Cutlerama

6 months

2012-01-23T11:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, 6 months already. I thought it would take forever to reach this point in my pregnancy. I absolutely love being pregnant and feeling her move more and more. It is such an amazing feeling, even though it sometimes keeps me up at night. God is blessing us beyond what we every imagined and we continue to look forward to see where He takes us. Luke is getting more excited about having a sister and I'm getting used to having a little pink and purple around. Not my favorite colors, but I know I can't avoid them. HAHA!

My last day of work will be here before I know, so at this time I have a lot of work to do to plan the last seven weeks of lesson plans. I still have my yearbook coming in after the birth, so I will find myself back on campus to do the last of my Yearbook requirements. I will miss all my
"other kids" here on campus, but excited for the time off.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T14:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was not as eventful as lasts, we were going to have a repeat of it by returning to our favorite national parks since my pass was still valid. Since I'm pregnant and needing to go to the restroom every half hour we thought hiking through these park would not be the best :(
So we had a nice, quiet, just the three of us Christmas. It was also the 15th anniversary of when Matt proposed to me...wow 15 years already! As I reflect back on 2011 God has truly blessed our family! Never did I think I would ever get pregnant again and that miracle there continues to prove that God is listening and will answer in His time. We have grown closer as a family and have a deeper understanding of who God's love for us and who He really is in our lives. I definitely want to know Him more this 2012.
There are so many things to look forward to this new year. Baby Z will be with us in April and Matt and I hope to purchase our first home.
Thank you Lord for the the trials and the blessings in our life.

5 months

2011-12-06T15:45:00.001-08:00

It's a Girl!

2011-11-12T16:00:00.001-08:00

After waiting a week after my ultrasound we now we know you're a girl.
We had the technician put either boy or girl on a card and I gave the card to the baker who made the cake to be pink or blue. Not even Matt and I knew. The following week on 11/11 we cut into the cake in the presence of a few of our closest friends and to our surprise it's a GIRL!
Can't wait to see you Zhanna Grace Cutler

16 weeks

2011-11-10T12:44:00.000-08:00

12 weeks

2011-10-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's pretty amazing watching my once little belly grow. Just shows how awesome God is and what He continues to create. I am so grateful that God chose Matt and I to have another child and to raise this one to love and worship our creator.

We can't wait to find out if it's a boy or girl which should be around early December.

Little Mexican Jumping Bean

2011-09-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Well, here you are! We finally get to see little you! You are another answer to prayer and we are so excited to meet you in about seven months. You have a big brother and he can't wait to hold you. We prayed for you for so long and we are so full of joy over the news of you coming into our lives.

Still in Shock!

2011-09-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

Two months

After eight years waiting on the Lord, not always patiently, I am finally PREGNANT!
Saturday, August 20th I took a test and I was standing there shacking when I FINALLY saw two lines. I still didn't believe it so I took another one and another one the following morning. I just couldn't believe it, after all these years! I look forward to seeing how God will continue to show off in our lives, for He chose this particular season in our life to have this baby.
We feel so humbled at the fact that we have had so many people pray for us regarding having a baby. When we made my pregnancy public we had quite a few people just start crying over the happy news and hearing then tell us that they have been praying.
What's funny is that I had been waiting to start my cycle so we can start the artificial insemination process, and we didn't have to! WOW! Still in awe over all this!

Still Waiting...

2011-04-06T10:47:00.001-07:00

I sure hope this is the month.

Bring it on!

2011-01-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

I AM READY!!!
For some reason this new year has some significance for me. 2010 has been a year of sadness and loneliness for me ( not the whole year), but so many of the walls I built around myself came tumbling down. I am entering this year so free and hopeful! I am learning to let go and let God have His way in my life and in my family's.
Romans 12:12 is the verse I am claiming..."Rejoice in Hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer".

Matt and I have a couple big decisions to make this year...actually in the next few months,
I have been waiting and waiting to add to our family, but waiting on Lord has been rough...at this point He is the only one to intervene.

I am hopeful and excited to see what the Lord has for us this year!

