Happy Birthday to Us - 34 and 35 years young!

Yes…I still think it’s a bit weird that Ammon and I have the same birthdays!  It is kind of fun when we tell friends we share a birthday…to see the funny looks and hear the drawn out. “Reeeaaallly?” 

Mom came down to our house and made a great dinner to celebrate our birthdays!  Dad, Kim and Norma came to celebrate with us! The meal was delicious…of course.

We ate dinner together, blew out our candles on our fabulous dessert (made by Norma), opened our gifts and then watched the final episode of “24.” A great birthday!

Fenske Fun

This month our family had a great time watching Garrett and Micah for three days while Adam and Laura were on vacation. We even got to have Micah over his 2nd birthday! On his birthday we celebrated, sang happy birthday and gave him special birthday pancakes! During our time with them Uncle Ammon enjoyed wrestling around with them, we played outside, the kids read books and spent hours playing Star Wars or creating spaceships with Legos. We had a blast and it was all very fun!

   

Nathan’s UN-Birthday at school!

Nathan has been looking forward to this day all year! A day that he gets to celebrate his birthday in class with his pre-school friends.  Literally he has been asking for months when he got to celebrate his birthday. Well, today was the day. He got to choose his special dessert (rice krispie treats with chocolate drizzle on top) to bring to celebrate his birthday.

Nathan got to say the prayer for snack today at school and then the kids all sang a “thank you” song to Nathan for bringing the snack that ended with “God is so good.”

Mrs. Brown and Nathan.

Pearson Family Work Day – May 15th

For Christmas 2009 all of us “kids” gave mom and dad a gift card to Home Depot along with a certificate for a “work day.”  We planned the work day and told them to get their lists of things they wanted to accomplish ready…so they did!  We had a great day working on my old bedroom. Craig, Ammon, Jason and Mom mostly worked on that room patching holes from where the paneling was taken off the wall, texturing, priming and painting (the ceiling and walls), putting new knobs on the kitchen cupboards. Dad headed up the outdoor projects (with Kendra, Jason Ammon and the kids), downing limbs, trimming, weeding, moving bricks, etc. I worked on some painting jobs (trim work and re-finishing a couple of cupboard doors in the kitchen). We took a break for lunch…but worked hard most all day.

Kendra worked as much as she could given her constant “morning sickness.”  Annie kept her company. Nathan had a great time helping outside, but then took a break and created a beautiful picture!

Mother’s Day Weekend

I am so grateful to be a mom! I have the best children in the entire world!  Annie and Nathan are my pride and joy! I love the snuggles I get each morning as they bound into my bed after their clocks strike 7:00am. I love the giggles and sweet words that echo through my halls every day! I love hearing the words they pray each night before bed, showing their growing love for their Father in Heaven and the kindness they show their friends and family.

 

My kiddos got me some very sweet gifts this year for Mother’s day (with help from Daddy). I got “The Blind Side” on Blu Ray, Starbucks gift card, and a beautiful skirt that Annie knew I would like (it was one I had been looking at in the store and she took Ammon back to get it later that night). So sweet.

We were in Eugene for Mother’s Day and had a great time seeing Grandma Peggy and Great Grandma!

Grandma Peggy enjoying cuddles with Lily!

On Monday night we had mom and dad come for dinner and celebrated Mother’s Day a day late before watching “24.”

May greetings from the Farris family: MAY the Force be with you!

Friends for a Lifetime

Last night I had so much fun getting together with two of my dearest friends. We grew up together and now Molly lives in Idaho and Jen lives here in Oregon so the three of us don’t get a chance to get together very often…but when we do it’s like “coming home.”  The conversation is easy, the laughing is contagious, and we just sit in that comfortable place we remember growing up!  

We had a good time catching up on our personal lives, our families and the activities we are all a part of. We talked about our plans, the future, our health and our dreams.  It was short…way too short. But we leave happy, encouraged and wanting more time together soon. Maybe the fall…maybe later…but we know that we will be together again and sit down to have a similar conversation, probably in a different restaurant…because we are Friends for a Lifetime!

My fish

Annie and Nathan love the water!  Annie started lessons when she was 3 years old and is quite a proficient swimmer (but still is learning new swimming strokes and building up endurance). Nathan was in swim camp last summer, but we didn’t feel was quite ready for weekly lessons until now. So on Thursday nights I get to take both kids to the pool for an hour to take swimming lessons! They both were so excited to get in the pool! Here are pictures from their first lesson!

