the Voong Family

Thank God for the Bracelet!!!

2010-08-10T06:54:00.001-07:00

We went to the OC Fair with my parents and brother Sunday night. The boys were so excited and had a list of things they couldn't wait to do and see. I love it when the boys get excited about stuff like this because we hear stories for days of how to win fish or how they can ride the bumpy slide all by themselves. of course Bill and I love the fair for all the horrible food that leaves us with tummy aches. anyways last year at the fair I bought both the boys a ID bracelet. you know the kind we all ordered from school when we were little. Bradyn has managed to take his off every time it goes on, but Titus has left his on all year. I actually forgot he had it.
Bill and my mom took the boys to the rides, while my dad brother and I found a place to sit so I could feed the baby. I love to sit and watch all the FREAKY weird people. My brother made a comment about how it would be so easy to loose the kids here. to which I swore no way Bradyn just freezes untill he can find us and as soon as were out of Titus sight he SCREAMS his normal bloody murder scream. We could never loose either one of them.
I kid you not like 10mins later my phone starts to ring, I normally NEVER answer numbers I dont know, but for some reason I pick it up to hear the voice of a young kid with broken english say
K- "Ummmm hi, I got your Titus"
Me- " you got my what?"
K- "do you got a son titus?"
Me- now standing looking around "where is he?"
K- "with me here at the booth"
Me- "WHAT booth?"
K- "the lost kid booth"
Me- "where is that?"
and from that point on I couldn't understand him so he finally got tired of my questions and came and found me LOL
just as I hang up the phone with the kid who is now looking for me, Bill calls me and my mom is calling my dad, I didnt get a chance to pick up the phone because the kid is calling me back unable to find me it was sort of a mess and seemed like forever till he did finally find me. he took me across the fair to this big white tent that said lost children across the top. and in it was my poor SAD child sitting between two cops who were trying to talk to him. (here is where I seriously wish I could have gr abed my phone or camera and took a picture) I made eye contact with Titus who jumped up on my lap and hugged me tight. I felt so bad for him this is my child who has been my leech since birth I knew he would be freaking out. then he looks up to me with his big puffy tear filled eyes and says " I was lost, daddy loss me" LOL Ill have to record Titus telling you about how daddy loss's him its pretty cute! my brother did snap this with his phone

but honestly I cant stress how THANKFUL I am a honest nice daddy (as ty says) found him and took him to the police. there are ALOT of crazy's at the fair and this night could have ended totally diff rent!!!!
I am also VERY thankful that he had that darn ugly bracelet on. I know he was at the lost child booth and we would have found him but this speed up that process, and he was only gone 10mins tops!

more fair pics to come soon....

excuses, escuses!!

2010-08-05T10:45:00.001-07:00

Hello Out there!!! I have two boys in time out for the 100000 time today and a little girl who is fast asleep still at 10:45 am... Thank goodness she likes to sleep because her brothers keep me SOOOOOOOOOOOO busy. my newest excuse for not blogging!!!
Since she was born my boys have been someone Else's naughty kids. Mine would NEVER do the things they have been doing. Everyone keeps telling me that they are acting out for one on one time... well let me tell you they both get more one on one time then they have ever gotten and still nothing. I know part of it is Titus is turning 3 and thats the fun crazy age for boys.... He is my one who leads and bradyn follows. dont get me wrong bradyn does he fair share of stuff but usually titus will start and Bradyn takes it to the next level. They love Judah tons and both fight over who gets to hold her first in the morning. only one time was one of their "games" involving her.
Judah was like 3 weeks old at the time, I had Laid her down to sleep in the pack n play next to my bed in my room and ran down stairs to get breakfast for myself at 11am. the boys were in their room once again in time out. I no sooner get my yogurt out of the fridge and grab a spoon I hear Judah crying. I was a little frustrated but think Im gonna hurry and eat this first then get her, but I hear the boys giggling so I run upstairs as they are RUNNING out of my room laughing. Judahs cry had turned to more of a scream and I get there scoop her up to find her ENTIRE head and face was covered in lanolin cream, you know that thick nipple butter. oh but they didnt stop there they had dumped out their piggy bank all over her so she had change stuck to her poor face and head too. I take her to the bathroom scooping this cream out of her eyes and turn on the warm water. I washed her three times with soap and couldn't get it all off. it was horrible!! The next day she broke out in acne all over and it lasted probably three weeks :(
I honestly dont know what they were thinking but they knew they were SO busted when mom started crying. and yes they got in big trouble when daddy got home!!
I have pictures of some of thier other stunts so ill make them seperate posts. needless to say these boys have kept me Sooo busy, tired & in tears alot of times!!
Thankgoodness Judah is such a happy go lucky kind of girl :)

She is here!!

2010-06-21T17:41:00.001-07:00

Now that she is almost 8 weeks old I think its time to announce miss Judah Jewel is here at last! haha
short version
she was born April 28th @ 9:06pm weighting in at 8lb 1oz 20.5 inch long (sad thing I just had to look up her birth stats I should have done this long ago)

long version
two weeks before I was scheduled to be induced Bill found out our insurance was changing the day of the scheduled induction. our bill was going to be WAY more then the 250$ we had planned on paying the whole pregnancy. GREAT it was a BIG mess and stressed me out more then I knew. every time from that point on I would get to the drs just have my blood pressure be up. I was asking each time to please move my induction up just one day something anything. but my dr who is AMAZING by the way, kept saying the hospital wouldnt let him induce me before 39wks May 1st. so I was left to trying to induce myself and lots and lots of prayer. Lindsay came in April 26th and game was on baby was coming out no matter what!!! :) she went with me to the drs the morning of the 28th and my blood pressure was up again. my dr tells me he is sending me over to labor and delivery to be monitored and go from there. he said if it stayed up they would just induce now. I knew it would be down by the time I got across the street so I kept asking questions about saturdays scheduled induction and he was really aloof with me. I didnt think anything about it then but now I see he was planning on that day being baby day all along. Lindsay was like let me stress you out we have to keep your pressures up we laughed and she was like ok really what do you do every day before your apts that could raise your bp I was like uh I always drive through starbucks on the way, so she was like ok good lets get more coffee. haha so we had a few xtra shots thrown in my drink and off to the hospital we went. I got to the front desk and the nurse tells me hi your dr Grays patient for induction right? I looked at linds and gave her alook like do I correct her or just go along with it, I didnt have to answer another nurse comes out and says oh good your here your room is all set up. I just kept going along with it got changed and kept waiting for them to send me home when they realized I wasnt the right patient haha. the dr on call comes in and explains to me she talked to dr gray and its just time to get this baby out with my bp going up. she leaves and the nurse hooks me up to get a bp before starting me on antibiotics. of course it was 111/70 or something low I thought forsure they would be sending me home now. but nope the antibiotics were started and the nurse said in two hours (2pm) she would be in to start the pitocin. at this point I did ask the nurse now that my bp down your not sending me home?! haha they assured me this baby was coming out today. so I call bill and my parents to tell them what was happening. I told them not to rush because I still expected to be sent home haha. but 2pm rolls around and pitocin was started. I didnt really get into a contraction pattern for an hour or so and never had any pain. my room started to fill up with all my family and friends this was it Judah was coming!
about 4 my nurse comes in and tells me they had a scheduled c section at 5 so if I want my epidural I could either get it now or wait till he was out or surgery. of course I didnt want to risk any pain so he came in and gave me my epi then. at about 8 I got a new nurse and she checked me I was still at a 3.5 which was super disappointing to me why the heck was I going so slow this time?! at this time bill decides to head down to the cafeteria to get dinner and some fresh air. I told my mom watch this baby is coming n ow that bill left. with bradyn we had to send someone to find him. the nurse came back in about 8:45 to check on me and I was asking about my right leg being so numb I seriously was uncomfortable because it was so numb. she was updating my chart and I was like woah sorry guys I just farted at least I think I did. the nurse was like you farted or you have pressure down there. I was like no pressure just farted. we are all laughing about this and she goes I better check you this is number 3 I was like fine with me stretch me open while your at it. so as soon as she gets her hands in there she was like DONT move this baby is falling out of you.. I turned kinda panicked to my mom and was like get bill please. lindsay was already on the phone with him. thank goodness because he got in there just as they put my legs up and Judah slid out. I wouldnt have even know she was out if my family and friends weren't saying awww and freaking out with their cameras ;)
she was perfect of course :) I had a GREAT delivery and so thankful she came before May 1st!!!

how to: Bow

2010-05-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

alot of you have been asking how to make this bow that Judah is wearing in this picture so here is my attempt at a how to... sorry if it doesn't help LOL
Im not sure where credit needs to be given for this bow, I def didn't make it up so if its you Im sorry :) my girlfriend came over with a bunch of her boutique bows and we figured out (or she did and I copied) how to duplicate them.
This is the bow we are making you can make it with multiple colors or a single color.

(I cant figure out why this picture keeps turning sideways grr)
Im making this one kinda big but Im learning the bigger the better hah
so I start off taking two pieces of ribbons and cut them the same size Im cutting them 14 inches

then I hot glue the ends together to make a loop be careful to only overlap a little and the same amount on each loop

then fold each loop in half to find your middle (the glue part on the opposite)
put a little dab of glue over the glued edges and twist and glue the center part down to make a 8 shape

now cut 4 more pieces of ribbon two of each color if your using two different colors you want this piece to be a little bigger then the 8 shape on each side

then cut the ends off each of these to make them spikey?! I don't know what you call that

find the center of these and thread them on top of each other alternating colors and spread them out to where they are overlapping a little, and hot glue (using as LITTLE glue as possible) to just keep them in place.

now go back to your loops and layer them on top of each other
(you can use a little hot glue here but be sure to use a small amount because when you go to tie off the glue makes it VERY hard to fold)

I tie them together and then go back down through it and through the spikes

then I wrap the thread around them both to pull it tight, and tie off.

onces its tied off fluff it and get it to lay the way you want it to lay.
now cut two more pieces of ribbon I cut 8in to make sure I had enough to play with
lay them on top of the other and tie into a loose knot

I twist half the knot so one side looks pink and the other black

glue the knot in the center of the bow and wrap the rest around the back and glue it in place. and cut off the ends, or wrap it around your clip/headband and secure it in place

WAHLA you have a bow :) hope this helps!!!

We couldnt of planned it better!

2010-03-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

(this picture is at Stacys shower she was 36wks Im 33wks)

I am SO blessed and excited that Stacy and I are both FINALLY pregnant together. Gods plans are always better then our own huh? we couldn't have really planned this better, well other then me being due first LOL ;)
When we were little girls like 3 grade maybe we would talk about having baby girls together you know the talk all little girls have with their best friends, were we buy houses next door to each other and raise our kids together?! :) well she doesn't live next door to me but she is still one of my VERY best friends and God heard our cry.
Stacy and her husband Adrian had a little more difficult time getting pregnant so this time last year we had a little chat and I told her if she wasn't pregnant by the end of July(we were planning on ttc in Aug) I was making her a fertility apt because this was my last pregnancy and she HAD To share it with me!!!!!! well July 31st I get a phone call from stacy who asks if we were still planning on trying to get pregnant that next month. I told her of course and asked if she had made her apt yet or if I had to do it for her?! her response was I don't need to make one I'M PREGNANT!!!!! I think I screamed and cried and was just so shocked!!! I remember asking her to come over right away because I had to rub that baby belly! lol she couldn't she had to go to her parents house to share the news. but I tell you what I got off that phone and looked and bill with a grin that didn't leave my face for days and told him no pressure but we HAVE to get pregnant on the first try LOL. God heard me again and I was pregnant just a few short weeks later. Stacy was/is due April 9th and Im offically due May 8th (she is coming May 1st) and to just seal in this deal were both pregnant with little girls!!! :) I cant wait for these girls to get here and both wear the same silly outfits and have lots of pictures taken!! I hope they grow up to be best friends just like her mommy and I. a little side note Stacy is 2 weeks older then I am so now Miss Kaela is going to be a few weeks older then miss Judah!! :) You think they will keep the tradition when they are oldeR? lol :)

Judah in 3D

2010-03-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

We went for our 3D ultrasound on Saturday and little miss was confirmed YET agian all girl, I dont get why Im having such a hard time believeing it! she was very stubborn and hid most of her face the whole time, we did get a couple profile pictures which of course were cute! I dont think she looks like her brothers 3d ultrasounds at all, but ill include theres for you to decied :) only 44 days till she is going to be here!!!