The Most Amazing, Beautiful Trip

2010-12-27T19:34:00.001-08:00

Christmas came early for me! It was a National Parks tour annual pass from my hubby. I have always wanted to take this tour for the longest time and I always thought we would do this during the summer, but we went during Christmas and it was so fun and absolutely breathtaking. Only our God could create something so magnificent and we are so fortunate to be able to enjoy His handiwork.

Our first two days we hiked Zion National Park. We climbed Angels Landing and hiked Emerald Pools, both involved going behind and under numerous waterfalls. We were soaked through and through but enjoyed every minute of it. So we hiked 7.5 miles the 1.5 days we were there.

Next we went to Bryce National Park. This is when it got really fun...it started snowing! We were at a higher elevation looking at the Hoodoos and the snow was quite heavy. Then we walked to lower elevation and no snow, just lots of mud. We decided to hike down to the canyon and look up at the Hoodoos! I'm so glad we did that, it was so much fun! We only hiked two miles that day.

Then we went to Arches National Park. My dream was to hike up to the famous Delicate Arch and we got to do that, plus three other arches. We hiked 6.6 miles that day.

We then spent the next two days in Moab, my favorite place, just enjoying the city and a little off-roading.

Next we drove to the Grand Canyon. We've gone a couple times during the summer, so going during the winter was a new experience and it was so pretty to see the snow.

We made it home on Christmas Eve and we drove 1,685 miles and hiked 15.6 miles. My little man was such a trooper. He is such a great traveler, always has been. Never complained in the car, kind of hard to when you're the only one in the back seat :) He loves to hike and just seemed to really enjoy getting wet and making snow balls.

He is here

2010-12-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

God has, is and will exceed anything I could have ever though up for myself and with that reminder I can lay down beside the still water and find peace.
God is such a tender Father as He restores, leads and shows forth all of His marvelous acts in my life.

Can't Wait!

2010-11-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

Zion

Bryce

Arches

Grand Canyon

I love the outdoors! And I have always wanted to take a National Parks Tour, buy the pass and just drive and hike and off-road. We haven't been off-roading in Utah in a few years, so I am looking forward to this trip! Luke is now at that age where he will appreciate it and he is even excited for this trip.
Oceans and mountains and places like these just show off God's handiwork and I just love taking all these scenery in.

Family Photo Shoot 2010

2010-10-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

Anniversary #13 getaway

2010-09-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Awesome, deep Jacuzzi tub.

Our corner room. There were two Padre games and we had a good view.

We went to San Diego again for our trip, and we always enjoy staying in the Gaslamp District.
Our good friends Nate and Min Young met us down there for dinner Friday night and we had a blast with them.
When we got to our hotel room I noticed that we were upgraded complete with an awesome jacuzzi tub. There was also a bottle of wine, chocolates and a card that said Happy Anniversary.
The next day during breakfast, our server bought our drinks and then for dinner our server bought our drinks. We were really spoiled! I guess telling people you're celebrating your anniversary goes a long way!

I forgot my camera, so we had to buy a disposable. Some photos didn't come out that well.

Soothing to my Soul

2010-09-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

This song is my new Favorite. "What it feels like" by ffh.

So this is what if feels like to walk the wilderness
and this is what if feels like to come undone
So this is what if feels like to loose my confidence
unsure of anything or anyone

So this is what if feels like to walk the desert sand
and this is what if feels like to hear my name
and to be scared to death cause I'm all alone
but feel love and peace just the same
And this may not be the road I would choose for me
but it still feels right somehow

And I have never felt you as close to me as I do right now
So this is what if feels like to be led

So this is what if feels like to have it fall apart
to be totally unglued
and find out if I accept my brokenness

I get more of me, I get all of you
If this is what if feels like to be on shaky ground
Careful of every step I take
Realizing as I stop to look around
I look around and see everything a different way
and this may not be the road I would choose for me
but it still feels right somehow
cause I have never felt you as close to me as I do right now
So this is what if feels like to be led
and this is what if feels like to be led

So this is what if feels like to just walk away
from everything I thought kept me safe
to depend just on you for every meal
and find it's better this way
oh it's better this way

And this may not be the road I would choose for me
but it still feels right somehow
And I have never felt you as close to me as I do right now
like i do right now
And this may not be the road I would choose for me
but it still feels right somehow

And I have never felt you as close to me as I do right now
And this is what if feels like to be led
And this is what if feels like to be led
And this is what if feels like

There is Hope

2010-08-15T08:55:00.000-07:00

Anniversary #13

2010-08-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

Sunset dinner in Laguna

I do have to say that God has blessed me with a a great man. He does so much to help me around the house and is such a great dad. I can't believe we have been together this long, we really have had our share of ups and downs. Infertility, moving overseas, having to come back to the states, dealing with infertility again and just life. I am so thankful that Matt is so sensitive to the Spirit and leads this family to draw closer to our Lord.

