Phelan Pham

What?!? It's already February!?!

2010-02-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

Time flies. Sulli is getting huge. We are always running a hundred miles and hour it seems. Life is full and always an adventure! Our little family is enjoying our new jacuzzi. A special time for the 3 of us. We usually follow our soak with air popped popcorn and fresh squeezed orange juice -- and a Fam-uh-leee Movie, as Sulli says. Evenings together are the best times of the day. Looking forward to a weekend trip to the coast at the end of this month. A Valentine's/Anniversary trip with Sulli and the in-laws! Can't wait. We're coming up on 8 years of marriage. Crazy, eh? Like I said, time flies. :)

Summer Wrap Up

2009-09-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't had a chance to post in a really long time.

Summer was nice, we remodeled our kitchen, went to a few Dodger games, went to the coast, went on a Mexican Cruise, and Sullivan finally became a big girl (potty trained... fully... kind of). School is back in session, so I am having my normal bouts of blues due to lack of time with Sulli and Football consuming Ryan's schedule. However, this year has been a bit less stressful as Ryan has taken the ASSISTANT coaching position in Dinuba. So.... he doesn't have the weight of the world on his shoulders anymore, which results in a happier home for the Phelans!

Sullivan began attending Sonshine (Shun-Shine) Learning Center after Labor Day. She has done very well... no tears yet. She goes M-W-F for 3 hours each time. It's soooo good for her. She has only been playing with boys so far, so hopefully that's not a bad thing. And thanks to my Aunt Dodi and Sullivan's recent 3RD BIRTHDAY, she is stocked up on cute little school clothes. It's fun to dress her and send her off... although I only get to do it on Friday's when I am off work.

Ryan and I recently attended my 10 Year Class Reunion. It was fun, but kind of a let down after all the anticipation and work on the committee. I enjoyed seeing classmates that have moved away and grown up. It was kinda weird, and I think Ryan is glad to have it behind us. :)

Besides that, our lives have just been busy with work, church, family time and football. Go Emperors... or at least "Go Daddy's Team" as Sulli would say (pink pom-poms in hand). Things haven't been all rosy however... a recent trial for our family has been my Grandpa (Dad's dad) Jim's cancer. He was diagnosed and they started chemo & radiation right away, with a not-so-encouraging prognosis. We are praying for recovery, but more importantly we are praying for his salvation. As a non-believer, he is unsure of where he will spend eternity. He has also been pretty resistant to discussing the Gospel in the past. My prayer is that the Lord would provide an opportunity for a friend or family member to share the precious gift of God's grace with him, and that the spirit would guide his heart! :) I am hopeful that the Lord is working here!

Almost 3 Years old!!!

2009-07-07T12:48:00.000-07:00

VBS

2009-06-23T07:52:00.000-07:00

Vacation Bible School was great! I helped with the older kids and Sullivan was in the "preschool" group. She really got into it. She is still singing the theme song and talking about the crafts. She would often see me crossing the campus and say, "I'll see you in the boat (the sanctuary was decorated like a boat) yater (later) Mommy". I think she'll do fine in preschool... IF potty training continues to go well.
Now we're really enjoying our summer . Ryan get's up really early to run, when he gets home I head out... meanwhile Sulli is still sleeping. Then, when I get back Ryan goes to teach summer school at KHS... he usually rides his bike since it's so close. Sulli and I then take our time getting ready... enjoying bowls of cereal together and maybe a bike ride or walk. Most of the day is concentrated on potty training which is going MUCH better.
We are looking forward to a family wedding this weekend... which will be preceded by a Dodger Game for us and 18 other friends/family members. Ryan's cousin got us a Luxury Box all to ourselves. So cool!! Sulli can't come but family will watch her. It'll be a fun weekend!

the Phelan's have been busy!

2009-06-02T06:29:00.001-07:00

So we went to Hume...

and we ran in a race...

and we saw old, far-away friends...

and we celebrated mommies...

Now summer is here! We've been swimming, and playing "baseball" with Sulli (and her Dora ball and bat!). Football spring practice has started, which means our evenings are a bit crazy, but it's been great so far at DINUBA!! :) Ryan is really happy with his job change.

Easter Blessings!

