Family Updates

Birthday Blessings

April/September 22, 2017/ 1 Comment Edit"Birthday Blessings"

Last Friday I turned 33.  I only actually feel old when I see current high school and college students. Other than that, 33 feels wonderful!

I have more blessings in my life than I could have ever dreamed up.

I like to claim an entire weekend for my birthday enjoyment.  This year was no different  Being almost 7 months pregnant, and Mike working in the evenings last week, I decided to keep it low key this year.  My actual birthday fell on a Friday.  The day started out with my husband sneaking downstairs before the girls woke up to cut up some fruit and toast and serve it to me in bed.  You guys–how special and thoughtful!  First of all, it was a treat just to have him home in the morning as he typically leaves for work before I wake up each day. Second, that he thought of me before anything else… how did I get so lucky?!

The girls woke up soon after that and we spent a few minutes snuggling in bed–all 4.5 of us.  Then we decided to take a family trip to Denny’s for my birthday breakfast!  Did you know that you get a free Grand Slam on your birthday?!  A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  The four of us feasted on breakfast for about $12. All you have to do is show your ID when you pay, and they’ll take it off the bill!

After Denny’s, we visited PETCO to say good morning to the guinea pigs, mice, and fish.  The girls loved that, obviously. 

Later that morning, a sweet friend of mine volunteered to come over and watch the girls so I could have some “me time.”  Since Mike didn’t go into work until that afternoon, we got a day date at the mall together. B.O.N.U.S. We browsed around, not really knowing what to do without the kids, then we ate lunch together at California Pizza Kitchen.  It was really nice! 

Later that afternoon (after naps), Lily and Emma helped me bake myself a chocolate fudge cake.  We made it pretty (with icing & sprinkles) and brought it to AWANA that night   Emma’s class sang to me and I pulled Lily from Cubbies so she could help me blow out the candles.  She kept asking me when I was going to have my party, so I felt pressure to make a cake… and bring candles for myself.  Ok, so I have no shame when it comes to my birthday… And who doesn’t love a good chocolate fudge cake?!  Haha. Believe me, no one complained  

Early Saturday, I got to have some more mommy time down in Waikiki to celebrate a friend who’s moving back to the mainland at the end of the month.  The same friend who watched my kids the day before, and whose family we’ve gotten super close to.  Another post on that later.  It’s too sad to include now   Anyway, we went to Duke’s for breakfast, right on the beach.  Let me just say that the spread they had was heavenly!  I had to return to my post afterward to relieve Mike of daddy duty, but I’m grateful for the time I had with friends.  Waikiki seems so far away, and I try my best to stay out of the tourist trap… but every now and then it’s nice to be reminded that we live in such a beautiful place.  It’s easy to forget why Waikiki became so popular, but it truly is a one-of-a-kind beach with a unique vibe! 

Saturday evening I hosted a fondue and pajama party for myself and a few friends.  A super low key ladies’ night of dipping things in milk chocolate and listening to the crackle of the Birchwood fireplace on Netflix.  Great company, good conversation, and a few fun games together!  It was a much needed time to unwind and catch up with some friends.

On Sunday, I wanted to have a family beach day… so after church and Sunday School we packed a lunch and headed straight for the Westside.  We randomly ended up meeting a few friends at Makaha.  Overall, it was a great birthday weekend!  I can’t believe another one is in the books.  This time next year will look much different with our newest addition in the mix!  I can’t wait 

Before I wrap it up, I just want to remind myself of God’s many blessings.  Our van has been in the shop going on three weeks now!  Technically, it’s in the third shop now. We’re frustrated, baffled, and annoyed.  But it has been a time of refining for me.  The first week, we made due asking friends for rides here and there.  The second week we were able to borrow a car from some dear friends of ours who were out of town.  This week, a friend from church offered her car since her husband’s away for work.  I cannot tell you how humbling it has been to depend on others for our needs.  In our culture, it’s easy to become consumed with ourselves.  Often we don’t see the needs of others because we’re so focused on our own.  I’m guilty of this mindset.  I have been overwhelmed by the response from friends and their willingness to give us rides, watch our kids and lend a helping hand (or car)!  One of the many reminders God has used to display his goodness and provision. Thank you LORD for your daily bread.

And thank you all for your prayers and birthday wishes.  What a marvelous year it has been!  Here’s to many more…

Faith Family

Feeling Grateful

April/September 13, 2017/ 3 Comments Edit"Feeling Grateful"

I’m still here.  I haven’t taken the time to blog lately, but I’m still in the thick of life just like you. 

I wanted to take a few minutes tonight to express my gratitude:

*To my Lord and Savior–for the promise of eternal life, and making it possible through his son. And the blessings we get to see this side of heaven.  I know none of it is deserved, but I’m thankful nonetheless.

*To my husband–for his hard work day in and day out both here with our family and outside the home.  He has such a strong desire to provide for his girls, and I’m thankful the Lord has given him that ability. 

*And lastly to my sweet, sweet treasures–Lily and Emma. I am blessed beyond measure through their laughter, imaginations, silly antics, and even through the hardships and whining. God uses them each day to refine my character. I love them so so much!

*Oh, and to baby Cary (in my womb)–who reminds me daily, as she’s being knit together, of the one who holds all of life in His sovereign hands.

Though I’m feeling great tonight, that’s not so for my poor husband and littlest girl. It’s been days since we’ve all been healthy.  While I know it’s nothing life threatening, being sick is still hard to cope with sometimes. This past weekend was rough for me. Anytime I did any amount of housework, my belly tightened up and left me feeling nauseated and very uncomfortable.  The only thing that brought reprieve was lying on my side for hours at a time.  At 28 weeks, this was the first time during my entire pregnancy I felt this way. Thankfully I’m much better now.  And good thing, because there’s no time for the mommy to be sick.  Not when two others in the house are… Emma’s on antibiotics now, so hopefully she’ll kick this ear infection quickly! And so far Mike’s missed two days of work.  I pray his body recovers swiftly and this nasty head cold doesn’t linger any longer.

To add to the fun, we’ve been without a vehicle for exactly one week now.  Let me just say it’s incredibly humbling. Our van broke down on the way to family group last Tuesday evening and has been at a shop ever since. It still hasn’t been diagnosed, and though it’s frustrating it’s also sanctifying.  It always seems that another expense rears its head just when we’re finally starting to catch up.  But I have been overwhelmed by the willingness of friends to come to our rescue when necessary. We have had rides to and from swim class, AWANA, church, the doctor’s office and the grocery store! We may even venture out on the bus later this week.  What an exciting adventure for the girls 

All this to say that I’m grateful… grateful for life, and health and air conditioning. Praise God for air conditioning!! I’m grateful for this computer, working appliances, running water… all the little things I take for granted each day. And as Irma passed through Florida, I’m grateful for the health and safety of all my family members who reside there. 

Praise be to God.

I pray that we wouldn’t dwell on the have nots of life, but all of life’s many blessings–both big and small!