quite sad to find out that Jeremy's parents were not going to be able to come back from Africa to see us between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It has become something that I really treasure and look forward to each year. I love being with them and having their help decorating, etc. We are really praying that they will soon get relief on the field so they can come back and see us. I was sad thinking about not being able to be with family on Thanksgiving. Our family has experienced much this year and my heart just wanted to be with family. I told Jeremy one night, "Hey - lets to go to Disneyland for Thanksgiving - it is the happiest place on earth." That was a fleeting thought as we started checking out the prices of what a quick trip south like that would cost. My heart just really wanted to be with family. My dad just had surgery and I wanted to see him. I have not celebrated Thanksgiving with my family for seven years. I kept thinking, "How cool would it be to go back to Missouri and celebrate the holiday with them." I knew that with the cost of tickets that was a pipe dream. But my God is a God who has no limitations! We were blessed with the provision to be able to fly back to Missouri for Thanksgiving! It all happened so quick that for a few days it didn't seem real. I called to tell everyone the great news and I think they were as excited as I was! I am excited to get to help make Thanksgiving dinner, help put together the Christmas puzzle, do some serious Black Friday shopping, help put up my parents Christmas tree while listening to the Statler Brothers, and introduce Ethan to friends and family. God knew I needed to go back and spend some time with my family all together. Not being back for my grandpa's funeral was tough - so getting to be with them at Thanksgiving is huge! We will also get to be with Jeremy's grandma as well which is a HUGE blessing! We have much to be thankful for and I am thankful for God's provision and blessing in this way! In just eleven days we will be landing in Missouri and I think even stopping for some good Kansas City BBQ for lunch! I am quite excited!

Day 12: Thankful for our Pediatrician

2010-11-12T20:23:00.000-08:00

I know that there are some people who are not fond of Kaiser, but we LOVE it. We have been so blessed to have wonderful doctors who we really trust and care for our family in wonderful ways! Allie has been sick since Tuesday evening and I was starting to be concerned that this was still going on - not passing in the normal 24 - 48 hours. So I called the advice nurse who was great and put a call in to our pediatrician. Allie had been asking me for two days to call Dr. Hauptman - she likes him too. He was so kind to call me back, give me some good wisdom, put my mind at ease and then let me know that he was working this weekend so if we needed him again to call. I have to tell you that I really appreciate that he would take the time to answer my questions. He always quickly answers e-mail questions and is so good with my kids. Our other doctors at Kaiser are just as good. They are all so caring! They are good about answering e-mails and even calling us at home to just check on us when something is going on. We are blessed - I know Health Care and Insurance can be a pain, but I am thankful for God's provision and for my family doctors. They are awesome! I would recommend them to anyone! Actually, I usually do :)

Day 11: Thankful for my Dad

2010-11-11T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today my dad came home from surgery that he had yesterday and so he has been much on my mind today. I know I already wrote a post about how thankful I am for my parents, but with my mind really thinking about Dad today, I felt like I should just say how thankful for him I am! My Dad means the world to me and I am so thankful God chose him to be my dad. He has always been there for me - no matter what - from taking me fishing and camping when I was little (the camping part is debatable on how fun that was - ha ha!), rescuing me in a major blizzard, listening to my car woes when things would go wrong, making sure we were taken care of, coming to watch me cheer at football and basketball games, praying with and for me when I was struggling with anxiety issues and this list could go on and on. I know I can count on him and he cares for me. One day I was driving home from college class in a pretty major snowstorm. I got maybe a mile and pulled over in a K-Mart parking lot knowing I couldn't possibly drive the rest of the way (about another 12 miles). I immediately knew I could call my dad and he would rescue me. I was confident of this - didn't even have to guess what he would do. Sure enough he did- he came and in the freezing cold changed my wiper blades. He cut his hand pretty bad while doing it - and didn't even know he had cut it because it was so cold outside. I was sitting in the car and saw the blood on the car window. Never once did he complain or try to come up with another idea. He simply came and rescued me. He drove me safely home. That day is forever stuck in my mind. I want to be that kind of parent, the one that my kids know that no matter the situation, I will always be there for them and do my very best to help. It was also a picture to me of Christ-like love. I know Christ suffered and gave us much more than my dad did that day - but what my dad did was a clear picture of how we are to love others and how Christ loved us. My dad is the best. I usually don't go more than a day or two without talking to him and really miss him. We have fun together and have lots of fun memories. I treasure our yearly father/daughter Christmas shopping trip, our fantasy Nascar games, driving around looking at Christmas lights listening to the Statler Brothers, playing Nerts with him (that is a story all to itself), watching him play with my kids, and just getting to be with him. I love watching Allie smile when she says the word "Grandpa" because I can tell he is leaving a lasting impression on her too - she loves him so much! She gets the cutest grin and says, "I am grandpa's heart."

I am thankful his surgery went well and that we get to spend Thanksgiving together! I love my dad and am so glad God gave him to me! I am blessed!

Day 10: Thankful for Friends

2010-11-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

I have wonderful friends! I am so thankful for them today and everyday. I was home today with a sick little girl and my dad was in MO having his surgery. What a blessing it was to get calls and/or e-mails letting me know that they were praying for me and my family! The friends God has blessed me with are amazing! They are there to listen, pray, talk, hang out, love on my kiddos and much much more! I couldn't ask for better friends! The body of Christ is a precious thing that I am so thankful for. I have said this before, but being away from my family in Missouri and Africa isn't easy but my friends as the body of Christ out here in CA have become family to me and I love that we can do "family" type things together. You are all a blessing to me and when I count my blessing you are part of that!

Just a few of my many friends and GREAT memories we have created!

Day 9 of Thankfulness in November

2010-11-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Tonight I can say a BIG "I am thankful for Lysol spray!!!!!!" So my little pumpkin Allie is sick - no fun for anyone and so sad to see them sick when they are little like that. I think she has a flu bug and it has been a rough evening. She is in bed now sleeping which is good - thankfully all I have to do is tell her, "Dr. Hauptman wants you to drink water" and she does it - he carries a lot of weight in our house. Right before she went to bed we reviewed what to do if her stomach hurt again: run to her bathroom and run to the toilet. She said, "I won't spit on the floor again, I will spit in the toilet." Glad we have that one down. All that being said, we are thankful for Lysol spray and being able to easily disinfect the house. We are praying Jeremy stays well as he has class this weekend and praying that Little Ethan stays well - - we would appreciate prayers.

Also, we would appreciate prayers for my dad who has surgery tomorrow. I am thankful that God is in control and sovereign over all things. He loves my dad more than any of us could and I am trusting him to take care of my dad tomorrow.

God is faithful!

Thankfulness Day 8: Quiet Moments

2010-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

I have to start this post by saying that I am thankful God allows us to change our minds. I have to retract my #7 item - being thankful for daylight savings time. I have decided that states that don't observe it have a much easier time with their newborns. Ethan doesn't get "sleep an hour longer" at all - so all it did was mean we get to be up earlier - - - but you know what - - my new #7 thing I am thankful for is a sweet newborn to wake me up :) I am so thankful God has blessed me with him and at least when I am up at 4:30 a.m. it is because of him and I have his cute smiles to look at! Very, very thankful for Ethan! This leads me to my Day 8 thing I am thankful for: Quiet Moments! I am thankful for times of peaceful relaxing where I can sit here by a crackling fire and enjoy a sleeping baby on my lap! Allie went to bed quiet easily tonight and Ethan is snoozing away. I had time to sit and read God's Word, enjoy some homestyle popcorn (another thing to be thankful for) and just enjoy some quiet time. I am really thankful for quiet moments - good to think, pray and just relax. Once again I am reminded how God gives us exactly what we need when we need it. A quiet moment was much needed - thanks God for continual blessings!

Borrowing and Catch Up!

2010-11-07T00:08:00.000-07:00

So I am "borrowing" an idea from a wonderful friend of mine and doing a little catch up (Thanks Jamie!). Sometimes it is so easy to end up in a pity party and we are so blessed. I need to turn my attention to all I have to be thankful for! My goal is to post each day something that I am thankful for through the month of November and so because it is November 7, I have a little catch up to do:

1. Salvation and Christ: Apart from Christ I have nothing. I really look at my life and realize that He is truly my sustainer. I am thankful that He would choose to save a wretch like me - someone deserving of nothing. The fact that Christ died for me and saved me - that is an AWESOME and AMAZING thing!