Happy 1/2 birthday Titus!!!

2010-03-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

Yep its that time agian my Titus is 2.5 today!!!! He has grown up SO much the last few months, both Bill and I often find our selfs talking about how grown up he suddenly is. a few months back he decided he was done with diapers, I tried to encourage him to use them LOL (yes mom wasnt ready to potty train him) but he says he is a big boy, so we started he got the pee down that first day poop well thats been another story. he finally has it and when he isnt to busy playing or just being lazy he doesnt have any accidents (I think we have had one this week) He even wakes up in the Am totally dry!!! :) now to learn to wipe your own but kiddo!!!
He is talking NON stop about everything, just last night we were driving home from Papa's house and he points to a star and says "wow mom look at that cool star" :) He LOVES all things sports esp skateboarding and hockey these days. mom of the year award last week we were in Dicks sporting goods, and I was looking at something while Ty was busy finding a skateboard and a ramp he did find a helmet first but he decided to take the skateboard down the ramp... ya the kid ate it and I didnt even know it untill the store employee walked over and told him sorry buddy we dont ride skateboards inside LOL opps!!!! Titus tells me daily how for his birthday he wants a REAL motorcycle lol he is so boy through and through its hilarious!!!!
Titus really loves Bradyn and trys to copy everything Bradyn is doing and or saying. probly why he is already intrested in the potty. they play really well together these days!!! He knows he is going to be a big brother soon, and Im not sure he is that excited about it, he does talk to his sister daily through my belly button and some days even sings and plays guitar for her, but other days he will be laying on her and she will kick him and he KICKS her back LOL. Im sure he will be an AWESOME big brother once she is here!
Titus boy please stop growing so fast mommy wants to enjoy you being my baby just a little while longer!!! Happy HALF birthday my tank man!!!!!
3-11-08 my baby boy :)

3-11-09 look how little he was still

3-11-10 He looks so grown up today!

tired of being tired

2010-02-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

So yes here I am yet again after a long laps in time. Im sure all of you were truly worried I would ever return?! ;) truth be told this pregnancy has taken everything out of me! I have never been this tired and driveless (is that a word?!) in my entire life. growing a girl is HARD work I guess.....
Im a night person by nature. before I got knocked up, most nights I could be found till the wee hours on the morning messing around in my craft room with my sewing machine, glue guns, trying to embroider, surfing the web spying on all of you. or just sitting having ME time which all of us moms know is needed ever so often ;)
since I dont know October my new bedtime has been 9pm and I sleep until my boys come in to wake me. which alot of times I roll over turn on the tv and go back to bed until their poor hungry tummy's cant take their mom being lazy for one more minute and they attack forcing me out of bed. I keep waiting for that little bit of second wind to kick in or how about the nesting please?! but Im well on my way in the third trimester and it never showed up for the second one, so why would it show up now?!
Poor miss Judah (who by the way has been confirmed a few times now as a girl) doesn't have a single thing made by her mama for her. I keep saying tomorrow is the day I will make her a blanket or some burp cloths. but tomorrow never comes. sigh so to say the least the though of blogging (which I do think about often) is always great untill I sit down and begin to feel so very lazy and unmotivated ;) I just keep praying that I get my energy and drive back when she arrives. I miss my craft room, I miss all of the blogs I stalked. I just miss some me lazy time.
Please forgive my absence I will be back in just a few short weeks EEKKKK Judah is scheduled to come in just 63 days so much to be done and so little drive.....

2009-12-25T08:30:00.000-08:00

first and for most MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this time a year and now that my kids are at the age they totally get santa it has been awesome getting ready for this morning. My kids obviously forgot santa came last night because here I sit (with a free minute might I add) and my kids are snoozing away. I have tried to be loud but it just hasn't worked. I cant wait for them to get up!!!!!!!

Secondly yes I know im a HORRIBLE blogger. I think about blogging all the time especially if Im out doing something fun with the kids or one of the boys did something hilarious. yet I just cant seem to find the time. This pregnancy I have been first trimester tired the whole time. Im a night owl normally but the last 5 months I have been in bed every night by 9ish which really hurts me getting MY stuff done after the boys go to bed. I hope you haven't all given up on me yet ;)

Thirdly we found out the middle of November we are having a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I didnt believe it and we tried to keep it a secret till it was confirmed at a later ultrasound that would have been more accurate. well it was Confirmed again on December 11th we are in deed having a little girl. I still look at the "girl" ultrasound pictures and dont believe it really is our daughter but Im definitely getting more and more excited and accepting our dreams are coming true!! :) her name is Judah Jewel! I know alot of you will read that and go say what? isnt Judah a boy name? and all I can say to that is Yes it is a boy name but when I was younger I fell in love with Judah Jewel for a girl and when Bill and I got married I told him if and when we ever have a daughter this will be her name LOL so he basically has had no choice. But I bet if you asked him now it has definitely grown on him and He couldn't picture our daughter with any other name. Im very excited to get started on her nursery right after today and all the holiday excitement goes away! :)

Fourthly my entire family (even bill got to come this time) loaded up in our cars thanksgiving day and headed out to CO, stopping in ST George the first night (sorry Lindsay I totally would have called if it wasn't a holiday and I knew your whole family was in town, oh and I didnt have your number LOL) then right on through to Denver the next day it was ALOT of driving and the Kids did AMAZING they were who I was totally worried about. anyways we made this crazy drive because FINALLY Lindsay was coming home from Iraq and we wanted to be there when her flight touched down on US soil. it was such an AWESOME time and Im so blessed to have been able to be there for it. I sure missed Lindsay and am just glad she is home safe and sound for now. We all stayed a few days and spent some time annoying Lindsay before we headed home this time going through the grand canyon. Lindsay just got home to CA this week for christmas but sadly has to go back to CO right after the first of the year. We are having a Open house party thing on Jan 2nd for anyone who is in the area and wants to come by... just email me for the info.
Well I seriously am getting more and more anxious I think its time to go wake my kids up?! I will HOPEFULLY be back sooner this time with updates and possibly with pictures from today?! lol I pray you all have a BLESSED christmas and a amazing 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gender Swaying

2009-10-21T16:29:00.001-07:00

alot of you have asked what I ment by swaying for a girl so here is my attempt at explaining myself, with hope of not totally sounding freakish or dweeby ;)
let me start this post off by saying I believe there is more science to gender selection then most think. and if there was something I could do to maybe help the chances of getting a girl I wanted to see lol. I don't know if I believe they work still because I believe God ultimately has the say on who He blesses us with. but I figured it couldn't hurt anything right? ;)
I LOVE having my two sons, but I have always wanted a daughter I have wanted the pink clothes, big bows, big puffy dresses and just pretty stuff and the mother in daughter relationship. My mom has always told me she picked the sex of my last two sisters by following this book she had. so early this year I picked up the book read it a few times made bill read it and then started doing online research to see what else I could do to try to help our odds at conceiving a girl. there are ALOT of extreme things people do out there and I wasn't willing to spend thousands of dollars on something like this and I wasn't willing to play dr at home spinning sperm with egg whites, and no I'm not joking there are people who do this, which is fine for them just not for us. so finally in June we started on our plan of swaying, Bill and I both took some supplements cut some things out of our diets. I woke up daily at 6am to take my temp to help track ovulation. I was testing both bills and myself ph levels and once august rolled around we had everything down and were ready to start trying. I was surprised how much about my body I didn't know LOL following my cycle daily was interesting to say the least.
when trying to conceive a girl they say it could take months so we were shocked to find out we were pregnant right away. and a little scared maybe we didn't something wrong lol.
the basic idea behind getting a girl, is girl sperm are slower but heartier then the fast weaker boys, so timing of sex is a key, then you ph level also plays a part as there are optimal ranges for both types of sperm to live in or to kill the other off :)
I have NO idea if our sway worked yet. in sway standards we had a great sway and our odds are something like 80-90% girl, but with our luck were in that 10% boy range LOL there are days Im SURE were having a girl and the next day Im that sure were having a boy. so who knows!!!!
I really am ok with this baby being a boy or a girl, but the Fact is this is our last baby so if we see a penis on that ultrasound screen Im going to be super bummed at first!!!! Ill need a few days or weeks ;) to get over it and then fall deeply in love with the little guy. I wont be bummed its a boy as much as I will be bummed Ill never get the pink dresses and big bows and the mother daughter relationship. the disappointment of the girl dream being over will be what bums me out not the boy, I have two boys I know how to love boys I know how to deal with boys I know how to wipe a boys bottom I love having SONS so I know I will love having THREE sons... the thought of three boys scares me AAHHHHHH but the thought of a girl scares me too, the unknown I guess.... I know who is in my belly is EXACTLY who God picked out for our family and Im blessed to know that boy or girl its the perfect match for us!
our ultrasound date is set and a BIG FAT secret, bill and I are planning on keeping it a secret until its confirmed again later at another ultrasound. we arnt even telling anyone when we are going partly because if they tell me its a girl I wont believe them, ;) and if its a boy I wont be ready to hear from everyone I tell... Three boys wow, or Boys are great!! I know all this but Im sure I wont want to hear it at first lol.

Were back!!! :)

2009-10-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

did you miss us?! I never ment for our absence to be quite this long, but I have reasons ;) LOTS has happened in the Voong household over the past few months. All great of course :)
Frist we moved!! :) at last!! we found a great house in Chino Hills that is perfect for us 4 bedrooms 3 baths with a back yard for the kids to run around and be boys. it has a big hill that the boys hike and go hunting for lizzards and bugs.. eww ;) we are so happy to finally be here really Good things come to those who wait.
We moved in the end of Aug. and that same week we found out I was pregnant with #3 we couldnt be more thrilled, and Yes this baby was planned! We are due the first part of May. We werent planning on telling anyone untill later on in the pregnancy, but my body had diffrent plans, it was almost INSTANT my belly pooped out and I couldnt hide that I was pregnant.

I tried wearing spanxs and even still I couldnt fit into my regular jeans. At Titus birthday party (sep 13th) we had all our family here and they all came up to me at diffrent times with comments like wow we didnt know you were pregnant I tried to play dumb but seriously there was no hidding it. So Bill annouced it before everyone left. the secret was out.

(this is my belly earlier this week at 9wks 1dy)
Im 10 weeks now, and so far this pregnacy I still havent thrown up. I wish for it daily because I just always feel this horrible feeling of needing to but nothing comes up. I feel 1000000X diffrent then I did with both of the boys pregnancy's. so far I have had NO hip pain which is a BIG one for me, I keep praying it will stay away, dr said its unlikely I wont have any problems but we will see in time....I wish I could rely on the fact this pregnancy has been so diffrent and believe its a girl but I have seen to many people say boy I feel so diffrent this time and it end up being the same sex as before. We would LOVE a little girl and even did some swaying for a girl, but ultimately we know whos in my belly is exactly who God has for us and we will be excited with either gender. Bradyn since before he knew I was pregnant has told me I had two babies in my belly, that he quickly named Peanut butter and Jelly (the boy) and Ice Cream (the girl) I was kind of freaked out my 3 year old knew I was pregnant before I did and was saying there was two. but we did go for our ultrasound a few weeks ago and there is one baby!

Bradyn still insist there is two and gets upset if we tell him otherwise. he always says but I want two babies and I prayed and asked God for two babies there is two babies!! LOL
both the boys are CRAZY about this baby already they both hug thier baby and tell s/he they love it ALLL day long they both like to talk to my belly and ask me at least 10x's a day if their baby is feeling ok or what their baby is doing right now. Bradyn has started to change his voice and respond as the baby when Ty talks to her its hilarious!!! I love my boys and am so excited they both are this excited about another addition to our family!!
Well thats it for now, Im actully feeling quiet well right now so I think its time to go play at the park for awhile!! :)

Were alive

2009-08-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

We are still off enjoying our summer Vacation but a few quick updates

#1 we gave up on the hopes of buying a house, well not gave up just put in on hold. it is clearly not our time to buy. we have been trying since Febuary of this year put in TONS of offers and God has closed all the doors!! We are actully ok with it we found this amazing house in Chino Hills to rent, we move into on Septmeber 1st and are SUPER excited about it!!

