Around Here #3

The girls batted twice in the entire season...Story would usually cry when she was up to bat.

Baby City with her cell phone.

Practicing how to defeat Darth Vader in preparation for our Disneyland trip.

Our family routine for the week.

As they were hugging and playing, I asked them to smile for the camera.

Key prepared breakfast for Story and wanted me to take a picture of it.

I love to wear jackets...too bad I live in Cali.

Celebrated our friend's completion of seminary! I SO remember when PJ finished years ago. What a blessing to finally be done. Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Hong!

Story's Birthday

April 21st marked our Story's 4th birthday, which meant... Cocoa Pebbles day! It's PJ's tradition that on the kid's 4th birthday they get to eat sugary, Cocoa Pebbles cereal. I've fought this tradition, to no avail. I've had to succumb to the reality that these are his kids too and he wants to enjoy Cocoa Pebbles with his kids :) Now,  I think it's cute and I'm glad PJ got his way on this one.

Key made Story an Elsa paper doll. It was very sweet the way she presented it to her and the joy that Story got.

Our birthday letter to Story...

Our little Story,
We remember vividly the day the doctor held you up and squeezed your chunky thighs and declared you were a big baby! You were. You're still cute as a button-- with a very high pitch voice--but we love it. You're sweet, thoughtful, and so silly. Your jokes are beyond your years.

Abba and I constantly fight to not make you (each other or your siblings) the center of our universe or allow you to make yourself the center of the universe. You don't quite understand now, but hopefully you'll thank us later. It's our job to disciple you and show you how to be a woman of integrity...a term we often use in our home. We'll continue to pour into your life but one day you will have to choose your own road to follow, the road of Christ--a very difficult but ultimate satisfying road, or your own road that is filled with your own selfish desires that can be hurtful to you and others. We will be here for you no matter what, even if you choose the road that is easy and ultimately hurtful. We love you because you are our own and we love you because Christ first loved us. He is the source of true love, and we strive to love you with that kind of love.

Our prayer for you is that you grow to be a woman of integrity. That one day you will call upon Jesus Christ to save you from yourself and make you his child. We pray that Abba and I will faithfully serve you and be an example of parents who are not self righteously above you, but gladly submitting to Jesus as our ultimate, loving authority. We also pray Abba and I can continue to ask you for forgiveness when we sin against you...you've already graciously extended forgiveness to us in the past :) Thank you.

We love you forever and we are so thankful God has loaned you to us.

Love,
Mommy and Abba

Loosing Teeth

key lost her first tooth! It's a funny little story.  she didn't notice it was gone. we think she ate it. how do you eat a tooth and not notice? we think it was when she was consuming sushi. White rice could disguise the little tooth, ha!

when she found out she lost it, she was extremely giddy. she conjured up in her mind, a painful episode of tooth loss. she was amazed that she didn't feel a thing. the unknown can be frightening sometimes...

Happy Birthday Our Main Man!

On Rock's birthday, April 11th, we surprised him with a rock climbing session. It was fun watching him take chances, be adventurous and courageous. I jokingly told PJ, what if this set his path to be a real, rock climbing, dare devil! Oh gosh, I'd die!

We have an 8 year old now. Crazy! I can't help but feel a little sad. Thankful though. I know parents always say the same thing--"it goes by so fast!"It really does. So many memories but it almost feels like not enough time.

I love this kid. My heart melts because of the love I have for him. PJ feels the same way. He calls Rock "his main man". We are so privileged to be parenting this kid and to see him grow in stature and in knowledge. It's a privilege and a joy to teach him the ways of the Lord. He's such a blessing. He makes me strive to be a better mom.

Some milestones:
He is such a great, big brother to City. He loves taking care of her (most of the time:)
He baked his first cake and it came out scrumptious. He made it for his auntie Reese's birthday party.
He had his first piano recital.
He loves sewing, science, and nature.
He creates crazy dance moves that crack me up.

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY

Our dear City turned ONE! It's always bitter sweet... Parents, you know what I'm talking about!

Nothing big, just an intimate time with our little City girl. Time flies.  PJ and I are reminded that these moments are precious, and temporary.

Dear City,
You are amazingly cute and adorable, your Abba and I can't handle it! We are so blessed with you and the opportunity to raise you. We pray for your soul constantly and for grace to be able to be a faithful example of parents, that rely on God's kindness and strength. We strive, by God's grace-- to be light that shines on Jesus Christ, to you and your siblings. You weren't a mistake or an accident but thoughtfully woven and placed in our home by Our Creator. He knew your name before your Abba and I contemplated your existence! We pray you'll one day meet your Maker and call upon him.

Love you constantly (but some times imperfectly),
Mommy and Abba

the beach

Being at the beach was so refreshing and relaxing for family day. I couldn't help but really just be in the moment with the kids and watch them enjoy life. I'm so thankful to God for them.

I feel like the ocean can bring about reflection when allowed to. Reminds me of this song that sings

Many waters cannot quench your love, rivers cannot overwhelm it.

Oceans of fears, cannot conceal your love for me.