2. My Husband: He is an answer to prayer. I remember praying a long time for God to bring me a godly man and God blessed me beyond what I could ask or imagine. Jeremy is my best friend! He is a wonderful husband and father. He shows me he loves me and cares for me in so many ways - from praying with me, running to the store at the last minute for something I forgot, taking the time to talk and listen to me, helping around the house, helping with Allie and Ethan and this list could go on and on. I am so blessed to have a best friend like him and I love him with all my heart - he is my GREAT thing!

3. My two sweet kids: Allie and Ethan bring such joy to my life. I love playing dollhouse, doing puzzles, cooking, reading books and much more with Allie. She is such a happy girl who loves life. Snuggling with her and hearing, "Mommy I love you," melts my heart. Ethan is such a happy little guy - his smile can melt me! He was such a blessing and God knew I needed a bright spot like him this year in the midst of much going on in our family. He is my little peanut and I love being with him. I love my little munchkins and am humbled that God would entrust them to us! I treasure each moment with them!

4. Incredible childcare! Since Allie was born I have had to work. God is a provider and has provided for me in amazing ways when it came to child care for my children. When Allie was born, I was blessed to have Miss Pam watch her at school! When that changed and I was fearful God continued to provide by blessing us with my dear friend Christine to each Allie at my house with her friends Lily and Grace - what a blessing! And I still have Christine with Allie and Ethan now. It is a blessing to have my close friend caring for my children while I am at work and taking such good care of them! We are thankful for Miss Pam and Christine! God has been so faithful!

5. My Parents! I love them! They are such an example of Christ-like love to me and I treasure all the moments I get with them! They are a blessing to me and are wonderful grandparents to my kiddos! We love time with them! I might be 2011 miles away but we talk almost daily (almost) and I am thankful for the love they show me! I know they are there for me always!

6. Food! Yes, I love food - love to cook it and eat it and I am thankful for it! I had the chance to enjoy a wonderful meal with friends tonight and was just remind of how much I love to try new things and how thankful I am that God blesses us with so many good things to eat and enjoy! So many good conversations happen around a table. I am thankful for times of sweet fellowship around the table!

7. The time change. As I write this I look at the clock and realize that it is 12:27 a.m. - no wait - it is really 11:27 p.m. Praise the Lord for an extra hour! As a mom of a new little guy and a 3 year old with all the other responsibilities, I really am thankful God gives me this extra hour! Now off to bed to enjoy the extra hour of sleep - but something tells me Ethan won't get this "extra hour thing" - - - - but I am still thankful!

A "Chocolate Bolet" Day

2010-11-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Some days are just a tad bit overwhelming. I was at a meeting today all day in Concord and my brain was swimming! So many thoughts in my head and so much to do. But there is nothing like coming home to my husband and sweet little kiddos. My evening was filled with a yummy dinner (pasta fagioli soup), relaxing with my family and watching a movie with my husband. I love it when we are reminded of what matters most - - - and it wasn't all the things swimming in my brain. It is things like snuggling with my little girl on the couch, talking over dinner with my husband, playing with Ethan and enjoying his little (big) smiles. The best part - when I was little I used to do a lot of "play cooking" and would make lots of things for my grandpa. One of which "Oil of Olay" (I know - weird - but hey I was little). Well - tonight I was able to enjoy Allie doing "pretend" cooking and making me "Chocolate Bolet." I know - weird - she made it up - - - but it is times like this I treasure - - - it was just a "Chocolate Bolet" sort of day! And I love every minute with my family!

Pumpkin Patch Time

2010-11-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

Our family of four at the pumpkin patch - can you tell Allie didn't want to sit still????

Allie looking for "the biggest one!"

My two pumpkins!!!! I love them so much!

My new little pumpkin - he is such a smiling little guy!

Climbing the "highest hill" - the funny part was at the top Allie looked over and said pointing to a big mud puddle, "Look Hannah it is the big river!"

We recently went to the pumpkin patch - one of my favorite things to do! It was starting to look like we weren't going to make it with the rain that kept coming. We planned to go one weekend and it was rainy - so no pumpkin patch. New plan - the next weekend - but they were calling for rain - so we made a quick trip after work one day to a little pumpkin patch and it was GREAT! Perfect size for a little girl to run and have fun and we left just as it started to rain. I am so glad we made it! It was a fun time with friends and my family!

May Your Power Rest on Me

2010-10-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Funny how God gives you what you need exactly when you need it - like a hug from a friend, a smile from your daughter, a gentle reminder of God's grace from your husband, His word through a verse card, an e-mail from a friend to encourage, or a song on a drive home. On my way home tonight, I was thinking over Ps 100 again, how this life really isn't "ours" and the seasons of our lives. This song was on and was another example of God's grace and giving me exactly what I needed in the moment. It is my prayer - that God's power would rest on me. How good to know that He is strong when I am weak!

Let me hear my Savior say,
“Your strength shall return”.
Then I’ll rejoice in my weakness
As I lean on your grace,
As I lean on your grace.

May your power rest on me.
You are strong when I am weak.
I can bear all things when temptation springs
For you sustain me all my days.

Let me know my Savior’s face;
Let my hope be secure.
Then I’ll rejoice in my weakness
As I lean on your grace,
As I lean on your grace.

Once from the Lord withdrawn
I thought that I could live my life alone.
Leaving the solid ground
I sank beneath His wisdom.
The harder I tried to climb,
The closer I was to find how great is my weakness.

Though the trial still goes on,
Your grace will be my song.
For I can bear all things when temptation springs
For you sustain me all my days.

Happy Campers!

2010-10-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

Getting things all set up. Not sure if you can tell but Allie is in her ballet dress. Perfect for camping right????

The Happy Campers all ready for a cool night of camping out!

She was so excited. Had her little flashlight and everything!

All zipped in and officially "camping" according to Allie!

I am married to a wonderful man who is such a great Daddy to our kiddos! I love watching him with them and doing fun things with them - can't even describe how happy it makes me! A few weeks ago, Jeremy had an evening of Daddy/Daughter time by "camping" out with her in the back yard. Allie had really been wanting to camp - this stemmed from us telling her that her friend Gracie was camping. So being a good Daddy, Jeremy set up the tent in the back yard. I have admit I was skeptical about whether or not they would last outside all night. It was our first really cold night out. They bundled up, got lots of blankets and out they went. I was amazed when I woke up at 7:45 a.m. to them coming in the house. They really did camp out all night! She loved it! She loves her Daddy! Maybe - just maybe - she will like camping more than her mom :) Ethan and I were quite warm and comfy in the house! One memory made of many to come!

She is so SILLY!!!!!

2010-10-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Allison is a joy! From about 13 months on, we knew she was going to be quite verbal and talk a lot. (Wonder where she gets that - hmmmmm?) It seems she is always coming up with things to say that just make us laugh. A few recent Allison funnies:

At Allison's birthday party she managed to sit in her cake and get icing all over her tutu. Gracie sees it and gets upset about the icing on the tutu to which Allison responds, "Don't panic Gracie it is just icing and it will come out - no panicking." Wonder where she has heard that one before?????

On the way to the library with her class at school they often pretend they are walking through a jungle and saying things they are "pretending to see." Last Monday while doing this little activity Allison yells out "I see a naked lady." That is funny all by itself, but what is funnier is that her teachers didn't realize at first that Allison knew what the flower "naked ladies" were. We all had a good laugh over that one. Something about a three year old yelling out on a Christian school campus, I see a naked lady" was just a hoot!

As you see, she loves to dress herself too - - isn't this quite the outfit! She does bring us so many smiles - I just love her!

My favorite Season!

2010-10-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Autumn has to be my very favorite season! I love:

The colors - shades of oranges, yellows, reds
A cool crisp morning and an evening that requires a sweatshirt
A great mug of hot apple cider
A tall Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate from Starbucks
Trips to the pumpkin patch
The smell of a pumpkin candle burning
Emberli Bogue's pumpkin cheesecake
Caramel Apples
Caramel Puff Corn - a must!
Getting Allie (and now Ethan) all dressed up for a night of trick-or-treating
Making pumpkin bars with my little girl
Crunching leaves as I go on walks
Making piles of leaves to jump in - oh the days when my Papa would make big piles for me to jump in!
Pumpkin Pie with homemade whip topping
Driving down to the Auxvasse Creek and seeing the hills covered with trees in beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow
A drive through Napa or Sonoma and seeing the beautiful vineyards painted in various shades of fall colors
Soups and homemade bread
Getting out the sweatshirts and sweaters (and my boots!)
Cool Friday Night football games when in Missouri
The Hatton Craft Festival
My little girl's October birthday party
Thanksgiving Day and the time with family and friends! (This day could be a list in and of itself!)
Smoked turkey Jeremy makes on Thanksgiving
Thoughts of my wonderful sister-in-law who loves fall as much as I do
Hearty Fall Harvest meals - thanks Melinda for this!

