eat sleep and farm

We're going to spend the next 4 days with Jason's Grandma Anita in Livermore and are SO excited about our little trip! The kids think its so weird that we'll be at Grandpa and Grandma's house, but they won't be there... Ethan keeps telling me we're going to "baby sit Gramma Nina." :-) The kids wanted to help me pack yesterday and I got the biggest kick out what they packed. Ethan: swim suit 6 pairs of underpants his Bible tooth brush suckers z-bars sippy cup with ice water Rachel: 4 dress-up dresses 3 crowns 2 pairs of dress-up shoes 6 dolls 4 purses I'm looking forward to the memories we'll be able to make with Grandma Anita and I'm also going to enjoy a small break, being away from our house and all the daily activities here.

Rachel has taken to being in character throughout the day. One day she's Cinderella, the next day she's a cat, the next a puppy, the next she's Sleeping Beauty. You typically find out by calling her name and she answers "I'm not Rachel today, I'm Cinderella!" and then you know to call her by the name or type of animal she gives you. A lady at the store told me I shouldn't put up with this type of silliness, because its really just a sign of early rebellion. Ha! I disagree... and felt sorry for her kids. Anyway, we're running out the door to run some errands and here is their conversation: Ethan: "Rache, check this out." (he holds up the play cell phone and shows her how he's able to flip it open with one hand) Rachel: "Um, I'm not Rachel today I'm Mulan." Ethan: *growls* "Rache, you need to tell me from the first time you wake up in the morning who you're gonna be, okay? I'm too busy to worry about your ...

Ethan has been working so hard on his AWANA verses every week. He enjoys learning the hand motions that I make up for him, he enjoys hearing the story behind the verse and really enjoys doing the activity/craft for the week, to go along with the verse. I think his all time favorite activity, was the week where he was learning about serving others and he needed to find someone to serve that week. He went to our neighbors house and got his first "job" taking out our neighbor's trash for him, 2 weeks in a row! I got the biggest kick watching him both times, taking the garbage down to the street and then bringing it back up. Our neighbor was super nice and made a big deal about how much it helped him to free up some time and have time to get to mowing his lawn. He told Ethan "if you hadn't helped me with that, I'm not sure I would've had time to do my yard work!" Ethan was quite pleased. :) Tonight was a big night for him... he was on his last 2 verses i...

Today the kids watched an episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8, where they're celebrating the 4th of July. Here's how it went. R: "there's a lot of flags with them." E: "Those are so if they get lost, they can hold the flag up and their parents would see them." R: "Oh! I knew that Efan. I want to buy a flag for when we go to Target." E: "Rache, you're full of great ideas." R: "Yeah. Its because I'm 2 and a half and I love Princess Belle." ...about 5 minutes goes by.... R: "I fink 4th of July means my birthday party, because my birthday is July 14!!" E: No, Rache. 4th of July isn't your birthday because yours is 14 and this is just 4." R: "I fink it means FIREWORKS!" E: "Umm... Its when Santa and the Easter Bunny find out they're not like God and they're just pretend." R: "oh, that's right. I renembered that now." E: "you don't learn about it in the Bib...

Its that time of year again, friends! VBS is on a different week this year, so please take note of the dates. Space is limited, so if your kids want to go, be sure to sign them up quick! Your kids have to be 4 years old by the VBS date to attend, unless you're teaching and then there is nursery and classes available for the younger ones. Calvary Community Church Son Rock Kid's Camp Vacation Bible School June 15-19, 2009 @ the Griffith's Campground, Knightsen 9AM-12PM Limited spots available Registration Begins April 26th To Register: Print out and complete 2 forms here ("Ministries" tab) and sumbit to the church office.

Jason and I have been talking a lot lately about how God's presence is not only obvious to us, but so overwhelming! The other day we decided that each evening we're going to ask each other "in what ways did God show Himself to you today?" and then it will get some good, healthy discussion flowing. Maybe a dinner time conversation with the kids, even! Many of you know that Jason was laid off a couple weeks ago. He was basically told "the company isn't doing well and if we let you go, we think we can save enough money to survive a little longer." It was actually a layoff like "as of now, you have no job." Thankfully, his friend he works with went and fought for him and got him until the end of April. In the meantime, Jason hit the road running, looking for a new job. I am SO thankful for a husband that doesn't put the important things on the back burner; thankful that he spent hours and hours putting in resumes, calling old contacts and getti...

We sang this song on Sunday and it has quickly won its way to the very top of my favorites list. I hope it blesses you... Oh, to see the dawn of the darkest day; Christ on the road to Calvary. Tried by sinful men, torn and beaten, then nailed to a cross of wood. This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us; Took the blame, bore the wrath- we stand forgiven at the cross! Oh, to see the pain written on Your face, bearing the awesome weight of sin. Every bitter thought, every evil deed crowning Your bloodstained brow. Now the daylight flees; Now the ground beneath quakes as its Maker bows His head. Curtain torn in two, dead are raised to life; "Finished!" the victory cry! This, the power of the cross: Christ became sin for us; Took the blame, bore the wrath- we stand forgiven at the cross! Oh, to see my name written in the wounds, for through Your suffering I am free. Death is crushed to death; Life is mine to live, won through Your selfless love! This, the power of...