CA Vacation Day 4 and 5

The last few days of our vacation in CA was spent in Solvang as we gathered to celebrate the marriage of Matt and Kelly.

Friday morning we packed up the van and took off on the four hour trip to Solvang.  Travelling along the 210 freeway through Pasadena then onto the 101 highway along the coast was just so nice.  It was fun pointing out various points of interest to our kids.   The absence of mountains and beach together in my life the past 7 years provided great awe.  Oh, God is so amazing!!!!

The 30 mile winding road through the Santa Ynez Mountains into the Santa Ynez valley also provided much beauty for us to view.  Just gorgeous.  (Hopefully I will have my sister's pics to add to this blog at a later date, until then I'm trying to get things written down.)

Late Friday afternoon we arrived at the ranch house that my parents had rented for the weekend.  It was a perfect place for our fam of 20 people to stay.  The outdoors with flowers, open yard and horses nearby were great for the grandkids under 10.  For the teenage grandkids, the converted garage into a game room with darts and fooze ball was just the right place.  For the "grown-ups", lounge chairs placed in just the right place for us to enjoy the perfect temp of 75 was our playground of choice.

That evening we headed over to the wedding site to hang out with Matt and Kelly as well as meet Kelly's family (who are from Chicago!).  We watched the sun set over the vineyards tucked away in the mountains.

Saturday morning we drove into town (Solvang).  While in town we visited the Santa Ines Mission.  Such great history.  From there we walked to one of the local danish bakery.  If you've never been to Solvang, GO!!!  The windmills, the tudor-style architecture make you feel as if you are in a little village of Europe.

Saturday afternoon was pretty much a few hours of craziness as 20 people tried to get ready together for a wedding.  Ironing in one corner, one bathroom turned into a hair salon, another one for make-up and then trying to make sure the kiddos didn't mess up their clothes before we even arrived at the wedding.

Then the wedding.  Ahhhh.  So lovely.  Matt and Kelly kept it simply but elegant.  The ceremony was beautiful and straight to the point.

Then it was time for dinner and dancing.   And dancing, and dancing.

So much fun.  And I know this may be hard for some of you to believe but Sofia was quite the entertainer.  Ha!  She was on the dance floor well before the dancing officially began and she would have been the last to leave if her mama didn't make her leave at 9:30 p.m.
video
Weddings are sooooo much fun.  Especially when it is family.  We are so thankful that it worked out for us to be at Matt and Kelly's wedding.

School's out.

This morning I had no reason to be out of bed before 7 a.m.  The reason being that last Friday was Sofia's last day of school.  It's hard to believe that first grade is finished and we are now onto second grade.

Here she is as she headed out the door Friday morning.

The last couple of weeks we were on countdown with the letters spelling out "second grade".
S - Silly socks to school.
E - Extra recess today.
C - Crazy hair day.
O - Outside for field day.
N - Necklace or necktie to school.
D - Doodle and Drawing day.

G - Game Day.  Bring favourite board or card game.
R - Read - a -thon.  Bring favourite book from home.
A - Awesome memories day.  Write about first grade.
D - Dress for the All School Assembly with favourite Woodland t-shirt.
E - Everyone says goodbye!  End of the year.

It is amazing how much learning takes place in first grade.  Unbelievable progress.  Even Sofia commented on how she couldn't believe how "badly" she wrote at the beginning of the year when she was thumbing through her journal.  Ha!  Sofia has become a proficient reader who enjoys chapter books (Boxcar Children being her favourite), acquired math skills in adding, subtracting, and fractions, and is beginning to understand more about God's world through science, geography, and social studies.

We are thankful for Sofia's teacher, Mrs. Enquist.  We are thankful for Woodland School.  And we are thankful that we saw spiritual growth in Sofia this past year amid academic growth.  We are proud of her.

Here's a pic of the bus stop gang.  Thankfully we will see them this summer down at the beach.

Time to play!!!!

75 years!!!

