Children Are A Blessing from God...

Lately, I've been thinking about this verse and I thought how it doesn't end with "ONLY TO THE PARENTS WHO BORE THEM". I think for the longest time, I have been thinking this verse would apply to me just slightly since I had only one child. I wanted so badly to have more and to receive additional blessings from God. BUT, I realized that I am blessed EVERY time I am with other children besides my own. Are they not a blessing to me when I am in their presence? The blessing does not stop at the front door step of the house they were born into. I think of all the times Josh has made someone smile or laugh when he is out with other people. Derek and I are so blessed to have Josh. And often times we'll find other children bless us too.

Yesterday was such an occasion while Josh had a play date with Seth and Jude, Adelee and I had a tea party. She is too cute for words and OF COURSE... such a blessing. Adelee does this thing where she shrugs her shoulders and turns her head toward one shoulder and smiles at you. How can you not just melt? Here are some pictures of our tea party.

Bethany, thank you for letting me play with Adelee. Your children are a blessing to us. Indeed, we were blessed!

Going for the ride...

Many of you know Brownby is Josh's favorite bear. He has been such a blessing to Josh. At times I think I have my own little Calvin and Hobbes... except I have Josh and Brownby. He is so much a part of our lives that we've been taking pictures of him too. : ) Here is a recent favorite.

Josh, you have a bear collection full of personality. At first Green bear was your favorite. And clearly she was the mommy of your clan of bears. Big Brown Bear was the daddy bear and little brown bear now Brownby was the baby. You have toted Brownby EVERYWHERE. He has sat with us for many meals. He has been buckled in with you in your car seat for adventurous trips. He has stowed away in my purse for many journeys from the grocery store to longer trips and even sleep overs. I think it's sweet how you include him in so many of our daily activities. When I offer you a snack, you gratefully accept and inform me that Brownby is just as hungry. You have held him tightly when you were upset. And have swung him, thrown him, paraded him and flown him all around the house. It's great to see how God provides, even in really small packages.

First Crush?

About a month ago while Josh and I were leaving his preschool, I blurted out that one of the little girls in his class was cute. She had just waved good bye to Josh and I said, "She's so cute!" Well, Josh's response was, "Yeah, she's cute; but, Cameron is cuter than ANY one." Really, I thought. A couple of weeks later while playing with his legos, he seemed frustrated that one of the lego figures would not fit into his spaceship so he exclaimed, "I DON'T LIKE GIRLS! I thought this would be a perfect time to ask him a question. I asked, "So, what are your thoughts on Cameron Bender then?" He replied with a smile, "Lovee". Then I continued with, "What other words would you use to describe your little friend Cameron?" His response was, "soft, snuggly".

Here are some pics of this special girl and some pics that reveal Josh's little crush on his friend. It's written on his face! So cute! Derek says that there ain't nothing wrong with our boy.

Feelin' the Force

At first Josh wanted to be the red power ranger even though he had never even seen it. But when we brought it home, he realized he didn't really care for it because it was so tight fitting. That's when I showed him we had a jedi costume for him. He loved it! Derek and I attended a costume party the week before and I was Princess Leia and Derek was the coolest Storm trooper. He even won for Best Costume for the night. In this picture, Derek is... oh, I can't remember. I'll have to brush up on my Star Wars lingo.

Josh had a great time trick or treating around our neighborhood with some friends on Halloween night. He fell several times tripping as he ran toward the door for "CANDY"! I'm so bummed we didn't video tape it. He was so excited and so cute! I would imagine we won't be able to do the family themed costumes for much longer so I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Ever wonder what your pets are doing when you aren't around...

Probably similar to things your children do when you aren't looking. ; ) Uncle Jack snapped these photos for evidence. Josh got up pretty high on the last pic.

Hanging with my cousins ...

HOT MAMA !

My dear friend Michelle just had her baby boy Tyler Matthew last Friday. Here she is beautifully pregnant at her baby shower. I can't wait to meet him! Congratulations Foster and Michelle. You guys are going to be such wonderful parents to Ty.

