I Kings 3:11-12

"And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgement; behold, I have done according to they words; lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart."

Singing the BLUES!!!

We found out that Carson is not big on singing! When one of us would start to sing (any song) he would get a poochy lip and then start to cry! AND just to set the record straight we also put on a CD of a professional and soothing vocalist and he didn't like that either so it isn't just our voices! :-) Then Brian put on the instrumential Paccobel's Canon and he SMILED at Brian and he liked it! So it seems to be singing he is not real keen on! Anyway, these pictures with the poochy lip were taken when I had Brian sing to him so I could take pictures!! It is so pathetically cute!!!

My Little Queen Esther

Today Annalina had to go to the dentist to get two cavities filled. She was so nervous and upset I didn't know how we were going to get her out of the house (she was under the play table), into the dentist office, etc. I asked her what she wanted to do (to help her) and she said "Fast". I laughed and said Annalina we have 3 minutes until Daddy comes there is no time! What a response for a 5 year old. She has been hearing about fasting recently.

When we did get in the car I talked to her about being an Esther and reminded her how Esther went in front of the King and was brave and that when something is what God wants us to do He will help us through it. I prayed and asked for God to help her be an Esther as she went to the Dentist office. I then said if you will be an Esther we'll go to the Dollar Store when were done. I can't say how proud I was of her. She was a COMPLETELY different little girl! She was happy, relaxed, polite, cooperative.

When we walked up to the receptionist she told her about how she was going to be like Queen Esther then she said "I've been thinking about fasting." TOO FUNNY!! When we went back to the dentist and hygenist she talked their ears off "Mommy had lots of cavities when she was little", "My Grandpa went to a dentist that was gentle", "What's that?", etc., etc., etc. She played with the dentist head lamp. Then in between them working on her teeth she got to tell them about Queen Esther being brave when she came in front of the king. As they worked on her a few times she would happily lift her hand up and wave at me. One time in between them working on her teeth she said "I love you Mommy". I wish I had a video tape of her visit she was just the sweetest thing. I couldn't have been more proud. The dentist told me "It doesn't usually go this smoothly". She was so good the hygenist said she was going to give something more than a balloon to Annalina since she had been SOO good. Annalina asked what it was and she said she had to wait until they were done. Annalina said "Is it candy?" Which was hyserical considering she was at the dentist for cavities!!

After we were done she asked if we could go to the Dollar Store just the 2 of us. So we went and the FIRST thing she did was look for something for her brothers. What a sweetie. She got Ross an alligator mask/hat and Gabriel a pirate patch, hat and sword. Ross pretended was the crocodile that ate Captain Hooks hand in Peter Pan and Annalina pretended to be Tinker Bell and went and put on some of her dress up wings.

She told me later she was proud of herself. I said see what can happen when you have God help you? You can do what didn't seem possible. Annalina loves her God and is such a determined little girl. I'm blessed so much by each child I have.

Sacramento Mini Trip-July 6th 2009

We decided to take an overnight trip to Sacramento to take the kids to the Jelly Belly Factory and the Zoo. Unfortunately, a trip that would usually take 2 1/2 hours took us 8 hours due to July 4th weekend! AHHHH!! But we ended up having a good time and we took Gabriel friend with us which the kids really thought was fun!

The Jelly Belly factory was interesting! It was neat to see how the candy is made! The kids enjoyed seeing the robots that worked in the factory. At one place on the tour they had a huge stuffed Jelly Belly Bean riding like a cowboy on one of the robots!

Summer Fun

Sonja enjoyed the coolness of the pool!

This summer Ross learned how to ride his bike which was exciting! He really enjoys it.

Carson at about 2 months (June 23rd, 2009)

Our little Cherub!! Carson started becoming more interactive his 6th week. He is such a sweet baby. He is not demanding and is so laid back. We love that he has such an easy smile. Heart melting smile!!

Mt. Shasta Memories

On our return trip from Crescent City we went past Mt. Shasta which brought back memories for Babe and I. We went hiking up on Mt. Shasta during our honeymoon. Babe told the kids how "Mommy didn't want to come down" off the mountian because I love being in the mountains so much and that is true. I just wanted stay up there and soak it all in.