#2 We have decided to do exactly what I have ALWAYS sworn I would never do, Co-op Preschool with Bradyn and his two closest buddies. yep that means he isnt going back to his traditional school but Im seriously pumped about how great this school year is going to be. and NOOOOOOOOOOOO I do not ever plan on homeschool in the future LOL

# 3 we got new family pictures taken I LOVE them so I wanted to share a few with you!!! :) they are done by Rochelle Ax with www.byfaithphotography.com (I know Im lame and dont know how to make that a link

Pray you are all having a BLESSED summer be back soon!

Bad Bad Blogger

2009-07-16T10:56:00.000-07:00

I know I have been a Horrible Blogger, and to be honest I dont care!!! :) I have been so busy enjoying Summer with my beautiful Boys, that I dont have the time nor energy to keep this updated :) We are making great FUN memories in the California HEAT ;) so Please forgive my long break, we will be back to our regular lifes as soon as, As bradyn says "summer day" is over :) Im sure I will be back before then... but for now, for your enjoyment here are a few random pictures from the past month

Rocket Rylan Welsh

2009-07-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

I have a BIG annoucment to make that is most likely OLD News to you all but...
I have a new ADORABLE nephew Rocket Rylan Welsh. He was born July 3 (just missing his big sister Londyns Birthday by 4 hours)

Happy Fathers Day Bill!!

2009-06-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

so this post is to thank my amazing Husband for being such an amazing Daddy!!! Our boys are so lucky to have such a great, involved daddy! They love you so much and it shows just how great you are!!! :) I love to sit back and watch you play with our boys, the play I try to do but fall so short on. I just dont get the world of make believe cars ;)
Thank you for being who you are!! Thank you for providing for us! Thank you for loving us! and Thank you for wanting to spend time with us! but most of all today, Thank you for being such a AMAZING daddy!!! :)
We love you!!!
Bradyn, Titus and jess :)

Bradyn

Titus :)

Bradyns last day of school

2009-06-12T16:40:00.001-07:00

Today was Bradyn boys last day of school :( he woke up SUPER hyper I dont know if he got he wasnt going back or not but time will tell. Im praying whatever house we end up in, it will be local so he can go back next fall. either way he Learned so much and GREW leaps and bounds this year. He made some new friends and even liked his first girl ;) Miss Riley who my whole family asked about daily. and his reply was always she is good she had a pretty ____ (insert color) bow in her hair today. for some reason he loved her bows :) I totally forgot to get a picture with her today :( but I will scan in his class picture and point her out later.. :)

On our way to school

Look at how much he has grown just since September (this was on his way to his first day of school)

In front of his Class room being just oh so cute!!

With Ms Linda

With Ms Kristen

This is Bradyns Buddy Christian with the teachers

Silly Faces

ok serious

MIA yet again

2009-06-12T16:31:00.001-07:00

So Yes I have been MIA again, partly due to laziness and partly due to these horrible headaches I have been getting. I have had a constant headache since mid April that gets HORRIBLE some days and other days just is there. been working with a dr and hopefully will get it figured out soon.
just about everyday I take my pictures of think oh I need to Blog about this or that and it has yet to happen. so hopefully over the next few days Ill get caught up with at least my pictures :)

Happy 16th Colleen and Caitlyn

2009-06-06T23:00:00.000-07:00

I still cant believe Colleen and Caitlyn are 16 I used to baby sit these little beauties when they were Titus's age. My teenage years I was there second mom haha I love these girls so much and am so happy to still be part of their lives.

There parents threw them a awesome 80's sweet 16 today. Because I work so much better last minute last last night, I decided I was going to make all three of my boys MC hammer pants and I went on a quest to find the loudest most Florescent pattern I could find...... of course I couldnt find a pattern so I just swung it... First were Bradyns... I think they actully came out pretty good!!!

Titus and Bills well they were ok LOL Bills just had WAY to much material I think they looked a little clownish. either way we all came dressed the part and Bill even won best male costume!! :) This is the only picture I got of the three of them together all night and by this time Bills pants were broken and tied in a knot in the front LOL :(

I bought some material to make leg warmers for my girlfriend and I and had a TON left over so I made myself a dress real quick ;) I think it came out perfect!!

We all had a Blast!! Titus pretty much spent his evening on the dance floor the kid LOVES to dance.. I need to upload the videos they are hilarious

Bradyn hung out with his older girlfriend most of the night ;)

it was SO NOT fun washing my hair out after this but we had a blast and it was totally worth it HAppy Birthday girls we LOVE YOU!!!

BUGS BUGS BUGS

2009-06-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

So my Boys are obsessed with bugs right now, Bradyn loves to go around outside looking for creepy crawlers and Titus is always a few steps behind. Today Londyn was right behind him too and they found a Caterpillar. Bradyn taught us all how it will go to sleep for a long time and wake up a butterfly :)

since it has been so long since I have gotten the three of them together for a picture I gave it a shot this day... this is all I could get haha they arnt as easy to picture together now days.

2009 Tour De Cure Bicycle Ride

2009-06-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

Finish Line!
The Mad Start
Police escort up St. Vincent Thomas Bridge
Craig in on the Left and I on the right with white shirt
Craig and I again (i'm on the right in white)

Well starting last year, I have participated in the American Diabetes Assocation Tour De Cure bicycle ride. This year was much harder route in terms of hills to climb and difficulty in descent. It started in Long Beach at the Queen Mary parking lot and our team consisted of David Vandruff(Diabetes type 1), His parents, Harry, Sister Rachel, Kelly her husband and Craig - Boss. Craig and I did the 60 mile loop and the rest of the team did the 35 mile route. Our team raised over $3000+ to help find a cure against Diabetes.

We were the first cyclist to cross over the General and St. Vincent Thomas bridge legally and it was a cool site from up top! after our first rest stop, Craig and I found ourselves in the bottom of Anchovy street, a 15% grade 1/3 mile climb. Wow that was an insane climb and was able to stay on the bike (there were a few that fell off there's as they were going too slow - most walked it up).

After rolling through Palos Verdes and climbing higher in elevation, the weather turned into mist and clouds and we were getting wet, making it difficult to navigate the downhill switchbacks. We then we were given another 8% hill up PV and it was so foggy we could not see the top of the mountain. What a drag.

In the end Craig and I blasted down the hills topping 40mph back into Port of Long Beach. Craig, not paying attention, got his bike tire caught in a train track while turning, and kissed the pavement. Luckily he got up with no injuries and his bike intact.

We finished in about 4 hours and met up with the rest of the group and had a great lunch. Until NEXT year!

- BILL

Our Nation needs HELP

2009-05-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Please Join me on July 5th

http://www.call2fall.com/videos

(some day Ill learn how to post links lol)

Another trip to urgent care......

2009-05-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

I really think all the dr's and nurses know my name at urgent care, between Titus and Bradyn.....
Bradyn was running around like a mad man as usual ;) Daddy was playing basketball (and watching the boys) and I was in the house. When all of a sudden I hear Bradyn SCREAM it wasn't a Im hurt scream so I just kept doing what I was doing until a kid from across the street came in to get me, so I run outside to find Bill and Amanda HOSING Bradyn off and he was still screaming, I then see blood everywhere. I pick him up tearing off his soaking wet clothes to find he had cut his lip open. it was a bad cut but nothing to be worried about he was already not crying anymore so I asked him what happend and find out that he had tripped and face planted on a paint can.... I joke with him telling him good thing the scar is going to be hidden in his lip not his money making face ;) and I figured we were done, until everyone around me was SHOCKED I wasnt going to take him in for stitches.... I honestly didnt think they stitched up lips at least not where his cut was. but my dad points out on one of the sides of his lips its bigger and saggy and thats because he didnt get stitches. UGGG ok so off to Urgent care we go, I had to bribe Bradyn who wanted to stay and play with his cousin with Ice cream later....
We arrived at urgent care to find the REST of Orange county had come to see the dr too.... Two hours later Dr comes in and says its already healing itself, he couldn't even pull it apart with tweezers. I told him how my dads lip sags and we cant have a saggy lip this kids face is a money maker (joking!!!) so the dr goes on to tell me he can stitch it up if I want him to.... UMMM WHAT just because I asked I could have it done?! no Thanks..... so the nurse comes in cleans him up and off we went to get our ice cream......

Happy 1/2 Birthday Bradyn Boy

2009-05-18T21:04:00.001-07:00

Look at my Fat bald budah baby, or my totally Handsome Toddler, or my totally RAD (I miss that long hair so much!) 2.5 year old... or how about my grown up 3.5 year old....uggg he is growing WAY TO FAST!!

Yup its that time again my big boy is offically 3 and a HALF.... He was so excited all evening he could'nt wait to have his big birthday party lol poor kid didnt understand we only have sweet treats on our half birthdays. He was happy with his ice cream and his buddy Benny singing him happy birthday.
Tonight Was a fundraiser for Megan at Chick Fil A (seriously THANKS to everyone who came out to support Meg! you guys are AWESOME!!!) so since he gets free ice cream with his kids meal we just threw some candles in his cone and bam Happy Birthday little guy!!! who isnt so little anymore!!!! I know we as parents are ALWAYS saying that time flys WAY to fast but seriously it seems to fly faster every year.
Bradyn is such an amazingly smart funny beauitful kiddo!! Im so blessed to be his Mom!!! Thanks Buggy boy for making me a mom and being such a GREAT son!! I love you!!!

Benny and Bradyn playing at chick fil A (seriously why do boys get SOOO sweaty?!)

These two boys totally Harrassed the weirdo cow but I think the cow enjoyed it! ;)

singing Happy Birthday

Oh wait cant forget to show sister was here (Londyn)

Enjoying their ice Cream

Look who else reappeared on planet earth... YUP your eyes are not lieing to you its MICKEY! ;) (Thanks Mick for coming out seriously lets get together SOON)

Here is the booth they have set up for Megan at all her fundraisers so if you have'nt been out yet make sure you come out soon to make her a hand :) or if your out of town,at least make some hands and mail them in

Hot one!

2009-05-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

This Weekend has been a Hot one in sunny CA so what better idea then to head to the beach for a last minute bbq? HAHA we talked the Ax family into joing us. we left home about 2 in the afternoon all sweating from the heat which by the way is 89 degrees and get to the glommy cold breezey beach which is 68 degrees and dropping quickly. so werid how we can be 30miles inland and the weather can be so drasticly diffrent! The kids had a blast (Titus and Isaac even got in the water for awhile) and so did we for the couple minutes of sitting and relaxing we had. We all joked about how relaxing and easy the beach used to be, you know the days you only brought your towel a book and a drink? now days its a few trips from the car. Full of toys, Umbrella's, snacks, chairs, blankets & a ice chest all well running after your toddlers who are fearless of the crashing waves. oh but its so much fun and I wouldnt trade it for anything!!!! Here are a Few pictures from our day.
Can I just take a side note and say how blessed I am to have the Ax family as neighbors. Not only Do I love Ro (and you too dave) but they have boys the same ages as ours and they love each other. Isaac and Bradyn play pretty well together, *Isaac does REALLY well with being bossed around by Bradyn* and Caleb and Titus
and both bruisers together and so much alike its crazy! no if only we could follow their lead and have a girl next?!?! haha only dreaming! We are just so Blessed to have this family in our lifes!!! We love you Ax family!!!!
ok now really on to the pictures

The boys took turn getting burried

Kiah hung out in her cool little tent

Titus and isaac hit the waves

and alot of the afternoon was spent wiping sand out of eyes and off the faces

Titus was FROZEN and just stood there shaking and when we asked him are you cold lets get warm? he would say NOOO he was fine! ;)

We actully got some shots with all the boys in it... WOW

Isaac had to pee so why not just drop his pants right there? We all were laughing to hard to tell him to stop lol Yes we were those parents ;)

The big guys played some catch while

Then it was time for dinner

Dave made us some yummy lighter fluid burgers ;) haha

by the time we left my boys were WIPED out and were asleep before we left the parking lot!