2009-04-13T20:04:00.001-07:00

We recently returned from San Diego for Spring Break. Ryan's folks rented a condo for the week, in Imperial Beach. We chose to take our dogs with us, and it wasn't that bad, but they do add a lot of work. The long drive down there was the hardest part. We enjoyed the waves crashing right outside our windows the whole week. Wow! I would LOVE to live at the ocean... but probably not in Imperial Beach. :) We could see Tijuana just across an estuary... a little wierd huh!? But overall, it was a great vacation! Thanks Mark and Kathy!!!

We had Easter lunch at our house this year! It was nice, but Sulli is sick, so that was a bummer. She's also being a total two year old lately... it's been rough! Spending time with family was nice, and we had some great food. Going back to work (after a week off... enjoying the beach in San Diego with the inlaws) will be hard, to say the least. However... I think I do NEED to get out of the house! :) I am looking forward to the New Kids on the Block concert this week... I am going with my two childhood girlfriends who shared the NKOTB obsession. It should be nice! (Ryan surprised me for Valentine's Day with tickets!).

VEGAS BABY!

2009-03-14T16:28:00.001-07:00

Pismo 2009

2009-02-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

We had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Pismo Beach. When we arrived at our hotel we were upset because the pools were under construction... but we ended up with a little discount (after I went in and complained!). Sullivan ran straight into the ocean... clothes and all, as soon as we arrived. She followed that up with wanting to play with her sand toys and her "tite" (kite). We enjoyed some good food, fun times with Nana and Grandad (my folks) and lots of beach time. I enjoyed jogging on the beach for the first time in my life. It was really hard but inspiring. It helps to have a beautiful scene around you when you're sweatin' like that. Unfortunately, Ryan was under the weather most of the time. He was a trooper though, and continued to tag along with us when we wanted to go to the beach or look in shops. We also were invited over for a BBQ with some old friends at their home in Santa Maria. It was a good trip!These are a few of our favorite places at the coast...
Cambria's BJB Round Up Pizza (amazing pizza sauce and dough!)
Morro Bay's Outrigger (Ryan loves there fish and chips and clam chowder)

Pismo's Pierside (Ryan loves there fish and chips), Pismo Yogurt, and Old Juan's (good mexican food!). We stay at Kon Tiki Inn (GREAT location and view).

Avila Beach's Custom House (but they serve b-fast till 11:30 on Sundays... a bummer when you're looking forward to a great lunch on the way home from Pismo!!)

I wish I knew more about the best places to eat in Pismo (or on the central coast in general)... so I would love to hear from you if you have some favorites too!

February 2009

2009-02-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

A pretty little Princess!

An artist in the making?

My Sweet Little Valentine

Already kissin' the boys!

Me and Jen rocking the Dala Horse!

The Game of Life

2009-02-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

So life has been sorta weird lately with all the tragedy and crazy economic/political stuff around us. I am so assured that God is with us, even during the rough patches. He gives me a peace about trusting Him. He is bigger than our political leaders, our problems... He is greater than SIN and SATAN. How refreshing! That being said, we are human and some days are just plain hard. I hate thinking about losing someone in my life, like Kristie lost Scott. I can't even imagine. I have lots of fears, especially after becoming a parent... what parent doesn't. But I just keep coming back to the fact that this world is only a temporary home for Christians. I look forward to the day that I will be in Heaven and apart from my humanness.

Sullivan has been giving us a lot of trouble lately. I think the terrible twos/threes are in full swing. She is very testing on my patience. She refuses to do potty training, she fights us at every meal and at bedtime, she says "No" and "I don't like to!" all the time, and she is constantly whining and crying. It's like over night she developed this new attitude. So, we have been putting her in time out a lot, but I hate to focus on negative... so today is a new day. I took her to play with a friend and then to the park. She ate her lunch (with squash hidden in it, hee hee), and ate it all! I allow TV only if she is behaving. So, we are having a good day so far. It's just so hard when I am not home with her consistently. Everyone has different styles of taking care of kids, and I think Sullivan knows how to work us both (my mom and I). I am so grateful that I can take Sullivan to my mom's 3 days a week and not worry about other kids or illnesses or anything. But, I would much rather be home with her full-time. It's a tough one. BUT, Ryan has been sooo great lately about helping with house chores and juggling Sulli all the time. It makes our house run so much smoother. Life is good.

