Mom's Group

Today was my last official hosting day for mom's group. I've been a part of this mom's group since I was pregnant with Justin, so it's been probably about 5 years! I've gotten to know some amazing, sweet women during this time. Some of us are moving on now since our kids are going into pre-school. There is a whole new batch of little ones now taking their places. Today we had a rare glimpse of sun and the kids took advantage of it big time!! They had such a blast being outside, and so did we.

Valerie and Mandy with their new little ones.

Bethany and her kids are holding hands as they leave - so cute!

Jonah asked to have his picture taken with the "gun."

Isaac having fun on the ladder.

Rex was loving playing with the gardening stuff...and a nail.

Sarah gave the kids rides in the hanging chair. Happy Birthday to Bean!

Justin posing with his new wagon.

Good friends

The Farmer's Market is Back!

Spring isn't really officially here until the Farmer's Market arrives. Today was the first one this year and we had a great time there! It's such fun to go to the market - it's a cultural experience in our area. We get a chance to see friends while we shop and check out all of the beautiful veggies, plants, flowers, trees and other goods. Ron usually likes to look at all of the trees for sale, while I gravitate toward the flowers. The kids like to run around on the grass and climb trees. A fun time was had by all!

I thought I'd try out the skirt/pants look today. I picked up the skirt for a few dollars at the thrift store a few weeks back.

Ron checking out a beech tree he ended up buying.

The market always has these awesome cacti.

Justin smelling some bees wax.

A Magical Sort of a Day

Justin's birthday party was on Saturday and it was such an amazing time! Grandpa and Grandma came up from Sacramento for the big day. It had been pouring rain that morning as it usually does on his birthday, so we were bracing ourselves for an indoor party. But about an hour before the party the skies cleared and it was sunny and gorgeous out much to our surprise! Everyone had such a great time and after cake and presents we went out in the sunny back yard and opened a pinata. The kids had a blast playing on the climber, swinging, looking at our bunny, and running around the yard. Ron gave a raised bed garden tour, (as only he can do), which added to the fun of the day.

I rarely encounter days as perfect as this day was. There is something so amazing about gathering with good friends at your home to celebrate your child's birthday. Everyone was smiling and happy, laughing and enjoying themselves. I felt so grateful for family, good friends, and life in general. The clouds parted for the party, then the rain started up again when it was over. I couldn't help feeling like God had smiled on the day just for us.

Some of Justin's favorite buddies getting ready to dive into the cake.

One happy four year old boy!

The delicious Co-Op carrot cake which had honey in the icing, yuummmy!

Justin checking out his new Radio Flyer scooter.

Pinata aftermath.

Ron gave a raised bed garden tour in the back yard for our friends.

Hand Made Love Birds Present

A few days ago a package arrived in the mail from Texas. I've always loved getting packages in the mail, especially from friends. Inside were these beautiful love birds hand made by my friend Tracy - thank you Tracy! They were a belated birthday present, no need to apologize Tracy, they were well worth the wait! The whole family is in love with them and each of us has a different idea of where they should sit in the house. For now they're resting in front of my tea pots and pitchers on my corner cabinet. Every time I look at them I'll be reminded of Tracy and her little family down in Texas on the farm. Thanks again Tracy!!

Boys Love Dirt!

Our friends Tom and Tracy came out for a visit from Texas this summer. We got to meet their new arrival, Abram Oak, for the first time! He is such a cute little bundle! Their other son, Riley just turned four so he and Justin are close in age. They had a splendid time playing out in our yard. Tracy, Tom and I enjoyed eating lunch and too quickly it was time for them to go. Tracy went outside to get Riley. This is the sight that greeted her:

I hadn't adequately warned her about what Justin does in the dirt...every day. It's a sand box of sorts for him. Just picture a dirt bath...

Riley had to borrow a change of clothes from Justin since they were going to visit more people that day.