This list could go on for quite a while! As I write this list, I am reminded of God's great love for us and how he demonstrates it even through the seasons. We have much to be thankful for! I am reminded of Ps. 100 and challenged by all of the verbs: make, serve, come, know, enter and give."

"Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!
Serve the LORD with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

Know that the LORD, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations."

How GOOD Christ is! More than anything, I love that the Lord is God, we are His, and His love endures forever - in all "seasons" of our life!

My Little Ballerina is Three!

2010-10-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it but my little Allie Grace is now three! I am not sure where the last 3 years have gone, but they have gone quite fast! Allison is such a joy to me - a little girl who loves life and brings us many smiles! She is currently into Angelina Ballerina and twirls around the house all the time - the dress or skirt she is wearing has to "twirl." It is cute - I love it when she has her daddy dance with her, which really means that he has to stand up and hold her hand so she can twirl. Too cute!

It was a fun birthday party and we were thankful to have Grandma and Great-Grandma Dord here with us! Our theme was Angelina Ballerina (of course) and we had lots of cute little girls in tutus running around the house. Because Angelina is a mouse, we had "cheese" themed snacks: cheese and crackers, cheese balls, cheese puffs, etc. It was a fun time and Allison loved being with all her little friends!

It will be interesting planning a birthday party for Ethan - no pink and hmmmmm - our friends need to have some boys - otherwise all the girls are going to have to learn to like things like baseball, football, trucks and cars! At least we have a little time before a party for Ethan - but who am I kidding - time flies so fast it will be here before we know it.

She's Back!

2010-10-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, I am back to the blogging world! You might be as shocked as I am! When I sat down to look at this blog, I realized that it had been quite some time since I had blogged and a lot has changed in my life! There probably isn't time (or interest) to go back over the last two years of my life, but lets just say God has done a lot!

I am in a new season of my life as I am now a mommy of an adorable 3 year-old (that sounds crazy to say) and a very precious and sweet little guy who is almost 3 months old! Allison turned 3 on October 3 and is a happy, energetic little girl who keeps us on our toes! She started pre-school this year and loves it! She was also excited to become a big sister this summer and a great one she is! Ethan David was born July 18 at 9:25 p.m. He is a sweetheart and his smiles melt my heart! He is a super sleeper which we are thankful for and just a happy guy!!!! Jeremy and I are thankful for them both and excited about all God has in store for our family. We are learning how to be parents of two kids - - wow - that wasn't a jump it was a chasm that I sometimes feel like I am dangling in the middle of! I am just thankful for God's mercies that are new every morning!!!!!!!! God is using them to teach us much and mold us to be more like himself.

You might have noticed the name of this blog has changed. Again, I am in a new season of my life - one where I am really learning to rest in God for his mercies which are new . . . . every morning! One of my new favorite verses is Lamentations 3:22 - 23, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; GREAT is your faithfulness." Summer Steph just isn't fitting anymore. A new season and new things to learn and grow in!!! Something I look forward to knowing and trusting that God has great plans for me.

I was recently inspired by a dear friend to get back to blogging - after reading her blog I was motivated to get back at it. My prayer is that through blogging I can keep friends and family up-to-date on our lives here in CA, post pictures of two of the cutest kids I know and take some of the thoughts spinning in my head and share them. (Not that I have earth shattering thoughts - but at least getting them out makes room for me - ha ha!)

I am excited to be back!!!! Remember - His mercies are new . . . . EVERY morning! Great is His Faithfulness!

Little Traveler!

2008-08-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

Relaxing with Daddy all week - fun times!

We have kind of lived out of this suitcase! Allie is very familiar with it!

Cooling off in the pool with Daddy!

Mt. Hope Chapel where we had worship each morning

Pretty girl next to the pretty flowers

These rocks don't taste that great mommy!

Enjoying time with Mommy!

The Jr. High girls loved playing with Allie and she loved the attention they gave her!

One thing we GREATLY miss from the Midwest is Sonic (I used to live across the street from one) - so we were VERY happy to find one on the way to camp - - - - we visited Sonic 3 times - once on the way to camp, once during the week and once on the way home. YEA for Sonic!

We have been on the go all summer. I think I can safely say Allie and I have been traveling about every other week this summer. We started with our trip to Canada, then family camp, then Missouri, then Chinese Bible Camp where Jeremy was the speaker. It was a wonderful summer and Allie is a super traveler! We created some wonderful memories and got lots of family time! The pictures in this post are from Chinese Bible Camp at Mt. Hope near Yuba City. It was a wonderful camp and we had a great time with the Jr. High students there. It was also a nice time for Allie, Jeremy and I to get away together! Allie is growing so quickly and while I do get sad, I am seeing how much fun each stage is! She brings us laughs and smiles everyday! We are loving being parents!

My Sweet Little Peanut

2008-07-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

"Happy 4th of July!"

Happy Girl!!!

"Where is breakfast mom??"

Lots to think about!

"Did I mention I was ready to be out of this seat?"

Fun times with Dad at the River

I can't believe that Allie is almost 9 1/2 months old!!!! As I write it, I am amazed! She is just so much fun!!!! I can't say I define all the teething as fun - but she probably wouldn't either! We took her to her 9/10 month appointment the other day and it was fun to see how much she has grown. She is 15 lb. 7 oz. and 26 inches long. She is definitely my little peanut - - that puts her in the 5th percentile for weight and 10th percentile for height. As the doctor said, everything is fine and she is growing in proportion - - - - so as he told me - she is just going to be petite. I told him that I was glad for her and being petite was something that was foreign to me - ha ha! :):) As some know - - - her head measurement is in the upper 85th percentile though. No wonder all the outfits that fit her and come with cute hats - - - well the hats just don't fit.

She is on the move non-stop and keeps us on the go. She loves to sit and have books read to her. Currently her favorite read is "Goodnight Gorilla." She loves walking around with her car and using it to get to things she previously could not reach. Each day is a new lesson in what we can and cant' touch in our house.

We are excited as we will be heading to visit family in two days! Yea!!!! It will be fun for Allie to see them and get to show off all her new tricks - my personal favorite is when she finishes eating, bottles, books, etc. she says "All done." Now for those who might question me, you can ask anyone at Family Camp - she really does say "all done."

I am soon going to post pictures from our Canada vacation - fun times and pictures of Anna (Allie's cousin) and Allie together!

Off to pack!

Let's Race!

2008-07-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

"I like to chew on my cell phone - since I can't talk on it while I am driving."

"Honk! Honk!"

"I am proud of my new car!"

Gentlemen, I mean Ladies, Start your engines. Allie recently got a new "race car" that she loves to play with at home. With two parents who love Nascar, we had to get her a car to ride around on. When we first got it, she would sit on it and mess with the buttons. After a visit to Canada and watching her cousin Anna, she now realizes she can walk around the house with the car on her own as well as use the car as a step stool to get to things she previously could not reach. We will soon have to post a video of her walking around with the car - it is quite comically and I told Jeremy she might learn to walk sideways before she walks forward. Oh how life continues to change - but what fun each day is! She is growing way too fast but we are enjoying each stage! Tomorrow she goes for a 9 month well baby check - I am excited to see how much she has grown in 3 months!

More of Uncle Adam's Visit

2008-06-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

We had such a GREAT time when my brother Adam came to visit. It is always so nice to have family here and get to spend time with them. Allie enjoyed getting to know her Uncle Adam and hang out with him. He was so great and watched Allie for me a few mornings when I had to go into work. I know that she enjoyed that special time with him! I am so thankful for all the time God allows me to have with my family. While Adam was here we enjoyed taking the ferry to the ballgame - Giants vs. Mets, eating out at some great places, going to Powell's Sweet Shoppe in Windsor, getting some yard work done (Adam is a great help!) and much more! Enjoy the pics!

