We are still alive!!!

Well here we are and it is already the first of July and I haven't posted in a really long time.  My apologies to you all!  When we decided to come back to Texas we thought that we would have time to rest and relax but it has been quite the opposite.  Four days after we arrived Bryan flew back to LA to preach at the Chinese Bible Church's retreat, four days later we flew to Lubbock, TX to visit Bryan's dad and to pick up our car, then on our way home we made a pit stop to visit Bryan's grandparents in Wichita Falls.  The day we arrived to see his grandparents his Dedaddy was put into ICU.  The Lord was gracious to allow us to see him one last time before he past away about a week later.  Bryan had the privilege of preaching his funeral message and presenting the Gospel to many who have heard it all their lives and probably many who have not.  

After returning from Wichita Falls we went over to Conroe to spend some time with our dear friends, the Carlson's.  We celebrated their son's 2nd birthday and then came back home to make it time to honor my dad, Bryan, and James(my brother-in-law) on Father's day.  Three days later we left to go back out of town to my parent's lake house to relax for the weekend.  So as you can see we have gone non-stop since we have arrived.

On July 4th we are flying to Tennessee b/c Bryan is preaching at a week long youth camp with Vince Greer's church.  I am getting to go with him to be with him and support him in that!  Nathanael is getting to stay with his Grammy for the week.  I am excited to get to go with Bryan but very very sad to leave Nathanael for this long.

Our new doctor's name is Justin Gayle.  He is very personable and is always willing to spend ample time answering any questions we have.  We had our 28 week doctor's appointment last week and Caleb is growing at the average rate that he should be.  He is extremely active, moving and kicking all the time.  

It has been difficult being big pregnant and keeping up with Nathanael.  Bryan has been such a huge help with Nate... I could not do it without him.

Hopefully this helps catch you all up...I will post some new pics in the next couple of days!  

Nathanael's First 1st Birthday

The reason I say Nathanael's First 1st Birthday Party is because this is his CA party with his friends and his Texas party is in a few weeks.

We had so much fun on Saturday celebrating the 1st birthday of our little miracle baby, Nathanael.  I honestly have a hard time believing that a year has gone by but it has!  We did a little fire truck theme party and invited a few of Nathanael's little friends. Katelynn, Hudson and the Norton kids all came to play and celebrate. We had yummy Subway sandwiches to eat and lots of playtime at the park.  It was forecasted to rain all day but it ended up being one of the most beautiful days we have seen yet in SoCal.  

By the time it was gift opening time Nathanael was exhausted and just crawled up in my lap and started sucking his thumb (which means please put me to bed!).  He got some rally fun toys that he has very much enjoyed playing with over these past couple of days.  We are thankful for great friends and the fun time that we had!

One of our high school students, Hailey, came and took pictures for us so that we could just enjoy the day.  She got some really good ones! Enjoy!

too cute to resist!

Mexican Meatballs

So I had no clue what I was going to make for dinner tonight all that I knew was that it was going to be something with ground beef.  I was talking to Lori on the phone and I asked her for ideas for dinner... one of the things she said was meatballs.  Bryan is not a huge fan of meatballs so I decided to change it up a little and make some Mexican meatballs.

I dug around in my refrigerator and found some different items that are used when cooking Mexican style meals.  So, I made Mexican Meatballs and boy did they come out yummy!  I have to share what I did with you.  All of these measurements are not exact so just do what looks good to you...

Mexican Meatballs

Preheat oven to  400 degrees.

1 pound of ground meat

handful of cilantro, chopped

1/2 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

1/4 onion finely chopped

1/4 bell pepper finely chopped

handful of bread crumbs

1 egg beaten

1 big handful of grated pepper jack cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients together and make good size meatballs.  Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.  Enjoy!

I served this with black beans (I added a tbls. or so of Rotel for a little kick) and rice.  Yummy!

Can I take a nap yet?

So, I was doing some things around the house this morning and Nathanael had gotten really quiet... you know what this means.  Usually, TROUBLE!  So I go looking for him and since are apartment is tiny it didn't take me long to find him. He was in his room and this is what he was doing....

My Preacher Man

Bryan preached yesterday in the High School department at Grace.  I wasn't able to stay for the whole thing b/c Nathanael wasn't feeling well but I heard he did an outstanding job! I am posting the link were you can download it and we can listen to it together.  Thanks for loving and praying for us!  

The Lord continues to bless!

www.gracechurch.org/ministries/audiodownloads.asp?ministry_id=4

Easter Sunday

Here are a few pictures from this morning.  Nathanael is such a handsome little man!  We had a great time celebrating the resurrection of Christ this morning!  Hopefully it is something that we are mindful of year round and not just on Easter Sunday.  Enjoy the pics!