Zack's 1st Haircut...13 Months Old

"Yeah, it is getting a bit unmanagable...so, please take a little off the top and 'UN-mullet' the back!"

"This isn't so bad..." Zack did not cry, fuss, or get upset. He was an absolute angel!

"Look at me! All grown up now!"

Friday Homeschool Day..Off To A Great Start!

This past Friday was the 3rd time Natalie and I have gotten our boys together in my home to have 'homeschool day'. I love to see how much they have learned in such a short time! The boys, even the 2 year olds, have been learning bible verses and their addresses. I am very encouraged by their eagerness and their attentiveness. It makes each second worthwhile. As our families continue to do as God instructed (Ephesians 6:4), by lovingly and continually training our children in the ways of the Lord, I see exactly why our children (ours and Dan & Natalie's) were all born within weeks of eachother...so we could have one another to lean on, hold eachother accountable, and for our children to have eachother as they grow up to be Soldiers of the Lord!
OUR DAY:
1. exercise song to shake out the wiggles.
2. prayer
3. Worship (you will see a picture below showing that even the littlest student, Sonoma (15months), has begun to lift her hands to praise the Lord. What a reward it was to be a witness to that!! Praise God!
4. Review, then lesson (lesson usually involves a craft of some sort or activity)
5. Read a book
6. Cuddle time
7. Bible memory verse and closing prayer.
I am so grateful that the Lord has entrusted me with 5 children to train at home, and now the opportunity to share this with my sweet sister in Christ, Natalie and her children. I am on top of the world with all the sweet successes!

Sonoma raising 'holy hands to praise the holy one, who was, and is, and is to come'!

All the boys outside on their nature walk. They learned about addresses and picked up things on the way that were items God had created! (l to r: Tristan, Christian, Walker, and Skyler)

Boys learning that each house has it's own address.

Lastly, I want to add that Walker has been so eager about learning how to read. So, today we worked on some phonics, and he read his first word, then his second, then several more. I think our goal, of having him reading by age 5, will definitely be met! I am so excited!

Second Opinion

Tim and I went to see another doctor for a second opinion concerning his back pain yesterday. I must admit we were hoping this doctor would be able to give us some quick fix...or at least some answers as to what Tim could do to ease his pain. Unfortunately, he did not offer us any hope as far as medical science goes. He actually said there was nothing he could do, or that he thought we could do to 'fix' Tim's back. It took awhile for it to sink in...especially after the look on the doctor's face was so somber, and he kept saying he was "Sorry." I was trying to maintain my composure for Tim, but it was too much to bear, and he could tell I was really disappointed. I honestly felt like I had been hit by a bus. I can't even begin to imagine what he must have been feeling since he has to live with the pain 24/7. After speaking with Tim's Grandma (Grandma Murph) and Tim's Mom, I was reminded ever so sweetly by both of them, that it is time to hand it over to God COMPLETELY. Funny how I thought I had, but obviously, had not.

Please continue to pray for Tim, but also for me to be able to be supportive and comforting to him during this time.

Dear Diary,

I can't believe it has come down to this. Tim and I had to figure out a way for him to sleep without the baby waking him, or the bed moving at night because I have to keep getting up to deal with Zack (he is teething, so not lots of sleep going on). We came to the realization that maybe he should sleep in the boys room, and Zack can then sleep in our bed with me. I hate to whine, but I am not happy that yet again due to the accident, so much has to change. I don't believe that Tim and I may have to spend our nights away from one another. He has such a hard time falling asleep, and if Zack wakes him up, he has to deal with the pain in the middle of the night. I can't stand that we are having to sleep apart. I am heartbroken that this is what could be our future.

Yesterday he had the doctor give him a higher dose of medication, so maybe that will help. I suppose we are hoping that the doctor we are going to see on Tuesday, for a 2nd opinion, can offer some light at the end of this very dark and long tunnel. Whoa...after having said all that, I realize that compared to so many others, we have it sooo good. My husband can still work, although in a ton of pain, but he refuses to stop. My husband can still walk, talk, laugh. My husband is still here. So, diary, no more whining...I will thank God for another blessed day to spend with my gorgeous husband. I am truly blessed.

signed,
A grateful wife

San Diego Super Chargers

What a win we experienced yesterday against the Colts!! We all sat in front of the big screen with Grandad and listened to Tim's ranting and raving. I do look forward to the games on Sunday because it seems to be the only time that Tim can be distracted from the pain enough to enjoy himself.

Praying for a win against New England!

p.s. My husband brought home roses for me last night...do you think he was in a good mood or what?!

In The House Of God

I have been blessed with the responsibility of overseeing the nursery at our church. I knew it would be right up my alley, but I did not expect to feel so fulfilled by this position. Having the privilege to spend time with the babies from our church is so amazing. My fellow nursery attendants and I spend that hour reading to the children about the Lord and His Word, playing music that will soothe their little souls, and playtime with them on the floor.

My niece, Sonoma, climbing the big blocks.


Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Miguel: Our Personal Photographer

Christmas Day 2007, taken by Miguel at Tim's parents house. (backyard)

This Christmas God made it possible for both Miguel and Karizma to receive digital cameras as gifts. I knew that once Miguel got his hands on one that I would no longer need to be concerned about taking tons of pictures, or better said feel guilty for not taking tons of pictures of my children. I must also mention that Tim did get me a really, really nice digital camera for Christmas, too. However, I just am never as savvy at figuring out all they can do like Miguel can. He has already found out all the 'cool' things his camera can do and I am sincerely considering returning my camera and spoiling myself with something else. Miguel has a knack for turning everything he touches into gold. For example; the piano. He definitely has an ear for that. (He also got a guitar for Christmas. I am really looking forward to having him learn soon. Music in the house is such a blessing.) Another one; baking and cooking. Yet another; anything technical..example, the computer, tv, dvd players, surround sound. Tim's parents and the rest of our family call Miguel for his advice on stuff already. So, needless to say, I knew he would figure out the camera right away, and I knew he would learn to take good pictures, but this one was one of his first, and I am in awe of him. Isn't it beautiful?

I have always loved my in-laws backyard. I had originally asked them if Tim and I could get married at their house. Their front and back lawns are gorgeous...but Tim preferred the marina. It was beautiful anyway. Maybe they will allow Tim and I to celebrate our 10th anniversary back there.

I will be sure to post more pictures from Miguel soon. I am such a blessed Mommy. Speaking of which....ZACK TOOK HIS FIRST STEPS TODAY!!! FINALLY! Or am I in for a heap of trouble?