Summer Vacation

Wow, long time no blogging! Well, we had a fabulous time in California for spring break. We started off March 19th, driving to SR to visit with my brother and sister-in-law. It's hard to believe my big bro is 40!! We had a great time celebrating with friends and family. Our time was too short with Shawn and Jen. Living states apart makes it hard to see one other, so we cherish every second we have together!!
After they flew home I was blessed with visiting many friends and family in the area. It was a time full of reminiscing and making new memories. Then on to Sac to see more friends, and a dear friends wedding. It was beautiful!

Now we are back...getting back into the swing of things.

Some pics from Christmas...

Happy Birthday Papa!!

Since we couldn't be with our papa on his birthday we sent him some personal email love! I loved how each of the kids made a special card for him. I am so thankful for my dad and what a wonderful role model he has been. Dad, you have really helped out and stepped in to fill some of the gap! We love you!!!

Welcome 2009

I can't believe it's 2009! It was 8years ago today that Ry & I found out we were pregnant with Tayah. I took a pregnancy test while we were at a youth event, grabbed Ry at the stroke of midnight and went outside so we could find out together. I'll never forget that day, it was such an exciting time. Okay, enough of the old times, let's talk about what's new...

I got up this morning, and was able to have some quiet time while the kids slept in, since they were up till 1am bringing in the new year. I've been going through this devotional book, Streams in the Desert. Much of it deals with grief and dry desert times in our lives. Yet, it ALWAYS leaves me smiling. Trusting and knowing God's in control. I know I've got nothing to worry about. Today's entry talked about the hills in our life. Life would be so boring w/o the ups and downs we face. God uses the hills and valleys we face to grow us into the people He desires us to be. My prayer is that as I endure these times, I would always walk through it with Christ leading the way.

Annual Costume Party @ the Vaughans

Pumpkin Patch

Busy Friday!

I am so thankful for Ron & Renee coming up and being here for the kids on Friday. It was grandparents day at school for Tay. She loved sharing all about her day with them by her side! For Tate it was Mom's and Muffins in his class. What fun to watch him in action in his classroom. Both the kids are going so well in school. After our busy morning, Tayah then had Talent Day in music. What fun! Watching all the kids show off their talents. Tayah and Gracie sang, "I am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N." So cute!












Tessa was at Miss Sue's having a BLAST with her friends.

Simpson Reunion

So this past weekend we went to Redding for my 10 year college reunion! Wow, how time flies by! It was hard to going without Ryan. Simpson is the place where we met, became best friend, and fell in love. Everything about that place has a memory of Ryan tied to it! But my friends and family made it a wonderful weekend with lots of new memories. It was a blast to have of families together, our children playing, and catching up on what's new. I am so blessed by the lifelong friendship that I made in my years at Simpson College.

Time w/the Kostjuk Girls

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE KOSTJUK FAMILY!!

I know it's been forever since I have updated my blog. I keep asking myself... where do I start. I missed the whole summer. I will summarize it soon. BUT for now, I just want to ask for your prayers for the beloved Kostjuk Family. Check out their site at ... www.kostjuk5.blogspot.com It is amazing to see God's continued mercy, grace and love that He pours out to those He loves. What a testimony this precious family is!!!

What we did on the 4th & more...

Hope you all had a great 4th. We sure did. For me, the 4th is a special day. It's the day Ry and I offically decided to take the next step in our friendship. We'd been best friends for a year, and we both knew if we were going to be "together", it was forever. I had just gotten home from the Ukraine, he surprised me by coming down for a few days to SR. We'd been at Shawn and Jen's for a BBQ. It all began watching the fireworks on Ry's lap at my brother's house 11years ago today! Wow, how does time fly! So, I'm on round 2 now(2yr ann. w/o him), and I must admit, it's gettin a little easier. Now days, I actually have to think... oh yeah...next week would have been... whatever the special memory, anniversary. You get the picture.