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-16T09:20:00.001-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

WOW

2010-05-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE it when God shows up! As a friend of mine put it...We are CHASING after God and we can't wait to see where He leads.

What I Need

2010-04-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

First heard this song over the weekend and the words are very powerful!

Why

2010-04-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why God blesses those who are so far away from Him and then seems absent from those that desire to be close to Him?

I do OFTEN...too often. I seek His face daily and cry out to Him, but for some reason God remains silent. I so wish He can just whisper "Zaida, just wait" or "I'm here, just hang in there" I have lost some of my faith and it saddens me that I have come to this point.

I know my God is great and can still do mighty things, but sometimes it seems that those mighty things are for everyone else but me. I know I'm being tested and I have failed, but I am so glad that He is always faithful to me even when I'm in this very long, deep valley.

This song says it all.

2010-03-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

Your Name

2010-03-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Awesome song!

What Faith Can Do

2010-03-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Faith...something I've been lacking for a while. This song pretty much sums up what I've been going through and just really spoke to me.

So glad I am weak...

2010-02-28T19:39:00.000-08:00

...so He can show His strength. I did not have a good week at all. To some it wouldn't be a big deal, but to me it was a major devastation to be emotionally. I complained to God, I cried, whined and had a pity party. I was telling God that it wasn't fair and wondering why He's been silent for the past two years.

I'm reading Crazy Love again and chapter two came just in time for me this week.
I Corinthians 10:31 says "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." My part is to bring Him glory! I failed to do that this week.

In Crazy Love, Francis Chan says that God allows hard things to happen in life so you can show the world that your God is great and that knowing Him brings peace and joy, even when life is hard. The point of your life is to point to Him.

I don't always have the best attitude when trials or not so great circumstances come along and that is something I struggle with. I want to be able to reach a point that when something difficult comes along I can say "that's ok, God has a reason and He is still good"

I was mad at God this week, can you beleive that?!!! Mad at my Creator! The One who forgives me again and again, and I am so grateful for His loving-kindness and grace and mercy.

Lamentations 3:22-24 (English Standard Version)

²² The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
²³they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ "The LORD is my portion," says my soul,
"therefore I will hope in him."

Love this verse, and I just have to keep holding on to it and claim it!

2010-02-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

Psalm 62:5-8 "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us."

Lake Arrowhead 1/22-1/24 2010

2010-01-26T18:48:00.000-08:00

Snowing on our way up.

Had to shovel the driveway to let Katelynn's car in.

Matt, Luke and I had a blast in Lake Arrowhead this past weekend. We went with the young adult group we teach on Sunday mornings and this is something we want to do with them every year. Arrowhead got 3-4 feet of snow the night before we arrived, so it was absolutely gorgeous there.

2010-01-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

"This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." — Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place)

Balboa

2009-12-30T00:09:00.000-08:00

Had a great day enjoying our SoCal weather in December.
We went down to Balboa today and walked and walked. We first went to Balboa Island and took the Jeep on the ferry to Balboa and then walked to the Wedge.
We enjoyed our day of fun and its been nice to not be on any kind of schedule.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T22:23:00.000-08:00

Luke's computer

Matt's dirt bike helmet minus the dirt bike.

Not as adventurous as last Christmas, but pleasant with just the three of us.
Pictured are the "big" gifts. I also received gray Converse, iTunes gift cards, and a crock pot cookbook.

Luke also received Dsi games, Bible with camo cover and Wii games.

Luke's Baptism 12/6/09

2009-12-06T16:01:00.001-08:00

Cutler Family Photo Session 2009

2009-11-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks Katelynn and Hannah for another job well done!

