Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I am thankful for...


...My amazing and holy Savior, for making me realize my state of depravity, and giving me the faith to trust and believe in Him. For this, I am eternally thankful

...all the times Nate makes me laugh

...Luke's countless snuggles ~ in the morning, afternoon and evening

...the smiles that cover Matthew's sweet face and the songs he fills my home with

...the way Caleb says "MaMa" in his 'exorcist' voice (Nate is not thankful for this)

...my home, the setting of my most precious memories

...the first person i think of in all of my favorite childhood memories, my mom

...having peace in knowing that if Nate can't fix it, my dad can

...the second person I think of in all my favorite childhood memories, my brother Matt

...Nate's job, which allows him so much time to spend with us

...Staci and Jen, who encourage me daily to be more Christ-like and who love me unconditionally

...belonging to a church which desires to seek nothing but the Lord

...caramel popcorn and chocolate chip cookies ;)

... each season in my life that is over

... being able to stay home with my children and seeing them change daily

...not having a dog anymore

...having a car we can afford, even though its green and the 'check engine' light never goes off

...the Lord answering a diligent prayer by flooding our lives with Godly friends who sharpen us constantly

...family, near and far

...all the tough questions that our little boys ask us and how they make us search for a biblical answer

...Matthew, who is at this very moment, singing in his bed when he should be sleeping

...sanctification being a process

...and so much more.



Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.


Love, Anne & the boys

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Playing Catch-up (2 of 3)

After our great family getaway, we came back home and jumped right into our busy lives. Anne started homeschooling Luke & Matthew in mid-September and we now have a little pre-school with 2 other families (the Congdons & Woodwards). We meet every Thursday from 9 - noon and we are having so much fun! When Luke periodically gets asked by acquaintences if he goes to school yet, his response is now: "Yes, I go to school at houses... and my mommy is my teacher." It is very sweet.
We also had some very special visitors in September: Grammy and Bill! We had a great time visiting with them ~ they were recently married and, for their honeymoon, took a road trip across the country, visiting friends and family in different states. While they were out here we took them up to Tehachapi and had a BBQ with our friends. Everyone loved meeting some of our "Virginia Family" and we all had a very fun time. Then at the end of September we celebrated some birthdays: Nate on the 24th and Matt on the 29th. Matty got a new bike for his birthday and was very happy to hang out all afternoon with his friends.

Friday, November 21, 2008

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY, LUKE!!!

it seems like just yesterday...
1 year old2 years old3 years old4 years old

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Playing Catch-up (1 of 3)

At the end of August we took a wonderful family vacation up north to Lake Almanor with our great friends, Gabe & Staci Woodward. We had the greatest 9 days together!! Staci's parents live there and we stayed (rent free!) at a vacation home owned by her family's friends. The house was absolutely gorgeous and the whole upstairs was a game room, complete with a pool table, ping-pong, foosball, a casino table, & golf driving net!!! To top it off, we had use of their golf cart to cruise around the community in in and jet skis to cruise around the lake in. What wonderful, generous people (thank you Padilla Family!!). The boys had a blast playing in the lake and chasing the many deer. It was such an amazing time. :)

We are back at the Blog!

And for our first post, here are some pictures of mr. caleb from last week... ...this is what happens when Grandma brings over push-pops.

Stay tuned!!