As for me, I have been on a mission to lose weight for a while now (since September when I weighed in at my heaviest at the Doctor's office). I have been counting calories and I just recently started jogging. Today (for the first time) I did a work out video with my friend Erin. That was SOOOO hard for me. It's much easier for me to jog 1 or 2 miles than do a 20 minute ab workout. Yikes. I feel really good and am fitting into smaller clothes, but I still have a bit more to lose. I do have a bit less energy on the days that I jog, which I think my body will eventually adjust to, but is hard to get used to. Also, being a vegetarian, it's hard to find the right meals that supply all the appropriate nutrients, etc. I would love ideas on healthy, protein rich meals with no MEAT in them. No FiSH, no chicken... no flesh of any kind. (It's a texture thing). I am finally in the "healthy" category for my body mass index (or whatever it's called). I really , truly just want to be healthy and happy. I want to live a long, healthy life, and all I have control over is what I put in my mouth and how I treat my body. So... as long as I can stick to this system, I think I can feel good about my health.

Shock of a lifetime...

2009-01-10T12:33:00.001-08:00

Ryan's cousin, Scott Murray, died in his sleep Friday morning. The cause of death is unknown. Scott had just gotten married in May of 2008. He was only 32.

We are so shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. It seams that his life was just starting, and then it was taken away. I am asking for prayer for Scott's wife Kristie, for Scott's parents and sister, and for Ryan who loved Scott like the brother he never had. This is a very difficult time.

Happy 2009!

2009-01-03T22:59:00.000-08:00

We brought in the new year with a pizza and ice cream feast at our house. We had Ryan's sister and parents over and played Apples to Apples and Taboo. Well... some of us played. :) Papa Murphy's pizza was yummy, and was followed by an even yummier hot fudge cake... which I didn't have since I'm counting calories (kinda). I did endulge in 1 cup of double-churned vanilla ice cream however! Sullivan hammed it up as usual with the 2009 glasses and "big girl juice" (apple-grape cider). We lasted until about 11:00 PM I think, and then we closed it down.

Starting this year... Sullivan WILL sleep in her own "big girl" bed, I WILL stop biting my nails I WILL keep up on my grading, and I will lose more weight. :) Those are my personal resolutions. So... let's hope... here's to 2009!! Woo hoo!

Disney Christmas 2008

2008-12-15T13:24:00.000-08:00

So we had a blast in Disneyland. We stayed for three nights... it was great being so close to the park (at the Disneyland Hotel). Sullivan really loved it. She was generally pretty good, but had her moments of acting a bit spoiled. We did almost everything a little girl would want to do. It was kinda nice to get home to Molle and our own bed... but Disney puts on a great show at Christmas, wow! I recommend visiting during the Holidays if you haven't before!

I also have to say that my in-laws were amazing. Between Ryan's parents, his sister Ashley and the two of us, Sulli had PLENTY of attention. She was a busy little Princess! :) Speaking of princesses... we had lunch with Belle, Aurora, Snow White, Ariel and Cinderella! Sullivan was so funny... she had a serious face almost the whole time. She dressed as Princess Jasmine and was disappointed that she did not attend the lunch. The princesses told her that the "real" Jasmine was on a magic carpet ride with Aladdin. :) hee hee.

After all that walking, and eating out at fancy restaraunts, we were so tired each night! The trip was very memorable!

2008-12-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas...

She was really good when we went to visit Santa, but she was also very serious, as you can see. Sullivan can't wait to leave Santa "Cooookies and Mulk" on Christmas Eve. She also told him that wants a "prize" and that she likes "Bah-bies and Tandy". Hee hee! This will be such a fun Christmas!!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-28T14:05:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for my family. Ryan and Sullivan are the joy of my life. I am so thankful for our parents and our grandparents, and aunts and uncles... we are so blessed to have so many relatives close by. We can almost always find a babysitter! :) As I sit here and wrap Christmas gifts (you know, out with Thanksgiving and on with Christmas!), I realize how good we have it. As Americans we have so much freedom and security, and as Christians we have our faith that can be shouted from the rooftops if we want it to! I am personally so thankful for my marriage and my daughter, who is a miracle that I am reminded of each morning. Hopefully I can make this thankfulness last throughout the year, and not just when I feel all warm and fuzzy for the holiday season! :) Most of all, I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is only by His death that I can have an eternity in Heaven. It blows my mind that God could sacrifice his only child, for ME!?!?! As a parent, there is no WAY I could do that for anyone! God is good!