Update on Megan

2009-05-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

Megan could use some prayers (if you are new around here scroll down a few weeks and look for prayers for Megan) anyways she had Baby Isla today at 33wk 5d. by planned csection. her Dr decided it would be best to have isla early so they could aggressively treat the cancer. Baby isla is beautiful as you can see. ( Im quiet partial to the half er babies ;) ) she was 4lbs 7oz. As is stands right now little Isla will be in Nicu for 2 weeks.
Megan is going to have a few days to recover and Wednesday morning will go in for a Scan and then receive her third round of Chemo. after she is done there she will finally be discharged after 5 or so weeks. Please Keep both Megan and Isla in your prayers!!!
I saw Megan Thursday night and she said she was still feeling good and feels total Peace. Thanks you guys!!

seriously at a loss

2009-05-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

My sweet little Ty is turning into a bully and I mean a MEAN bully. Yesterday I was at my girlfriends house and we were talking as I'm not kidding I was walking through the door, we hadn't been there 1 minute yet and I hear Ro go TITUS Landen NOOOOOOOOOO I dont see what is happening but hear baby Kiah screaming so I pick him up tell him he needs to be NICE to baby's and sit him in time out, he could care less.... Ro later tells me he is sitting on top of her closed fist hitting kiah in the back of the head.... I seriously couldn't believe it but I trust Ro, so I apologized and we didn't stay long I was so embarrassed!!!
Today Im at Chick fil a and bradyn is playing with his buddy from school so it leaves titus trying to run after them and keep up. I'm out watching through the glass (is it just me or does the play area stink there?!) and I see this TINY baby girl who couldn't of been more then 13 months old sitting at the end of the slide, I see Titus slide down the slide and try to push her out of the way, she smiled at him and he grabbed her by her hair and got her in a head lock, started closed fist punching her in the face. the whole time I'm running and knocking over kids to get there to pull titus off, this time I watched it and couldn't believe my eyes, I spanked him told him WE DO NOT HIT very sternly made him say sorry (her mom was in there now and she was ok THANK GOD) and I made him come out and sit with me for like 10minutes, he seriously DIDN'T care!!!! one of the other moms is telling me oh kids will be kids blah blah blah so I feel a little better and tell him you can only go play if you are a NICE boy!!! he says Please mommy (which translate to Yes mommy) and I walk him in. he is playing nicely after watching him for 5mins or so and so I go back to my table where my purse and iphone sit wide open on top. no sooner did I sit down and I see the same scenario start to unfold only with a OLDER kid so titus couldn't quiet get the headlock in but the kid just was laying there crying as my titus is giggling and throwing punches in the face. he see me running for him as the door opened and he took off running so I KNOW he knows what he is doing yet he continues to do it... needless to say I APOLOGIZED up and down to the second mom who tells me again its ok he has two older brothers he is used to being beat up. Im surprised he didn't hit your son back. I half smile and walk away with tears in my eyes and so bummed out! and yes we packed up and left I couldnt risk any poor kids life.
I honestly DON'T know where he learned this and I DON'T know how to handle him when he acts like this he doesn't care if he gets spanked he doesn't care if he sits in timeouts for hours, he doesn't care about anything. I would love some ideas if any of you have them!?
and no my feelings wont be hurt if you call and cancel a play date with us now, I wouldn't want my kids around Titus either :(

Prayers needed

2009-05-12T21:40:00.001-07:00

Please keep this family in your prayers!!! Kayleigh went home to be with Jesus last night!!

Good bye linds

2009-05-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

about 5am My parents and I got up to take linds to the airport. they let us go up to the gate with her again but they were calling last call by the time we got up there so it was short lived but so glad we got to walk her to her plane! we are greatly going to miss her!!!! she will be in Iraq another 9ish months till Feb of next year.
This how scarey we will with only 3 hours of sleep ;)

gotta take one last picture ;)

and by this time tears were falling from all our faces as we watched her walk through that gate.

She is now safely back at her home base in Iraq please keep her in your prayers these next 9 months!!! Linds we LOVE and MISS YOU so much come home quickly and SAFELY!!!!

Lindsays last day

2009-05-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

Lindsay has been begging me since she left to post this blog FULL of pictures so she can steal them all ;) so here you go linds!!!!

We started off by talking Vola (she does nails out of her house and usually refuses to go get a pedicure with us telling us basicly were asking to get some crazy infection by going to the ching chong shops we go to) to go with us to get pedicures and YES we took pictures to prove it :)

We shopped some but were way to busy to take pictures :)
after shopping we went home and picked up the rest of the family and went to Sandra's (those of you local seriously I cant tell you how happy we are that sandras is FINALLY back open!!!)

The kids LOVED the food as much as we all did!!

Then we were off to Vola and Marcelos for Margaritas (sandras liqur licence isnt instaded yet :( )
but on the way home we got side tracked and ended up at jogurt

and then it was way to late for the kids to be up so Linds said her goodbyes to the kids before we went across the street

We had taken so long to get their vola was already smoking the hooka

and finally margarita's and hanging out :) Ro came over with Miss Kiah to say good bye

at some point well after midnight we headed home, linds still had to pack and we had to be up at 4:30 to leave for the airport it was a GREAT last day spent with Linds!!!

The things kids say...

2009-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I was at the park with Amber and her boys and Bradyn comes running over I need to go poop mom.. GREAT!!! the bathrooms of course are clear across the park, I leave Ty with Amber and Run Bradyn over to the bathroom. he is sitting there totally grunting as loud as he could partly because it was echoing and it sounded funny to him and partly because I was telling him shhhh there are people coming in... he just laughs and keeps on grunting.... the ladies who walk in smile at me and go about washing their kids hands. finally bradyn announces he is done but needs his butt wiped.. so I smile at the women and duck in the stall totally embarrassed. I took my time because I was hoping by the time we come out of the stall they would be gone... but nope one lady was left with her son. all these women were all traditional muslim women

even wearing the piece that covers their faces, kinda like this.... (forgive me for my ignorance)
(they lifted this piece when they had come inside.)
we stand behind them waiting for the sink and she turns around and says we will be just one more minute I smile and say take your time. Bradyn right about this time starts to whisper Mommy, and I bend down to him since we all know my kid isn't shy, I'm totally thinking something is wrong, but I definitely wasn't ready to hear what he was about to say. I get down to his level just in time for him to YELL She looks like Jesus!!!..... why is she wearing Jesus clothes? I smiled at him trying to not look up and said ya Jesus robe is similar isn't it. Thank GOD the lady turned around laughing and said that is a very interesting interpretation I have never heard that one before. she was so gracious!!!! as soon as we all get outside she puts her face piece back on and he says is she a robber to? Jesus says not to rob mommy?! LOL seriously I was dying she was far enough away by this point I don't think she heard but oh my gosh!!!!

Dr Laura

2009-05-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

So alot of you know I love to listen to Dr Laura in the afternoons and yes if you get in my car between 12-3 I will SHHHH you :) a few weeks ago I had put in my status on Facebook, that I had wanted to go to her in praise of stay at home moms show never thinking about it again. I probably posted it in the car while listening to her talk about the show.
a week or so later I get the mail and there is a packet from Ticket master address to Bill, not thinking twice I open it up and see the tickets to the Dr Laura show. I was excited and couldn't help but laugh, my husband does listen or read the small things I comment on every day :)
I call bill and explained I got the tickets and he was super bummer it was suppose to be a surprise for me and my girlfriend. he thought he had will called the tickets... OPPS :) haha early mothers day gift for us!
Anyways I'm super excited the show is tomorrow and I cant WAIT!!!!!!

I'll be back shortly

2009-05-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I guess I have been majorly MIA this past week or two... and I totally blame it on Lindsay being home!! :) the first week I was so good at taking pictures and documenting our time together and I'm not really sure what happened from there....
We had to head up the coast for a family memorial service in Pismo, we had a beautiful time with my family (wish bill could have been there!)
we were there 3 days and sadly the only picture I came home with was....

(this is a MAJOR problem in our house right now with Ty!!)

I cant believe I didn't take any pictures :( those of you who know me know I take WAY to many pictures for our computers own good. we now have three hard drives full of pictures, so for me to come home with none is SHOCKING to say the least!
the one day I did carry my camera around, in hopes of getting some GREAT pictures of our family time in such a beautiful place. my hopes were shortly shattered. I was all set up to have my mom take this picture of my sisters and I

(thank goodness for the backup iPhone)

we quickly learned that in the rush of the morning I had forgotten to bring along the freshly charged battery. Big bummer!!!
Lindsay's time here has flown by WAY to fast as I was afraid it would. I'm really bummed that in just a few short hours she is headed back to Iraq. We have had an awesome time spent while she was here and its not time for that to end, at least not yet. Linds and I got to go on a sister date night this past Thursday night, we went to Sushi got hour long massages, grabbed some jogurt *YUMMMMM* and headed off to the movies. it was GREAT to spend some time just the two of us. I'm sure going to miss her!!!
Tonight were going out to dinner with my whole family so I'm sure tomorrow I will be back to my posting self full of pictures of our last dinner together and the sad goodbye in the morning. so until then I'm off to wake up my sleeping sister

and cherish the last few hours we have!

oh and P.S
Thanks to all of you who came out to give your hand for Megan on Friday night :) don't forget to head over to JoJo's pizza tomorrow and Tuesday and mention Megan's name so part of your $$$ goes to her for her raising medical costs!!!!

Bill's Bike Ride to cure Diabetes

2009-05-02T12:31:00.001-07:00

Hi all! As you may remember last year, our team rode our bikes from Long Beach through Huntington and Newport Beach with a round trip of 70 miles to help support the cure for Diabetes. This year we're going through Long Beach with a total of 60 miles on our bikes. My childhood friend David and my Dad both have diabetes and I will ride every mile in support of the cause and the funds that have been donated to our team.

Please join us (rides from 5 miles to 60 miles) in Long Beach May 31st or support our team with a donation as we reach our individual goals.

http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=5633&px=4168066

Thanks!

Bill

Lend a Hand to megan

2009-04-28T09:48:00.000-07:00

A friend of megans & her family are working very hard to try to raise some money for Megan, Fed and the kids. as well as just show support to megan, so here are some upcoming events I wanted to pass on to you guys, Please Pass these on too the more people who hear and know about them the better!!!

This first one is a great way to get your whole family involved!!!
Lend a Hand
How incredible to be able to help support someone in need? This one is easy…lend a hand by giving your hand. All you have to do is trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out to show your support. You can decorate it with colors, stickers, glue, glitter, pictures or just simply write an encouraging thought or verse. Even if you grabbed a piece of scrap paper or the back of some junk mail, how hard would it be to do the rest???...totally EASY! You can even do this whether you actually know the person or not. It is incredible to be able to “show” someone that you are supporting them, so that they are actually able to visualize it. How long will it take you?…it can just be a few quick minutes or if you want to get artsy, just a bit longer. How encouraging would it be to be able to “see” that there are caring people that wish that they could Lend A Hand, but instead are at least able to give a hand…their hand!

please mail your hand
4195 Chino Hills Pkwy. #594, Chino Hills, CA 91709

or you can bring your hands to the PF Changs in Chino Hills and recieve a free appetizer card!!!

Please give your hand in support. We know that these times are tough financially for all, but if you are able to donate monetarily, it would be greatly appreciated since the medical expenses are adding up very quickly with every test and procedure. Please send donations/hands to: Megan Lynn Parrera c/o Lend A Hand: Give A Hand, 4195 Chino Hills Pkwy. #594, Chino Hills, CA 91709. Please make checks to "FBO, Megan Lynn Parrera". Any donations can also be made at any CHASE or WAMU Branch, please reference the account number 446-280334-1. For those who would like to wire the funds from their bank accounts the routing information number is 322271627. You can also drop off your Hands at PF Changs, 3445 Grand Ave., Chino Hills, CA 91709 and receive a free appetizer card. Show Megan and her family that this community has people that are praying for her, thinking about her, and wanting to Lend A Hand. If you have any questions or if you can Lend A Hand in other ways, please contact Dahlia Voth at lahgah@rocketmail.com. Please DO NOT contact the family as they would prefer not to have their phone ringing off the hook, as they are totally overwhelmed. Thank you for your willingness to help.

