Big Kids Night Out

Several months ago Miguel and Karizma asked if they could go to the concert that would be featuring Third Day and Switchfoot...their favorite bands. I thought to myself, "I have 4 months to save up a couple hundred $$!" Oh, but with a family of 7, those couple of hundred $$'s are needed for car repairs, or gas, or food. I knew how much they wanted to go, but knew we could not afford the tickets. I honestly, gave up and told them, they would not be able to go. They are very gracious children and accepted my answer with much understanding.

Then God intervened. I am so glad He does that!

Our good friends the Loren's emailed me saying they wanted to take Tim and I to the concert playing at the Cricket Amphitheatre that Saturday. I knew exactly what concert it was, and although happy that Tim and I could go, sad that I would be going instead of the kids. My heart was feeling so bittersweet. I did let my friend, Kimberly, know that we would love to go and shamelessly told her that the kids had really wanted to go, too. Well, my big mouth actually worked in my favor this time because, she said they had enough from their vouchers for 6 tickets! Are you kidding me? You are willing to use your vouchers to take ALL of us?? Well, if you know the Loren's, that is just the kind of generous people they are.

Now, the obstacle of finding a sitter, a trusted sitter, for our 3 little guys. Grandmom and Grandad had plans. I told Kimberly to please try to find someone else to go with them, because I did not think we would be able to find a sitter. She told me, no way, that she was trusting God to take care of it all.

God intervened, again...

I called my sweet friend, Brianna, and she was quick to say she would take in all 3 of our little men. As most of you know, my kids are only allowed to stay with very select people...usually starting with the names Grandma or Grandpa...but every once in awhile you will meet someone that you know would treat your children with the same love and kindness that you do. Brianna is one of these people.

-We BBQ'd with the Loren's before heading to the Marquez's to drop off the boys. That was one of the best BBQ's!!
-The Weather was absolutely perfect!!
-Did I mention, no parking fee??
-We grabbed our seats, which were really great seats, and got to watch some really cool bands....

Jars of Clay (whom I had never heard before, but loved due to their 80's influence) was awesome! Then the Robert Randolph Family Band...these guys were PHENOMENAL!! They blew us away. Then my favorite of the night, Switchfoot. We have seen them in concert before...and they did not fail to amaze. They had everyone on their feet. Then Miguel's favorite alltime band, Third Day. It was so sweet to see him worshipping the Lord so freely when they came on. That meant so much to me, to be able to witness that. We were all worshipping God throughout the night and I loved having that time to hang with Miguel and Karizma. No diapers to change, or potty breaks, or faces to wipe after the nachos. It felt like a really grown-up night.

We had such a blast!! So, thank you Matt for being obedient to the Lord and asking us to join you and Kimber. Thank you to Brianna, Gabe, and Jacob for feeding, changing, playing with, loving on, reading to, and cleaning up our 3 little men. I don't believe they ever even noticed we were gone. Extra special thanks goes out to Jacob, though, because I know it had to be shell shock to share all his toys with 6 extra hands. And, sharing his mommy, well, I know that was real love on his part. Jake, you are a saint, Buddy.

(By the way, this concert's proceeds went to benefit: Habitat For Humanity. Great cause!)