Bunco!

I'm secretly (or not so secretly) super competitive.

But I kind of can't help it.

it runs in my family.

You should see us at family get togethers.

It can get i.n.t.e.n.s.e.

Anyways, on the third Monday of every month 

I get to sneak away with the girls and get my bunco on. 

We roll the dice, 

and chat 

a lot,

and snack

a lot,

and every now and then I even come home with a prize!

You have to love a game where there is even a prize for the biggest loser!

It's one of the things I look forward to every month.

Any other bunco lovers out there?

Baby Caleb

One of my best friends had her baby boy last week.

Sweet baby Caleb

was born super early at 24 weeks gestation and was

14 ounces and almost 11 inches long. 

He is the cutest, tiniest little guy I have ever seen.  

He is such a testimony and reminder of what a great big God we serve. 

Our God is the author and sustainer of life. 

He is in control of all things. 

And He is altogether good.
Even in the midst of trying times.

And we have been giving God all the praise for sweet Caleb!

Caleb has been doing so well since he was born! 

He may be tiny but he sure is a fighter.  

I like to refer to him as superbaby. 

I can't wait to see what God has in store for this special little guy. 

The Lord has already used him to teach me (and so many others) more about Himself and to draw us closer to Him.

It's so fun to just sit back and watch God at work. 

He is so good! 

winter in the OC

 It was 81 degrees today.

So we went to the lake with some friends.  

I love winter in Southern California. 

And I love chunkie babies in bathing suits. 

Hope you guys are having a great day too!

Four kiddos

Last week I got a taste of being a Mommy of 4.

We watched our friends 2 kids while they were out of town.

It was a fun. crazy. adventure.

Here are some things I learned about having 4 kids

all under the age of 5.

It's pretty much impossible to get a good picture of all 4 kids together.

4 kids produce lots of laughing

(and crying).

Recruit the older ones to help whenever you can.

There is such a thing as controlled chaos.

Stick to a schedule but be flexible.

When all else fails...

whip out a snack.

Be armed with a ridiculous amount of crafts and coloring.

And dress up clothes.

Expect there to be one (or 3) kids in your lap at all times.

There is never a dull moment

and rarely a quiet house.

Go to bed really early

or drink lots of caffeine.

You will need lots of energy.

Plant a garden

and buy a cow

and chickens.

4 kids go through food like you wouldn't believe.

And be prepared for lots of fun, hugs, funny stories and excitement.

Happy weekend

Jacuzzi Swimming.

Tree Swinging.

BBQing.

Kite flying.

Trampoline jumping.

Citrus picking.

Camel petting.

Hanging out with good friends.

Fun.

Happy Weekend!

I'm bragging...

about my friends

because, well...

they are amazing.

One of my friends, Cyndi,

is like Martha Stewart

but better.

She threw a fancy Christmas party.

She cooked a 4 course meal.

Plus appetizers.

And let me tell you...

it was am.az.ing.

Every. single. course.

Yup.

That's real holly.

Because that's the way Cyndi rolls.

During dinner conversation...everyone shared how the gospel has affected their life this past year.

Good stuff.

Oh and my friend Michelle made this Crocquembouche.

So yummy!

I feel so blessed and thankful to have such amazing friends!

Glittery birds

I love sparkles.

Especially at Christmas time.

And I love girls night.

Especially when we craft Christmas ornaments

eat yummy food

and fellowship with friends.

Here are some of my glittery creations.

My friend pre made the yummy smelling cinnamon birds (courtesy of Martha) and everyone glittered them up as they liked.

Wouldn't it be cool to have a whole tree full of these?

With red, silver and gold balls...I can see it already.

Thanks girls for a fun night!

Good Friends, Good Food, Good Fun

The Kiddos

The Men

While I was taking the picture above (which was a challenge because none of the boys were cooperating) Mackenzie snuck into the house and helped herself to a hamburger bun

She loves her food...especially bread. I wonder where she gets that from :)

The Mama's

Thanks Cyndi for always opening your home and having fun get togethers!