We will be using the hands to decorate when Megan comes home from the hospital (after Isla is born). Show your hand whether you know Meg or you just read this for the frist time and you can pray for her! thanks!

Spring Cinema at The Shoppes
Make your hands and watch Wall-E

Date: Friday, May 1, 2009
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: The Promenade at The Shoppes at Chino Hills
Street: 13920 City Center Drive (on the corner of Peyton Dr. and Grand Ave.)
City/Town: Chino Hills, CA

Come support Megan Parrera and her family at The Shoppes at Chino Hills on Friday, May 1st. We will have a table available to make and decorate your hands to support Megan, or you can bring yours from home. We will have preaddressed envelopes available for those who would like to donate to her help with her medical expenses as well. We are going to set up early so that everyone is able to enjoy the movie Wall-E at dusk. Come give your hand! Hope to see you there!!

JoJo's Pizza Fundraiser for Megan Parrera
Eat great food and Lend A Hand while doing it!

Start Time: Monday, May 4, 2009 at 11:00am
End Time: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 9:00pm
Location: JoJo's Pizza Kitchen
Street: 2923 Chino Ave. H1
City/Town: Chino Hills, CA

Monday, May 4th AND Tuesday, May 5th ALL DAY from 11 am to 9 pm, anyone who orders in, takes out, or calls for delivery AND mentions Megan Parrera will help her earn 25% of the entire subtotal of their bill. This can be huge and YOU can help make it happen. I have the flyer in JPEG form if anyone wants to print it and pass it out. I will be marketing and need your help too. Tell EVERYONE...friends, neighbors and family. Come and enjoy great food to support Megan and her family. Don't forget to mention Megan's name!

P.S. We will have a table set up to do hands too!

Bake Sale to benefit Megan Parrera

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Time: 7:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Paul's Country Kitchen
Street: 1267 E. Imperial Highway
City/Town: Placentia, CA
View MapGoogle
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
Phone: 7149935434

Bake your favorite treat to donate for us to sell at a bake sale to benefit Megan Parrera. It will be on Saturday, May 9th (the day before Mother's Day) in front of Paul's Country Kitchen in Placentia. This cannot work without help. Please contact Dahlia Voth for information.( lahgah@rocketmail.com )Thanks for Lending A Hand!!!

Happy Birthday Brendon

2009-04-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today is my Brother Brendon 23rd Birthday. So for dinner we went to Dave and Buster. everyone had a blast!!! Happy Birthday Brendon!!!!

My Sisters with Titus

Bill and Bradyn

After Dinner we hit the games

we ran into Bills Brother Kieth

Lindsay me and Bredon

My Beautiful sisters and I

Titus and I

Bill and me trying to get a picture together but lindsay kept jumping in ;)

Update on Megan

2009-04-22T16:41:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to Megans updates blog!!!PLEASE continue to pray for her and her family!!!!!!

www.meganparreraupdates.blogspot.com

BEach day

2009-04-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Here in California were enjoying a 100+ heat wave (that I swear my sister brought with her from iraq) so we decided to hit the beach... it was SUCH a beautiful day the kids had a blast and we all got some much needed sun!
Ty with my Brother and sister in the water...

once he got used to it we couldnt keep him out of the water, even when a wave knocked him down he wanted more!!! its SCAREY!!!! Bradyn has always been more reserved when it comes to the water so I always had a more relaxing time at the beach... untill NOW :)

My sisters did alot of this...

and the kids did A TON of planing the in the sand

at one point my brother found some star fish and crabs and the kids played with those for awhile... (we saw LOTS of sea animals today, a sea lion came right up to us, and we saw some dolphins not to far out it was a BEAUTIFUL DAY!)

Bill came down after work and got to spend a few hours with us which was great!!! :)

I seriously have like 400 pictures from this day so Im going to just post some randoms now.. :) hope you all are living through this heat!!!!

Lindsay is home!!!! (for two weeks)

2009-04-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

Who knew while you were off fighting a war you still get vacation time?! haha I sure didn't think that's how it works.... but I'm SO very thankful that it is!!
My little sister Lindsay is currently serving as a army medic in a ER room in Iraq. She left the first week of December, and even though we talk to her almost daily thanks to SKYPE and facebook, it just isn't the same. She will be here for two weeks and then its back to Iraq untill next Febuary.
We knew she would be home at some point this week but we didn't know until Friday afternoon that she would be in today. So we all hurried and made our big signs which we promised her we would be holding and ran off to the airport.

my parents had heard that since Lind's was coming home from Iraq the airport would let us go right up the gate and welcome her home. it took asking a few people but we finally all were given boarding passes and allowed through security. of course we had to wait once we were at her gate, because her plane was delayed 45mins, and then she was the LAST person off the plane.
(the babies and I waiting with their flags)

The kids anxiously waiting for tete's plane

The kids with their signs they made for Tete

we all stood holding our signs with GREAT excitement and tears in our eyes.

everyone at the airport was totally curious to see who was coming home, even passengers who were getting off the plane stopped behind us to see what the big hoopla was about.... so as soon as lindsay came out of that door and we started yelling and smiling and crying the whole place broke out with applause and people saying Thank you. it was amazing to see people are still grateful for what our troops do.

Lindsay wanted to go get some food so we stopped off at applebees and the kids all climbed on her and just loved that their Tete was home. We are ALL very happy to have her here!!! just praying this two weeks doesnt go by too fast!!!

PLEASE pray for Megan and her family!

2009-04-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

Alot of you may know or recognize Megan, she grew up here in Chino Hills and went to Ayala high school. but for those of you who don't this is Megan her husband Fed and their twins Kailer (on mommy's lap) and Kaidence (on daddy's lap) Currently the twins are 20 months old. Megan is 30 weeks pregnant with a little girl name Isla.
This past week has been a whirlwind of events for Meg that I cant even begin to explain, but at some point she has been diagnosed with lymphoma, they are still waiting on results as to the kind or stage but doctors are thinking its Hodgkin's which is the better or the two lymphoma's Im told. I heard (4th hand and we all know how that game goes) they think its stage 4 at this point because it has metastasize to her lung making it hard for her to catch her breath.
Yesterday drs took her in for surgery to drain fluid from around her heart and place a drain so they wont have to keep going in when fluid builds up. because they had her under anesthesia already (they were trying to avoid it at first because she is pregnant but both baby and mom did Wonderful) they took a piece of her hip bone & marrow to test as well as a full lymph nod from her neck to test. They wont get these results back till probably mid to late next week. When I went down to the hospital last night Megan was in ICU (so we didn't get to see her) and will probably be there for a few more days and then transferred to the cancer unit where at this point they are hoping to start Chemo next Tuesday. Megan is going to be staying in the hospital till after Isla is born which they are praying is at least 6 more weeks. After Isla is born she will begin out patient treatment.
they all know and are trusting God through this, so lets join them in praying!!!
This is a Picture of the people who matter the most to Megan, here husband Fed the twins, her parents Mitch and Robyn and her two little sisters Lauren and Dani. please keep everyone in this picture in your prayers they all could use them!!!!!!

Bradyns Audition

2009-04-16T22:51:00.001-07:00

Bradyn had an american eagle audition this morning, and Bill got to take him. I usually take him so this was fun for Bradyn and Bill but I was bummed I was missing out... or so I thought, good ol Bill and his handy flip video recorder took some video of his audtion it cuts off but you get the idea :)and I was a very happy girl :)

Our Easter

2009-04-13T23:17:00.000-07:00

We had such a GREAT Easter!!! I have so many great pictures its going to take me forever to post this post so bear with me :)
Started off with the boys checking out the loot the bunny left for them... I totally spaced and didn't take ANY pictures. but cute story Bradyn comes down stairs yelling Happy Easter Mommy!!! I smile and say happy Easter back to him and he goes "Jesus has risen Hallelujah!" then he sang this song he learned at school called Hes Alive. it was seriously the greatest thing to hear come from my 3 year old... he is listening!! haha my heart was so Happy to hear him sing this morning!!!
ok then it was off to church. and yes Im still one of those lame moms who dress's her kids alike. at this point Bradyn thinks its really fun... Im going to take advantage of that because I know it wont be long that they both hate it!
Our handsome big guy!!! (titus wasnt having it and wouldnt pose for a picture)

But after church I got some GReat ones of all my handsome boys seriously I know I say it all the time but Iam SOOOO BLESSED

This is the only family picture we got all day :(

Then after church we went to the Toroks house! We LOVE this family so much and are so thankful they are an extension to our family! The boys love going to their house! for anyone who has come to the boys birthday parties they have been at this house so much stuff to do always!!
we started off yesterday in the heated pool! Bradyn was like a fish and had to be pulled from the pool once he rememberd he could swim on his own (with his floates you know those things I SWORE I would never use!!! He WILL be swiming this summer without them I PROMISE!!!)

Then the kids went hunting for EGGS both the boys had to open each egg as the picked it up.. I tried to limit the candy intake but Im sure they got WAY more then I would have allowed... I know Im a mean mom

I love this picture with Tys hand on bradyn shoulder so sweet!!

some of the eggs they found were chalk so it was a great distraction to hide the candy :)

I love these pictures of Ty the chalk on his face just makes me smile

Then it was off to the trampoline for awhile which the boys both love! we have one at home and they would live on it if I would let them and if Bradyn learned how to not tackle his brother every two seconds :)

After this point we did alot of eating night swiming and watching the older kids do a REALLY awesome egg hunt in the PITCH dark with just flashlights I was just to tired to follow the boys around with the camera ;) WE had a blast and all 4 came home pretty much with our eyes glue shut :)
I pray you all had a BLESSED easter!!!!!

Twinkle Twinkle....

2009-04-09T15:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on the way to school Bradyn was singing all kinds of songs really loud and laughing.... when he sings he brings smiles to my face but yesterday I was totally not happy it was way to early lol
anyways he starts to sing twinkle twinkle MOVIE STAR how I want to know who you are.....
I listen in agian to make sure I hear him right which I had, so I go buddy its twinkle twinkle little star.... and he looks at me all crazy and says no mommy its movie star little star doesnt work, I dont want to know who the little star is. I want to know the movie stars!!!!!

2009-04-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

We went to the moms club easter party and The kids meet the scarest easter bunny around.... haha Titus LOVED him :)

Bradyn sword fighting (with their chocolate suckers) with his buddy Jared

These are the only two SIMI good pictures I got the whole day :(

Dairy Tour

2009-04-07T15:21:00.000-07:00

Today we tagged along with Amber and Benny to the Dairy the kids had a BLAST and left completly covered in dirt and cotton :) they got to play with all sorts of animals, take a tarctor ride, jump on a trampoline, see how they milk the cows, and even saw a new baby seconds after it came out of its mommies belly! it was a GREAT time Thanks Amber for letting us tag along :)

I seriously want one of these tractor things all three boys had a blast with it!

Then they got to pet a baby cow

BRadyn got to hold a baby chick

The boys checking out some pretty cool animals

Then they got to stick their fingers in the milkers and watch the cows get milked Bradyn LOVED this! (poor benny couldnt stand the way it smelled lol)

Then we got to go on the tractor and go out where all the feed was. the kids climbed up on the cotton seed and rolled down. Benny and Bradyn basicly tackled each other and rolled down together they had a BLAST!!!! this is the only picture we got of Amber and I together but proff we were there too :)

The kids jumping on the cool inground trampoline

The Championship

2009-04-05T21:57:00.000-07:00

Bill has played Basketball with the church team for a few seasons now this year his team really SUCKED they didn't win ONE game all season long until last Saturday when they some how won the semi finals LOL which landed them a spot in the championship game, we are still not sure how that works out?! they lots but they played a good game and it was fun to end the season on a good note! Anyways here are some pictures of the game

Prayer before the game Bill is number 41 on the white team

Here is my boys cute as always Yelling from the stands GO DA DA

Then me and Ty having some fun durning half time (is that what they call it in basketball? LOL)

Have I ever told you guys how much I love ALLLLLLL three of my Boys?! seriously they are the best I am SO blessed :)
Hope you guys all had a blessed and wonderful weekend!!!!

