Aaaarrrgghhhhh!!!!

This is our invitation that I made (with a little help from the Internet and Photoshop!)So if you know me, then you know that I have a tendency to "over do" things. Apparently I can go a little "overboard". Well... ok, but it is too much fun!!! Things like this just bring out the kid in me! I just really want my kids to have great memories of their birthdays and this is just another way that I can make them feel loved and valued.

If you haven't guessed by now Colton's birthday theme is Pirates of the Caribbean. I have had waaaay too much fun with this theme!

Here is Colton teaching Christopher the art of swashbuckling!

And here is Christopher showing Colton what happens when
another pirate tries to take his gold! Hee hee

Happy Easter!

I have been awake since 4:00 this morning(it's 6:30 as I write this). I cannot blame it on children, or husband or anything else except the pure and simple fact that I am a child at heart. I am so excited to do the eggs and baskets, cook the easter breakfast, dress in our "sunday best", go to church, and have brunch with friends! I just have a song in my heart.
I can't express in mere words the love that I have for Jesus. I revel in his sacrifice. And then the miracle of hope in his resurrection. Hope that this life is not all that we have. Hope that there is something bigger than ourselves. As I experience the sunrise, I imagine "that" morning through the eyes of Mary Magdalene.
Walking to visit the gravesite of your friend, reliving in your mind the tragedy of all that had happened. Not understanding "how could this have happened", "why did this have to happen". You arrive at the tomb in the quiet darkness of the morning and find an alarming sight. The place has been desecrated. Vandals have taken the body and you run to tell your friends what you found. When you all return, you find all the burial clothes neatly folded. Stunned everyone slowly filters back to their homes and you stay, weeping for such a loss. You look up at where your friend was laid to rest and witness a most amazing sight, two angels dressed in white are watching you, puzzled they ask "Woman, why are you crying?" Desperately you say "My best friend, my very being, was taken and I can't even imagine what they have done with him." At that moment, you turn around and there is your friend.

I really encourage you to read John 20 sometime today. It brings me to tears and my heart soars. I love Jesus. And what's most amazing is that He loves me. With every flaw, and disappointment and all of my secret thoughts and feelings, He sees it all and continues to love me. Amazing!

Well the sun is up and I get to throw on my sweatshirt and tiptoe through the frosty grass to hide little plastic eggs filled with candy! Have an amazing Easter day!!!

Here's a picture of the boys' baskets. I hate those pre-packaged baskets that are too expensive and filled with a few pieces of candy and cheaper-than-dollar-store toys.

eeuuuwwww...

Colton: Mom, I like your toothbrush
Me: Oh, thanks...
-look into the bathroom-
Me: Coltonnn, you're not supposed to use other peoples' toothbrushes, that's gross.
Colton: it's ok mom, I will leave a little of my toothpaste on it so you can taste it.

...just wondering what "other" things he may have wanted to see if I could taste... ah, motherhood!

Christopher welcomes Spring

Since being born, Christopher really hasn't had the opportunity to play outside and for that matter in the grass. The early spring weather here in N. Cali was the perfect time to do a little exploring right out in the backyard. I forget how much little ones this size really are enthralled by little details. I just love how precise his pudgie little fingers can be and to watch him trying to pick the little white "flowers".

Update

Hi, I am still here!!! And still in California. Jesse's dads' surgery wasn't as soon as we had hoped, so I was needed a little longer than anticipated. He had his surgery yesterday and is recovering well (continued prayers are needed). I have my plane tickets changed to the 14th so I will be coming home soon. We have been able to do a little touristy stuff since we have been here and here are some of the pictures.



So in an attempt to make this easier and faster for me (dialup connection), I am doing this in 2 posts. Hope you enjoy!

If you didn't know already Jesse was in an accident last Monday. He had a little scratch on his finger and his neck was a little sore. He was x-rayed and they said he looked great. He was at work the very next day. Looking at these pictures I praise God that he walked away unharmed! His door was so squashed that he had to crawl out the back passenger window (shown here).

He said that he remembers the ceiling touching his head... um, ya think!?!

Grandpa Jim showing Christopher the seagulls on the pier.Feeding the seagulls at the pierMama whale and baby whale...um...k

Update (continued)

Christopher with Great Grandma Althea

Christopher and Grandma Linda at the Marina
Christopher's first walk on the beach (looking for agates)
Since 70% of our home in carpeted and has stairs, christopher has been enjoying his walker on the hard wood at Grandma and Grandpa's
I don't know who loves it more!? You are looking at the cleanest boy in Northern California.