2009-11-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

2009-11-27T20:57:00.000-08:00

2009-11-27T20:55:00.000-08:00

Jesus I am resting In the Joy of what Thou art

2009-11-16T23:04:00.000-08:00

Jesus I am resting, resting
In the Joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For by Thy transforming power
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.

O how great Thy loving kindness.
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings;
Thine is love indeed!

Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting 'neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting;
Fill me with Thy grace.

End of the Season

2009-11-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

Luke received the Most Christlike award in flag football today! Great job buddy!

2009-11-06T10:40:00.001-08:00

2009-11-06T10:23:00.001-08:00

First Visit to Legoland.

2009-11-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

I took yesterday off from work and took Luke to Legoland. We had a great time and the weather was beautiful.

November 4, 2001

2009-11-03T22:30:00.000-08:00

NICU

First Birthday in Ukraine

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

7 years old

8 years old

We had ALL our belongings packed and ready to leave for Ukraine, back and forth from Matt's parents to the Missionary Learning Center in VA. We have been living out of boxes for almost 6 months at this point and heading back home to CA to give birth to Luke.
We were staying with my in-laws in KY and wanted to drive back to CA for Luke's birth...all our friends were there and my family. So here we are staying with my parents and it's eight days till Luke's due date and Luke decided to come early. It was an easy delivery, but that night revealed that Luke was born with pneumonia. So the next 10 days were a time of testing our faith.
We did not have a home, and my parent's house was 45 minutes away from the hospital, so we stayed with our dear friends Joel and Christal Mearig in their home for a couple days. They live down the street from the hospital so that really helped since I was constantly going back and forth for ten days. Then another set of dear friends Larrey and Becky Noia lent us their motor home(parked in front of the Mearig's house) to stay in during the rest of Luke's time in NICU.

The Lord restored our baby's health and we left for Ukraine four months later.

We are truly blessed with this not so little one! He has the most infectious laugh, sweetest spirit, quick wit, vivid imagination and has so much love. He does try my patience at times, but I am so glad God blessed me with this BOY to take care and to love. I love you Lukey Boy!

Happy 8th Birthday!!!

Out of the mouths of babes

2009-10-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

I teach computer to Kindergartners to 8th graders. Well, today I overheard a K girl saying to her classmate "Mrs. Cutler is the best teacher". The other K girl said "Really? I don't think so"

Football Family

2009-10-19T20:32:00.001-07:00

She's Home

2009-10-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

My dear friend's mom past away last night.

First Game 2009

2009-09-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Getting the flag.

Interception!!!

Fran Tarkenton #10

Here are a few shots of Luke's first football game, which included his first interception!

Check it out

2009-09-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Check out Tower 3 Designs to the right! It's my photography blogsite. Pictures will soon follow.

Are you ready for some football?!!!

2009-09-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a few shots of Luke's first flag football practice.

Answers

2009-09-11T13:39:00.000-07:00

Well, my friend and her house situation worked itself out. There was just a mix up in paperwork and communication and they get to keep their home...PTL!!!

Continue to lift up my other friend as hospice came to their home today.

Prayer

2009-09-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

My Savior, My God,

My heart is really hurting for my friend who is about to lose her mom to cancer. I know it will be their loss here on earth and heaven's gain. Please wrap your arms around my friend and her dad and brothers. Bring peace and assurance that she will soon have a body that is cancer free and in the arms of our heavenly Father...in Jesus Name.

I also want to lift up to YOU Lord, my other friend who received a letter about losing her home. We're hoping their is a mix up in the paper work and that they will be able to keep the home that they built. I pray for a good sell week for her husband and side jobs for him as well. Please be with this wonderful mom of three precious children as she teaches and attends to the needs of her family. I am so grateful that you brought her into my life to be a blessing and a visual of your provision. Be with this dear family and please continue to provide their needs...in Jesus Name.

Lord, I ask you to be with my boss that broke her arm on her walk last night. I pray for quick healing and restoration. I pray that she will not be in any pain and that she'll receive the greatest care. I ask all these in Your Name...Amen.

God is so good,
God is so good,
God is so good,
He's so good to me.

He answers prayer,
He answers prayer,
He answers prayer,
He's so good to me.

