If I had $100

If I had $100 I would give all of my money to the homeless people. Because they need it more than I need it. Then I would have a lemonade stand and get more money and buy a stuffed animal that looks like my family and a stuffed animal that looks like my niced teacher Miss. Cook. But most of all I would buy Jesus' heart. Because that is the most greatist present ever. ~ Jocelyn, age 7

McKenna's 12th Birthday

12 years goes by fast. I can't really believe it.

12 years ago today, my life changed. A LOT. I became a Daddy for the very first time. I was excited, terrified, and overjoyed, all at the same time. I remember the pride, the joy, the lack of sleep, and the love…all like it was yesterday. You were so small, and I was so new at being a parent. Seemed unfair to you to have me as your Daddy – I had no idea what to do! I remember holding you for the first time, crying like a baby myself. I remember how I felt…like I had never seen anything so perfect in my whole life. And I remember pulling into our driveway with you for the first time on that freezing cold, rainy January day and seeing ONE perfect pink rose bloomed out on the rosebushes that ran all the way down the side fence. There must have been 8 or 10 rose bushes…they were all dormant as can be – middle of winter. But there was that ONE big beautiful pink rose that day we brought you home. If that wasn’t a sign, I don’t know what would have been.

In the 12 years since, you, little girl, have amazed me to no end. And now, you’re not so little anymore. McKenna Elizabeth, you have turned into a beautiful young lady. You are amazing. Some of the words that come to mind when I think of you are: God-fearing, beautiful, smart, kind, caring, responsible, athletic, wise, motivated, nurturing, respectful, fun-loving, determined, funny, mature, and outstanding! You make me so proud and I love you SO much! I am blessed beyond words to be your Daddy.

The times we have shared over the years mean the world to me and I’m excited for you and what is to come in your life. I know it will be amazing, just like you. I will always be here for you. Always in your corner. Rain or shine, good times, or tough.
Happy 12th Birthday, McKenna. May God bless you in this year of your life, and in each year to come. Thank you for being amazing and for being my baby girl. I’m so proud of you.

Love always, Daddy. xoxo

How can it be? Where did the time go? All I ever wanted was to be a mom, and she made that dream come true. Her daddy said it best in his post today. She is an amazing daughter and I am enjoying her in this stage of life more than I ever thought I would. I cherish the friendship that is developing between the two of us and I really enjoy her company. She is so smart, thoughtful, funny, hardworking, and beautiful. She challenges me to be a better person. She is an amazing big sister, daughter, and friend. I am more sad now, not about the time that has passed, but about the little time we have ahead before she (might) venture out into this world on her own. Happy birthday to one of my favorite daughters! You're going to move mountains!

 

 

So thankful to be able to celebrate McKenna's 12th birthday today.  What a gift she is to our entire family and everyone she comes in contact with! 

Soles4Souls

Said goodbye to almost 600 pairs of shoes today! I was emotional when I got into the car to drive them to Stockton, where they were handed off to Katrina (an acquaintance), who will take them to the West Coast Warehouse in City of Industry on Tuesday. As I got in the car to head south, the song that was playing on the radio was "I Stand In Awe Of You," and I realized then why I was so emotional. I am in awe of what God did in this process. He used my friends and family to provide shoes for nearly 600 people! People who NEED those shoes...not just to match an outfit, but they actually NEED them.

TWENTY Hefty bags full of shoes!

Fun times!

Took the kids to King's Skate today.  I LOVE going there.  It is exactly as I remember it, other than the little skate floor in the back.  It's kinda gross, actually, but I love it.  I also love watching the kids' determination as they fall over and over again and get up over and over again.  I don't see this much in other aspects of their life, but on the rollerskating rink it is super evident.  I love it.  I love watching the "LOOK MOMMY!  I'M DOING IT!!" look on their faces.  I love watching them try to dance as they skate.  I love how exhausted they are after skating.  Even Ty tried skating today for the first time, and he loved it too.  I love skating myself, but I didn't today.  Maybe it makes me feel young again?  Well, for a little while, until a few hours later when everything hurts...bad.  Why don't we do this more often??

Also took Christmas down today.  I love how simple and uncluttered the house looks when we do this.  It feels like a big exhale.

Ty's word of the day: Disgusting.  Sounds like: Disdusting.

Twenty Things a Mom Should Tell Her Son

1. Play a sport.
It will teach you how to win honorably,
lose gracefully, respect authority,
work with others, manage your time
and stay out of trouble.
And maybe even throw or catch.

2. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship,
so don't take something away from her
that you can't give back.

3. Use careful aim when you pee.
Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.

4. Save money when you're young
because you're going to need it someday.

5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven,
washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom.
Now please go use them.

6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.

7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight,
but if some idiot clocks you,
please defend yourself.

8. Your knowledge and education is something
that nobody can take away from you.

9. Treat women kindly.
Forever is a long time to live alone
and it's even longer to live with somebody
who hates your guts.

10. Take pride in your appearance.

11. Be strong and tender at the same time.

12. A woman can do everything that you can do.
This includes her having a successful career
and you changing diapers at 3 A.M.
Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.

13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.

14. The reason that they're called "private parts"
is because they're "private".
Please do not scratch them in public.

15. Peer pressure is a scary thing.
Be a good leader and others will follow.

16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.

17. It is better to be kind than to be right.

18. A sense of humor goes a long way
in the healing process.

19. Please choose your spouse wisely.
My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me
spending time with you and my grandchildren.

20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.

Making sure I have this in a very safe place because I want to be able to refer to it often.

I love you, Misgana.

Off to a Bang

"I have BAAAAAADDDD news!" 

 "What?" 

"It says, Israel Worships a Golden Calf! That means they didn't worship God!" 

Jocelyn, age 7, Bible in hand

Traditional New Year's Day dinner - Hoppin' John, collard greens, and cornbread.

  "Football players are not light and dainty."

Jocelyn, age 7, later in the day 

 

2013 is off to a great start!