Waiting... Trusting in Him

On one of the days I picked Josh up from school, I needed him to wait by the car before getting in because I needed to clear space in the car for him to hop into his seat. While, I prepped his path, he stood obediently by the car near the left rear tire. As I was in the car moving items to the trunk, I could clearly see a car quickly on it's way out of the school parking lot and would be driving right past us. I stuck my head out the car door and instructed Josh to stay right where he was and to not take a single step forward because there was a car approaching and for his safety, he needed to heed my warning. His response was, "No there isn't. Mom, there isn't a car. I don't see a car. " Because of his height, his perspective was skewed and thus was unable to see the car at all. Our car had completely blocked his view of this vehicle. Moments after his comment, the car whizzed by. "Oh, there it is." He concluded.

I got out of the car and knelt down to talk to my son. I told him that he needed to believe me and trust me even when he can not see that anything is wrong. He needed to believe that what I was saying is true without questioning it for his sake. I told him that I loved him and that I would never instruct him to do anything that would bring him harm. In fact, my instructions are there to protect and to love him. We got in the car and the whole incident may have been more powerful to me than to my son... at least for now. I was struck by the parallel situation in my own life of waiting for a baby. I've been waiting for quite some time now for a little bundle of joy to come our way. We've prayed and so often, I believe that "this is the month", the perfect month... the right month. But God has answered clearly. It isn't right now. From my perspective, it seems like the perfect time to add to our family of three. There are days I wish I could see every perspective... that there would be a clear view of God's perfect Plan for me. And yet I know that this very process is here for me to grow in my faith in HIM. And it is during these times of waiting that I cling onto God' promises.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." Jeremiah 29:11-14

Thank you God for these trials. Thank you for the grace and mercy you pour upon me every day. I love you Lord.

May I Have This Dance ...

My parents have recently taken up ballroom dancing again.  They are having a wonderful time.  I'm so proud of them.  My dad is retired and my mom has a few more years before she retires.  It's easy to just become a couch potato and slowly remove yourself from society.  But, my parents are staying active at church and enjoying their time together on hikes near their home with friends as well as taking these ballroom dance classes.  Aren't they cute! 

 MOM and DAD, I love you!  Thank you for all of the sacrifices you made through our lives.  It's nice to see you enjoying life and each other during this season of your life.  

Up Up and AWAY !!!

Josh and I, along with our friends hit yet another museum this past week, the California Science Center.  Josh had already been to this museum several times.  But every time we visit, we leave pondering all the different exhibits we wished we could have spent more time on.  

The Air and Space exhibit is always a favorite.  It seems we've made it a tradition to always see this one first.  Then we journeyed over to the World of Life exhibit where Josh and his buddy Adam waited and waited for a chicken egg to hatch.  When he finally broke through(poor little guy), he was so exhausted.  There was also a really cool Hurricane Simulator booth that the Jensens were able to take in.  Josh and I will have to try it next time!  

Josh you are growing up so fast!  I can hardly believe how you've grown.  I love all the little antics you've acquired, from the explosive sounds you make while you play, to the sweet things you say to me and the lovin' you give me when we're  just hangin'.  For the last couple of years, you've fixated on rockets and things that explode.  You seem to love fire and blowing up things. *sigh*... so good to know you're normal.  And yet with all your boyish ways,  you demonstrate the ability to consider others. We've enjoyed all of your cute little comments.  For instance, yesterday you declared as you ate pieces of apple, "Mom, I really don't CARE for apples... BUT, I eat them anyway.  "  

Your Dad and I love you more and more everyday.  

Pumpkin Time

It seems like just yesterday... how time flies.

I'm Too Sexy for this Hair

Afternoon Tea

My friend Michelle and I threw an afternoon tea party for some of the ladies at our church. Neither of us had ever thrown an Afternoon Tea before and we worked so hard to make everything pretty and yummy. I'm thinking ahead already for the afternoon tea I will throw for my mom who is having a decade birthday next March and am contemplating the menu. I've been looking at the pictures from our party this past March but it's so difficult to decide since everything Michelle and I served here was so much fun to make.

Where is my HOPE?

  During a time of economic uncertainty, we are faced with the question, "Where do I place my trust?"  As news clips roll in one after another with negative reports of our economy, the American people are left to wonder about their future, their retirement, and their possessions.  The nation is wondering and deliberating which leader will lead us out of this mess.  