Anyways, we had a great weekend. Friday started off with our town parade with friends. Then had the Jansens over for a lunch, and soon headed for Yreka. Swimming with the Laws, and stopped by the Fire Station is see where Darryl works. Tate of course loved the fire trucks! Soon we made it to the Campbells for a family BBQ. Of course we came in to watch the fireworks. It was fun sharing stories with the kids about their daddy and me, and how it all began. They love that! Because we had such a packed day poor Tessa and Tate fell asleep just before the finale. They were so precious.
Sleepovers at Grandpa and gramdma's is always a pleasure. We all LOVE waking up and enjoy visited on the back porch and watching the beautiful wild life that surrounds them. Grandpa Apple Juice is sure right..."It's God's country" at it's best right out your back door.
Saturday we ventured off to Iron Gate with Denny, Tawny, the kids, and friends for a day of boating. What a perfect day. All the kids had blast swimming, playing, tubing, and even learning (or should I say trying) to ski. Tate the youngest one of the bunch (besides Tess) was the only one to truly get up!!! We were sooooo proud! Thanks Denny and Jason, he could've done it without you.
So, then that you've heard it all... here are some pics. Enjoy!





more pics to come... but I have to get ready for swim lessons!

Surviving the Storms

This is a post I wanted to write a week ago. I need to just journal more about the what happens in life. Once again, God blew me away! So we had gone to church last Sat. nite. And there was a thunder and lightening as we drove home. (Ironically, the series at church is called Surviving the Storm.) For the first time in a storm like this, the kids were SCARED!!! Tayah was so nervous walking to the car. They were frightened that the lightening was going to "get them". Tearfully, we drove home. I tried to comfort them, explaining what was happening & that we'd read about thunder storms when we got home. That settled Tay down some. But not Tessa, she was really worried once she saw the lightening strike down! She cried out, "Mommy, you can't leave our car out... it'll die! It'll die!" She is too cute!
At home, the kids were asked to go in and get PJ's on, while I cleaned up. Still frightened Tess didn't want to go alone into her room. I was trying to multi-task, and told her she'd be fine. That didn't work. But instead, both of my precious children,(Tayah & Tate) came up behind Tess, both putting their arms around her. And they walked together to their rooms to get dressed for bed. Both verbally and physically comforting her. Saying, "It's okay Tessa, we'll go together, and keep you safe. It'll be okay. We won't leave you." I wish I could of captured that beautiful moment on video. What a picture of love! Surviving Storms in our house can be simple. God provided 2 extra hands for me in that moment. Often times I get frustrated that Ryan isn't here at bedtime. Bedtime used to be done as a team effort. Now, the kids and I have to work as a team. They continually blow me away! God has been so good to give me moments like this where I can see His hand in our lives. He has always provided for whatever the need has been.

So, the kids comforted each other till I had my hands free. We sat down together and learned all about lightening and thunder. They shared about what they learned and church and guess what it was about... Storms and being afraid. How perfect was that in allowing us to parallel our night with the fears the disciples had on the boat in the storm. Plus, Jesus calmed the storm and brought them peace. Just like He did in our home that night!

Pics from our trip to Ca

SR Father's Day @ Sheppards

Happy Father's Day!

So, Father's Day is a little different in our house. We celebrate Grandpa's Day, since Ryan isn't with us. Yesterday, after Tate tested we were able to celebrate with Grandpa Ron. We had a great dinner out at this awesome BBQ place. YUMMY! Then, tonite we headed down to surprise my dad. Oh, was he surprised as the kids and I creeped up the stairs at 11pm, and suddenly shouted out "Happy Father's Day"!!! He was speechless. We are excited to spend a few days with Papa & Grammy.

Since it is Father's Day, I wanted to give tribute to Ryan...What an AMAZING DAD!

No one could ever replace him. But, God is faithful. He has/will continue to make provisions when there are gaps, as a result of our loss.

God has so richly blessed our lives. Even though Ry is gone. God has not failed us in leaving a void in our lives. Instead He has provided many wonderful, amazing, and Godly men to step in and fill those empty places that we need filled. Ryan had so many close family and friends, each with different gifts, talents, and strengths. I feel like my children are getting to know the character of their father through the different guys that are investing time in my kids. There are no words that can beginning to express my thankfulness, graditude, appreciation, and joy. Thank you for allowing God to use you in blessing me and the kids. God is so good to supply us with the desires of our hearts.

Tate Got His Yellow One Belt!

Tate has done it again. I was so excited to watch Tate test and get his Yellow One Belt. He did a great job. Here a few pics of him and our instructors...

Tayah's Grad. Pics

thanks papa

This is from a few weeks ago. Many of you have heard that my parents came up and my a dad (we helped some), built the kids this awesome playhouse. Because I have an odd shaped backyard we had to separate the structure so it would fit. Then papa made it Bigger and Better to allow for growth and lots of friends. We love it and are so appreciative of it!! THANKS PAPA!!