2008-11-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I went to the Fresno State game last weekend. It was actually kinda fun. We had great seats... front row!
Sullivan and I had fun baking apple crisp while daddy was working late. She and I have new aprons which she is very excited about!
She is NOT really this happy about potty time. But I recently added some books and a sticker chart to our bathroom routine. So far, it's helping... a little!

Go CVC!

2008-11-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

Ryan's team won again... against the undefeated Exeter team. Yikes! And I wasn't at the game. I opted to attend a student's play in Fresno that night and missed a great game. I was so bummed! So, Ryan is excited because his team got the 1st seed in playoffs. He gets a bye this week, and then plays either Selma or Arvin (at CVC), the day after Thanksgiving. We are enjoying the wins and are so proud of the boys! I just have such mixed emotions... I want nothing more than to have my hubby back, but I want his team to go all the way too! It's a tough spot to be in! :)

Another Win

2008-11-10T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ryan's team won again. This time against Selma. I was so glad... not because Selma was Kingsburg's rival when I was in school, No, I could really care less about rivalries, but I was excited because Ryan's birthday was on Sunday. He wasn't sure if he would be up to doing anything on his birthday if they lost on Friday. Sooo, we ended up having dinner at Cattleman's with his folks and his sister, and then cake and ice cream at our house. It was fun. I love when our weekends go well and that often results from a win on Friday. So, yes, that's why I cheer at his games. For a sane and relaxing home life. Hee hee....

Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T18:04:00.000-08:00

Sullivan dressed as Princess Jasmine and we had a fun time visiting with the grandmas and aunts. She got some candy, but I didn't let her eat it. Well, not all of it. We then spent the evening at Ryan's game in Dinuba. He won, so that was a great end to the evening.!

Fun Times

2008-10-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

A Fun Time with Great Grandma "Ciggy" in Elk Grove. My mom and I also went over to the West Sacramento IKEA while we were up north.... soooo fun!
A Fun time with Karissa Bailie, our Pastor's daughter. Sullivan loves to hold hands with her "finds" who she also calls her "sissers".

A fun time with baby boy, Vaughn Henry Chomentowski. He's my good friend Jen (Gapen) Chomentowski's little guy! He is such a cutie!

We've had a good couple of months. BUT, now we're all sick and poor Sulli doesn't know what to think about it. She keeps saying, "My tummy huts mommy". Poor girl!

A strange night...

2008-10-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Last night I spent my time at Ryan's football game... not unlike any old Friday night. But, this night was strange because we were the visitors at Kingsburg, our Alma Mater. And... it was homecoming! Ewww!
But anyway, it was a tough game, and the Vikings got the win. A bummer for CVC. But as for us (my family, Ryan's family), it wasn't that hard cheering against our home town. I teased that CVC pays the bills, so that's where my loyalties are! Ha ha!
What I thought was pathetic on KHS's side was a big, bold poster that read "Crush the DUTCH". Now, for those of you who know about CVC, you know it IS a school that has a majority of students that come from Dutch families, who are mostly dairymen. BUT, the school is called Central Valley Christian, NOT Dutch Reformed School. Anyway, my problem with this is, what if CVC made a sign referring to KHS's majority of students? "Beat the Mexicans". Would that have been appropriate? Obviously not! I think the admin. did a poor job of proofing the posters this week and should not have allowed that soooo not P.C. poster to be put up. I am sure it was offensive to both the Dutch and non-Dutch (yes there are some) families at CVC. Am I wrong?

Football... week 7.... yeah!

2008-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

So we are in week 7 of Ryan's football season. It's been good. His team is 5-1, having lost only to Bakersfield Christian (who has David Carr's little brother on their team!) It is getting more fun as Sulli has started to enjoy the weekly outing to Cavaliers Stadium. She yells, "Dat's my Daddy!", "Go Team!", and dances along with the cheerleaders routines! This coming week's game is in our backyard (practically). CVC plays Kingsburg (our Alma Mater). It will be nice to just walk down the alley to reach the game, but it will be weird sitting on the visitors side for the first time. I hope it can be a fun game!