Thanks for the great visit Tracy!! The boys sure had fun in the dirt and I'm sure this story will be told for years to come! :) Thanks for the pics too!

Justin's Birthday Party

We had a belated birthday party for Justin about a week and a half after his actual birthday at our new house! With all the moving chaos going on we decided to wait until things were situated, (a bit anyway!) It was fun to have our first "event" here at the house, especially since it was one of the kids' birthday parties! Seven of Justin's little friends came and a great time was had by all! Here are a few pics of the big day:

Hard to believe our "baby" is three now!

The cake I quickly whipped up.

Matchbox cars from Isaac - the kid didn't want to open any other presents after these, and they were the first gift!

Wow, cool Mom! Yes, that's me - evidence I was there.

Cute and stylin' Fiona enjoying some cake.

Bethany with her precious brood.

Fiona and Rowan enjoying the fun.

The shy birthday boy hiding from a present bearer.

Au Revoir Donnie and Allison

Today we went to our friends, (and neighbors), farewell potluck. Donnie and Allison are moving to Niger Africa to work with the Fufuldi and Wadabee people, (I probably butchered the spelling!), and plan to be gone for about 2 years. I helped host a baby shower for Allison yesterday as they will be having their first child in Niger! They were in Niger before moving back to the states and have been back for about 4 years. Allison got her nursing degree while they were here so she could use her skills to help people over seas. I'm going to miss them both a lot! Allison and I share the joy of crafting and had fun sharing projects with one another. She is also a talented jewelry artist and I enjoyed buying her beautiful creations.

If you're reading this Donnie and Allison - Thanks so much for your friendship over the past 4 years! You have blessed our family in so many ways - from the dinners to the Fire and Light! We can't wait to see what great adventures and exploits you will be a part of in Niger. Au Revoir for now friends! (Oh, and please post pics of baby H as soon as he/she is here, thanks, Auntie April!)

Last Goodbyes

A Visit From Old Friends

Some of our best friends came into town for a visit this weekend! Adam and Melia are good friends we've known for quite a while, probably around 7 years or so. The live in Sacramento now, so we don't get to see them too often. Adam used to be our neighbor and he and Ron were going to school around the same time. It was soooo great to see them! Here are some cute pics of them with the kids:

Justin, Sarah, Melia and a friend. Justin was not so happy at the moment...

Adam and Sarah being their crazy selves.

We'll Miss You Elizabeth!

Today we had a special mommy's group for our leader, Elizabeth. She is moving away to Southern California and we are all going to miss her a lot! She's been such an awesome support for all of us for such a long time. We did a "Hollywood Ending" party and some dressed up in high style. Some of the moms worked on a beautiful quilt for her as a going away present. Here are a few pics from the day:

Elizabeth with her beautiful quilt




Mandy and Jonah

Dee sporting her vintage bells

Cute girls hanging out on the porch

Larissa signing the quilt for Elizabeth

Garage Sale Fun

Tom, myself and Bethany sorting the moola

Today the kids and I joined our friends the Csehs and the Rickstrews for a group garage sale, it was so much fun! I forgot to bring my camera - oops! so there aren't any pics from the event, but one of my friends is going to send me some, so I'll add them when I get them. I've never done a group garage sale before this one and I have to say that I've been missing out. The great thing about the sale was that we got great deals on one an other's stuff. I got Justin some cute clothes and a toy truck, Ron a pair of Birkenstock, a vintage radio, and some glass beads all for $10 - now that's a deal!

A friend of mine came to the sale later on in the day and we headed over to the annual Fire and Light sale where Ron was working for the day. I'll have to post some pics of these dishes, they're so gorgeous. Ron gets paid in merchandise, (at a fraction of what it's sold for), and it's the only way we can afford to get it. This year we're adding the dinner set.

All in all it was a really fun day...great because it was spent with friends. Next weekend we're doing another group garage sale fundraiser to raise money for a family who lost their house in a fire. Hopefully I'll be able to get rid of the stuff I didn't sell in this sale. It feels really good to get rid of the things we don't need, down sizing rocks!