My Gramma was recently recognized by her pastor for 75 years of teaching Sunday school classes. 
 Gramma will turn 89 years old this August.  She began teaching Sunday school when she was just 13 years old.  The first class she taught was the 3 and 4 yr old class.  A few years later she began teaching 5 and 6 yr olds.

Throughout the years she taught in the youth departments and in the adult departments.  Most recently she was lead teacher for the Senior Adult Women's class.  This Spring she resigned from full-time teaching in the Bible study Sunday school class.  She is stepping down to become the substitute/asst. teacher at this time in her life.


I am so proud and thankful to be her granddaughter.  Not because of her accomplishment in teaching Sunday school for 75 years (which ain't bad) but because she is a woman who seeks after God's heart.  She is a woman of prayer.  And she is a woman who loves the Lord with all of her heart, mind, and strength.  She also happens to make the best biscuits and gravy.

CA Vacation Day 3

Okay, okay.  Before even more time passes, I want to finish blogging about our CA vacation.
Onto day 3.

It was Thursday morning.  Kevin and I had saved some extra money (I was able to do some babysitting) and planned with our family members to go to Disneyland.  Everyone knew what we were doing on Thursday except for our kids.  As parents, we knew we couldn't tell them until the day of for a couple of reasons.  #1.  It might not happen and disappointment can be hard to take.  #2.  Whether we told them one month, one week or one day ahead, we would no doubt have at least one kid asking us EVERYDAY, and possibly EVERY MINUTE...is it time to go to Disneyland?  So needless to say we waited until the day of going.

At 7 a.m. we woke the  kids up.  We thought there might be a lot of  excitement when we told the girls so I had the video rolling.  The reaction wasn't quite what we thought.  Selah sat up, looked at us with groggy eyes and laid right back down.  She was so tired from the days of just going and going.  And Sofia's first words out of her mouth were, "Do we have enough money?"  So sweet.   But about five minutes later it sunk in...they were going to DISNEYLAND.  Now they were excited.

And it was an exciting day.

Knowing that Disneyland prices could be high, I bought t-shirts for the kids to wear at Walmart before our trip.   They loved them.

This pic is of whole gang.  My brother Kirk and his wife, Tamra, with their two boys Kyle and Ezekiel.  My sister Kelli and her kids Caleb and Hannah along with their friend Daniel.  And my sister, Ashley.

One of the fun things to do at Disneyland is meet the characters.  The girls loved this.  Here they are with Mary Poppins and Bert.  And that is not Isaiah with them.  That is their cousin, Ezekiel.

Isaiah was a couple of feet away with daddy.  He was NOT a fan of ANY character.  I think we traumatized our son.  He cried whenever he saw one.  And to this day, if you bring up the name Goofy, Isaiah will say, "Goofy scare me."

Thankfully he enjoyed the rides such as Dumbo.  He also enjoyed the carousel, Nemo's Submarine, the Jungle Cruise and It's a Small World.

The girls really enjoyed the rides.  Here they are preparing for Star Tours.  They still might just be thinking that they went to space and back.  Shhhhh, no need to enlighten them.  :)

Another ride the girls really enjoyed was the roller coaster in Toon Town.  They LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World.  But while Sofia was fine with Space Mountain, I think it was a bit too much for Selah (a few tears were shed on this one).

Disneyland truly is a wonderful place.  There are some things that have changed over the years but the neat thing about it is that many of the things are still the same as when I first went as a little girl at five years old.

And as always, we ended the day sitting on the side of Main Street with our family and watched the parade.

 
An exhausting but fun day!!!!

Birthday Prayer

This handsome young son of ours turns two years old today.  We continue to treasure our family and friends praying for our children on their birthday.  It truly is a gift.


For our son this year, join us in praying that...

• Isaiah will continue in good health and grow developmentally.
• Isaiah will grow spiritually to be a man who does just as his name says and declare that“God rescues”.
• Isaiah will continue to be curious, and that someday his curiosity will be satisfied by knowing Jesus.
• Isaiah, whom God put on this earth for His enjoyment, will bring glory to God by enjoying Him

Isaiah will continue in good health and grow Isaiah will continue in good health and grow developmentally.