Saturday

2009-04-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to the Blue Ribbon event in Costa Mesa. it was pretty cool they had this great train that the kids got to ride!! and we all know what a train nut braydn is so it was a great day! :)

it started off with tattoos and face paintings but my kids didnt want their pretty little faces touched so it was more like arm painting :)
notice bradyns choice of a design?! (its a train if you cant tell)

Titus Dancing ;)

and the boys sitting so nicely together waiting for the train to come pick them up :)

Ty checking out a booth

they wouldnt let us take any pictures on the train so I had to sneek these lol

Spring Program

2009-04-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

Last night Bradyn had his spring program at school. it was SO cute
to watch! all the kids were Pro's this time around. (comparing it to the Christmas program) All our pictures came out dark and just bad but you get the point :)
Bradyn and his best bud Christian keep the class on their toes, as you will see in the pictures ;)
this is the only picture I got that is HALF way decent of Bradyn before the program

and this is Bradyn his friend who I dont know his name and christian

These are of the family hanging out waiting for the program to begin

Bad pictures during the show

and afterwards the gym was FULL of all kinds of SUGAR and it RIGHT AWAY went to Bradyn and Christians Blood :)

Trying to get a serious picture of the two of them just wasnt happening!!

who said 2 was bad?

2009-04-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

I seriously don't know who said Twos were Terrible because a few months before Bradyn turned three our whole world was turned upside down by this new found "greatness" of 3.... and it has gotten worse by the day. I am praying we all make it out of the 3's alive!!
I do hear its totally a different story with girls then boys but to great joy we only have BOYS!!! Jesus please get us through the next few years!!

April Fools

2009-04-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

on the way home from school today Bradyn is telling me all about his day... and stops mid sentence and says "Mommy miss April broke her foot today" he was so concerned and I was like WOW how did she do that I just saw her this morning and she was fine, and he goes she fell down. I was like oh man that is horrible and then he starts giggling and yells mommy April fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Haha the little booger totally got me. I had NO idea he even knew what April fools was. Chances are he didn't before school this morning. however the tone in his voice and just the overall way he showed such concern and compassion for his teacher scares me the kid is a GREAT liar!!! LORD help us!!!!

30 day Shred

2009-03-28T10:15:00.002-07:00

Ok so no surprise Both bill and I have been trying to get healthier and really loose some weight. Bill has been dropping weight like there is NO tomorrow!! He is now down to a weight he has never been since meeting me (8 years) Way to go BABE!!!
I'm slowing coming along loosing more inches then actual pounds. I wish I would have measured the inches to begin with. We started the first week of February and as of this morning I'm down 15 lbs I know that doesn't sound like alot but to me it is!! I can actually see a difference in the way I look and the way my clothes fit (or dont fit anymore). I would like to be down to my goal weight by the end of summer so if I continue at this pace I will totally reach my current goal.
anyways we haven't really been dieting as much as we are just trying to eat more and healthier choices. (me cooking more often.) I have always been notorious for skipping breakfast I hate eating in the morning and actually could go till 2 or 3 before actually feeling hungry. BIG no no.... We have been taking walks every night as a family (power walk) usually going a mile or two. Bill is back at riding his bike, and I have been doing this work out video you see above. I hate the gym and have never really been into working out. for those of you that love to run I envy you cus I HATE it.
a couple of my friends started this video awhile back and were raving about it. so I bought it totally thinking I would hate it but I actually enjoy it and enjoy the results MUCH more!!!! its a intense work out but it only last 20min! like seriously you cant use the excuse of not having time because we all have 20mins. my excuse now is I don't have time for the shower after ;) usually by min 4 I'm dripping in sweat!!!! its GREAT!! its broken up into three levels and you move up when you feel ready. I hurt my back doing level 2 a few weeks ago and haven't done the video since but I'm ready to jump back up and get going. I will probably start at level one again for the first few days. so who's up for it? lets give the next 30days (the month of April) a shot and see the results we get!! I STRONGLY suggest this work out so seriously who's up for it?!

and the Best mommy of the month award goes to...

2009-03-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

ME!!!!!!!!!
So this morning we are walking up to bradyns school for the first time in a week. he was out sick both Wed and Fri of last week. on the Gate there is this big poster saying spring program this thursday. I was like oh hmm must be the older kids and keep walking only to get to his classroom and the same poster is posted on the front of the door and when you open the door the same poster is on the inside of the door LOL. I start replaying the past weeks thinking did I just forget about it? but I seriously couldnt remember ANYTHING about it nor seeing any papers come home with songs to work on. so I stick my head in his class room and Im like so this spring program? and the teacher is like Yah its this Thur hes gonna be here right? lol Im like uh yah of course and turn and walk away feeling like CRAP how did I miss this... its a BIG deal at school and my poor child didnt even get to practice at home..... oppps When I went back to pick him up, the teacher tells me I need to pick up the mail in bradyns cubby since all the songs are in there LOL I didnt even relize he had a mail cubby... OPPPS guess I win the Best mommy award today!!!!

update on the house hunt

2009-03-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

it has been totally crazy to say the least. for every house out there, there are like 10 buyers for each. the first house we wanted to put an offer in on had 8 other offers before ours and the price of the house went up 25k just through the offers. the second one we ALMOST had but someone put an offer in hours before ours and the bank accepted on the spot. kinda sucky but not, because I know we have God on our side and he has our house picked out!! but its hard to wait and watch these houses go. We have one offer in on a house right now, that I absolutly LOVE! Im trying hard not to get my hopes up and really fall in love with this house. but I cant help it the first time I walked in I was in love. truth be told if we dont get it I will be really disapointed. we wont know anything on this house for at least a couple of days if not weeks :( So if you all could keep on praying for us it would be so appriciated!!! Were still looking even with this offer in. I know God has the most amazing house out there for us we just havent found it yet! (or maybe we have ;) )

My little Irish men

2009-03-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

So Im pretty close to half irish, which would make my Chinese boys 1/4 Irish LOL I know looking at them you would never guess it but they are!! so when I saw these shirts I had to buy them. everyone made fun of me for making my boys wear them, but its ok Bradyn LOVED his. in school he has been learning all about St Patty's day and shamrocks and leprechauns and the gold at the end of the rainbow. He was so excited when he woke up today asking if the leprechauns were here yet. so of course we had some fun with it. everytime he would have milk it was pouring out white but magicly the leprechauns turned it green in the cup, or his mac n cheese at lunch was green. basicly everything that could be turned green today has been green. make for some intresting poop let me tell ya ;)
Tonight we went over to one of my oldest friends house for dinner, I love Stacy and her hubby adrian, so it was a wonderful way to spend the evening. :) hope you guys all had a wonderful st pattys day!!!

House Hunting

2009-03-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

So after many years of praying, saving (and being stupid) we are finally on the hunt to buy our first home!!! :) we are so excited and blessed that we are able to even consider buying a home right now. We just started looking this past weekend so we arnt sure how fast or slow this is going to take. but I just wanted to tell you all and ask you guys to keep us in your prayers. Bill and I both really want God to hand pick our house and I don't want to let our emotions or wants to get in the way of that... so please just pray we will keep focused on Him and Trust in Him through this whole process!! :) Thanks guys you all are the best!!

Dana Point fuzzy friends

2009-03-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

Today we went to our friends little girl's birthday party down at this beautiful park at Dana Point Beach. The boys had a blast running around like the wild boys that they are :) at one point Bradyn sat down by the bike trail and within seconds he was surrounded by squirrels checking out his juice box. it was hilarious he was totally petting them like they were long time buds. at first I was freaked out telling Bill he was going to get rabies lol but watching how much fun Bradyn was having I calmed down and went and grabbed a cupcake for him to feed them. it was so funny to watch. Titus of course wanted in on the action, but the first time one of them stepped on his toe he was freaking out.

Happy 1/2 birthday Titus Landen

2009-03-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

Today is Titus's half birthday ;) yes Im one of those crazy moms that make a BIG deal about it!! Bradyn was so excited all day and Titus kept singing to himself Happy Birthday TyTy lol! Bradyn helped me make a cake and after dinner we all sang to him :)
I cant believe how fast these kids grow up. everyone always tells you that but until you have your own kids you don't full get it! Titus is such a GREAT kid we are so blessed that he is part of our family.
Happy 1/2 birthday little guy!!!

a BIG thank you at the rose bowl

2009-03-02T15:55:00.001-08:00

This past Saturday there was a big Military thing going on at the Rose Bowl, Im not exactly sure what it was but from what I can tell it was a Welcome home to 20k men and woman returning from war. and my Dad was doing the opening prayer. So we went out to see what was going on, and to say Thanks to the men and woman in the military! it was like 90 degrees out and the sun pounding on us, we all left sunburnt but it was a fun day non the less. We were there way before it started and the kids did awesome sitting or playing in our seats for hours. We had VIP seating all the way.. too bad it wasnt the rose bowl game huh ;) I know from the pictures the place looks empty but it was pretty full behind us...
I dont know if you have been able to tell from previous post but WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!! now more then ever, having my siblings in the Army and my one sister in Iraq it brings a WHOLE new meaning to supporting our troops! My dad was honored to be able to pray for these troops returning from War!

Like Father like Son

2009-03-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Mr Train man

2009-03-02T00:36:00.000-08:00

As most of you know Bradyn has been OBSESSED with trains since he was just over a year old. I remember the first time my mom gave him a little train set from ikea and he at the age of like 13 months sat and played with this train for 3 hours no joke... the kid has always had problems sharing trains and well he is just very serious when it comes to trains lol.
My mom surprised him a few weeks ago with a ride on the train to get some lunch. He was so excited and had such a GREAT time!!!
Titus and Londyn got to go along to and they had fun too but no one loved it as much as Bradyn did ;)

were alive....

2009-03-02T00:15:00.000-08:00

Wow bet you thought we weren't coming back?! sorry about that! life has been busy and lots has been going on and well I never felt inspired to sit and write. hope you haven't given up on us completely yet!!!! because I'm BACK!!!!
As my days have passed I have thought oh I have to remember to blog about this later, yet I never seemed to make it here. I'm still not totally inspired so bare with me in this post as I try to find my inspiration. I'm going to start with I guess a update on each of us?!

Bill: has been given some new responsibilities at work so he has had a full plate and has been working xtra hours. he is pretty tired by the time he gets home so weekends right now are Very special to us. They are never long enough!!
Me: well I have been busy with the boys and life nothing super exciting to share, although I do have a few "great" ideas looming so stay tuned.
Both Bill and I have been working on getting healthier and loosing some weight. I wish both of those things were easier to obtain because seriously finding the time to work out just isn't in the plans with two crazy boys. I'm really proud of both of us though because we both have managed to stick to our guns pretty well the month of February.
Bradyn: I almost don't want to type it in fear of jinx's ourselves but Bradyn seems to have turned a corner in the obedience area. There were days a few weeks ago I just didn't know what to do with the kid but Praise Jesus he has had an amazing last few days!!!!! He is such a crack up!! He LOVES going to school & Church and has made quiet a few friends. He is big time into Cars and computer games?! We have to fight him for some computer time these days.
Titus: His new FAVORITE word is NO NO NO. other then that he is seriously blossoming into a great funny kid. still has major mommy DON'T leave me issues but I have a feeling those arnt going anywhere anytime soon! So I have decided to embrace it because I'm sure in just a few short years I'm going to be begging him to hang out with me. Titus has recently started potty training himself. He is NO wear near being completely trained but he tells me he has to go at least once a day sometimes more then that. I think with a little bit of persistence and work on my part he could be trained but well I have been lazy... maybe one of these days Ill get around to it ;)
have I ever told you all how amazingly Blessed I am?! I have the Greatest kids (and husband) on earth, yup that I'm sure of!!!
So I guess Im going to end this here in fear of this looking like the yearly update letters you recieve in Christmas cards. :) Im gonna go off and find some pictures to post Im sure you all would much rather see my BEAUTIFUL children then hear me ramble!!!

