Merry Christmas

What a very special Merry Christmas we had... Just the six of us! It was Malaya's first Christmas and she loved every box, wrapping paper, and bow she could get her hands on!

These two...

I could watch these two forever. Malaya thinks Blake is the best stuffed animal to tackle and Blake loves the attention! Finally, a sibling that doesn't tell him to go away. It's pure chaos in the bathtub. Malaya usually ends the time with red spots all over her forehead from hitting the sides of the tub. She's crazy in the water. Her true dare-devil side comes out because Blake is cheering her on. She dunks her head, stands up, and tries to climb the back of it. Blake laughs and she continues. I've given up trying to make them "respect the water"... Not gonna happen. Instead, I watch the insanity right before my eyes and come to the rescue when needed. Don't worry, I'm there the whole time!

Christmas Tradition

Oh Bass Pro Shop... How we love you at Christmas! We run all over your store, play all your games, get a picture with Santa, and then leave without buying anything!

 

Malaya was focused on the bells they were ringing here and was holding it together because she had the security of her family around her... But take us and the bells away...

 

It was one of those silent cries... I just wanted her to breathe... Make a noise. And then when she did... Oh she was beside herself. So completely unhappy. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time. Santa was SO good with her... I imagine he's used to it. He kissed her on the head and just smiled away.  

 

 

Love the progression of these next pictures...

I'm the model for the perfect kid!

I can make the best of everything! Life is an adventure!

I think I like this moving thing!

 

Really? This is supposed to be fun!?

 

After Bass Pro we head to Christmas lights with the Gomezes. Yes, we take EIGHT kids out at bedtime and make them walk up and down the street looking at lights!

 

The whole gang!

 

We have been taking a picture with this Santa since Isaac was a baby!

Malaya was silently fighting sleep. Then I gave her a nice, soft blanket... She was out in seconds!

The big kids!

He's not so Little Anymore

Our first born...

 

Isaac Timothy.

 

Oh how he has grown...

 

In height and maturity!

 

It's been a tough ride with him, but the bumps are smoothing out and the road is less windy. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Meltdowns that used to last hours and even days are all but a thing of the past. He may still erupt like a volcano but, the cooling process is only a few minutes. He willingly apologizes and sees the need for reconciliation.

He wants to do right...

...and make us proud.

But the struggle between good and evil is so hard in this world... In this flesh.

Grace...

God's grace!

It's something we practice daily with him.
 

 We love this little man so much and want him to be the best version of himself.
 

Soon he'll be taller than me!

 

Good Citizenship Award

His teacher, Mrs. Medeiros, is so inspiring. He's finally loving school!

(just to clarify: I've LOVED all his teachers)

 

I heard a song on the radio the other day and it brought me to tears. Then I watched the video and that made it worse. It's my new favorite song. Very convicting. I'm thankful that my kids show me grace, too!

 

Be Like You

By: Finding Favour

 

Have nine months really gone this fast?
Holding my baby girl in my hands
Ten million thoughts running through my mind
One thing's for sure, God I want to get this right

 

I want to love her like You love me
Give her everything can
I want to live a life that's holy
And be a better man
You could have chosen anybody
But I'm the one You gave her to
If she's gonna be like me
Then God I want to be like You

 

Finally turned five and he looks like me
Always playing baseball or climbing up some tree
God I know he won't always be this young
Let him grow up proud to be his daddy's son

 

I want to love him like You love me
Give him everything I can
I want to live a life that's holy
And be a better man
You could have chosen any body
But I'm the one You gave him to

If he's gonna be like me

'Cause their feet are gonna follow
Where their father leads them to
So Father won't You lead me straight to You, to You

 

And when my life is over
I pray that they will look back
And say they saw a bit of Jesus in their dad

 

I want to love them like You love me
Give them everything I can
I want to live a life that's holy
And be a better man
You could have chosen any body
But I'm the one You gave them to
If they're gonna be like me
Oh, if they're gonna be like me
Then God I want to be like You
Like You 

Christmas in Southern California

Yesterday we decorated for Christmas. It was a high of 60 degrees, which meant it was practically freezing and could have started to snow at any moment. Sadly, it didn't. However, that's probably for the best because Parker continues to keep it real by going shirtless. All. The. Time! Summer or winter, he has on as little as he can!

A Little Girl's Love

I am oh so totally impressed with how this little girl, at the young ago of nine months, already knows how to "mommy" a baby. She rocks it, kisses it, and pats it. Of course she can also scream at it and chuck it over her head but, for the most part, she is super sweet with her dolls!

Isaac and Parker's Baptism

What a special day it was to see these two brothers be baptized. Isaac made his personal decision to be a Christ follower on November 15, 2012 and Parker made his on October 19, 2014. However, because they were so young, we've waited until now so they will forever be able to remember this day.

They both prepared for this day so differently. Isaac was quiet and reserved... A little nervous. He loves entertaining but only in small groups where it's a controlled setting. Parker, on the other hand, had been counting down all month. When the time was close he began counting down the hours. He couldn't wait for his moment to be in front of a crowd and for everyone to know what he's all about. He too is a performer, but prefers the main stage! He even told his whole class at school that he was going to be baptized and what it meant. Both of their decisions are real, yet unique to each of them. God can use Isaac's quiet spirit and Parker's boldness to fulfill His purpose and reach others in His name.

I pray these boys continue to follow Him and always know that they were put on this earth to glorify God. These are a few verses I have been praying over them...

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 

1 Timothy 4:12

 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

 

May the favor of the Lord out God rest on us, establish the work of out hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Of course a friend took this picture because they would never put their arms around each other if I asked them to... Still working on love for each other.

 

Mike Lovato (who we went to college with) baptized them.

 

Family joined us for this special day! And Isaac's best friend, Gabriel, was also baptized! It made it that much more memorable.