Isaiah will grow spiritually to be a man who does just as his name says and declare that“God rescues”.

Isaiah will continue to be curious, and that someday his curiosity will be satisfied by knowing Jesus.

Isaiah, whom God put on this earth for His enjoyment, will bring glory to God by enjoying Himdevelopmentally.

Isaiah will grow spiritually to be a man who does just as his name says and declare that“God rescues”.

Isaiah will continue to be curious, and that someday his curiosity will be satisfied by knowing Jesus.

Isaiah, whom God put on this earth for His enjoyment, will bring glory to God by enjoying Him

The beach is open!

This past Tuesday the swim ropes were put in at the beach area of the lake.  Sunny days and temperatures around 80 made it just right for an after school swim.   I'm pretty sure the girls were the first ones in our sub-division to test the waters this year.  Well, that is if you don't count the ducks. And being that tomorrow the temps are going to be close to 90 degrees, they will have plenty of playmates.  Here's to many more beach days!!!

CA Vacation Day 1 and 2

The next few posts are meant to testify to God's goodness in our lives as He allowed some special times for us in CA as we vacationed with family.

We flew into LAX at midnight (PST) on April 30 which meant we didn't arrive to the place we were staying at in Riverside until close to 2 a.m.  By the time we crawled into bed it was around 2:30 a.m. which meant 4:30 a.m. our time ( CST).  Our kids, however, still woke up the next morning by 8 a.m.  Fun times ahead!!!

Day 1:  Tuesday, May 1
We knew this would be a transition day so not much was planned.  What was planned was to spend time with some special people in our lives.

Kevin had a long lunch with his mentor/friend Richard Gregory.  Richard serves with the Navigators and discipled Kevin.  Kevin even lived with the Gregorys for almost 8 years.  It was a special couple of hours for these two men to catch up on life, sharpen each otherd  and pray for each other.

While Kevin was meeting with Richard, the kids, my sister Ashley and I headed over to my dear friend Wendy's place.  Wendy and I began our relationship as apt. roommates almost 20 years ago.  It is now a friendship that is deeper than words.  It was great to watch our kids play together, eat El Pollo Loco (don't have in IL), and enjoy catching up over a good cup of coffee.

Wendy and me

That afternoon, the girls and I took a nap while Kevin drove a sleeping Isaiah around in the car for a couple of hours.  We knew that sleep, however it came, and whenever it came, was crucial.

We ended the day at my brother Kirk's home.  This was a special time as we met Ezekiel, my nephew, for the first time.  Many of you prayed for EZ as he spent his first forty days of life in NICU.  He is a miracle baby.  Healthy and happy.  Oh boy is he happy.  ALWAYS smiling.

Sofia and Selah love their cousin, Ezekiel

What a wonderful first day.

Day 2:  Wednesday, May 2
The family was all getting together for lunch at In N Out.  However, that wasn't until 11:30 and being that our kids were up at 6 a.m. Kevin and I decided to head over to CBU.  We loved walking around the campus, running into long-time friends, visiting the bookstore, and showing Sofia the on-campus house we lived in when we brought her home from the hospital.

Our kids in front of the CBU Globe.

My Uncle Galen and Aunt Sondra were able to meet with us at lunch.  It was so good to see them and catch up.  My uncle gave us a dvd with old family videos on it.  Later that day, Kellli, Kirk and I had a good laugh watching our selves at 8,7, and 4.  One part was of Kelli and I singing a duet for the extended family at Gramma and Grandpa's house.  It was also special to see video of my Grandpa who passed away over 15 years ago.  It allowed Kevin to catch a glimpse of the man who meant a lot to me.

We enjoyed burgers, fries and milkshakes at In N Out

My dad and step-mom (Leesa) recently sold their home. After 6 kids and 8 foster kids, but only one still at home, it was time to downsize.  That afternoon we headed to Pomona to see the new place.  It was fun touring the new condo-style home that they will move into at the end of June.