As for last week's game, Sulli thoroughly enjoyed sitting with Mimi and sharing her lipstick as seen in the picture attached. She is always wanting to dress up and wear lipstick, but I don't own a single one (chap stick has to suffice), so being with Mimi is a treat. She loves getting into her purse and looking into her little mirror. Ha ha... all of this while daddy is out caching a football game and mommy's trying to understand what a "safety" is.

After the big win, Ryan was in a good mood and took us up to Shaver/Dinkey Creek for the day! It was a lot of fun except Ryan got stung by a yellow-jacket and we almost ran out of gas. Ha ha. What an adventure. We arrived home safely, and with sappy pine cones filling the back seat. Sulli thought they were cool. "Two Cone Mommy!"... "Loooook, more cone, Mommy" was all she kept saying. What a sweetheart!

Happy Fall!

2008-10-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. We have been enjoying the cool weather and fall colors. Sullivan loves having pumpkins all around, which she calls "Pums". She originally carried her baby "pum" around like a ball until I freaked out (imagining pumkin seeds and slime all over my house). She is full of energy and brings us so much joy! She has become increasingly aware of other's emotions and attitudes lately. Before seeing her great grandma Murray, "Moo Moo", the other day she said "Moo Moo happy see me!". And yesterday Aunt Ashley was on her way over for an evening walk and Sulli said, "Ash happy see me, all da time"... to which I responded, "Oh, does she smile and kiss you when she sees you?"... she said, "Yessss, and hug too!". She is (we are) so blessed to have so many people in her life that adore her. As a parent I can't imagine raising a child without that circle of support and love.
During our days together, Sullivan would watch Dora the Explorer for hours on end if I would let her (and sometimes I do... in desperation!), but other than that we enjoy trips to the store, walks or bike-rides to the park, visits with Nana and Baby Nana (My mom and grandma), playing in the backyard with Molle Gyrl, going on the Swings ("I Wanna Wee mommy!")... we have so much fun!
As for the Holidays... this will be a strange one. Without my Papa, it won't be the same. However, he would want nothing short of a wonderful holiday for all of us, especially the kids. So... in honor of him, I will make a conscience effort to enjoy the holiday season, focus on the reason it's here, and love, love, love my sweet girl and my hubby as much as I can!

Sprinklers and a Shower

2008-08-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Sullivan and daddy had a fun time playing in the sprinklers in our front yard! Ha ha! She was soaked in her clothes, but why not! It is so hot around here. She loved this special treat with her daddy!

I think Ryan started out just fixing a sprinkler or washing the dog and then he gave in! It was a photo opportunity I couldn't pass up!
Wendy, Cory, Jen, me and Katie at Cory's going away/baby shower get together. Aww... she'll be leaving to Australia soon and then having a baby in Decmeber! She's brave! We will all miss her very much. It was great to see the girls all together again.

WORK WORK WORK

2008-08-27T13:01:00.000-07:00

So, I am back to work three days a week. The hardest part is being away from Sullivan and Ryan all day. Ryan is also back at football... all the time... so our little family is going through a big adjustment right now! When I leave in the morning Sullivan is so good, she says, "Bye Mommy, I stay Nana's... mama Bye bye, otay!?". Ahh, it's so cute and much better than last year, she would just cry and cry! When I get home she says, "Hieeeee Mommy!" (Usually). It's so great that she is well adjusted, but then we get home and try to think about dinner and bedtime and all that... Ugh... I am happy though. I get to be off for the next 5 days with Labor Day on Monday! I do really appreciate the opportunity I have to work only 3 days a week and be home with Sulli more than a traditional school would allow. God is blessing our family even though things seem to be so chaotic. We are well cared for! :)

These verses really encourage and remind me of God's perfect will and his provision. I trust that he has already determined what will come of my crazy little life and he knows best.

