A New Year

For so many people, 2009 was not a "Banner Year" that will be remembered for a time of peace or prosperity. That, however, has not been my (our family) feeling as we looked back over 2009. We were blessed to become parents again, this time to a precious baby girl. Our hearts have heaved and throbbed and practically burst with exceeding great joy. This past year we have learned to look beyond the circumstances of the world around us, and instead focus on the absolute miracle of the life that God created.

A friend asked me for my "Top 3" of 2009. My response:

1. all things Jenevieve
2. Conquering nursing
3. Potty training James

That same friend asked me if I have 3 goals for 2010. Here they are;

1. Consistent & daily time in God's Word
2. Get back to pre-baby weight
3. Organize, de-clutter, and simplify

On New Year's Day we took a drive down to Huntington Beach and went for a little walk. Of course, my plan was to be there early and have lunch at Ruby's. By the time we got everyone up, fed, dressed, napped, etc., it was much later. We finally got there around 4pm. It seems like God was in the timing, as we were able to enjoy one of the most unforgettable sunsets I have ever seen. I will probably remember it forever, and just in case I forget, I took this picture.

It was symbolic, cathartic, therapeutic, and inspiring...the first sunset of 2010. In that moment when the sun slipped down below the horizon, I thanked God for the wonder and the beauty that He created. I thanked Him for His awesome power and control over my life. I thanked Him for creating the ability within me to appreciate His creation. I thanked Him for His faithfulness, and for being my God who wants a relationship with me. It was just one of those moments where the space between Creator and creation seems so small...it was awesome.

Blessings to you for this new year, and for God's blessings which are new EVERY morning!

With just mere hours left in 2009, here is our e-Christmas card for this year. We truly hope that you all enjoyed the blessed miracle of Christmas this season. We are praying for a joyful 2010, full of the Lord's blessing for you!

-Jeff, Valerie, James, and Jenevieve.

When There's A Smile In Your Heart!

I have mixed emotions about Peter Pan. It was a couple of months ago when James noticed the movie playing at the JC Penny Portrait Studio. He was immediately attracted to Captain Hook because he has a fondness for pirates. So, I told Jeff that we should order Peter Pan from Netflix and see if James was entertained by it. Well, he was not only entertained, he was MESMERIZED!!!! He has entered into a full-fledged Peter Pan phase. The hat rarely leaves his head, and most of the time he asks to be addressed as "Peter" and not "James." Fortunately, the hat becomes him. He even won the heart of a cast member at a D-land restaurant, and got a free cookie just because of his adorableness!

He was even more excited to see Lightening and Mater...the worlds of Peter Pan and Cars collide! What could be better???





This has nothing to do with Peter Pan, but isn't she a sweetie (even in B&W?!?)

Here we go...again!

No, you are not going crazy! Yes, it has been a year since my last blog post. The reason for that, you may ask? Well, honestly, there has not been a lot to write about. Just consider it a favor that I have spared you the mind-numbing details of my uneventful life. Let's just say that if some life changing event were to occur, I hereby vow to not leave you in the dark. (ha ha, do I have the curse of sarcasm, or what?)

So, today I will keep things short. Hang in there, I will get my act together one of these days!

-Valerie

Lake Tahoe - Oct. '08

We had a wonderful getaway to Lake Tahoe at the end of October with Grandparents. Our days were filled with exploring the shoreline, and picking up pine cones that were not too "sappy"...

...Skipping rocks on the lake...

...we took in the fall colors and had fun playing in the copious piles of leaves at the Capital Building in Carson City...

...we took the Tahoe Queen for a cruise to Emerald Bay, and James got us there safely, with the help of the other captain...

...we checked out the "major scene" in Virginia City. It was a little bit underwhelming in reality, but James enjoyed the short train ride, so it was worth it...

...all along the way, we made plenty of stops to let James "get the wiggles out". One of our favorites spots was a lakefront park on the north shore...

...and to end our time, we carved a Happy Harvest Pumpkin. James was so helpful scooping the seeds and the slop. James loved the candle inside the pumpkin too, and especially blowing it out!

...farewell Lake Tahoe, we will miss you and hope to see you again real soon!

No Time Like The Present!

I'm Back! How many months has it been? My goodness! We did have a fun summer, with my trip to Holland, then the three of us spent some time at Lake Havasu. For pictures of these events, check out Jeff's Smugmug (link at the right). So, instead of trying to play catch up, I will keep this brief and current.

We had the privilege of doing a photo-swap with Photog friend, Karen. Karen and Jeff took turns shooting pictures of our families. We were so proud of James for looking at the camera and smiling. Here are a couple of precious shots:

This last Saturday, we headed over to the Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival. It was hot and crowded. We are SO glad we bought our pumpkins the previous weekend at the Cal Poly farm store, so the only purpose for going to the Festival was for a few photo ops. Jeff got some great shots, despite the high-noon sun - just about the worst natural lighting. James was leery of letting the sheep eat out of his hands, but he was glad to pet the goats that were laying down.


Wish you a happy Pumpkin Day, from our patch to yours!

Triathalon Princess

This is a priceless picture of my dearest friend Kristin. She had a big weekend, she ran her first triathalon, and turned 30! Kristin's love for life is contagious, you can see it all over her face! Just in case you were wondering, the answer is "YES!" she wears the tiara everyday, and sometimes to bed! You are truly the Triathalon Princess Kristin!