We ended the day by eating at Pick Up Stix then heading to bed early because the next day we had a surprise for the kids.  :)

All About Mom

Sofia filled out three papers at school this past week.  The papers either had her answer questions or fill in the blanks about mommy.  Here they are:


My mom is 42 years old.
She likes to read.
The best thing she cooks is mak and cheese and frensh tost.
Her favorite food is mexecn food.
Her favorite thing to do to relax is go get nles done!
We like to organis and clean together.
She is really good at being brave.
As you can see, my mom is special because she tells me that she love me still when I get in trubl.


What is your mom really good at?  Helping me lern how to be a good mom when I grow up.
What does your mom do to relax?  Watch tv and take a rest.
Where does your mom like to shop?  walgreens and jewlosco and target.
How old is your mom?  42 or 43
What do you love most about your mom?  She teches me about God.
If you could buy your mom anything, what would it be?  These flowers that are made with fruit and a car.
What does your mom do while you're at school?  Go shoping and take a nap and wash my sister.


My mom is as pretty as earings and a ring.
She is as sweet as cotin candy and cake.
She is as smart as a teacher and an octapos.
But most of all, she is as special as an angle.

They call me "mommy"

These are my beautiful children.  It is because of them that I am celebrated on Mother's Day. 

 Sofia is 7 1/2 years old, Selah is 4 1/2 and Isaiah will soon be turning two years old.  

A Vacation to CA--- our gift from God!

February:  It was time for us to start thinking of how I could get to California in May for my step-brother, Matt's wedding.  Thankfully my neighbour needed me to watch her daughter every so often after school and insisted upon paying me.  I began looking at flights and figured I needed to save about $200 for a ticket to LAX.  Yes, just one ticket.  Flying our family of five just wasn't feasible at this season in life.

March:  Just as I was saving, the cost of flights increased.  Kevin was thankful for my desire to have the money before purchasing a ticket but knew if I didn't buy soon the price might get out of reach.  Before I did, however, my dad called.  He was conscience of the fact that we as a family hadn't all been together since mine and Kevin's wedding which was 8 1/2 years earlier.  It's hard to get together when one sibling is in Michigan, one in Alaska, one in Arizona, two in California and myself in Illinois.  He and Leesa (my stepmom) decided that no matter what, they wanted everyone there and were committed to helping each family get to Matt's wedding on May 5.  They didn't know where the money was going to come from but they knew they wanted to help and needed to help.

The next day I began looking up flights for my family and my sister's family (that meant a total of 7 tickets plus an infant).  I couldn't believe it.  I found tickets for $180 round-trip.  Really?  The prices went down.  Well, not really.  The lowest price was for the day we could fly out and the day we would return.  Any other day and the price was higher. I called my dad, told him the total price and he said book them.  Then none other than God, finances were provided.  Two days later my dad received a very unexpected check in the mail.  Just enough to cover the cost.

So on April 30, Kevin, I and the kids, along with my sister and her two kids flew from Chicago-Midway to LAX for a week of family time.  It was such a blessing!  (more to come in another post)

Happy AWANA Clubbers

We are so thankful for yet another year of our children having the opportunity to attend AWANA.  AWANA is a solid program that focuses on the gospel and memorizing scripture.

This year Sofia was a Spark (K-2nd).  She was able to complete the second year book as well as the review book.  We are very proud of her desire and ability to memorize scripture.

Selah was soooooo happy to finally be able to attend Cubbies (preschoolers).  She enjoyed it all.  Story time, crafts, and games.  Each week she made sure she memorized her verse.

It is such a joy to see our children hiding God's Word in their heart.  And it is pretty amazing to see Scripture lived out in the lives of our children.

If your kids aren't involved in AWANA already, you might want to check it out.  Go to the above link for a place near you.

Overstreet Clan

This past Sunday morning we gathered around the dining table for a time of Bible reading and singing.  Daughters, sons, and 10 grandkids.  It was the end of a most beautiful week vacationing together and celebrating the marriage of Matt and Kelly.  It was also a great reminder of what God began when he brought my dad and Leesa together 25 years ago.  

