Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Mark's Story In The Newspaper



Check out Mark's blog and there's a link to the Press Enterprise story about him. 

There are also new and specific ways to pray for Mark and a post from my sister about how to remind yourself to pray for him when the journey seems long.

Monday, December 29, 2008

A Special Shout Out To Caleb For His Birthday

My Precious Caleb turned 4 this Chirstmas Day. So,while we celebrated Christmas Day we also made it special for Caleb as well.

Before breakfast Caleb played with a blow up rat toy. I took a chance buying this cheap, ugly balloon rat, but it ended up being a hit with Caleb.


Caleb got his favorite kind of pancakes. The Mickey Mouse kind. He carefully ate the ears off and left the rest. 

We gave him the Eva toy for his birthday. He jumped for this one. He loves his Wall E stuff!

Look at this sweet picture of him in the rain with no shoes on. He didn't care. He just shook of the ocassional leaf that got stuck to his foot.

He got a Wall E themed cake and loved it!

We wore Wall E Goggles to get into the spirit.

Justin fought the little cowboys at our party!

Close call for Justin. This cowboy almost took him out!

Finally the cowboys were safely subdued!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Best Of Christmas Day

Christmas morning began with Justin and I opening gifts.

 I caught Justin's excitement as he opened up the electric blanket I got him.
(Despite what it may look like, Justin was pleased to get this gift)



Next we moved on to my parents house for our traditional Christmas breakfast. We always have eggs with ham and coffee cake.

Here is my G and G Ricker with Jo Jo.

Caleb had many different reactions to the 3 Wall E toys we got him. This one was the "No Way!" face. For the other 2 toys he had a delayed scream and a little jump.

These boys love their cut off gloves for the office (Their cold office)

Yes, The guys did somehow unwrap their potato guns and they shot them out in the street. They had a good time.

We went over to Gma Shoe's for lunch. 

Everyone exchanged handmade gifts which was really fun! Some of the gifts were crocheted scarfs/ beanie/ blanket/clutch purse, painted brush holder, collaged box full of guitar picks, painting, mini photo album, salad making kit, and more. This picture is of Justin opening up his gift of new black Converse with painted embellishments on them.
 
Around dinner time we headed to Justin's parent's house. We got to hang out with Heather and Cambry who are visiting from CT. Heather is opening a purse I sewed for her.

Justin's dad and brother checking out their new guns.

Cambry skillfully mastering the nose harp. He serenaded the family with many songs and even played for part of dinner.


Christmas Day was great for us! We are so blessed to have most of our family living in the same town so we can see many people we love on the same day. I am thankful that God provided for Justin and I this season and enabled us to have a great time making a lot of our gifts.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Best from Christmas Eve

Our Christmas Eve was nice. We started off at Justin's grandparent's house for some tasty tortilla soup.

Here we are hanging out with Gramps.

We headed off to the Mission Inn for dinner with my Grandpa Saunders and family. It is always good to see everyone and catch up.

Justin giving Jo Jo some love.


A cousin photo moment after the meal. 

Here is our classic Christmas pose in front of the tree.

Another adorable picture of us.

So, Santa came to my grandpa's house. The children were shocked, elated, excited, suspicious, and terrified.

Look at the terror on Jo Jo's face. I have never seen her cry like that.

Caleb even came to comfort her. He stroked her face and then resorted to covering her mouth. What a concerned brother.


Justin and I had a great time this Christmas Eve. We are so thankful for Jesus' birth and the sacrifices He made for us. We are also thankful that He gives us sweet joys of being together with family.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Justin's Gift Giving Style

Justin handmade a few gifts this year.

He went to his dad's garage and so delicately put together a few mini potato guns for some special men in his life. Here he is spraying them all black.


Justin continued in his manly ways and wrapped the potato guns up in red rosin paper. That kind of paper is used to protect the ground from paint splatters and the like on construction sites.

I thought he was done with everything, but then he got out the duct tape. He added his finishing touches by wrapping the gifts from top to bottom with this tape. I told him he was crazy, but I guess it's just a guy thing.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Showing Off My Babies

These little babies bring so much joy to my life that I can't hold back from sharing some of my favorite pictures with you.

Joelle enjoying a Christmas candy cane (with the wrapper on of course).


Look at my sweet Jo Jo's face


Caleb enjoying a Christmas cupcake. Yes, auntie let him eat that and other terrible things.

Caleb loving time with his uncle Justin


Caleb sleeping on uncle Justin after a long evening of celebrating Christmas.

This is my other baby. This is how he dresses to go climbing in the snow. Silly boy.


I thank God for all my babies!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Fasting For Mark And Angie This FRIDAY!



Mark is still in bad condition at Mission Hospital. This hospital is one of the best places he could be which is great, but Mark is still not doing well with his injuries. 

Friends and family have set up an opportunity to fast and pray together for Mark this Friday. Please join us! Even if you don't know him personally I would love for you to be a part of praying for him. I am so thankful for those of you who have already been praying. Thank You! 

Please go to this website and read more about it.

Also check out my sister, Casey's blog (Called "Neighbs"). She tells the story of how she met Mark and Angie. Casey and Josh are best friends with Mark and Angie so this is extremely hard on them too.