Eight is great!

Today our Sofia turns eight years old.  Pretty amazing.  She has definitely brought much joy into our lives.  Sofia is a second grader who loves gymnastics, school, friends, and family.    

It isn't very often that you catch her without a smile.  And where does her smile come from?  Her heart. A heart that is growing in its love for Christ.  A heart that is learning about the world and its need for Christ.  A heart that expresses her inner beauty.  A beauty that surpasses her outward beauty.  

We love you, Sofia Jane!!

Can't complain.

The other night Selah and Isaiah were tasked with the job of cleaning and setting the table for dinner.  Here is a picture of them hard at work.

 Yeah, I can't complain.  They accomplished their task and they did so working together.  As for the feet on the table....we'll work on that at a later date.

Storybook Character Project

Sofia was assigned a project due October 24th.  The project was to create her favourite storybook character out of a vegetable/fruit.  Along with her creation she was to write a book report about the storybook.

So who was Sofia's favourite?  No surprise....Nancy Clancy, better known as Fancy Nancy. This summer Sofia read the first chapter book about Fancy Nancy.  It was "Nancy Clancy:  Super Sleuth".  And why is she her favourite?  Fancy Nancy loves mysteries.  Fancy Nancy likes to solve mysteries.  Fancy Nancy likes fancy things.

I enjoyed watching Sofia go about accomplishing the project.  First of all, she made a list (much to her daddy's delight) of what she would need.  I then took her shopping for the components.  A gourd, googly eyes, yarn, jewels, cloth and pipe cleaners.  Then she set about creating with her glue gun and materials.

Sofia was so proud of her creation.  Fancy Nancy in her fancy sleuth jacket with a jeweled-magnifying glass for solving mysteries.

Shining Her Light

It is our prayer for Sofia and the words that daddy says to her most mornings before she heads off to school, "Shine for Jesus!".

A couple of weeks ago Sofia shared with us that something special had happened at school that day.  She shared that some of the lunch teachers noticed that she enjoyed helping Vanessa, a special ed student, on the playground.  The teachers asked Sofia if she would think about eating lunch at Vanessa's class table everyday because Vanessa was the only girl out of 10 students.  Sofia didn't even have to think about it.  She   answered the teachers right there and said she was willing.

We as parents are so proud and thankful for her heart.  It didn't surprise us when she shared this development because last year she had volunteered to be the helper for Yvonne (a little girl in special ed) in gym last year.

Sofia's willingness to help someone who may not think, act or look like all the other students is definitely a way she is shining her light for Jesus.  

Chicagoland CBU Alumni Dinner

California Baptist University is not only Kevin and mine's alma mater but a place we both worked at for many years.  It is a very special place to us.

According to the Office of Alumni and Parents, there are close to 50 alumni who live in the area and there are 10 current students from the Chicagoland.  Who would've thought?  I mean, Chicago to So Cal is quite a distance but hey, when you know it's a great university you go, right?  :)

Anyway, we had a great time at the Chicagoland CBU Alumni and Parents Dinner.   There were 10 alum and one parental unit in attendance.  Interestingly, 4 of the 5 guys are pastors and being that all their wives were alum as well, it made pastor's wife the most popular role of the women alum.   Another interesting thing, I graduated the longest ago (not sure how to state because I wasn't the oldest age wise).  However, being that we worked there for so many years, we already knew the other alumni.  I had actually been the admissions counselor for a couple of them and a couple of the others I was the Director of Mobilization when they served on an ISP team.  Of course, they all knew Kevin as the postman.

Here's a couple of pictures from the evening.

From left to right:

Standing:  Jacobs family (son Sam current student) - Alex Huerta ('09) - Mike Parsio ('96) - Mark Rogers ('02) - Nathan Brown ('96) - Keri Sheckler ('92) - Kevin Sheckler ('03)

Seated:  Lisa Blough ('07) - Jen Parsio ('96) - Stephanie Rogers ('03) - Danielle Brown ('99) 

  FUTURE LANCERS!!!!

It was a fun evening remembering the old cafeteria, swapping stories of certain professors, laughing at stories of pranks, asking who knows who and where they are nowadays but most of all it was a time of giving thanks.  Cal Baptist for many of us was a place for us to figure out what we believe and why.  It was a place that introduced us to our spouses.  A place that gave us lifelong friendships.  Thanks, Cal Baptist!

We'll try again.