Uncle Adam comes to Visit

2008-06-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

My brother is here to visit for a week and we are having a great time just being together! Allie loves her Uncle Adam and has had a wonderful time with him! It is fun to see them together and watch her get to know Adam :) We enjoyed the Giants game together on Monday evening (cold but fun), hung out today and went to college group tonight (great time!) and then not sure what Wednesday and Thursday hold - but they are sure to be fun!!!!!!

Enjoy!

Fun Times with Grandma and Auntie Karen

2008-05-19T22:09:00.001-07:00

Lighthouse we visited on our weekend getaway - really pretty! Quite the walk back up!

Cruising with Dad in the convertible

Dinner out with Grandma and Aunt Karen at Lucas Warf

I am innocent - honest!

Happy Girl to have Grandma and Auntie Karen here!

Am I styling or what in my hat????

All Smiles!

Hanging out with Grandma! I want her to stay :)

Grandma, Me, Auntie Karen and Mommy before they headed back to Missouri

It is sad to say goodbye to Grandma - can't wait to see her again! I love kisses from her!

The end of April my mom and aunt Karen came out to visit and watch Allie for us! Jeremy and I had a great weekend getaway at the beach - such a wonderful weekend away together! While we were gone, my mom got LOTS of great Allie time. She and my aunt Karen watched Allison and had a super time too! They came to the beach on Sunday and then we spent the rest of the week together. It was fun showing them where we live, shopping, and just getting to watch them with Allie. She loved her time with them and so did we! Enjoy the pictures from the week!

In Response to WCS

2008-05-02T22:32:00.000-07:00

I have to admit - when I saw WCS had tagged me in her post (which I really enjoyed reading) I was thinking - when will I ever get this done and on top of that - who would even care - - - - but decided that I would go ahead and do it - if nothing else for my own fun. So here goes:

Jeremy and Steph (almost 5 years ago - more like 4 years ago, but as close to five years ago as I could get)

Jeremy and Steph 1 year ago (Allie is in the picture too :) )

What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was living in central Missouri. I was a Jr. High math and computer teacher and loving every minute of it! I had just started working on my masters degree at the University of Missouri in Curriculum and Instruction (which is finally done -yea!). I spent lots of time with family and friends and pouring myself into teaching and church activities. God was doing a lot in my life - teaching me to be content with Him alone rather than worrying about why everyone else around me was getting married and starting families and I was still single - I was learning to wait on God's timing (which is so much better than mine!).

What I was doing 5 years ago:
I was still teaching Jr. High math and computers - and still loving it. It was during this summer that I finally was content with being single - not realizing that in September God would bring a young man named Jeremy into my life. It was 5 years ago that I started dating Jeremy - - - - what a joy and blessing that was! I had no idea what big changes were in store for my life (like moving 2,000 miles away from family because I met the man I loved with all my heart!!!!)

What I was doing 1 year ago:
I was teaching 3rd grade half-day and serving as Elementary Vice-Principal the other half of the day (talk about split personalities!) It was a challenge but it was nice to be able to do both - I love being in education! Jeremy and I had been happily married for 2 years and I was about 4 months pregnant - expecting our first child - little Allie Grace! I was enjoying time with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law who were also expecting their first child - Anna Joy born in June. I am so thankful that God gave us time with them before they left for Canada. It was a super year!

What I was doing yesterday:
I was sad as I was saying goodbye to my mom and aunt as they headed back to Missouri. I worked half the day and spent the evening at the Compass Bible Study and started my new "card" system to help me feel organized at home (I think I am going to like it).

I enjoy:
being with Jeremy and Allie, playing with Allie Grace, spending time with the Lord, my family, cooking and trying new recipes, being with friends and doing fun things with them, shopping, scrapbooking (when I have time), talking on the phone with family when I can't see them, working with the students at RVCS, good music, getting manicures and pedicures, going to garage sales, this list could go on and on

5 TV shows I love:
Survivor, Take Home Chef, What not to wear, The Muppet Show, Biggest Looser, Nascar races (opps that was 6)

5 things I hate:
Laundry!!!!! People who are judgmental of others and feel they are the only ones who have cornered the market on what is right, lies, really hot weather (with no air conditioning) and not having snow in the winter (I could add more probably but this is enough :) )

5 biggest joys in my life:
My salvation/having Christ as my Lord and Savior, God's continual grace and mercy in my life, my husband who loves me unconditionally, my beautiful daughter who brings smiles to me each day and is a continual reminder of God's grace, my family who I love with all my heart!

This was really fun to do!

I tag: Esther, Julie and Sarah

A New Post Soon to Come

2008-05-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

My mom and aunt were just out for a visit and we had a BLAST! It was such fun! I have tons of cute pictures I need to get uploaded and hope to do so very soon. It was fun showing them around California and just being with them! I can't wait to share pictures with you! Until then - enjoy the two pics I have of my cute 7 month old - wow how time flies! She is such a joy and brings us many smiles!

6 Months Old and So Cute!

2008-04-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

Look Mom - it is my first Easter basket!!!!

Mommy and Allie Grace on Easter Sunday with the traditional Bunny Cake

I am not sure I like this lemon?????

Happy Girl!!!

Everything is a chew toy these days!

My cousin Jett and I just hanging out!

So glad to be at Grandma's house!

Great-Grandpa with Jett and Allie Grace

Mommy and Allie Grace at Great-Grandma Dord's on Easter

Some snuggle time with Grandpa

Well, it has been so long since I have posted that it is possible that no one checks this site anymore! To those who do check, I apologize. It has been a crazy last few months and it seems like we have been constantly on the go. Since my last post, Allie and I have flown to Missouri for Easter, Jeremy has been to China for a College Mission Trip and also on the Sr. Trip to Washington D.C and New York. While we all had a great time everywhere we went, we are glad to be back together as a family! Easter in Missouri was a great time. It snowed on Easter (so I did finally get to see snow - just not on Christmas!). It was such a blessing to see family and friends and for Allie to get to know them all better! She had a great time at Grandma and Grandpa Love's and enjoyed being the center of attention.

She is growing like crazy and is so much fun! Her constant smiles make you feel like a million bucks! She is sitting up on her own, eating fruits and veggies (carrots and pears being her favorites) and starting to get into that crawling position - it won't be long before we are chasing her around everywhere - what am I saying - we already do as she rolls all over the place! I couldn't have imagined how much joy she would bring into our lives - it is beyond what I could have thought! Allie Grace is a real blessing!

Here are some pictures to enjoy!

Something is REALLY Funny!

2008-03-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Last week Allie started really laughing - "belly laughing" and it is just toooooooooo cute! This video was taken at school and one of the teachers was playing peak-a-boo with her. She found this very fun and she laughed and laughed! Enjoy! Everyday she is more and more fun!

So Cal Road Trip

2008-02-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

We spent President's Weekend visiting the SRBC college students that attend Masters and Biola. It was a super fun time and nice to get to hang out with them! They are such a blessing to us!

Allie got to make her first trip to Disneyland and her first ride was "Pirates of the Caribbean." It was fun - she wasn't too excited about the little bit of water splashing on her but she enjoyed it. She did get her own Minnie Mouse "ears." It was super fun! We can't wait to take her back when she is older!!!!!

It was a fun trip and I thought I would share some pictures from the weekend. Enjoy! It is hard to believe that in 2 1/2 weeks she will be 5 months! Time flies - but she is just so much fun!

Allie's First Cold - Not fun but she is a trooper!

2008-02-08T22:26:00.000-08:00

Being a new mom brings many "firsts" - some more fun than others. Starting late Wednesday night Allie was showing signs of a cold - the runny nose, rattling cough, etc. By Thursday night we were into the full blown "first" cold - complete with a low grade fever and all. It was a long night for us and her - it is just soooooooooo sad when they are the ones sick. They can't tell you what is hurting and there is little you can do - needless to say we have spent the day feeling so sad for her. She has been a trooper and managed to keep smiling all day (probably thanks to Tylenol). We are praying this is something that doesn't hang on too long. We had to laugh today when we realized last year I was sick on my birthday (because I was pregnant) and this year Allie is sick on my birthday. Here are a few pictures of my little trooper taking a few naps today - resting and getting better. We would appreciate your prayers that she will soon be well :) Even when she isn't feeling good she is still a joy and a doll!

Allie is "On a roll!"

