Hermosa Beach

Last weekend we went to Hermosa Beach to spend the afternoon with my childhood friend and her daughter's family. Cindy and I have known each other since we were six years old. We lived close to each other and were best friends all through school. The summer of our 16th year of life our paths parted, but to this day our friendship remains strong. We love the times we can spend together and love sharing the blessings and tests that God has brought into our lives. I consider myself so blessed to have this friend!

Cindy and Sid

Our afternoon was a bit windy and also cloudy. But the clouds were beautiful to see, since we get so few cloudy days at this time of the year. The little boys did love playing in the sand and exploring the many wonders of the beach. We also saw four helicopters fly over in formation just before we headed back to the house. It was impressive- and very loud!

This was the view of the sunset from the hot tub located on the roof. (The beach was only two blocks away.) We had such an enjoyable afternoon. Thanks, dear friends, for sharing your family time with us!

Women of Faith conference

The past two days I (Marilyn) attended the WOF annual conference. It has been about three years since I was able to go to this event, so I was really looking forward to the event. (Two of my co-workers gave me a ticket as a birthday gift; what a delightful surprise!)

There were great times of worship in song, laughter and tears! One of my favorite speakers has always been Sheila Walsh, and she challenged me again this year by her talk on letting God have complete control of my life. The first evening we also enjoyed some fantastic music by Steven Curtis Chapman. He started his mini-concert by singing "How Great Thou Art," which is so significant considering the tragedy and pain that his family has gone through the past year. His message of the hope of heaven was so heart-felt, knowing that now his precious daughter awaits him on those eternal shores.
But I must say that the greatest highlight of the two days, was being able to spend so many hours with my dear friend Cindy! Not only do we share many hours together at work, but we also share a deep love for our Savior. Thanks for a wonderful time together, dear friend; blessings always!

So Big!

This sweet little one is growing up! She sits so straight and tall now...

and she's sporting her first tooth...

and spreading her love all around!
How fun to watch you growing up, K!

Always learning new things

Our wonderfully talented and super-smart grandson is at the age when he is learning how to do so many new things! It is so much fun to see things through his little eyes and enjoy all over again all the simple little skills that we each had to learn (so long ago!)

We are very excited that he is learning how to cheer the Vikings to the Super Bowl--one touchdown at a time...
and there are the intricate objects that require complex motor skills...
and the puzzles...

and riding his new trike...

and counting and sorting with gpa...

putting on his Kroc's (he even gets them on the correct foot most of the time!)...

and building with blocks! Oh, so much to learn! Such a smart little boy!

Of weddings, and friends, and other things...

It's been too long since I last updated this site, but now I'll try to catch up a bit. These are some of the recent events that we have been busy with: first off, the wedding of a young couple from our church. We have enjoyed watching their love grow in the few years that we have been here and it was certainly a joy to be involved in their wedding.

M&K at the rehearsal.

The decor was simple and elegant

Blessing the couple with the parental pledges of support and prayer

The couple had a sand ceremony instead of a unity candle. It was very meaningful.

Our table at the reception dinner

The handsome pastor and his Mrs

Just in time for the wedding, our church installed new carpeting. The sanctuary looks so nice now and we are all happy with the results.

Also last weekend, I helped to plan a baby shower for my friend B who recently joined her husband here in the States. She and her lovely daughters attended our church until they moved further east. Having her around gives us yet another touch of Africa...

Our women's ministry recently hosted a fun event called "Faith, Fondue, and Flipflops." The evening was a balmy 82, the fondue was delicious, the flipflops that the girls wore were cute, and the lessons of faith were very interesting.
Our leader, Sharon, gave several examples from Scripture of people who would have "flopped" in their faith, if they had not "flipped" for Christ. Even though we were not as large a crowd as we had hoped, we had a wonderful time together!

Another Girl!!!

It's official...he asked her and she said yes!

Congrats to Jared and Heidi!
We are so thrilled to add another girl to our family. We love you and wish you God's very best!

welcome home!

After a very busy day at work, I (Marilyn) came home to this surprise!

Daddy cut his finger a week ago and wanted some stiches removed, so he brought his whole family along for the event!

(Good decision, huh?)
What a joy to see this sweet, smiling, little face after seeing patients all day.
And, we really enjoyed our visit with these two precious ones also!