Berry Picking

Today Justin and I went blackberry picking with our friends Bethany and Isaac who were generous enough to share the blackberry patch behind their house. It's the end of the blackberry season, but there were still a sufficient amount of berries to pick enough for a cobbler. The boys had a great time picking and mostly eating the berries! A neighborhood cat decided to keep us company by running and playing with the boys. I'm convinced he thought he was one of them. A good time was had by all!

Walking along the trail

Justin and Isaac reclining in the ivy

Working hard at eating berries

Our cool cat companion chilling out by some graffiti

Mom's Night Out

A few years ago I joined a local mommy's group. It's been great for Justin to hang out with kids his own age once a week, and of course just as great for mom to have other moms to connect with as well. It's so nice to have women around your age, (I'm the oldest in the group!), who can share in the joys and challenges of being a mom. We had a mom's night out on the town tonight at a yummy local Mexican restaurant. They have the best food, and oh so good margaritas! I think about half of our group showed up, and we had a great time.

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."

So last week was one of those weeks....one of those hit rock bottom, end of your rope, I can't do this anymore!!! weeks. I was doing some serious naval gazing and feeling very sorry for myself. Just picture Eeyore on steroids. About the time I started to question the very existence of the universe, (ok, that's a bit dramatic, but you get the picture), an old friend called. She is what I call a comfort food friend. "April, I had a dream about you, I just felt like I needed to call you." I hadn't talked to her in three years. She is one of those friends who has been there for me no matter what. She's seen me during my highs and lows, when I was on the mountain top, and when I hit the valley. She's known me pre marriage and pre kids, in my most beautiful moments and in my ugliest...and she is still my friend. We can pick up where we left off even if it's been years. It felt so wonderful to hear her voice and to be able to share with her what was going on in my life. She didn't judge me; she just listened patiently and told me to call her any time I needed to, no matter what. This meant the world to me.

Then a few days later another good friend called, who I hadn't talked to in a year. He is another friend who has been there through hard times and good times. He was our family nurse, (well, he was our neighbor, but when Sarah was sick I'd call him over for a house call, just to make sure she was ok.) It felt good to know that he was thinking about us, and even stuck in city traffic he picked up the phone and called little 'ol us.

About four days later yet another old friend called! I hadn't talked to her in years as well. I've known her since I was about 12, and she is a wonderful person. She has had so many trials in her life, but she always finds a way to laugh in spite of it all.

Then I was also able to connect with some old school friends through face book of all places. People who's parents knew mine in high school before we were even thought of - cradle to grave friends. We teased one another, called each other those dreaded nick names, and promised to catch up over coffee when I go home for Christmas.

I still find it amazing that the God of the universe cares about me like this. Little old me living in a tiny town in Northern California, living an average life. Little old me complaining and whinning, feeling sorry for myself. None of my little problems are too small for Him to consider...and best of all He calls me a friend.

Life Group

Recently we started hosting a life group for our church. We meet once a week at our house and discuss Sunday's sermon, pray, build relationship and eat cookies! It's been great having that mid week fellowship and encouragement, plus we love having people over too. Once a month we have a fun night, so a few weeks ago we lit a fire in our new above ground fire pit and roasted marshmellows and made smores. It was great fun!

Here is our group shot. The guy on the left is Jacob. He is planning to go on the mission field to Brazil in the fall, but he's here in the mean time.

Costume Party

We went to a costume party last weekend. Here are some cute pics of our little "bee."

Justin with his good friend Charlie

Justin and Rowan - twin bees

Curl shot!

Mommy's Goup

Justin and I are back at Momm's group! We had a grand time hanging out with the kids and moms. Most importantly, Justin had a great time of socialization with the other kids. Here are some cute pics from the day.

Justin and Ella having fun

Justin and his new friend Isaac

Deanna and Rowan having reading time