All I wanted was a picture of my kiddos in the beautiful fall leaves.  Unfortunately Isaiah did not wake up from his nap in the greatest of moods.  And with the trees about bare I'm not sure I will get a perfect ideal picture. Ha!  That's okay.  This is life. 

The girls, however, were more than willing to pose.

Nine!!!!

October 18.  Nine years!!!

 We are thankful for the goodness and grace of God.  Marriage is beautiful.  It is fun.  It is challenging.  It is sanctifying.  It is loving.  To God be the glory.

Super Siblings!

Isaiah (2y 4mos) and Selah (5yo)

Superboy and Supergirl!!!

Just for the record...

Here are Selah's stats at her five year old check-up.
     Height:  40 1/2 inches
     Weight:  35 pounds

As you know, I like to "compare" each child's check-up with their elder sibling(s).

Sofia's stats at five years old:
     Height:  43 inches
     Weight:  35 pounds

So, after being pretty much neck and neck up until now, it looks as if Selah may be the short petite one of our girls.

More than anything, we are so thankful for the health of our children.  Selah has continued to develop right on track and is one healthy little girl.  Thank you, Lord!!!!

Laughter.

I just love when my children laugh.

I also love when my husband laughs.

And I especially love when my children and husband laugh together.

And there is nothing like a tickle/wrestling fest 

to get the laughter going.

Star Student

We are so proud of Sofia.  This week she was chosen to be the first "Star Student" in her class.  She brought home a poster "All About Me!" for her to complete.  It will be hung on the special class bulletin board for all to see. 

The proudest part of this recognition as a parent is Sofia's reaction.  She said, "I don't know why Mrs. Grabert chose me.  I just do my work."  And in response to completing the following statement on her poster, "I AM A STAR STUDENT BECAUSE....", Sofia wrote "God made me smart and pretty."

She has begun the new school year in second grade doing very well.  Reading and spelling continue to be her strong subjects (reading at a level P and so far 100% on all her spelling tests).  Math is a subject she struggles with but is actually working above grade level.  Sofia is excited about science and social studies this year and loved the mapping project she did last week in geography.

We are so grateful Sofia enjoys school and loves to learn.  And we are grateful for teachers who encourage and challenge her to keep doing better.

And who knows, someday Sofia may be a "Star Teacher"....at least that is what she wrote on her poster in response to what she wants to be when she grows up.

Party for our five year old.

Today we celebrated Selah turning five years old.  

And my oh my was she one excited little girl.

The party theme was "Balloons!"

 Balloon decorations, balloon games, and balloon cupcakes.

The best part of the party were the friends.

Friends from church, the neighbourhood, and playdates.

Happy, happy birthday to our sweet Selah.

She's five!

Today our Selah turns five years old.  She brings us such joy.

Selah is a beautiful blond hair, blue eye little girl.  She is our sensitive child.  Her feelings are easily hurt yet she is also one to feel the pain herself when she has wronged another.  

She loves to be with family and friends.

Selah enjoys playing outside and riding her bike.  She has become mommy's best egg-cracker when helping cook.  And she loves playing tickle monster with daddy.

It's not surprising that she is a morning girl considering that five years ago not only did she come two weeks before her due date but my water broke at 4 o'clock in the morning.  

Selah has an intense love for her sister and brother.  

Her understanding of God has deepened this past year.  

Today we celebrate Selah's 5th birthday.

Join us in giving her the best gift ever....the gift of prayer.

Pray that...

Selah will continue in good health and grow developmentally.

Selah's relationship with Sofia and Isaiah will continue to deepen.

Selah's love for singing will always be a sweet sound in our Savior's ear.

Selah will continue to be curious, and that someday her curiousity will be satisfied by knowing Jesus.

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

Sofia the Second Grader

Today Sofia began second grade. 

But first a picture of her with her teacher, Mrs. Grabert.  We took this picture yesterday when we attended Sneak Preview.  It was a time for meeting your teacher, finding your classroom, and dropping off your school supplies.

This morning Sofia was SOOOOOOO EXCITED to go back to school.    Here she is posing for me with her new backpack.

And here is this year's bus stop gang.  A beautiful group of girls.

We pray this year will continue to be one of great learning not only academically but spiritually as well.  We pray the Lord will see fit to let our light shine as, not just Sofia, but we as a family interact with her teachers, schoolmates, and friends.

His identity.

Many people struggle with their identity.  Not Isaiah.
He is Isaiah.  No ifs, ands, buts about it.

Examples of conversations in our household.