I love Him so,
I love Him so,
I love Him so,
He's so good to me.

God is so Good

2009-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs is God is so Good. He really is so good to us, but will we still think that when things don't go as planned and when difficulties in life surround us.

I have a sweet friend that I teach with and she is in her mid-twenties and her mom has been battling cancer for about 10 years. Well, over the weekend she was given a few days to a few weeks to live. My friend has two brothers in high school. I am so glad I teach in a Christian school where we can shower her in prayer with other believers. We as teachers have devotions and prayer every morning before school starts and we are lifting our needs up to the Father together as a staff.

I have another friend who also had plans changed suddenly. We became good friends while serving overseas. Our sons are the same age and we just hit it off when we first met in Poland. We saw each other several times after that.
Then our plans changed! And we had to leave the country we felt was our home. A few years later my friend and her family had to leave the country that was their home. We both came back to the States wondering...what's next Lord?

Matt and I came to the conclusion that God just SIMPLY wants us to be faithful with what He has put before us...That's it!

So here is a piece of inspiration that my friend had on her blog. It spoke to me, and I hope it lifts you up.

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me" Psalm 138:8

Sometimes it may involve a crooked path.

The pathway is broken and the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why you brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I will go through the valley if You want me to
Now I'm not who I was when I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
I will go through the fire If You want me to
It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my own
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone
-If You Want Me To.
Ginny Owens

Labor Day Weekend 2009

2009-09-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

We had quite the fun weekend! It all started on Friday when we headed to the beach right after work. We rode our bikes, stayed for a couple hours, then rode to our favorite Mexican eatery, Fiesta's. As we arrived at Fiesta's Luke heard a hissing sound, it apparently was from my rear tire.

By the time we finished dinner my tire was flat. Matt had to ride home get the Jeep and then put my bike, Luke's tag-a-long and our boogie boards all in the back of my Jeep. Of course we had to put the rear seat down which meant Luke and I had to share the front seat, luckily we live not too far.

We then had to rush through our showers and head out to Ryan Mearig's first high school football game, which we were already late to because of the flat tire.

On Saturday we enjoyed a long day at the beach. On Sunday, right after church, we headed back to the beach.

On Monday, again back to the beach. Luke literally would spend an hour straight on the boogie board.

We are so fortunate to live close to the ocean. I don't think I could ever tire watching the waves and sitting on the sand and just the smell alone is so calming to me. What an Awesome God we serve and I love viewing His creation.

Hot Tamales

2009-09-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hot Tamales are my favorite snack/candy!

My friend Katelynn went to Texas and brought back these Texas sized Hot Tamales.

Here is a pic to compare the two.

2nd grade...Already!

2009-08-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

Wow how time flies...my baby is in 2nd grade.
So, to stay with tradition, here is Billy Joe Mcguffrey.

Now Billy Joe McGuffrey was a really clumsy kid
On the second day of second grade, I'll tell you what he did
He slipped on a banana peel, flew up in the sky
Landed on a chimpanzee who poked him in the eye

First aid in the second grade
First aid in the second grade
First aid in the second grade
You could buy a zoo with all the doctor bills he paid.

Luke's Surgery 2009

2009-08-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

Luke had surgery today at Long Beach Memorial. His ENT that we've been seeing for three years is also his surgeon. She put Luke's first set of ear tubes in two years ago. She is a phenominal doctor and surgeon and took such good care of Luke.
Luke sinus issues have not been resolved and whatever nose spray or new allergy med that came out we tried and tried. So surgery was our last resort.

He underwent some kind of sinus surgery where they removed tissue from his nose and also numerous polyps were found and all were removed. So we're praying that this will allow him to breathe through his nose now. Luke's old ear tubes were still in, so the old ones were removed and new ones put in.

He is doing remarkably well. Two years ago he woke up crying and really restless so I was in the recovery room with him for several hours. This time he woke up peacefully and didn't cry at all and kept his water and popsicles down this time around.

Here are a couple pics of before and after the surgery.

San Diegoversary

2009-08-23T22:52:00.001-07:00

Matt and I had a late anniversary celebration at the Hard Rock in San Diego's Gaslamp District.
We really enjoy spending time there and just walking around and enjoying our time away from home. We did miss the little guy though, he was being well taken care at the Mearigs.