Nathan did great! He listened well to his teachers and is well on his way to floating on his back and stomach…even after just one  lesson.

 

Annie was already swimming up and down the entire length of the pool! She took it well when the director moved her from Level 6 (where she was a year ago) back to Level 5 because she had lost some of the endurance over the past year…which her teacher said was very normal if she wasn’t swimming regularly. I am sure her competitive nature will take her back up to Level 6 in no time!

 

After lessons I let the kids play in the outdoor pool for a little bit before heading home! As you can see…even after an hour of swimming…they are all smiles!

Pie Wars

This was my first attempt at homemade pies. I have made other types of pies…with different types of crusts…but this was my first attempt at a traditional pie crust.  What started the entire slippery slope was a sale (it’s always a sale…isn’t it?) on Granny Smith apples for $.49/lb. What could I do with apples? The price was so cheap I couldn’t pass it up. I thought…apple crisp, maybe even make some applesauce (nope…my kiddos aren’t into that lately)…hmmm…a pie!

I internally argued with myself standing in the EZ Orchards market, “But I have never made a pie…I bet I could though…the crust seems to be the tricky part…Oh Rochelle suck it up and just try it. If you make it, and it flops, you can throw it away without anyone but your four year old knowing your secret.”

So I brought home the apples.  But then standing in the kitchen I thought…if I make an apple pie I should make a marionberry pie too…I have berries in the freezer.

OK…so you brilliant pie makers out there are saying…WHOA…frozen berries…not good for pie making…LET THEM THAW FIRST otherwise the pie will be runny! Yeah, well, live and learn.  I have learned. The taste of both pies was amazing. The Marion berry pie was quite runny though…but because it was my first Marion berry pie I can still say it was the best ever!  The apple pie, on the other hand, turned out great! Ammon is particular about his apple pies….the apples can’t be too crunchy or too soft. I hit the mark and the pie came out brilliantly perfect…crust and all!

So…which one is better? I told you what I thought…but I asked the expert pie man…my husband. Who would prefer a pie over almost any kind of dessert.

Ammon said the apple pie I made above was one of the best he has ever tasted.

Ammon said that it was hard because the Marionberry pie is typically his favorite kind of pie.

The diplomat he is! “BOTH were really good and you should definitely make them again!” What a guy!!!

Annie’s Baptism – May 2nd

“I could have no greater Joy than to hear that my children live in the truth!” 3 John 4

I am so excited to share that Annie was baptized on Sunday! She had been talking to me for the last 6 months about wanting to take this next step in her walk with Jesus. Then during Easter Sunday she was looking through the bulletin at church and noticed an “Adult Baptism Class.”  She leaned over and showed me the announcement and asked, “Mom, do you think they’d let me go even though I am a kid?”  I told her then I would contact her children’s ministry pastor and ask.

To tell you the truth, I forgot to call the church…but not to worry…just a few days later Annie reminded me. So I made the phone call and Annie got to attend two weeks of a children’s baptism class!  I asked her why she wanted to be baptized and she told me, “I want show the world that I love Jesus and want to follow Him all my life!”  Enough said.

I brought Annie to the church at 9am to get ready.  I had a special few minutes where I sat down with Annie and talked with her about what a special day this was and how proud I am that she has made the decision to live for Jesus and to show the world. I also read her Ephesians 3:14-21, a scripture I have prayed for her since she was little. And of course, I cried a little, gave her a hug and told her I would see her upstairs.

Christina and Annie before her baptism at the 9:30am service. Christina (Annie's K-1st grade children's pastor) has been a very special friend and encouraging woman in Annie's life over the past few years. They are very close and it was such a sweet thing that she was able to baptize Annie. It made the morning extra special!Christina brought Annie and Reagan up and sat down in the row in front of us. Annie leaned over to Christina and asked her, “Christina, why do we wear white gowns for baptism?”  Christina explained it was because it represented purity.  Annie quickly asked, “Well then why does Pastor Steve wear a black gown?”  Not knowing exactly how to respond Christina told Annie she might want to ask Pastor Steve.  So Annie leaned over the seat and asked Pastor Steve the same question…he responded by pausing and then saying, “Well, I guess it’s because it’s the only one that fits me.”  Annie is always thinking!