2008-01-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Well, Allison had her 4 month check up today - 4 days early - and she weighed in at 11 lb. 11 oz. and was 24 inches long. The doctor said she was doing great! She was very alert and would have loved to get her hands on the stethoscope! She did try! She got shots (3) and has done well so far. I spent the afternoon with her at home not knowing how she would be with the shots - and I am sooooooooooo glad I did because her new accomplishment was rolling over for the first time from her back to her stomach. She had already done rolling from tummy to back - so now she can go both ways. Our world is changing again now that we have a baby learning to be mobile! We were excited. We didn't get the first time on video - but here is a video of her rolling later in the day! She is such fun!

More Christmas Pictures

2008-01-23T15:38:00.001-08:00

Enjoying some time with my two Great-Grandmas!

Hanging out with Uncle Adam - don't you love the bow in his hair!

I really do want that Diet Coke - if you would just move me closer!

This airport action wears me out!

A hug or is that a tackle from my cousin Ramsey.

Allison's Cinderella Dress she got for Christmas - we love it!

Funny Faces!

More Funny Faces!

I love my bunny hat!

We had so many great pictures of Allie at Christmas that I thought I would share just a few more. So enjoy :) I am amazed at how quickly they grow and change!

She is a joy!

Allie Grace's First Christmas

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful time in Missouri over the holidays! It was a trip of many "firsts" for Allie. She had her first trip on an airplane at 2 1/2 months, she met many of her family for the first time, met many friends for the first time, spent the night at grandma's house for the first time, made the annual trip to Porky's for the first time - and even had her first sip of Mt. Dew (which mommy didn't know about until daddy was caught putting a straw in Allie's mouth!!!! - - - she did smile really big though! - she just got a drop). It was so fun to introduce Allie to everyone! The joke was that every time she woke from a nap there was a new face in front of her and many times in a new house. She was a wonderful traveler - never cried on the plane and slept most of the time. She was a trooper! Grandma and Grandpa had a great time with her. Grandma even got to take her to work one day and show her off. She did go to Grandpa's work too and meet everyone there. She was able to meet her Great-Grandparents too! It was a great 1st Christmas and we will be spending her first Easter there too as Jeremy will be on a mission trip to China. We would appreciate your prayers for Jeremy and the trip and Allison and I as we are away from him.

Enjoy the pics! There were soooooooo many - it was hard to choose. We had taken 150 pictures in the first 3 days we were there. When you have 2 new babies and a cute 1 1/2 year old you are reminded how great digital pictures are!

"When is take-off?"

The three cousins all together!

Laura Allison with Allison Grace

Allie with her Great-Grandma, Dorothy Allison Love

"Come on Jett, this is fun!!!!!!"

"Wow - all of this is mine? I could fit in there!"

"Grandpa gave me the Carl Edwards bib - Dad says I can spit-up on it. Who do I cheer for?"

The Christmas Elves

Allie's first trip to Porky's restaurant

Allie Grace with her Great-Grandpa Love (otherwise known as Papa)

"All this excitement has worn me out - it is time for a nap."

"To Grandmother's House We Go!"

2007-12-24T23:11:00.000-08:00

Well, we won't be going "over the river and through the woods," but we are heading to Allie's Grandma and Grandpa's house tomorrow. Yes, Allie's first Christmas will be on an airplane headed to her grandparents house! We are so excited and can hardly wait for the rest of the family to meet Allie Grace! She will be meeting uncles, cousins, aunts, friends and even great-grandparents! What a joy it will be to spend time with family and introduce them to our little Allie! We would appreciate your prayers as we travel and that it won't be too long of a day for Allison (or her parents :) ).

Looking back over the past year, it is evident time and time again how God has provided and cared for us! We are recipients of such marvelous grace! We are more than thankful for Allison and the blessing she has been to us! God is so good and we are blessed! May He be the focus of our lives daily! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Time for a New Post

2007-12-10T11:55:00.001-08:00

Well, as Drama Queen put it - it is time for a new post! I love the holiday season, but it seems that things often get busy and with having family here, the blog got put aside for a bit. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Jeremy's family here! What a joy and blessing to be able to celebrate together and have Anna and Allie together! I think between three cameras and two new babies we had a total of over 600 pictures in just 4 days! Yea for digital cameras!!!!!!!!!!

Allie is growing so fast and brings us such joy and smiles each day! She is a happy little girl! At her 2 month appointment (wow - that is hard to believe!) she was 10 lb. 8 oz. and was 22 inches. She has captured our hearts - especially her Daddy's! It is such fun to watch her smile! She has started checking out her hands and will sit and stare at it - what fun to watch her discover the world around her.

We are counting the days until Christmas. Jeremy and I both are so looking forward to introducing Allie to the family. We will be flying on Christmas day and then spend some time with family and friends in Missouri. It will be sweet to have Allie meet her aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandparents, other family and friends! Just think what we can do with so many cameras for over a week! I am also hoping that there might be a little snow when we are there - I know it sounds crazy but I miss it!

Enjoy the new pictures of Allie!

So Much to Be Thankful For!

2007-11-22T02:54:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post some recent pictures of Allie Grace! She is changing everyday - - and time goes way toooooo fast! She is so much fun and we are enjoying the smiles, coos, and all the cute sounds she makes! Allie is getting so alert and it is so much fun! She has also started sleeping through the night - most nights - yea!!!!!!!!! That is such a blessing - - - I didn't realize how nice consecutive hours of sleep were :):)

We have so much to be thankful for! We are excited to spend Thanksgiving this year with Jeremy's family. His mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law and niece will be here! What a joy - we are so thankful God is giving us this opportunity! With Jeremy's parents on the mission field, his brother and family headed to the mission field and us in ministry in CA, time together is a precious thing! Can't wait to post pictures of Allison and her cousin Anna together! God is so good!

My Little Sweet Pea

2007-11-07T07:07:00.000-08:00

Allison made her debut as a "Pea Pod" on "Reformation Day" so I thought I would post a few pics. We took her out to a few houses and had lots of fun! Isn't she a "sweet pea!" She is such fun and it is amazing how she grows and changes everyday! She is becoming so alert and we are catching some great smiles which makes the heart happy :) Each day with her is a definite reminder of God's grace, blessings and love for us! We are so thankful!

My First Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Ready for Church with Mom

I am 1 Month Old Today - Mom says time is flying tooooooooooooo fast!

Big Smile for Mom!!!

2007-10-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Monday Allie smiled at me (what I count as a "real" smile) and we have gotten several smiles since then. She is becoming so much more alert - checking out the world and making such cute sounds. Everyday is such a blessing and joy!!!!!!!! She brings many smiles to our faces!

Three Weeks Old and loving time with Grandma and Grandpa!!

2007-10-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

Allie is 3 weeks old today! There just aren't words to describe how blessed we feel - God is so good and we are loving having Allie with us! She brings us such joy each day!!!!!!!!! She had her doctors appointment and was doing well! She has gained weight and is 8 lbs. 13 oz. He said she was looking super and growing well! We are enjoying having Grandma and Grandpa Love here this week and they are loving spending time with Allie! My mom has been a huge help in getting Allie's room organized and finished up - it is a cozy place where we love to be and rock - special times! I have posted some pics of our week and will post more later when there is time - - - right now I am off to go enjoy time with my sweet little Allie Grace and her grandma :):) Special times!

My New Room

My room with my picture painted by my cousin Laura

Enjoying outside with Grandma

My first trip to the park with Grandma and Grandpa

Time Flies - I am Two Weeks Old!!

2007-10-18T11:46:00.001-07:00

It is so hard to believe, but Allie is now two weeks old. She is doing really well and just bringing smile after smile to our faces! She makes the cutest faces! When we are so tired at 2:00 a.m., the nice part is those cute little faces you get that make it better! Thought I would post a couple of pictures of her yesterday - two weeks old! God is so good :):)

"I love my Dad!"

"I am a happy girl!"

"Love my time with Mom!"

One Week Old

2007-10-12T21:05:00.000-07:00

Wow - it is hard to believe, but Allison is one week old! It is such a joy to have her in our lives!!!! Amazing how in an instant they capture your heart and your life is never the same! While life may not be the same, it is better! Yes, we are tired, but as I said before, that is overshadowed by the joy of having her here! (I was tired when I was pregnant - - so in some respects that has not changed - at least now there is a real reason to be up at night!) We are doing well and she is such a sweet baby! She made her first trip out today and met the ladies in the church office, school office and some others along the way - she did GREAT! She even made her first trip through the drive-thru of McDonalds! Thanks for your continued prayers!!!!

