Cotton Candy Diner in Chester, CA.

As a young girl, some of my best family vacation memories were those when we visited old diners or well known restaurants.  These places have so much history and the opportunities to try new foods are endless.   During our stay at Lake Alamonor we toured the town of Chester and ate lunch at the Cotton Candy Diner.   The kids enjoyed the super long french fries, the cotton candy, the phone booth (still in use), and all the old toys, tools, kitchen utensils, etc. hanging from the ceiling of this 50's diner.   We laughed and just enjoyed being silly for the day.  Later that night, we made ice cream sundaes back at the cabin.

This was the first time the kids had ever seen a phone booth in person.  They could hardly believe that we really used to call people this way.  

These next three photos tell a story of what we found Kelden doing when his ice cream mug was empty. He had no idea that anyone was watching him at the time these photos were taken. He was more concerned with how he was going to get some more.

God's Timing is Perfect!

I was reminded today during my devotions that God's timing is not just perfect-it is beautiful!

As a fire fighter's wife and a mother of four children my life is a constant balancing act. The daily tasks are much too great for me, but WITH God they are manageable...one task at a time.

In my journey, I have found two books by Sarah Young to be both a source of hope and a source of encouragement-Jesus Lives & Jesus Calling

Today, I flipped opened to March 29 & this is what I read-

"STOP TRYING TO WORK THINGS OUT before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything, and everything in its time.

A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things. so that in Me you may have Peace."

(Ecclesiastes 3:1, John 16:33)

WOW! Asking is my weakness. Continually seeking God with EVERYTHING throughout my WHOLE day. The challenge is great, but the reward is living peacefully with my God and with others.

Valentines Day

Valentines Day is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it-the colors, the hearts, the treats, the mood, the parties & did I mention...all the hearts! This year was very special. Brian gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers & the novel "The Vow". So Romantic. Nana Warta blessed us with so many homemade sweets.

Hailey made my morning exceptional by surprising me with a gift she had put together from her & the kids. The card she made was heart-warming. Each gift had a special, personal message attached. I got a kick out the battery. She told me, 'Thanks for being our energizer". She blesses me richly with her creativity and thoughtfulness.

Filling Valentines with daddy.

Selling the last of our chocolate at the very last minute!

I have always desired to sew aprons for my kiddoes. We all love working with our hands in the kitchen. Every holiday is so full that I always run out of time. So, I set a high goal to finish all 4 of them by Valentines Day. After 2 late nights, I completed 3. Kelden & mommy are still working on his together. I am not much of a sewer, but I have learned so much. The project was a lot of fun and the kids expressions was even better!

Kelden's first hallow piece of chocolate. He didn't know whether to play with his dog or bite of his head. He had the whole table rolling in laughter.

Thank you Nana Warta & Aunt Casey for the yummy, yummy chocolate!

Honoring our Young Lady

Our little girl is growing into a beautiful young lady. She brightens each day with her radiant smile and her cheerful spirit. Her inner strength & servants heart is admirable to us all. Hailey we love you just the way you are.

Hailey's loves-

When Hailey is not enjoying a good book she is tending to her small farm.

Shelby joined the flock over the summer.

Scarlett was her new Spring addition.

Hailey inherited 3 chickens & 1 rooster this fall for a grand total of 9 chickens. The rooster just happens to be confused on the hour he should cock.

Hailey's Experiences-

Hailey's friend asked her to help coach an Upward Cheer squad of nine 3rd & 4th graders.

Hailey is sad to see the season wrapping up.

Not only did Hailey get her hunting license this year, but she went on 5 hunts including the most recent pheasant hunt where she shot her first kill.

Sophie was bred in the fall and will be expecting her first kid in late Feb.-early Mar. Hailey discovered that bathing a goat is no easy task.

Hailey empired for Keagan's soccer team in the Fall.

Making a fondue cake was one of Hailey's birthday requests. She loves watching DC Cupcakes & Cake Boss so she was inspired to make a cake herself. It was fun but a lot of hard work. She has a new appreciation for the professional bakers.

Tasted her first oyster.

Worked as a server for Firehouse BBQ.

Said 'goodbye' to the elementary campus.

Entered the high school campus as a 7th grader.

Enjoyed junior high volleyball.

Braved wearing the gillie suit to school for Sports Day

on the same day as Bethany's Lua.

Mastered the popping popcorn on the stove and perfecting a few popcorn flavors.

Assisting & dabbling in the power tools to improve the animal pens.

Hailey was awarded the 'Sun Burn' award at canoe camp.

Joined dad & friends at the Nazarene Canoe Camp in Redding.

Learned a few sewing techniques by Grandma Marilyn.

Attended a third year at Word of Life Bible Camp in Redding.

Worked for Grandpa Jim by raking & picking up walnuts.

Hailey's Love for Family-

Kelden is near and dear to Hailey's heart.

Hailey & Mom enjoy many things together but talking is our favorite pastime.

Miss JoAnn is Hailey's amazing Sunday School teacher!

First Duck Hunt

Keagan went on his first duck hunt with Brian and some dads from the firehouse. They had a blast! Keagan shot 7 coots. Kelden was mesmerized by the birds and wanted to help all along the way. The thought of my little two year old touching these dead birds groused me out, but I had to remind myself, 'boys will be boys'. Its nothing that a little water and A LOT of soap won't take care of. Watching these two boys as they interact with each other just melts my heart. Enjoy!