I met a lady last week in a coin shop in Pasadena who told me she was buying gold coins to ensure that her possessions would hold it's value.  She informed me that paper money was worthless in the depression we are finding ourselves in.  Apparently gold would never drop in value like money would.  So, she advised that I hurry up and put in as much money as I can go without for gold until this horrible economic situation subsides.  The man who owned the store showed me bars of gold for thousands of dollars and enthusiastically informed  that many people have been paying him a visit during this national crisis.  

I thought about how easy it is for us to be frantic when our worldly treasures are at stake.  I immediately found myself a bit excited to run to the bank and come back to buy as many gold bars as I could afford.    And yet when we die, we can never take it with us.  God promises an inheritance that will never perish.  In 1 Peter 1:4 "... to an inheritance that is imperishable,"  This does not mean that we shouldn't seek counsel for our finances; Derek and I realize we have a lot of learning to do in this area and we certainly struggle to adhere to our budget.  So, we couldn't be more thrilled about the Finance Class that will be offered at our church soon. But the question is, "Where is your hope?"

I have confessed to some of you that God has recently been working in me to steward his financial blessings wisely.  I realize that it is a matter of self control and ultimately a desire to Glorify God with my spending.  God has been kind and gracious as I learn how to budget, adhere to the budget  all the while training up Josh to honor God in this area too.  He gives us all that we need.  We are so blessed.  And during all of this craziness in our nation's economy, I place my hope in Jesus.  

We'll be voting soon to choose a leader for our nation.   Who will  you choose to be the leader of your heart?

Ronald Reagan Library

Today Josh and I headed out to Simi Valley for a day trip with our dear friends Bethany and her kids Seth, Jude and Adelee.  We rushed over there to catch the last day the Emancipation Proclamation papers would be on display.  I found out they only allow for these historic papers to leave the Lincoln Memorial once a year and for only 4 - 5 days each time.  We were so blessed to see a bit of history in person.  The boys were great! They were boys don't get me wrong.   But they were so well behaved.  We were there for nearly five hours! 

 We got to see Air Force One and other aircrafts that were used during the Reagan Administration.  Bethany and I tried not to spend any money.  So, Jelly Bellies and a sticker book was our only treat to the boys.  ;-P    This kept the boys entertained on the way back.  Everyone was happy.  Even Adelee was happy to take a little nap.  We were so tired when we got home, but we had so much fun.  Here are my favorite pics from out trip.  

summer days

We've had a busy summer hanging out with family and friends. Josh learned to swim in just 9 days so he's a little fish now. We went to Santa Barbara twice and were a part of VBS at a church here in town. We're settling nicely into the La Canada community and are grateful for the home God has so graciously provided. Joshua will start school tomorrow; it will be his third year in preschool... He is quite comfortable in the most wonderful school EVER. Derek continues to work on television shows for the home and garden network. He's currently working on a pilot show which has been keeping him busy. We're excited for the upcoming change of season and are looking forward to seeing the leaves change color as we have a beautiful liquid amber outside that will be gorgeous in October... something to look out for on my blog. I have no time to upload new pictures but watch out for it as maybe I will get some up tonight. : )

Some of you know that Derek and I recently paid a visit to the USC Fertility clinic in Los Angeles. All of the tests we took came back normal. And the doctor could not see anything that concerned her. This was great news for us. Though I hopped on line and some couples were more distraught by this instead. Because, this meant the doctors would not be able to truly advise on which path to take next. Please continue to pray for us as we are full of hope.