Happy Valentines to My Wife

2009-02-14T07:52:00.001-08:00

Because I love you so much....I do anything, even public embarrasement! Thank you for all your love, consideration, admiration, trust and laughter. I love you! Bill

Trusting in Him

2009-02-04T11:00:00.001-08:00

I have for months now been learning so much about how much I dont trust God with my whole life... just when I think Im doing pretty good with trusting I get thrown a curve ball and shown how little I truely do trust. I was reading in my devotional this morning and this totally spoke to me so I want to Share it with you.. Be Blessed!

More that that, We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character and character produces hope and hope does not put us to shame because Gods love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Isn't it true that most of us worry less about whats happening in our lives that about what might happen? We are unnerved at the prospect of illness, a loss, a financial set back. What is it were so afraid of, exactly? We can begin by considering our particular fears, asking "whats is the worst thing that could happen to me if this actually comes to pass?" By engaging in such consideration we can usually get to the bottom of our worry: "I'll be broke" or "Ill end up alone" or "Ill be in physical pain" once weve identified whats making us afraid, we can ask the question again: "whats the worst thing that will happen if I end up broke or alone or in pain?" and then we get to the heart of our fear: " Ill suffer"
None of us wants to suffer, certainly, but sooner or later we all do, we might as well face it. But we dont have to dread suffering because God has a purpose for our pain. And He sets limits on our individual trials too, allowing only what is absolutely necessary to prepare us to desire and to enjoy the life he has in mind for us. But the fact that our dread of disaster pulses in our hearts indicates how little we really want the life God has for us if that life includes suffering.
Living in our particular society, a determined resistance to pain seems only right and normal. In our culture where happiness and personal rights are the supreme good, anything that makes us feel unhappy is diagnosed as the supreme bad. We adopt the thinking of society and wind up confusing the principle of democracy- life liberty and the pursuit of happiness- with the principles of the Bible. which teach that suffering is not our enemy but a friend in disguise.
Because God loves us, he will visit us with this friend as need be. But we do not have to live in fear of it. because all our suffering is controlled by a God who loves us. "Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good" (1 peter 4:19) The God who loves us sets limits around whatever might affect us, and all that he allows is designed to shape us for life in his kingdom- now and for eternity. If we choose to understnad and accept that this is the purpose behind all we suffer, we will stop being afraid of dark days.

This is out of the book
"Trust a Godly woman's adornment" by lydia Brownback

Hi Im Jessikah and Im a recovering shopaholic

2009-02-03T12:05:00.000-08:00

Bill and I sat down this past week and worked on our budget and laying out our bills in a excel spreadsheet for the year. we do this every January so nothing new. only this time as we sat there we realized how close we really are to buying our first home!! YAY a dream we have had since we got married. but in order to fulfill this dream we really need to keep to budget for the next few months.. and I mean stick to it. We always have had a budget but we never keep to it just sorta keep to it... Im always known for going out and just picking up a few things but justifying but it was on SALE!!! uh hello even sale things add up... and we eat out way more then our budget allows for.
As of Sunday all this is Changing and let me tell you we are only on day 4 of this sticking to our budget penny for penny, and it has been seriously one of the hardest things for me.. I never would have considered myself a shopaholic before but I think I was/am. I cant walk into a store for one thing, without looking at everything and picking up a few more things. I have never left target or walmart with a check less then 40$ until Sunday I went in to buy bill some motrin, and after walking through a couple of unnecessary ailes and having to keep reminding myself NO you dont need that... I walked out of target having spent 3.50$ WOHOOOOOOO
Then yesterday I had to run out to get Titus some new shoes for his Audition today, and I went to like 6 stores didnt find shoes anywhere at least not cute ones, but I found plenty of other CUTE things my boys really could have used.... but I was good only picking up one xtra pair of jeans for Bradyn because they were 4.99 regularly 20$ lol I know I didnt do as good as Im trying to make it sound I did but hey its a start...... from here on out Im not spending money unless the budget allows for it... I know its hard now but next year at this time when Im sitting in my own home I will be so glad I did!!! :) so if Iam out with you for whatever reason DONT tempt me lol, No I will not go to the mall with you, and NO I cant grab sushi for lunch this week!!!!

The most Handsome Boys Ever!!!

2009-01-30T15:03:00.000-08:00

The Boys needed to update thier pictures with their agents so Ro took some pictures of the boys yetsreday.... Bradyn was so excited he was going to work, with "my-shelf" (Rochelle) and she let him pick the place... anyone who knows my Bradyn boy knows he is obsessed with trains... so where else but train tracks for his pictures LOL in a few of these shots Bradyn looks 12 seriously seeing flashes of a grown up Bradyn :( He is so Handsome.... and mr Titus man isnt a baby at all... he is so freaking cute... even if his teeth still look funny LOL :) Im blessed with the most beautiful kids of all time... I know I know BIAS mom I am.... but sorry its the truth!!! :) (Thanks Ro for these great pictures :)
Bradyn Noah 3 years old

Titus Landen 16months old

Lesson Learned

2009-01-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

Around 3:20am this morning bill and I sat straight up in bed, we were awoken by the sound of a car alarm going off, pretty loud... we both look out the window and couldn't decided if it was our car or not. We have had our car for almost a year now but never heard that sound, we could see the reflection of the beeping lights in the windows of the house across the street. so I jump up and grab my keys and press the buttons all of them, but the beeping kept going. so we decided it probably wasn't our car. a second later the alarm went off, and we saw nothing and heard no one outside. so we both lay back down. in my stomach I kept thinking we should go down and check, but I starting thinking with my mom brain, what if someone is out there with a gun lol by the time I thought maybe we should go down together bill was already off in dream land so I just rolled over and back to bed I went.
6:30am I am woken up by bill running up the stairs, Jess our car was broken into... GET UP.... I sat up and immediately thought omg my purse was in there.... I throw on slippers and out the front door I go.... sure enough our front passenger door window was shattered (how come I didnt hear this it was right below my window) and my beautiful Dooney and Bourke purse, my sister cait got me for Christmas was gone.... along with the nice new sunglasses she got me and my wallet and all its contents not to mention a few diapers wipes cars and bradyns beloved snow train. I get on the phone with the police and bill starts calling our bank and credit cards. within minutes of them breaking into the car they had used all of my credit cards and our debit cards.... Bill was REALLY upset not only had we been violated but he tells me DAILY bring in your purse Jess, and I always say it will be fine. When ever i do bring it inside I always forget when Ileave the next time... bringing it in was just not in my habit. and my family has lived on this street for 20+ years it is a safe area nothing ever happens here... or at least I thought.
Police came and took a report and later came and dusted for prints.... the officer who is helping us out has been so nice and gone the xtra mile really trying to help us out in finding who did this. The police have followed up with survalence cameras and we have a few shots of the people as well as the cars, so Im praying they are caught. but we will see if that really happens. The office brought over the slip one of the guys signed my name on at the gas station, and seeing my name forged really struck a cord with me.. I felt even more violated I guess... not sure how to word it.. but the whole thing sucks...
two of our neighbors heard our alarm go off too and checked it out and saw NO one they have perfect views of the front of our house... so whoever did this, knew what they were doing and did it fast. its sucky because our car was in our driveway on a culdsac i might add...and the purse down on the ground not in sight, so these people were looking through our windows... and who knows how many other windows before picking ours... There was so much more they could have taken, and Im thankful no one was hurt. I have learned my lesson no more anything will be left in my car. I dont feel safe now at a place that has been my safe haven for YEARS..... sucky... I tell you what I have never prayed for someone I dislike so much untill now..... Learn from me Bring in your Purse at night!!!!!!!

is it Febuary yet?

2009-01-26T11:19:00.001-08:00

Man I bet you all thought I would never be back?! We have had the sickies here for WEEKS now well really MONTHS... and just as things start to look better for us one of the boys gets sick with something new and shares it with all of us. It has been bad, we have gone as far as cleaning out vents, Filters and Carpets. thinking it was something here at home. but Nothing has done the trick. Bradyn is finally at school today for the Second day this month LOL his teachers were shocked to see him. they thought we left the school. Titus is still sick with a horrible cough but thats IT! it actully seems like an acomplishment to say we only have a cough. Needless to say we have been busy with dr's visits LOTS of laundry and Cuddle time.
Titus gave us a scare last week when he hit his head really bad, and began vomiting. We spent the evening in the ER. He was fine Thank you Jesus. but boy We are ready for January to leave and take all its Germs with it!

Hume Lake part 1

2009-01-12T15:20:00.001-08:00

OK here is the start of the HUNDREDS of pictures about to come... I will break them up since I know I will never get to start and finish in one sitting :) Both boys are down for naps right now and there are so many other things I really should be doing, but I know so many of you are stalking me just waiting for our pictures.... ha ha OK maybe not so much, but I still feel like every day I wait the future I fall behind.
So here is our trip to Hume Lake Christian camp
My Sister Jennifer and her family are on staff up there. so when we come up we get the use of all the camp has to offer, eat in the dinning hall and just get a break!
our first day after a long five and a half hour drive, the kids were ready to get out into the snow and play. Titus LOVED it and was eating it every time we turned around. Bradyn and his cousin Elliott just had a blast sledding and throwing snowballs...

After all the playing in the snow Titus was WIPED out he fell asleep in my arms it was hilarious, so when we got back to the cabin and layed him down he didnt move.. of course Bill had some fun with this ;)

But then he came to again and all the kids made a BIG mess and had blast doing so :)

Bed time came and Titus crawled right into his brothers sleeping bag, and tryed convincing us he didnt need to sleep in his crib that night.. nice try mr!! :)

The next Day we celebrated Jades 2nd birthday. she had a Bee party and both my boys loved the headgear :) Happy Birthday Miss Jade!!

after the party on our way to the dinning hall Titus was eating the snow and thought it was so funny when we kept telling him EWWWW YUCK!!! he was in such a silly mood

The view over the lake as the sun was setting

after dinner we all come back to the house and the kids make their usual mess while the big kids are playing some sort of game at the kitchen table

We are wiped out

2009-01-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

forgive us for not updating in awhile, right after new years we packed up with most of my family and headed up to Hume lake, my sister Jennifer and her family live up there. so we had a great visit and the kids (big and little) had a blast in the snow.
I have HUNDREDS of pictures I still haven't gone through so give me a few days to recoupe, rest and we will have all our awesome pictures up and be back into the updating ways....

New years eve

2009-01-01T21:47:00.000-08:00

News years eve was alot of fun! Bradyn was excited to try to stay up till midnight, which he made it. Titus didnt... maybe next year. Our friends the Rossi's have a party at their house every year, so like tradition we brought in the new year with lots of good food, dancing and great friends!!! Happy new year everyone!!! We pray 2009 is an amazing year for all of you! :)

Bradyn, Titus and daddy dancing the night away...

Me and the love of my life :)
Vola and I

Proof my boys really do love each other :)

Ty and daddy

Happy NEW year :)

My parents came over just in time to bring in the new year :)

Bowling

2008-12-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

My cousin Joel Is in the Marine corp, and is being transferred out to Hawaii with his wife Jessica and their baby coming this June. I know Poor him huh? you know darn well we will be out to visit them, once this baby gets here. What better excuses to go to Hawaii then a new baby. they drove out from North Carolina on their way to Hawaii, and are staying with us for a few weeks. :)

Today we went out and spent the day with His sister Chrissy and her boyfriend Carlos. it was a nice kicked back day of just hanging out. I don't get to see either of my cousins very often. then tonight we picked up their brother Kevin and hit the local bowling alley.. it was a TON of fun :) Bradyn hasn't ever really been REAL bowling but always FAKE bowls on the Wii so he was practicing his bowling moves with fake remotes for awhile then we had to explain to him he was going to get to throw a real ball. he was SO excited!!