My Sweet Little Allie Grace

2007-10-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we are home and getting adjusted to life with Allie - and yes, it is tiring - but the joy it brings overrides those feelings! Speaking of tired though - that I am today - but wanted to post a few pictures of my little Allie Grace to share! I can't wait for our friends and family to meet her!

"Talk to the Hand!"

"Beautiful Feet!" (Finally mom can see them!!!)

"Rest time in my comfy bouncer"

"Rest time - mom better nap quick!"

Allison Grace Writebol is HERE!!!!!!!!!!

2007-10-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

It is with GREAT excitement (and a tired self - ha ha!!) that I am posting to announce the arrival of our beautiful little girl, Allison Grace Writebol!!!!!! She surprised mom and came a week early - yea!!!!!!!!!!! She was born on October 3, 2007 at 4:25 p.m. She weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 in. long. Labor began around 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2. Everything went great and we are all doing well! We are home and ready to adjust to life with little Allie! We are so excited! The whole is experience is something that can't be summed up into words - those who are parents understand this the best! It was amazing and we feel so blessed to be recipients of such Grace and love that God has given us! It is a miracle!!!!! She is a joy and blessing!!! We can't wait for you all to meet her!

Thank you for your prayers for the pregnancy and delivery! God was so good! Please continue to pray for us as we learn to be godly parents and grow as a family!

39 Weeks!

2007-10-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Well, we have made it to 39 weeks and officially into October! For those who are wondering, I was really hoping Allison would be here in October (I just love fall) - so she can come anytime now :) While the last week has been uncomfortable, I can say that the past 39 weeks have flown!

We still need to put a few things on the walls - but we did get the bedding for the room and so I have posted some pictures below of her room. There is also a super cute picture I can't wait to frame and put up in her room that my cousin Laura painted for Allie! I love it! Once we have things on the walls, we will be mostly finished. I just want to find a small lamp for the dresser.

I am enjoying maternity leave and being able to rest when I want. It is a joy to take a nap whenever the need hits! I will try to get a picture of me up in the next week or two - I do want one picture for sure before we go to have her.

Again, thanks to each of you for your words of encouragement and prayers! Keep praying! We will keep you all posted!

Officially On Maternity Leave!

2007-09-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

I awoke this morning to the realization that I am officially on maternity leave. This was an odd realization but an exciting one too!!!! It was so nice to not have to get up and get going so early and be able to relax! I am ready for that - following everyone's instructions to rest now because life is soon going to change.

Things are going well - we had our 38 week appointment and everything looks great! Measurements are right on track and the doctor says we are making progress. Her words, "Now we are just playing a waiting game for her to arrive." My blood pressure again was good which has been a great answer to prayer throughout the whole pregnancy.

So what to do now???? Wait for Allison to make her appearance into the world. Until then, I can rest and finish up some things I want to do in her room. I will post some more pics of her room soon - we did get our bedding and have a few more things to hang on the walls. Look for some more pictures to come!

We would appreciate your prayers as we continue this journey - - bags are packed and ready. Thanks again to all of you who have been such a source of encouragement! You are a blessing to us!

The Mystery of the Basket

2007-09-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

So I know that my blog doesn't have a huge number of readers, but I am calling on the help of anyone who might be able to solve "the mystery of the basket." We have been very blessed with gifts for our new little baby. Recently (2 weeks ago) we received a package in the mail from JCPenney. It was an adorable toy basket for the baby room. It had come off our registry and we were very excited to get it. The mystery is that there was no name attached as to who it was from. I would love to be able to thank the person who sent us this cute addition to the baby room. You can see the basket in the picture below. It has all the toys in it and is by the rocker. So there you have it - "the mystery of the basket" - we love it and thank whoever sent it!

By the way - only 2 weeks to go - time is going so fast!!!!! Thanks to all of you who are praying, calling, giving me encouragement, and even helping me paint my toe nails so they look great (thanks Michelle). Hearing from friends means more than you know!

Getting Ready! Let the Countdown Begin!

2007-09-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

As I sit to write this post, I can't even tell you how in awe I am that we are 3 weeks from the due date of our little baby! I can honestly say time has flown - when we found out (and it was early) I thought that it would be an eternity! It has went by so fast though! Of course everyone says the next 3 weeks will be an eternity - we will see!

We are working on getting things organized and ready for the arrival of this little girl. I have posted some pics of her room which is still in progress and will post more as we get more things done. Jeremy did a great job painting the room and has put up with my "nesting" the past few months. We are working on getting some things up on the walls and lamps in the next week. We just got the rocker Saturday and it is very comfortable! For the most part, I have my bag organized and packed thanks to my sister-in-law, Esther, who gave me a great list of what I needed for the hospital. We have the diaper bag ready too, complete with a cute pink dress for coming home and pictures! Now for those who are still wondering, "Could they be wrong, could it be a boy?" Well, last Tuesday we had another ultrasound to make sure the baby was in the correct position (which she was) and it was confirmed again - she is a girl.

It is all a little surreal right now - hard to believe that in approximately 3 weeks we will be a family of three - that she will be here with us! It has been an amazing time and I am reminded daily of God's grace in my life and how awesome He is! I would appreciate your prayers as we anticipate her arrival and prepare for the birth. We can't wait to meet her and can't wait to begin our life with her!

And for those who have asked, I did post one profile picture of me - not the greatest picture - but does satisfy those who wanted a profile picture! That picture was taken at 36 weeks.

Thanks for your prayers! Can't wait to let you all know she when she arrives!

Fun Times being Aunt and Uncle!

2007-07-30T07:54:00.001-07:00

Last week I was able to babysit Anna and it was such a joy and so much fun! With Brian, Esther and Anna moving soon, Jeremy and I take as much time with them all as we can get! She was so good and it was fun to spend time with her! She is growing fast! We are so excited for Brian, Esther and Anna, but at the same time sad to see them leave. It has been a HUGE joy and blessing to be with family over the last 7 months! We are thankful for the time God has given us all together!

A Proud Aunt and Uncle

2007-06-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

We just couldn't pass up the chance to say how excited we are to be Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Jeremy again! We are rejoicing that Anna Joy Writebol has joined the family and we are thankful that Anna, Esther and Brian are all doing well! Check out Brian and Esther's blog for a link of more pictures of Anna Joy! She is a definite blessing and joy to our family! Aunt Stephanie can't wait to hold her again soon :)

Summer Steph Enjoying Summer

2007-06-14T04:06:00.000-07:00

Ramsey enjoying time with Grandpa!

Ramsey at almost age 1!!

Yea - it is officially here - - - summer vacation! I am so excited I can't tell you! It feels great to be out of school and get to do some fun things with friends and family now! I am eagerly anticipating my trip back to Missouri to see family and friends next week. It will be nice to get to catch up with them and spend some time enjoying summer with them! Yes, there will be Missouri heat, but at least they all have AC! Speaking of AC, the Santa Rosa heat finally won out this week and Jeremy and I were able to get an AC unit for the house - a portable unit - so at least when it is miserable, we can get some cool air and sleep! While in Missouri I will be able to celebrate my nephew's first birthday - hard to believe he will very soon be a year old! I am ready to get some Aunt Stephanie time with him! Jeremy and I are also eagerly anticipating the birth of Brian and Esther's baby! We are excited to meet him or her and get to be Aunt and Uncle here too!!!!!!

Many fun activities await us this summer! We have camps (can't wait for Family Camp!), college group activities, family coming to visit in CA, and much more! We are praying that now that our schedule has calmed down slightly we can spend more time with friends and family here in Santa Rosa too!

Countdowns and Changes

2007-05-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Now that I am starting to feel better, I feel like I can actually sit down and write a post. Yes, there is a definite countdown for me right now and that is ONLY 6 1/2 days until I am going to be Summer Steph - and I can't wait. The school year has been a great one and I have really enjoyed my job - but having some flexibility and extra time will be super nice! I am quite excited! Only a few more lesson plans and a few more early mornings :):)

Jeremy and I are also experiencing some exciting changes in our lives - yes, the baby will be a big one that we are very excited about! Finding out it is a girl and having the summer to prepare for her arrival is a lot of fun! We are also moving into a new season of ministry. Jeremy is going to be now serving as the Young Adult Ministries Pastor at SRBC. We will be working with the college and singles groups. We are very excited about this and look forward to developing relationships with these young adults and getting to minister to them. I would appreciate your prayers as we embark on this journey. I am going to miss the Jr. High kiddos and am so thankful God has provided a wonderful couple to take over as their pastor! That makes this easier! Those students were such a blessing to me and I am going to look forward to having them in a few years when they head to college. It is funny to think that next year we will have in the college group the group Jeremy started with at SRBC! Fun times ahead!