Christina talked with Annie for a few moments before baptizing her. She asked if she believed in Jesus to which Annie emphatically said “YES!”

This morning was a very special day in the life of my daughter! I am so happy and proud! I pray that Annie will continue to grow in God’s love and that the Holy Spirit will guide and direct her growing her roots deep in the Love that HE has to give!

After church we came back home and had a special Baptism BBQ Celebration!  Grandma Peggy, Grandpa Larry, Grandma Sherrill, Grandpa Gordie, Aunt Kendra, Aunt Kim, Uncle Adam and cousins Garrett and Micah came! Daddy grilled up some sausages and hamburgers along with all the fixings…then we had ice cream sundaes for dessert! 

There were several people who gave Annie some very special gifts to help remember this day. Laurie, Jay, Wendy and Katie had come to church to see Annie baptism, but were unable to come to our house for the BBQ…however they gave Annie a very nice card. She also got special cards from her friend’s Sierra and Savannah Adams.  Aunt Amy (who wasn’t able to come) sent a very special purple necklace that she made with a small cross and “Believe” charms, Grandma Peggy, Grandpa Larry and Great Grandma Hume gave Annie a special journal and bookmark and Grandma Sherrill and Grandpa Gordie gave Annie an “Angel of Prayer.”

Game night with our small group

April 30th we invited our small group over to play some games together! It was a great time with fabulous people that we love, and have been really having a great time getting to know better through fellowship and Bible Study!  We played Rich Man, Poor Man (card game), Rock Band (pictures below) and “Ticket to Ride” together. We had a blast together, ate lots of great food and just enjoyed a fun evening (without kids).  Gene and Luella were with us for the card game but called it a night when the clock struck 9pm. It was fun to have them there for a while though!

Scott, Diane and Rachel rockin out on the guitar!

Tony drummin his heart out and it looks like Ammon is rockin out too!

Michael and Heidi belting out a song!

The only thing I am sad about is that I can’t post the video we took of Heidi going crazy on the drums! That girl can let loose!

“The friends who Rock together – Stay together!”

Kendra and Jason’s big news!!!

April 21st I found out the most amazing news! Kendra went in for her first ultrasound and found out they are going to be the proud parents of TWINS!  YEP…I could hardly believe her when she called and told me on the phone from the doctor’s office! In fact, I ended up calling her back about 5 minutes after she had hung up with me to hear the news again! WE ARE SO EXCITED! These babies are such and incredible blessing and their Auntie Rochelle, Uncle Ammon and cousins Annie and Nathan can’t wait to meet them in November or early December!!!

THE PROOF!!! After hearing the news…the next day I drove up to Corban University (where Kendra works) to see in person the ultrasound pictures! 

Birthday Party X Two! – April 17th

This was the first year we were able to celebrate Jason’s birthday with him!  We celebrated his “Forever 29” birthday year!  Kendra invited us all over to their home for snacks and dessert!  His mom, Christine and cousin Josh came up to visit and were here for the party! It was fun seeing them again!   I have to say…it will be a fun year ahead for Jason…lots of new adventures as they announced early in the week that they were “expecting!” We also celebrated Mom’s 61st birthday! 

There is so much to celebrate!  My Mom is such an amazing person!  Always giving of herself and always there to lend a hand!

I especially am so grateful that she is so close with Annie and Nathan. They are so blessed to have an incredible grandmother who loves them so much. I love that she comes to all their events at school or church (if humanly possible), and cries every time because she is so proud of them! She is so patient and will make cookies or play with Play-doh without worrying about the mess!  She colors, or sits on the floor for hours, playing with Legos.  She enjoys the “overnight” visits and makes a point to come early on Monday nights to make sure to see the kids before bed (even though “24” doesn’t begin till 9pm) reading books  and “tucking them in” (which usually takes way too long…sometimes I don’t know if that’s more the kids OR her hanging on to another moment with them).

Then, there is her amazing care and love for me! Over the years I haven’t told her often enough how much I appreciate her so I will take a moment to do so here! Whether it’s just spending time together talking over a cup of coffee (or Candy Cane Lane tea), meeting for a meal together,  her giving an extra hand to fold laundry, giving a listening ear as I am “processing” something going on in my life OR being a my right hand when I am down and out (“my nurse”)…I know I can count on my mom to be there! 

God has blessed our family with you Mom!  You are amazing and I love you so much! Thanks for all you do and how you make our lives better by just being YOU!