Matt booked us a suite and this room had two flat screen TV's, waterfall showerhead and a nice view of downtown. He also surprised me with a massage. Both of us had a one hour massage at their Rock Spa.

On our way home we stopped at Old Town San Diego, then ate lunch at Sombrero's (famous from Blink 182.) The food...not that great.
We picked Luke up, got home, unpacked, then on our bikes to ride to downtown HB for dinner at Rubys. We had a great weekend, not a bad way to end my summer break.

Beware...there are five other San Diegoversary posts, because I'm a dork and just figured out how to add more than five pictures to a post. Whenever I clicked on add image only five spots open up, so I apologize for six posts on San Diego...I didn't want to start over.

San Diegoversary II

2009-08-23T22:49:00.001-07:00

San Diegoversary III

2009-08-23T22:42:00.000-07:00

Sombrero's famous for being Blink 182's favorite place to eat. It's in one of their songs...here's an exerpt from that song.
"she brings me mexican food from sombrero's just because".

San Diegoversary IV

2009-08-23T22:30:00.001-07:00

Pictures of Old Town

San Diegoversary V

2009-08-23T22:23:00.001-07:00

More of Old Town

San Diegoversary VI

2009-08-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a collage of our suite.

My Half Mexican Kid

2009-08-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday we bike to downtown HB for Surf City Nights. We enjoy the atmosphere and just walking around and buying fresh produce and especially eating at Wahoos.

Here is Luke putting hot sauce on his chips. The same kid who doesn't like enchiladas, taquitos and quesadillas.

Savior, Please

2009-08-17T00:02:00.000-07:00

I really like this song by Josh Wilson. The song Savior, Please has become one of my favorites. Music always has a way to sooth my soul.

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don't know how long I'll last

I try to be so tough
But I'm just not strong enough
I can't do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I'm nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You're all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me

Summer Fun 5

2009-08-15T23:43:00.000-07:00

This time we brought friends. Our friends Jerry, Rita and little Jerry came to HB all the way from Santa Clarita, that is where Jerry is a pastor. Matt and I went to college with Jerry and God has blessed us with their friendship all these years.

Jerry wouldn't let me take a picture of him, but Rita is right behind that pic of Matt and I.

All things Army

2009-08-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

Luke is really into anything in camo and talks nonstop about the Army. Well today my parents gave him a camo scarf which Matt wrapped around his head and this is how I found him...camo scarf still in place.

Legomania

2009-08-15T01:01:00.000-07:00

One thing that excites Luke about Katelynn coming over is...she likes to build legos with him.
Tonight was no exception. Here are a couple pics of them building some type of Star Wars fort.

Mom and Dad

2009-08-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

My mom and dad came up from Mexico to visit us and then off to Iowa to see my bro and his fam.

They will be staying in Iowa for several months helping the church by bro works for start a Spanish church.

Here is a pic from today.

Summer Fun 4

2009-08-13T21:57:00.001-07:00

Ok...I know all these summer fun photos are at the beach, but when you live by the beach...you go to the beach. It's affordable, especially since we can ride our bikes to the beach and take a sack lunch.

I never tire of going. How can one look at the ocean and its waves and the beautiful colors of the sunset and say there in no God. Even though He created something so magnificent like the ocean, He cares enough for little me.

Summer Fun 3

2009-08-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma: Where the wind whistles through your teeth

2009-08-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

We had a friend from Oklahoma over for dinner tonight and we asked Luke if he wanted to go back to OK with said friend.
This is how the conversation went:

Dad: "Luke you know you would have to learn a different language."
Luke: "Why? I already know how to say y'all."

We haven't laughed that hard in a while and had no idea that he had such a clear grasp of southern dialects. I guess we need to monitor his TV viewing a little more carefully.

Soccer camp 2009

2009-08-01T09:41:00.001-07:00

12 fun years!!!

2009-07-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

Matt and I celebrated our 12th anniversary on July 26th and it just doesn't seem like 12 years have gone by.

Of course there are ups and downs in any relationship, but with Christ as the center we have always worked through difficult times; from disagreements to job loss. The Lord has definitely blessed our marriage and our family and I never want to take those things or moments for granted.

