Ivan Tom

Tonight we were out running errands.  We had a few stops to make.  Since Levi is doing such a great job with potty training, we had to stop when from the back seat we heard him yell "I have to go...." So we found a McDonald's and also got some dinner.  We found a table and sat next to Ivan Tom.  Ivan Tom was so sweet and was talking to us about our children.  He told us that he was one of 16 children and that he was right in the middle.  He encouraged us and asked us if we were Christians right after Mark prayed before we ate.  We said "yes we are" and he told us he was too.  Then we talked about church and the blessing that children are. He encouraged us to "train them up in the way they should go."  He then shared with us that he has 4 sons and his youngest son is our Senator Rodney Tom.  It's always neat to visit with people.  You just never know who will encourage you or who you might get to encourage. 
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.  Hebrews 3:13

Mark's Birthday

 Yesterday was Mark's 36th birthday.  I met Mark when he was 26.  I have almost known him for 10 years! We had a really nice day.  I made Mark a big breakfast, one of his favorites. Spuds, eggs with bacon and hot sauce all over it.

 We did gifts in the morning when Mark's mom showed up.  She spent the day with us. 

 We got Mark some fancy canned coffee drinks, 3 new ties that Lulu picked out (thrift store finds), PJ bottoms, some new chili paste and hot sauces, 2 books (thrift store finds) and some of fun things. 

 Mark's mom and step dad are now up in Washington for a while.  They own a warehouse north of us about 45min and they are trying to get it rented.  So until it's rented they are now living in their motor home in the warehouse.  We are so excited about that because we get to see Mema so much more now.  I'm sure we will be going up to the warehouse soon and Papa Tony will hopefully get to meet Levi and Ila for the first time.  God's plans aren't always what we would choose but we know that there is a plan and a purpose.  Papa Tony (Mark's step dad) has never met Levi or Ila so having them this close hopefully will be a blessing and answer to prayer.  We are praying that God would move mountains in that relationship.

 Here is Levi doing the happy dance as Mark was opening his gifts.

 Lulu helped make this cake and she put in the candles too!  This cake is from the Duggar's website HERE. It was very yummy. 

Here is Mark with him mom, Connie. 

Happy 36th Birthday Mark!

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

Happy 36th Birthday Mark!

Happy Birthday!!  Look how cute you were! 

You were born on your due date.Your grandma drove your mom from Ashland, OR to Medford to the hospital there.  Your dad was at work that day.  When your mom had your brother 3 years earlier the doctor told her that the next time she has a baby to be close by since it would go as fast.  When your mom felt the first "butterflies" (as she described them) they headed to the hospital.  When they got to the hospital there was no room in delivery and your mom's contractions were coming on really fast.  So they gave her a shot to stop her labor until there was more room.  Your grandma and mom waited and waited.  Finally your mom felt the urge to push and your grandma ran to get the nurse.  The nurse came in and told your mom that she didn't know what she was feeling and that she was not ready to push.  But when she check your mom, you were crowning!  The doctor didn't even get his coat on and out you came.    

Your mom told me that when you were 3 months old she was up late and couldn't sleep because at this time your dad had left and you all had been in a homeless shelter and just now into a new apartment.   She put you in the swing to sleep by her in the living room.  She looked over at you and your were limp and blue.  She ran an grabbed you and she shook you and you gasped for air.  She ran to the neighbors and they called 911 and took you to the hospital.  They think you had what could have been SIDS.  Praise God your mom was right there with you.

From the moment your mom brought you home your brother loved you so much.  He would tell your mom "my baby."

One thing I find funny is that your mom had to spank you a lot!  Your brother she only spanked once or twice.  She said you love to test her and would make her so angry sometimes, but yet still just melt her heart. 

The thing I love to hear about you from your teenage years is that you were liked by everyone.  You didn't have a "group" and you weren't part of the "cool" clique or the jocks.  You loved the Lord and was kind to everyone you met. 

 Even today you are so kind to everyone and you have a very caring, compassionate heart.  You love to learn and just tonight you told me you wished you could be in God's word 24/7.  I love seeing who God is molding you to be.  You are my best friend and I love how much fun life is with you! You are an amazing dad and I love watching you with our children.  I can't wait for more with you!

Happy 36th Birthday!  I love you.

Turkey!

 This evening my parents came over so my mom could drop off our new topic to learn about.  Turkeys!

Look how cute this turkey is that my mom made us!

 Then my mom told us inside the turkey was something to snack on. So she carved it and Lulu and Levi were excited with anticipation on what it could be.

 Popcorn!  Our favorite snack.

 Here we all are (Ila May was napping).

 Mark got the turkey leg.

 The kids ended up having a blast (and making a mess) playing with the pop corn. Levi was on the hunt for any un-popped kernels. 

 My dad and Lulu

 Ila May woke up and missed our entire turkey dinner.  Yes, this was our dinner.  Growing up popcorn was an actual dinner we all enjoyed (usually on the weekends when my dad cooked).  How we ate it was with grated Tilamok Sharp Cheddar Cheese on top.  So yummy!  Mark and I have been married almost 7 years and the past 2 years or so he has finally agreed that popcorn and cheese can actually be a dinner.  And recently when we talk about what we should have for dinner, he now says "let's have popcorn and cheese."

Sisterly love.  Lulu and Ila just love eachother.