Recently, we made a not so surprising discovery about my general health that was beneficial to changing my life. During my initial consultation with the doctor, I shared my medical history as well as some stories about passing out after eating certain types of pastas. This alarmed the doctor who very strongly stated she believed I might have celiac disease and advised me to be tested. People with this autoimmune disease have damage to the small intestines. Wheat is seen as poison by the body and consequently, the body attacks itself in the intestines. I have since removed gluten and wheat from my diet and my life has drastically changed. I wake up early in the morning without feeling fogged in the head. I go to sleep at the end of the day not having to take two hour naps after lunch... usually filled with gluten...; AND, now I'm more efficient and productive in my day. Most people take naps to feel rested. My naps were clearly a result of my body hating something I put into it. It has been an amazing contrast. I had originally desired to get tested right away, however, enough research shows a correlation to celiac disease and miscarriages. So, we've decided since we're trying to get pregnant, that we'd just hold off on getting tested; this way I won't have to go back to the foods full of wheat and gluten so that the test results can be valid. Plus, I'm already happier, I don't even really need the test to know that having cut that stuff out has made such a difference. This past year has really been a year of solving some mysteries. Derek keeps saying he has his wife back. And Josh isn't screaming for his mom to wake up from her long nap. They say that pregnancy can often trigger certain allergies or make some allergies worse. This would explain why in just the past few years, I seem to be extremely sensitive to wheat and gluten. Whereas, prior to that, it would only affect me from time to time.

It has been exhausting though. Before this hurdle, we found out last year that I had severe sleep apnea. I have since had a mouth piece made that I wear at night which pulls out my jaw so that my breathing is not AS obstructed. I no longer snore and gasp for breath in the middle of the night. And initially, we saw a huge difference in my day as well. We quickly found ourselves baffled again when I'd crash in the middle of the day. We weren't sure if it was from insufficient oxygen through the night or from something I ate. Now we know that it was the gluten in my diet.

THANK YOU to all of you who have been praying for us. We know it hasn't been easy watching us agonize over all of these medical concerns for me. I personally have been so blessed by so many of you who have come up to me to offer words of encouragement. Whether it was, "I'm praying for you. " or "I was thinking of you and here is a verse. " to making an adorable knit hat and tying a little card with the word HOPE on it. I am so fortunate to have family and friends who have reminded me when I am downcast that the Lord is good and He loves me.

Joshua has also been a source of encouragement to us. Over the course of these past couple of years he has periodically mentioned wanting a little sister. Sometimes he'd declare that he'd want ten brothers and sisters. What faith! What hope from this little one. I remember after my first miscarriage when we started trying again, he and I would pray for a sibling at bedtime. On one of those occasions he prayed, "Dear God, please give me a little sister. Amen. " And as soon as he uttered AMEN, he looked up and and quickly looked all around his room and asked me, "Where is my baby sister? " Lately, he's been saving things around the house declaring he'd use it or open the package when his sister arrives. God has been gracious to bring hope through such instances as these. : ) We are all the more grateful for our not so little anymore Joshua. He is such a blessing. Above is a photo of him running at the beach in November of 2006. He was not quite 3 years old. My cute little man.

Josh, we love you. We're so proud of you. And God was so gracious when he gave you to us. You were the best surprise, EVER!

Late night with Bethany, Adelee and Leroy

Well, as i had mentioned, I just started blogging a couple of days ago.  I'm so excited to begin this wonderful world of blogging.  I imagine this will be a venue in which I can document my life, explore my creativity and share it with those around me. 

Oh, and how in the world would I ever have managed without my dear friend Bethany steering me in the right path. Tonight we created my blog page with beautiful colors, breathtaking textures, and romantic fonts.  She did all this clicking and periodically asked me about colors and font preferences ... and before I knew it, it was perfect.  We had so much fun!  Yes, sweet Adelee was as cute as ever.   I think I might eat her the next time I see her.  : ) And poor Leroy couldn't get to sleep with all the clicking and chatting taking place.  Thank you Bethany!

I can't wait to share about the life God has given me, and the grace he pours down on me every single day.  My life is His!   Bonjour and Happy 4th!

First Time Blogger Woes

So, better late than never i suppose. I finally got around to setting up my blog. I know, I know, the title is a bit of a tongue twister...but it means "once upon a time..." in french. I thought it would be fitting since I often start with that phrase when conjuring up a story at bedtime with my son... no, not in french, in English.  Can you see josh trying to say "il etait une fois"?  I'm so tired from all the different buttons i clicked on tonight and all the editing I had to do so that what I was trying to say would be somewhat intelligent and comprehensible. And for those of you who know me... you know I have to be completely exhausted by this orientation to the blogging world. So, Bonne nuit! That's "good night, it's way past my bedtime", in French.