Mommy to Isaiah:  "You are such a good boy."
Isaiah:  "I'm not good.  I'm Isaiah."

Sisters to Isaiah:  "Hey buddy."
Isaiah:  "I'm not buddy.  I'm Isaiah."

Daddy to Isaiah:  "Are you daddy's big boy?"
Isaiah:  "No.  I'm Isaiah."

Family Fun Friday

Ohhhhh, we love our family fun Fridays.  It is so nice to be able to enjoy certain activities without the weekend crowd. Unfortunately, this past Friday was quite crowded due to it being the last one before school begins but we still had fun.

It was a GORGEOUS day.  You gotta love the city scape of Chicago.

Will they ever all look at the camera at the same time?

We went to one of our favourite places, Lincoln Park Zoo.  Not only did we enjoy the animals and exhibits but we were able to enjoy the practice runs of the participants in the upcoming Chicago Air and Water Show.  

We take a picture at this same spot every year.  Isaiah, however,  was not a willing participant.

It was such a great day.  We love our family days.   

Manistee 2012

Every August we join my mom and stepdad, Bill, in Manistee, MI.  It is always such a wonderful time and this year was no exception.

8/6:  The kids and I left around 6:30 a.m. for the 6 hour drive.  I was really proud of the way the kids acted in the van especially considering that only Selah slept in the van.  Isaiah NEVER sleeps in the van.  Seriously, the boy amazes me.  Thankfully he doesn't whine or cry either.

Upon arrival it was time for a nap.  While Isaiah and mommy rested, Aunt Kelli and Gramma took the kids to the outdoor pool.  That evening we enjoyed going to the playground at the beach located right across the street from where we were staying but first we enjoyed ice cream at the House of Flavors.  Being that Manistee is up north and at the western edge of the EST zone, the sun didn't set until 9:30 p.m.  Made for some wonderful evenings.

8/7:  The morning was spent at the beach.  It is a gorgeous beach with "sugar sand".  We had amazing weather...sunshine, 79 degrees...and hardly anyone at the beach.  The girls took a walk with Gramma and Papa Bill out to the lighthouse.  They loved it.  Isaiah's favourite beach activity was not only playing in the sand but chasing the seagulls.

Afternoon naps and dinner were followed by a concert in the park.  5th street beach and park was a perfect setting for the kids and adults.  The kids played at the playground while the adults, we sat in our chairs and listened to a local jazz band.  SO RELAXING!!!!

8/8:  Gramma and Papa Bill went to visit some friends so I took the kids to the outdoor pool.  The girls are becoming little fishies.  Isaiah, however, would much rather just sit on the steps playing with my sunglasses.

That afternoon daddy arrived (he had to work the first few days).  We spent another evening playing at the beach playground and chasing seagulls.  The weather temps cooled down a bit into the 60s but was still enjoyable.  We ended the evening with a couple rounds of Crazy Eights.

8/9:  It was a rainy morning but thankfully the place we were staying had an indoor pool.   Pool time is always so much fun but again Isaiah preferred the steps.

Gramma and Papa Bill took the girls to see a movie that afternoon.  Kevin and I relaxed and packed up while Isaiah took his nap.  We then met up with the others after the movie for dinner.  After dinner we said our goodbyes to Gramma and Papa Bill and headed to Sparta for the rest of the weekend.

There has been much going on in our lives regarding family, work, and future.  Our week in Michigan gave us much rest, and a great time with family.

Dollar Store Reveal

One of our errands the other day was to go to the Dollar Store.  Something I do every so often is give each child their own dollar to purchase whatever they would like in addition to what mommy is needing to purchase.


When we got home it hit me how much each child's pick revealed their age and their current interest.


Sofia, age 7 chose a USA Word Find book.
Selah, age 4, chose a little toy horse.
Isaiah, age 2, chose bubbles.


Yep, that's where we are in life currently.  All three items have brought great joy to our kids this week.  Not bad for $3.21.

End of the season.

This is the sixth year that Kevin has played on our church's men's softball team.  He really enjoys it.  And we as a family enjoy going to watch the games and cheer them on.

Last week the team ended the season with a win.  They only lost two games all season so this put them in first place.  Sadly, last Monday night they lost their first playoff game and ended the season.  All in all it was a great time for Kevin to hang out with some great guys, enjoy the outdoors and get in a little exercise.

Kevin getting ready to hit a double.

One of daddy's cheerleaders.

Isaiah and Selah "helping" Krista keep score.

The kiddos with their favourite outfielder.