God is good and that is an update on what is going on with the Writebols. I plan on being a much better blogger when I return from Santa Fe - I am enjoying a four day break with my aunt - fun times - sleeping in, shopping, site-seeing, eating great food - - - a much needed vacation!

News at the Writebol House

2007-05-14T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today was our 20 week ultrasound and what a fun appointment it was! We were blessed to find out we are having a girl (yes, we know that there is a chance they are wrong - but from what we saw and the confidence of the tech, we feel pretty sure it is accurate - we just won't take tags off anything) and we were also thankful to find out that she is growing and developing quite well. To see the baby, watch that little heart beating, hands moving, well, there just are not words to describe the joy and awe we have for how God has blessed us! We would appreciate your prayers as we continue on the 2nd half of pregnancy and that the baby continues to grow strong and healthy. There aren't words for how excited we are and Jeremy will just have to teach her to throw a baseball and love camping! God is so good! Thank you for your continued prayers!

What the summer holds for Summer Steph?

2007-03-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, summer is not that far away and neither is Summer Steph! What does summer hold for me this summer? Definintely not swim suits and for sure the need for air conditioning! Why you might ask, well, the Writebol's are excited to announce that at the end of summer, beginning of fall, a new little Writebol will be joining our family! We are expecting our first baby towards the end of September/beginning of October. We feel so blessed and excited about all God has in store for us! After the first doctor's appointment and seeing that new little life, well, there are just not words to express our joy and excitement! We would appreciate your prayers as we embark on the adventure of pregnancy and being new parents! God is good and we are continually reminded of His love, care and provision! Below is a picture of the little one - - more pictures to follow in May!

The Real Summer Steph Not Far Away!

2007-03-07T11:34:00.000-08:00

I had an amazing discovery today - as I looked at the calendar I realized that it is only 11 1/2 teaching weeks until I get to be the real summer steph again! I am so excited - this just made my day!!!!!! It means many things - first being that it means that nicer weather is on its way - yea!!!!!!! It also means being able to do more with my girlfriends and not worrying about things like lesson plans, etc. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE my job - but it is about this time every year when that summer break is VERY appealing!!!!!!! It also means wearing sandals - - - - yea!!!!!!!!! Time flies - I can't believe this school year is almost over - it has been a fun year!!!!! Just wanted to share my discovery and let everyone know that the real Summer Steph - the one who has more free time is not far away (should mean I can blog more too!!!!)

Update on Fantasy Nascar

2007-03-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a while since I have posted (even though I want Jenylu to be aware that I have been posting on the "food" blog) and two weeks since Nascar season started. We officially have our fantasy teams up and going. I think the delay in posting has been from the sadness I have felt the first two races. Yes, I can say (but not proudly) that I am in last place - yikes!!!!!!!!!!! Daytona was a tough race for most of us. There were big crashes - lots of crazy things happening - a Daytona unlike any other. Then I thought going into last weeks race that I had a strong team and things would "look-up." Not a chance - two of my team members had engines blow (can't count on that one), two did "ok" and one - he should have probably just stayed home. It was just awful!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know it is a bad day at the track when on about lap 90 or so - you see one of your drivers trucks leaving - no hope of getting back on the track. Soooooooooooooo all this to say - I am glad we get a Sunday off this week (no race this week) and some time for me to do some rethinking of my team. I will try to be ready for Vegas next Sunday - how fitting because with my team it is always a gamble.

Gentlemen Start Your Engines!

2007-02-07T18:58:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, last year, I became quite the Nascar fan. It was about mid-way through the season when I really "got into" the sport of Nascar. I was sad when the season came to a close, but am now counting the days until it starts again - and that is not far away! Only 11 days - yes, 11 days until we begin the 2007 Nascar season. The Daytona 500 will kick-off the season on February 18. I am in the process of picking my fantasy team and we have added new competitors this year. My dad will be competiting, along with my husband, but joining this season is JCrew, his wife, HappyHouseWife, and her father. I can hardly wait until February 18! I want to hear those famous words, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, lets go racin boys!" If you want to see a great race and want some company, come watch Daytona with us!

How Many of "You" are There?

2007-01-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

I was recently sent this link and it was a fun thing to do - see how many "Stephanie Love's" and "Stephanie Writebol's" there were in the U. S. According to the information I got, there are 599,937 "Stephanie's" in the U. S. and only one "Stephanie Writebol." Now, as for the number of "Stephanie Love's" (my maiden name), there are 210 of us in the U. S. Check it out and see how many of you there are in the U. S. The link is "How Many of Me". It would be fun to have you post your information here - so we can all see "how many of you" there are in the U. S. Happy Saturday!

New Blog on the Block

2007-01-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

Do you love food? Do you like to share new recipes? Then check out the new blog, "For the Love of Food," found on the link list to the right. I hear great things are cooking there!

Making Jam with Mom

2007-01-20T07:24:00.000-08:00

Each trip back to Missouri is a good time with friends and family. During my last two trips back (July and December), with the help of my mom, I have become quite the "Betty Crocker" and learned to do some canning. When I went back in July, she taught me how to do homemade apple butter and also peach jam. Both turned out really good and I was excited to know how to make these two delicious treats. The apple butter was grandma's recipe so it meant a lot to learn to make it. This past December, we took on a new challenge, making the Cranberry Banana jam that my aunt typically makes, but wasn't able to do this year. While this may not sound like the best jam, it is absolutely wonderful - on top of hot biscuits it is a GREAT treat. We were so excited that it turned out well! We had a fun time making it and spending time together. I love learning those things from mom and knowing that I can do it. I am looking forward to making more and think I have made the decision to have the jam be my first entry in the Sonoma County Fair this summer. I have not decided if it will be the apple butter, peach jam or cranberry banana - but one of those will be the entry that gets me my free ticket :)

Great memories, great times and great jam! Thanks mom!

Finally Caught Up!

2007-01-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

With a day off work (for MLK Day), a couple of weeks of being back from Missouri, and back in our normal routine (if that is possible - who knows what normal is???) I finally felt like I was caught up with things and could sit down to write a blog - not that I have incredible things to say, but wanted to update my few readers on how we were doing.

Our visit back to Missouri was really a great time! We were able to celebrate the holidays with our families and spend some time with friends. We were able to spend Christmas day with my parents and extended family as well as Jeremy's grandparents and brother and sister-in-law. We were blessed to find out we were going to be Aunt Steph and Uncle Jeremy again - with Brian and Esther expecting in June. That was a fun Christmas surprise! I have to admit that probably one of my greatest joys over the holidays was spending time with my nephew Ramsey, who is now 6 months old and he is adorable - of course I am a little partial, but it was such fun playing with him and seeing him smile! He is a great little guy!!!!! It was fun being Aunt Steph!

Another highlight of being in Missouri was going to look at Christmas lights with my family and eating at our traditional place, "Porky's!" For all you pork lovers - it is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! As you can tell from the picture, JCrew and others will be proud to see we are getting Ramsey hooked on the "pork" products at a young age :) This is a time I always look forward to - traditions and making memories with the family - what a joy!!!!!!!!

We are glad to be back and getting into a normal routine - it is hard to believe that it is already (as we are calling it with the Jr. High kids) 007!!!! I am eager to see all God has planned for this year. We are excited and blessed to have Jeremy's brother and sister-in-law here with us and are so thankful for the time God is giving us with them. We are looking forward to visits from family and friends! Mission trips, field trips, camps, the birth of our new nephew/niece, celebrating our 2nd anniversary and much more await us in 007 - - - - God is so good and no matter what comes, we must remember that He is always with us and we must seek him first. As we were talking with the Jr. High kids - we are truly on a mission for Christ and may 007 be one exciting mission for Him!!!!!!