Here are a several pics of our anniversary evening in Seal Beach. We had dinner and walked and talked. In a few weeks we're going to San Diego for several days, just the two of us, for a late anniversary trip.

Summer Fun 2

2009-07-21T17:08:00.001-07:00

I survived!

2009-07-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

What a week! VBS went very well and I was so blessed to have wonderful people helping.
Roxanne and Gaby put together treats for all the leaders with sweet notes attached just blessing us with their thoughtfulness.
Katelynn for designing our set.
Karissa and Arin for leading the kids on our finale.
Marcee and Naomi for leading the kids to worship.

I was really nervous taking this on, but the Lord brought great friends to help me along the way.

Thank you everyone for all your help and for giving up your time to minister to the 110 kids that came into our gym everyday.

Day 3 VBS Highlights

2009-07-15T15:39:00.001-07:00

Katia proving she can take down a boy!

Luke was part of the Firefly Finale.

How does he know this stuff

2009-07-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

Luke randomly told me that he's so glad he was born a boy because it would really hurt to have a baby.

Getting ready for VBS

2009-07-12T22:05:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to co-direct our VBS this year with my friend Katelynn. This year's theme is Crocodile Dock: Where fearless kids shine God's light.
Katelynn has this God given gift of design and she did this whole set... I helped paint!

I'm excited about what this week will bring and the kids that will be a part of it
I'm so thankful for all the hands that helped put our set together and for all the station leaders, crew leaders, assistants and snack shack helpers.

Football Camp 2009

2009-07-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

July 4, 2009

2009-07-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

We had such a great day today! First we went to a Sunday School class party at church that included a blow-up water slide, next a small pool party, then a BBQ at the Rodgers (best ribs ever).
After dinner everybody met at our place to ride our bikes to the beach for HB's annual fireworks show.

This year happened to be HB's 100th year anniversary and this was by far the best fireworks display yet. Music also played during the show which included songs about celebration, surf music, and patriotic. We all then rode back to our place for dessert.

We are truly blessed to live in such a great country.

Wipeout: Lego Edition

2009-07-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the catapult.
Here is the thing that spins around that the contestants have to jump over.

Starting lights.

Contestants.
Wipeout course.

So we like watching Wipeout and Luke decided to make his own Wipeout course on the kitchen table.

Summer Fun 1

2009-06-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

The weather today didn't seem like summer, but we had fun anyway. Luke spent some time digging this deep hole.

Basketball Camp 2009

2009-06-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

Luke had a great week at Basketball Camp. They had different stations set up where they were taught to dribble, pass, lay-ups and shooting. At the end of the week each camper received a certificate with grades on their performances all week and looked received O's ( outstanding) on each station. In two weeks we have Football Camp. This week..Beach Day everyday!!!

Exercise

2009-06-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Matt and I bought this Perfect Pullup contraption that hooks to the door frame and it really gives us a great workout. It focuses on the abdominal region, upper and lower, and helps tone our arms and legs. Well, not that you guys care about us and our work out, but Luke has fun with this thing and uses it everyday. Here are a couple pics of him exercising so he can be strong for basketball camp and for the army.

Just for fun SLR pic

2009-06-23T20:21:00.000-07:00

L.B. Aquarium

2009-06-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

My New Toy

2009-06-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

After months of saving and monetary gifts from my hubby and mom I finally bought my first SLR.
At first I was considering a Nikon D60, but a co-worker of Matt's told me that I need to buy a Canon. Well this co-worker let me use his Canon Rebel XTi for a weekend and I really liked it.
Long story short, he sold the camera plus two lenses to me for a really good price. He only had the camera for a year and it is in mint condition. Today Matt came home with the camera and he also went out to buy me a backpack camera bag and a tripod.

Click on thumbnail for a larger view.

Disneyland

2009-06-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law and niece from Kentucky came here to SoCal for a visit and here are a few shots from my niece's first visit to Disneyland.

More End of the Year

2009-06-05T18:49:00.000-07:00

On the last day of school each student is given a Bible Character Award and today Luke was given the award that exemplifies the character of Peter for his boldness in sharing Christ..