Matthew 6

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Sullivan is now TWO years old... sob sob

2008-08-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

We are so happy to have a happy and healthy 2 year old girl... but it's sad how fast the time goes by. She is so smart and fun, she smiles every morning and says, "Mommy!!" when she sees me! It makes me feel so good. She still isn't potty trained, or even close really, but we are trying our best. She got lots of fun things from friends and family and we are soooo grateful to have such a strong support group. SHe is loved and that feels really good.

Home from Alaska

2008-08-05T23:20:00.000-07:00

Alaska was fun! Sullivan really enjoyed being the "princess" on the Princess Cruise Ship. We were on that ship for 10 nights... wow. It's nice to be home, but the vacation was great! The weather was pretty nice. Alaska, as I guessed, was cold, but comfortable. My favorite parts were visiting the Alaskan Husky Summer Camp and riding the Railroad up to the Yukon Territory out of Skagway. Victoria, B.C. was cute too! Cruising is a great way to travel!

Treasures

2008-07-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Colossians 3:1-4
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

It's easy to forget that this world is so temporary. I get so caught up the daily grind. This verse helps remind me of heaven and eternity. It also gives me hope because this world is so ugly and sin is so powerful.

I also love Matthew 6:21, (and all of Matthew 6 for that matter)

For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.

I thought a lot about this verse when my Papa passed away. He was a man of no great earthly wealth, but his heart belonged to Jesus and his life showed it. His treasures were stored up in heaven, not here on earth. I truly believe that he is in heaven enjoying the rich life with his creator. Those who pinch pennies or save up material things here on earth will not take them with them when they die. So I always ask myself, am I being a good stuard of what the Lord has given me, or am being worldly or materialistic? It's easy to be this way but people like my Papa encourage me to do better.

to the Coast...

2008-07-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ryan surprised me with a trip to the coast! We are going to Morro Bay. I can't wait. Then we will turn around and go on our cruise soon after. It's been a long summer cooped up in K-town. It will be so nice to have some fresh ocean air in my face and watch Sulli play in the sand. We love Morro Bay for its relaxed tempo. It's supposed to be cool and cloudy over there... I'll welcome that after these 110 degree days we've been having here.

Sullivan 23 Months Old

2008-07-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Sulli my sweetheart!

2008-07-13T19:10:00.001-07:00

Sullivan is growing up so fast. She will be two in less than a month. I can't believe it. She is talking our ears off! Here are some of the words she can say now...

Mommy, Daddy, Molle, Nana, Papa, Mimi, Moo Moo, Ash, Mac, Josh, Seth, Mille, Baby, Barbie, sit, please, thanks, yesssss, no, outside, in, swing, weeee, water, juice, milk, pancake, cupcake, cheese, candy, bowl, towel, pool, dress, hat, shoes, neck, teeth, brush, hot, bath, night night, rock, walk, push, hi, bye, back, choo choo, high, sun, dance, bounce, dark, light, eyes, mine, kitty, t.v., go, bye bye, stay, keys, trash, money, ice, more... and more and more...

WOW!

New Pictures of the Sweet Girl!

2008-07-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

She's Almost 2!!!

Cruisin' to Alaska

2008-07-03T16:11:00.000-07:00

I can't wait... We are going on a Phelan Family Cruise to Alaska soon! It will be so much fun. I can't wait for the Railroad Ride and other site seeing opportunities. It will be interesting to see how Sullivan behaves aboard the ship, and how the whole potty training thing goes(?). I am also excited to not have to cook or clean for 10 days! :) What a vacation! We are very blessed. Then it will back to reality... school/ work starts back up on the 11th of August... which IS Sullivan's birthday. So.... we're celebrating on the 9th. It's such a busy time of year!

Christian Soldiers

2008-07-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

2 Tim. 2: 3-4
"You therefore must endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. "

This world is not my home. Sometimes that's easy to forget!

Wedding

2008-06-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

These are some more memories from Scott and Kristie Murray's Wedding. (Scott is Ryan's cousin.) Sullivan especially enjoyed the "Paw-Tee" that night! She loves to dance and play with the big girls!

VBS

2008-06-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

This coming week is our Vacation Bible School for Grace Church of the Valley. I will be spending time with kids in the 10-12 age group. It will be so fun. The theme is the "Olympics" and my team is Britain. I am hoping that the kids will learn about the gospel and have some fun too!