I'll Be Home for Christmas - Just Please Have Snow

2006-12-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe Christmas is almost here - less than a week away! This year has flown by and God has blessed us greatly! This has been a year of growing in the Lord, celebrating our first year of marriage, enjoying the blessings of friendships God has given us and MUCH more! Tomorrow Jeremy and I will head to Missouri to be with family over the Christmas holiday. We are anxious to spend time with his grandparents and brother and sister-in-law. We are also looking forward to seeing my family - I can hardly wait to hold that sweet nephew of mine! We are so blessed to be able to spend this time with family and friends. I am hoping for a little bit of snow while we are there - at least a little dusting to wake up to would be nice. There will fun times of looking at Christmas lights, eating good food, watching movies, going to eat at Porky's - a GREAT BBQ Pork restaurant and much more! The fun times of holiday traditions! We would appreciate your prayers for safe travel.

While away, we will try to keep up on blogs, etc. We look forward to hearing how the holidays are going for everyone! Have a very Merry Christmas - you are in our prayers! May the love of Christ be yours this Christmas!

Jeff Davis Pie - My Favorite Pie!

2006-12-15T23:03:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I talked about my "Jeff Davis Pie" and how it turned out like Grandma's pie - - - - well, the truth is that Jeff Davis Pie is my favorite pie! Each trip back to Missouri, I request my grandma to make one (and of course she does). It is similar to a custard pie, but definitely better! I am going to have to make another one and introduce my California friends to "Jeff Davis Pie." I have no clue where the name came from - I simply know I love it! One year at a family gathering, my cousin (who was much younger at the time) could not remember "Jeff Davis" and referred to it as "Jack Davis" - so now the family joke is, "Are you going to make a Jack Davis Pie?" My cousin Aaron and I have a hard time sharing this pie. Sooooooooooo next time there is a get together, I am going to have to volunteer to make pie - just so everyone can at least try it. I think Christine did get a piece of it Thanksgiving night - - - and I think she enjoyed it.

Pictured above are the pies that we made on Thanksgiving: Pumpkin, Jeff Davis and Chocolate.

Can't wait to share the joy of this pie with my readers :)

Oh Christmas Tree

2006-12-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I am finally taking time to post - yea! Maybe it is the fact that I know tomorrow is only a "half-day" of school and then BREAK - I think I am already feeling like I have "free-time."

My parents were recently here for Thanksgiving - what a GREAT blessing over the holiday! I am so thankful for the opportunity God gave us to spend together! We had a great time and enjoyed many fun activities. I can now say that I know how to make a full Thanksgiving dinner. I did the turkey and with mom's help - everything else that goes with dinner. I was especially proud of my Jeff Davis pie - turned out like Grandmas - yea! It was so much fun to learn from mom how to do all the Thanksgiving dinner things! We had a great meal and enjoyed company with friends later!

It was also fun to go with the fellowship group and cut down a tree - it was great fun going out, finding the right one, cutting it down and then coming home to decorate! I am so thankful to have had mom here to help make the house look great! She did a fabulous job! The tree looks great! We will look forward to cutting down a tree next year too! Fun times!

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving and we have been on the go non-stop this December. We are looking forward to some time with Jeremy's family and my family in the coming weeks. God is so good!

Missing the Fun

2006-12-12T21:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I have not posted in a while, but wanted everyone to know that I have been reading your blogs and wanting to comment, but for all who have switched to Beta, we (those who can't switch yet) can't comment on your blogs for some reason - very sad to me. I read them daily and have comments, but for some reason I can't comment - I can on those who are not Beta - so I am not sure this Beta switch is a good thing. Any thoughts on how to help this problem would be appreciated - - - - - I feel sad :(

Know that I am faithfully reading and very sad that I won't be able to participate in JCrew's song game tomorrow - like I said, if you have any wisdom on this, I would appreciate it!

Final Race for the Season

2006-11-18T08:02:00.000-08:00

Well, tomorrow is the final race for the 2006 Nascar Season. It has been a fun time with the fantasy teams and I am holding out for Jeremy's team to have a not so great day tomorrow. He has a lead of about 300 (ish) points on me and the only hope I have is for him to have a bad day and for me to have a great day. Last week my team did quite well - however so did Jeremy's team - I had over a 700 point day (which is awesome) and still only beat him by 2 points. I have a strong 2nd place right now - we will see how it turns out. Watch soon for the upcoming victory celebrations from my segment one win and for the winner of the segment two. Should be fun!!!!!! We enjoyed also sharing our race experience with friends in CA. Maybe we can get some of them into the fantasy thing too - - we will see! As I have said before and will say again - this has been something very fun for my husband and I to do with my dad, even though we are 2,000 miles away! Until the final results are in on Monday - - - "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, let's go racin' boys!" Should be a fun race!!!!! At least I don't have to wait long until the next season starts - February isn't that far away!

What can I say - I am a proud aunt!

2006-11-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

Just a few more recent pics of my nephew! Isn't he adorable!!!!! I am so excited to see him in December! Thanks for letting me show him off!!!!! (Kludge isn't it impressive how many !!!!!! I used in such a short post!!!!!!!!!!!)

Quiz Time

2006-11-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Recently we had a Jr. High event that we called, "The Corniest Event Ever." It was a super fun time of walking through the corn maze, dressing corny, watching a corny movie, eating corn dogs, candy corn, popcorn and more! Aside from the fact that my group was quite lost in the maze in the dark, it was a GREAT time! For the "corny" movie, we watched "The Muppet Movie" - a very corny movie that I had not seen in years. As I watched it, I realized that because I had once had the album of the Muppet Moive, I knew all the words to every song, which leads me to todays quiz. I grew up with the Muppets - the quiz, "Which Muppet are you?" I can't wait to see which Muppet each of you are! Should be fun - please post your results.

Family Matters

2006-10-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

As a proud new aunt, I wanted to post some new pics of my nephew who was born in June. I am eagerly awaiting getting to see him in December for Christmas - he is growing and changing so much since I last saw him in July. I am also looking forward to seeing the rest of my family as well! I can't wait to see them, spend time with them, give them hugs and just be together. I know God has us in Santa Rosa, we are so thankful for that opportunity and where God desires us to be is best :) One thing I have realized is the more I am apart from my family, the more I realize how important they are to me and how much they have impacted and influenced my life. No matter where I am, they are a part of who I am and have a HUGE place in my heart! I have learned to truly treasure my time with them. So to all my family - just want to say, "I love you with all my heart and thank you for all you mean to me!" (And that includes the new family God has blessed us with in Santa Rosa too!)

Four Generations of "Love" - all important men in our family! My brother Andy, his son Ramsey, Great-Grandpa Love (otherwise known as Papa), and my Dad

Two very special men in my family - Ramsey (my new nephew) and his Great-Grandpa (my grandpa)

Am I crazy or do I just love my Jr. High girls?

2006-10-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Some people might think I am crazy, but recently I had the Jr. High girls over for an all-night sleepover. I have to say that no, I am not crazy - I just love the Jr. High girls that God has allowed me the opportunity to work with at SRBC! It was a fun night that started with 22 girls showing up at my house ready to head to Sonoma Taco Shop. After a good dinner, we headed out to the Snoopy Ice Arena for some skating fun. Following that we headed back to my house and got settled for a night of movies, food and fun. The girls were great and it was quite a site to have 22 sleeping bags crammed in my living room. It made me even more thankful for the house God has provided for us to live in right now - the apartment would have NEVER worked. The girls watched some good "chick flicks," ate lots of snacks and I "think" might have fallen asleep somewhere in the neighborhood of 3:30 a.m. We were up at about 7:00 a.m. and the girls continued with a movie, donuts, and some juice. All in all, it was a super night and I spent the remainder of the day trying to catch up on some much needed rest! Many said as they were leaving that we needed to do this again VERY soon - Sarah and I smiled and agreed to ourselves that once a year might be nice :):) Seriously though - crazy as we are - we will do it again!!!!!

The pictures posted give you a glimpse into my living room with 22 girls in it - notice you never see Sarah and I - we had to sleep in the entry way and hallway - I still am not sure how our college sponsor got the couch???????

What Flavor of Frappuccino are You?

2006-10-12T22:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I must admit that Starbucks has to be one of my favorite treats! On a cool morning, nothing beats a good latte and on a hot day, a Frappuccino hits the spot! As one of my fellow bloggers mentioned - great gifts for teachers is a nice Starbucks card! This person really knows the gifts that this teacher likes. Anyway - I found this and thought it would be fun to find out what flavor all my friends were - so take the quiz and post your results. I also thought it would be fun to know what everyone's favorite drink is at Starbucks - - - - so fill me in :) You never know when I might show up with a Starbucks treat for ya - - -

What Flavor of Frappuccino are You? Take the Quiz.