Pictured with Luke is his teacher Mrs. Mayr, she's such a great teacher and Luke loved going to school everyday and has grown so much this year.

Growing too fast

2009-06-05T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of school and my baby is going into 2nd grade...WOW! where has the time gone?

Thursday night was our school's End of the Year Program and it was titled "The Secret of my Success" Building our lives on the Rock and all the kids had to look like business men and dress in oversized dress shirts and ties. It turned out really cute. Here a few pictures of Luke and his class performing More Precious than Silver in which they signed the song.

Me and A.C

2009-06-01T15:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, A.C, Green from the 80's Laker Dynasty. He was just a few blocks away from our place signing autographs at Allen Tire. Here are a few shots of the day.

Shoreline Graduation 2009

2009-05-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

My favorite girl graduated from 8th grade. I taught this cutie in kindergarten as well and it's been a blessing watching her grow.

Upward Soccer 2009

2009-05-27T21:29:00.000-07:00

Luke scored his first goal this past Saturday and walking around after wards with his fist up in the air...he was a "little" excited.

New old bike

2009-05-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

My bike before was purple with Hawaiian print flowers and Luke's tag a long was blue.

Now it's metallic green with pin stripe decals and Luke's tag a long is black. Thanks babe for doing such a great job.

Birthday 2009

2009-05-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

I had a great birthday that started off with a day at the beach with some awesome middle schoolers and the weather was perfect. Then to Seal Beach for dinner with my most precious boys.

Mom's Day 2009

2009-05-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Had such a great day. Beautiful flowers from my boys, rode our bikes to the beach and had lunch at Luigi's on Main Street.

My Top 8 Things

2009-05-01T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ok...I was tagged by Kelly. So here I go...

8 Things I Look Forward To
1. Date night.
2. Picking Luke up after school.
3. Matt coming home from work.
4. 2:45 M-F.
5. Summer.
6. Couch time.
7. Saturday Bible studies.
8. Vacations.

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Devotions with Luke.
2. Knott's with my yearbook staff.
3. Got my awesome yearbooks!!!!
4. Got Luke.
5. Crashed on the couch.
6. Worked on graduation DVD's.
7. Dinner.
8. Snuggled with Matt.

8 Things I Wish I Could Do
1. Fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.
2. Get pregnant.
3. Be more confident in my abilities.
4. Think more logically.
5. Breathe through my nose.
6. Parallel park.
7. Make chili rellenos like my mom.
8. Be a stay at home mom.

8 Shows I Watch
1. Lost
2. CSI
3. Office
4. Top Gear
5. Fox News
6. Reruns of the Cosby Show
7. House
8. Amazing Race

Waiting...

2009-04-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to wait. Especially when you have a calling to be somewhere else. We are still trying to figure out as to why we are here in the States, and I don't understand why we have not been given the green light to GO.

I have been making it a matter of prayer for a long time asking the Lord to help us make sense of all this... and silence...when are you going to speak to us Lord? On my walks I pray, I journal during my quiet time, and we have been really seeking His face...silence.

Then, He spoke and it could not have been any more clear...He spoke to me.
He spoke to me through this poem in our devotional. Now this was several months ago that this happened, but it happened again and this time to Matt with a different poem in this devotional.

I finally decided to blog and share this.

This is the poem in which I felt the Lord talking to ME.

“Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting!
Till next steps made plain shall be;
To hear, with the inner hearing,
The Voice that will call for me.

“Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
With hope that need not grow dim;
The Master is pledged to guide me,
And my eyes are unto Him.

“Waiting! Expectantly waiting!
Perhaps it may be today
The master will quickly open
The gate to my future way.

“Waiting! Yes, waiting! Still waiting!
I know, though I’ve waited long,
That, while He withholds His purpose,
His waiting cannot be wrong.

“Waiting! Yes, waiting! Still waiting!
The Master will not be late;
He knoweth that I am waiting
For Him to unlatch the gate.”

J. Danson Smith

This poem continues to encourage me and I hope it brings some comfort to you in your time of waiting.

Curious Luke

2009-04-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, a couple of people and Matt think that Luke looks a little like Curious George. What do you think?

2009-04-16T09:06:00.001-07:00

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T20:19:00.001-07:00