At First Everyone took turns trying to teach bradyn how to roll the ball really hard down the lane

Uncle Joel trying to show him how

Daddy trying

Im pretty sure this is one of my all time favorite pictures, I totally captured a moment here

But in the End Bradyn didn't have interest in actually hitting a pin, he loved when the ball went in the track aka gutter.. my child's obsession with trains coming out

The rest of us hanging out (chrissy I would LOVE to have your pictures to add here, I know we have TONS more!)
Me Chrissy and Jessica
Chrissy and I
the gang
more of the same

some bowling shots

Yes I used to be a pitcher lol
Chrissy trying to not break a nail
joel

Our Tank man had so much fun running around and eating nachos lol. he was SO good! :)
Hanging out with Dad

We tired to get some shots of both the boys with daddy but well you see how well that worked out

so then we though we will get a family shot... yup those worked out just as good. What were we thinking :) Bradyn is at a funny stage with pictures, he LOVES to be silly, we always end up with two of three with his tongue out or just silly looks, He is so funny, not so funny at the time but funny now looking at these

We finally agreed to let the crazy kids down and just tried to get a picture of Bill and I :) I think we got a good one :)

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T23:21:00.000-08:00

This year Bill and I were more excited about Christmas morning then the boys were I think. This was the first year Bradyn really understood and got the concept that Santa was coming... So Bill and I were up until 3am wrapping gifts (I know our fault for not doing it LONG before) and stuffing stockings for my family.

When the boys first woke up they came and cuddled in our bed with us for awhile, Bradyn was xtra crabby, I'm not sure if it was going to bed so late the night before and waking up so early, or what but he was crabby!!!!!!!!!!

Then Bradyn suddenly remembered it was Jesus Birthday and Santa had come, so he went running down stairs sure to wake the whole house.... He was still crabby and had a bad attitude but was really excited to check out the gifts....

Titus got a cute little trike just his size to ride around on outside with his brother from Manmaw and Papa

We waited a bit for Miss Lou Lou aka Londyn to get there so we could open all our gifts.. But Londyn had some very important business to tend to first

She had to show Manmaw and Papa the picture of her new baby sister or brother... its how they announced that they are having another baby. of course we are all so excited for them! and Manmaw did her usual CRY :)
Then it was on to the gifts the living room was a BIG mess from the get go... but the kids had a BLAST! Santa was good to all of us!!! Bradyn got his beloved snowtrain and cars game... and Titus got his dancing brobee (UGGG) every time Bradyn would open a gift he would say SEE mom I told you I was a good boy Santa got me it! :) SO stinkin cute!!!!

after opening all the gifts it was time to play with the loot, while Manmaw finished a awesome breakfast!
Bradyn had to check out this titus bike to make sure it worked :)

Then they both had to try out the bouncing ball

Every year my mom buys all the grandkids matching pj's I just love to see them all playing together. we wish miss Jade could have been here in her pjs too... I guess that will have to wait till next week when we come see you guys :) I wish I would have tried to get all the kids to at least look..... LOOK at that mess of a toy area I still have yet to clean up..

And Sadly this is the only picture I got of bill and I together...

I'm usually ALL about the Camera and taking TONS of pictures of any reason but ESP because it was Christmas, but this morning I started to not feel so hot, so I hurried ate my breakfast with the family and quickly returned to bed where I moaned and tossed and slept most of the day away :( I may have to dress my boys up again and set up a mock Christmas just to try to get a Christmas day family picture LOL :)
The rest of the day for the boys consisted of playing, napping, and then heading over to Mona's and Poopoo Papa's for Christmas dinner. I adventully called bill and told him to come get me I was sad sitting at home alone. I was feeling a little better but still not great. so I found a place of their sofa and pretty much didn't move.
I pray your Christmas's were as Blessed as ours!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!

Christmas eve

2008-12-24T21:54:00.000-08:00

We spend Christmas eve with Bills family every year! they have a very big family so its alot of people opening TONS of gifts!!! Lots of food and Chaos..... so much fun! :)

The boys Knocked out the second they hit their car seats! :) ready for Santa to come :)

6 Years ago

2008-12-24T21:14:00.000-08:00

6 years ago today, My Grandma went home to be with Jesus!!!!!! We miss her so stinking much!!! I wish she could have just meet these kids even if it was just once, she would have LOVED them sooooooo much!!!!! Every year on Christmas Eve we go out to her grave side and spend some time out there laughing about old stories and just missing her.

All three of them were having problems walking on the hill, we turn around and find londyn like this haha Im sure my grandma would have been laughing as much as we were!!

Kiah is here

2008-12-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

The boys and I have been spending ALOT of time at the Ax house. Issac and Caleb are the same ages as Bradyn and Titus, so they didnt mind to much :) it was like Playday every day! :) Rochelle starting having some complications with her pregnancy and was put on bedrest to keep this little one inside a little while longer. so we would just go hang out and keep everyone calm ;)well as calm as possible with 2 3year olds and 2 1 year olds.....
On Monday Doctors finally thought it was safer to take miss Kiah out, so Rochelle had her baby girl (12/22/08 @ 11:30ish pm). Kiah was 6lbs 17inches long. She was born a bit early, and was having difficulting expanding her little lungs so she was sent right to the NICU. She is doing Awesome now and is off ALL o2 no more iv's and is eating mamas milk just fine. she just has to prove to the drs she can keep gaining weight and holding her own temps and she will get to go home (hopefully by Monday!!!) God is so good!!! this little one is so beautiful and perfect!!! Welcome Little miss Kiah!!!!!! we are so glad your here!!!
These pictures are a little old as she was still on the O2 but Ro's friend Cherie did an amazing job capturing this little one :) the last one is one I took while visiting

Christmas Caroling

2008-12-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Torotos had a Christmas caroling party tonight, and we had alot of fun! Santa showed up and bradyn thought it was so cool to get to sing songs with Santa. Even though Hardly anyone would open their doors for us!! haha it was quiet funny to see them turn their lights off and peek through the blinds at us... We still sang them a little song, and wished them a very merry Christmas!! the night was FREEZING!!!! I dont think California is suppose to get this cold!!! but we had a blast! Thanks Jenn Jon & Ana for inviting us! :)

Blessed with a loud crazy house!

2008-12-19T07:49:00.001-08:00

Today my little sister Caitlyn comes home (she is in MO training with the ARMY) for the first time since she left for boot camp last summer!

Im so excited to see her, We have missed all her craziness around here!!! she is here for two weeks and Bradyn is so excited to see her! He wants her to sleep on the bottom bunk under him.... lol Sorry tete but how can you say no to him?! :)
My other sister Jennifer and her family are here visiting for the weekend, which is so much fun!

and Evan my Brother just got home from Boot camp yesterday, and his son is here with him

So needless to say this house is SUPER crazy these days and I LOVE IT!!! growing up the oldest of 7 kids my house was ALWAYS insane and LOUD! so having crazy 2& 3 year olds RUNNING around the house yelling is just what I have missed. I dont do well in a VERY quiet house. I get bored VERY easy. so this is so much fun!!!
We are really Missing Lindsay today and wish she was here, but we got to have a Skype Call last night with her which was awesome to see her, in her room all the way in Iraq.

(this picture is Linds with a Iraqi Santa)
I love technology today!!! I cant even begin to imagine how war was before it!!!! Im SOOOOOOOO Thankful to live in todays day and have contact with her!!!

This is the Day that the Lord has made! rejoice and be GLAD in it!!! :)

Have a very blessed Friday!!!

Mr Independent

2008-12-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

Im not really sure when we turned this corner, Bradyn has always wanted to do things for himself, but recently he has really taken this to a new level.
one day last week I was sleeping, and in comes bradyn no diffrent then any other morning, he is my wake up call... he tells me to get up he made me and Titus breakfast... (still groggy those of you know me know I am NOT a morning person) I asked him what again and he tells me come on come downstairs... I hurry out of bed, wondering what kind of mess this kid has gotten himself into, but to find three toasted waffles on the table ready with syrup and all.... I knew or thought I knew someone had helped him but thanked him for being so kind....
Well the next day I wake up and find no bradyn in his room, so I head downstairs and find him playing on the computer with Waffles in hand... I asked him who was up with him and made him breakfast, he told me shhh everyone is sleeping... sure enough no one else is awake, he is making himself breakfast... Im not sure wither to be mad at him or laugh..... We have since told him to Please wake me up when you get up.. but he has yet to remember to do it.. This morning he was in my room on my computer playing games on sprout.com I swear this kid is so stinkin smart....
Today we were up getting ready for school, and I walk into the bathroom to find Bradyn dressed and hair done...

I was so tempted to let him go to school like this, but I quickly remembered it was his Christmas party no way was he going to look like this in pictures on someone Else's camera lol
one more example of his Independence is he has been telling us for awhile he wanted to go get some tattoos like his papa (for those of you who haven't ever seen my dad he is covered in tattoos) I always tell him we will make him an apt as soon as he is old enough well Saturday we were all getting ready to head out to a friends house, when my brother brings bradyn upstairs, and says I swear I didn't do this to him (my siblings are all known for giving bradyn whatever he wants so if he wants selves he gets them)Bradyn then shows me his arms very very proud and tells me he spelt his name and wrote the number 4 on his arm (with a sharpie I might add).

I wanted to laugh but he knows better then to draw on himself so we have a little chat, and he tells me that he didn't want to wait for an apt and he was getting bigger so he felt it was big enough for tattoos... NICE
This kid swears he doesn't need Bill or I anymore :( Im glad he is growing up to be independent but Im not ready yet... Bradyn slow yourself down!!!

Santa Claus

2008-12-15T14:55:00.000-08:00

We took the kids to see Santa this past week. When we got there Santa was on break so we had to wait it out for awhile, we tried to get a good picture of the three kids together... Ya not happening.... First Titus wanted Londyns drink, and then when he was given his own he would scream if we took it away from him... so even our attempt at a family picture wasnt so great straw was in his mouth....

I think that the fact we got all three kids sitting on santas lap and look in the same direction is a miricle :) LOL

WE got decent ones of Londyn and Bradyn with Santa but Titus wanted NOTHING to do with him LOL

Hanging Christmas lights

2008-12-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

Bill and the boys hung the christmas lights up tonight :)
I love this time of year! Before bill starting hanging the lights he washed the car, so the gutters were full of water. Bradyn was riding his bike around

while bill was up on teh house, and at some point Titus found the Puddles and had a blast. and yes I let him play while I ran and got my camera.

when he relized we were laughing at him and taking pictures, he suddenly wanted to be held, and when no one would pick him up he threw a fit.... some of the best pictures if I do say so lol :) I took his clothes off to pick him up and get him in the bath but he didnt want to be picked up :)

Finally in the bath he was happy as can be again!

Then Brendon Amanda and Londyn came over to help decorate inside, and we all waited around outside for the timer to turn the lights on :) Merry Christmas!!!

Bradyns Big Christmas program

2008-12-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Bradyn has his christmas program at school last night. He was so excited to sing all these songs he had been learning for weeks... I have video of it so I will have to figure out how to post it... but for now here are some pictures

This is Bradyns best buddy Elijah

a bradyn funny

2008-12-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

I just picked bradyn up from school, and as we were buckling him into his seat, the usual conversation is going... you know how that goes....

me- so tell me what did you do in school today?

bradyn- you know I got to play with my friends read stories paint a snowman, and play with trains, lots of them that I didnt share they were all mine!!!

me- Bradyn thats not nice to share, your friends were probly really sad!!!!

Bradyn- no mommy I shared my snack with them

me- well that was nice, what did you guys have?

Bradyn- Nipples

me- WHAT!?

Bradyn- you know red and orange nipples they are good!!!

me- what is a nipple?

Bradyn- it taste like yummy crackers

Me- are you sure its a nipple?

Bradyn- Yah mom NIPPLES everyone loves them!!

Please Pray for our Tete

2008-12-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

Tete Lindsay left Colorado this morning, for Iraq. She will be over there for 12-18 months. So Please pray for her safety and timely return!!
Bradyn knows tete is gone to war to fight the bad guys (even though she is a medic and doing medical stuff no fighting) so tonight he was telling me, tete is gonna get the bad guys for us dont worry mommy... I smiled at him and said your right. He then reminded me dont be sad mommy we can see Tete in our computer (thank you Skpe) and she will come home very soon. I love the mind :) He has asked a few times if he can go to war when he gets older. I keep telling him NO way!!!

Tete Lindsay came home last weekend for thanksgiving and to say goodbye... here are a few pictures of her visit!!
Lindsay we love you and are praying for you always!!! come home soon!!!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9