2008-06-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when Ryan came home and surprised me with a dinner date and tickets to the Brad Paisley concert the other night. I really like all sorts of music, but in particular country and Christian. The opening acts were great, and included Jewel who I really enjoyed (and saw in concert) back in high school. She even yodeled! Anyway, Brad's performance was really good and the concert was a lot of fun. I was hoping his cute little wife (from Father of the Bride) would make an appearance, but she didn't, at least while we were there. We left at about 10:45 PM and he wasn't done yet. I had to get home to my sleeping beauty Sullivan! My favorite songs that he sang were When I get Where I am Going and the one that talks about being So Much Cooler Online! It was a fun night.

Summer Time!

2008-06-08T21:18:00.001-07:00

We are so happy to have summer here! Ryan is teaching summer school, and I am working on some curriculum stuff, but the alarm is not set as early and the gas bill won't be as high for the next couple of months! We are going on a cruise to Alaska later in the summer and maybe we'll shoot over to the coast a couple of times before schooltime rolls around again. Anyway, this is a much needed break. I will enjoy the challenge of potty-training Sullivan much more than driving in to Fresno 3 times a week and grading book work. YEAH!

2Timothy 2:22-26

2008-05-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

"So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will."

This is REALLY hard for me. I tend to be rather quarrelsome. :(

GALATIANS 3:11

2008-05-13T15:55:00.000-07:00

Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The Righteous shall live by faith."

most recent pics... since St. Patty's... Coast trip and around the house

2008-05-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

The first time with piggy tails.

2008-03-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Sullivan at 19 Months

2008-03-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Before I was a Mom

2008-03-26T12:11:00.001-07:00

Before I was a MomI never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.I never thought about immunizations.Before I was a Mom -I had never been puked on.Pooped on.Chewed on.Peed on.I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.I slept all night.Before I was a MomI never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.Or give shots.I never looked into teary eyes and cried.I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.Before I was a MomI never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.I never knew that I could love someone so much.I never knew I would love being a Mom.Before I was a Mom -I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.Before I was a Mom -I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Parenting

2008-03-11T08:52:00.000-07:00

Prov. 13:24 "Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him."

This discipline stuff is hard work! Sullivan is a wonderful baby girl, but she is really starting to test her mom and dad! Her personality is starting to develop and her vocabulary now includes "No!", "Move", and "Marne" (which I think means, "Mine!"). It's amazing how they are already sinful when they seem so cute and innocent! We are really enjoying seeing her grow and develop... the good with the bad! :)

I Love You Ryan... Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

How do I begin to tell you how lucky I am
to have you in my life?
I'll start by saying what an honor it is
for me to be your wife.

You're my best friend in the good times
and my rock in times of sorrow.
You're the reason for sweet yesterdays
and my hope for tomorrow.

I never thought I could feel this loved
until 6 years ago I became your wife.
You made this year and every year
the best one of my life.

Always,

Brooke

HOW WILL YOU RESPOND?

2008-02-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

Who does the Bible say Jesus is? The living God, the Holy One, the Savior, the only valid object of saving faith, the sovereign Lord, and the righteous Judge.
Who do you say Jesus is? That is the inescapable question. He alone can redeem you--free you from the power and penalty of sin. He alone can transform you, restore you to fellowship with God, and give your life eternal purpose. Will you repent and believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Copyright 2008 Grace To You.

Philipians 2:3-4

2008-02-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

2008-01-21T20:07:00.000-08:00

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

Psalm 86:11

2008-01-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

Teach me your way, O Lord,
that I may walk in your truth;
unite my heart to fear your name.

2008-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Learning to pray?
Uh oh... we're in trouble.

Verse on Mercy

2008-01-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

James 2: 13 For Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Lover of the outdors, babies and doggies!

2008-01-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

Verse for the week....

2008-01-08T09:15:00.001-08:00

James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds."

2008-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

2008-01-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

My daughter is the best thing that I've ever produced, that's for sure. She is so smart. In the last couple of weeks she has begun pointing out relatives in photographs and objects in magazines. She makes me laugh all the time. Her latest thing is taking the couch cushions off and sitting on the bare sofa. She likes to play tea party, little mommy, and little grocery shopper too. (She got a lot of fun toys for Christmas.) She is such a blessing. Being a mother is such a rewarding profession! :)