We are a crazy, blended family.  But we are a crazy, blended family rooted in Jesus Christ.  It is a blessing to have parents who live their lives for Jesus Christ with a daily dependence upon Him.

From left to right in the back (youngest to oldest):  Ashley, Matt, Jill, Kirk, Kelli, and Keri
Front:  Pop O. and Gramma Leesa

Ashley lives in Alaska, Jill in Arizona, Kelli in Michigan, Kirk and Matt in SoCal, and I am in Illinois.  It was a special time for us to be together.  A time to reflect on where God has brought us from, brought us to, and will bring us.

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  Philippians 1:6

Things that are making me think.

I'm just going to jot some things out on this post that may or may not make sense to someone else.  These are written in no particular order and are not flushed out thoughts at all.  If you feel like commenting, go for it.

Pictures of the kiddos.

I know many of you can identify with me when I say that it can be difficult to take a great picture of your children when you have more than...let's say....ONE?


This year I thought in order to avoid mayhem on Easter morning I would dress them earlier in the week, one at a time, and try to get some nice pictures of each child.  


I think it worked.


Sofia (age 7 years old)

Selah (age 4 1/2 years old)

Isaiah (age 22 months)

Second Haircut

I've got to admit, I'm one of those moms that likes to document all of the firsts with my children.  You know....first bath, first tooth, first steps, first haircut.  Hmmmm....first haircut.  Sofia was three years old, Selah was 22 months old, and Isaiah?  He was 18 months old.

18 months old.  Yes, that was four months ago but guess what?  Someone cut his hair and didn't tell me.  No, not Sofia.  And not Selah.  But daddy.  That's right.  Daddy.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday Kevin noticed that Isaiah's hair was starting to grow in.  Not much on top or the sides but all in the back that gave him this little duck tail.  According to Kevin this is a trait in the Sheckler family.  That Saturday after Thanksgiving Kevin comes out of the bathroom with Isaiah and says to me, "What do you think?"  Oh my.  Isaiah's hair looked great BUT I DIDN'T TAKE ANY PICTURES!!!

So in preparations for Easter Sunday, Isaiah got his second haircut (again, just the duck tail) but this time I took pictures.  Enjoy!

Sofia helping to keep Isaiah's attention facing forward.

See the little duck tail?

Daddy the barber.

"Cheese!"

Our family on mission.

I believe I shared before that we decided that our family would not stop going on mission trips simply because of the ages of our children or whether or not Kevin and I could both go.  We examine each opportunity through prayer and trust that God uses us in all circumstances.

All that to say, Kevin recently returned from a six-day trip to Haiti.

 He traveled with two men from our church and then met up with my brother and 12 others from California.  

God provided opportunity for Kevin to lead a seminar on "Servant Leadership" to over 100 Haitian pastors.  The devastation of the earthquake two years ago brought many people to Haiti with hammers and tools for rebuilding structures, however, a great need for rebuilding the Church is great.  Kevin and the others were able to do this through the seminars, encouragement, and prayer.

The team also took time to minister at two orphanages.  Simple actions of playing, laughing, and hugging were opportunities to love on little ones who have a great need to be loved.  

We are so thankful as a family that Kevin was able to minister in this country that doesn't seem to have much hope.  Our prayer is that hope will take root in Jesus Christ.

And while we weren't able to travel as a family, the kids and I did minister during daddy's time in Haiti through prayer.

Our boy.

 I just read a friend's blog and she stated that after three boys she is finally getting it down.  Well, after two girls, I can say that I'm still trying to get this boy thing down.  HA!  


Just the other night our kids spent some time at a church family's home.  When we came to pick them up they shared how Isaiah just loved the trains.  This was new information to me because well, we didn't have any trains in the house.  But I shouldn't have been surprised because Isaiah loves to line his blocks up in a long train.


Being that our friends' boys have outgrown their trains, they insisted that we take at least some of the train toys.  What a wonderful gift.  As soon as we got home from church yesterday, Isaiah was down on the floor playing with the trains.  This morning, the first thing he wanted to do was play with the trains.

Our boy who loves cars, balls and TRAINS...