Jessica's 30th Birthday

I didn't know when I turned 30 I would have a husband and two boys and live in the Philippines! Those are the fun papers you write in elementary school "In 20 years I will be..."
Nate took me to "Coco's" and we had New York Stake and Pineapple Shakes.

Taking our little lad on the birthday date.

Two days later my friends helped me celebrate. Here is Rachel and I with our two little second-born sons. Buddies!

We went out for coffee--a fun treat for moms with little ones. Composed of my friends--Jeralyn (Canadian), Rachel (American), and Louise (Irish). Fun to have such international friends. They each gave me 10 of their favorite verses written on 4 X 6 cards so I have 30 verses--one for each day of the month for a year. I hope to memorize them this year.

Thank you, Lord, for 30 wonderful years, for a loving husband, two sweet boys and great friends! (Of course thank you for my family and my own parents who raised me! Now I know what the birthday is for--to thank your mom for giving birth!)

Trying to find a new facebook profile picture. Let's see....my last one was on my 28th birthday, so it is time for an update.

A true "profile" pic.

Serious...contemplative...

or fun and silly? What should I choose?

Just a plain portrait? (Malachi is in the black and white sling by the way--his cocoon)

Malachi's One Month Birthday

Moms have to take two that look really similar in case there is a slight change in expression!

Elijah is into blowing his nose. Must get it from Mama and Papa who constantly make dramatic noises holding kleenex to our noses! The other night Nate was playing "Where is your....(hand, foot, ear)"...He said "Where is your nose?" Elijah jumped up and went to our bedroom to get a kleenex on cue!

So relaxed. I love when he puts his arms up.

STRETCH! (Just imagine how many pictures I actually took...such a proud mom)

I love this little guy!

Time with Papa!

First Band Concert of the year

I love to think back to before there was a band and to see a picture like this now. It is a testimony to all God has done, providing instruments, raising up students to learn to play and giving Nate fulfillment of his vision. Thank you, Lord!

Also continuing to praise God for the new auditorium and stage! This year Nate has a teaching schedule just perfect for him with middle school and high school band. 5th grade band--beginners, two middle school bands (and once a week combined), and high school.

Elijah loves to learn about instruments and can identify them when I ask...like if I say "Trumpet" he buzzes his lips, and if I say "trombone" he moves his arm in and out like a slide. The students are great with helping Elijah learn.

One of his favorite students loves to let him try the valves on the trumpet--such a little budding musician! Unlike previous years of helping lots with concerts, this year I just wheeled around the back with the stroller while carrying Malachi in the sling. It was crazy times but we held together long enough for me to see the concert. I was thankful and also proud of Nate!

Here's the high school jazz and percussion ensemble. Nate even played maracas and trumpet with them for some pieces. I like to see him having fun with them.

Here you can see the improvements made to the sound--the cloth on the ceiling and sound panels. Soon they will install curtains on the stage and lights. The echo is much improved and sounds great (also a new sound system). Praise the Lord for all of that also!

Baby Shower and Baby Dedication

It was so great to have my mom here for Malachi's baby shower and his dedication at church!

It was a double shower. Malachi and Whitaker are buddies from birth. Rachel is a good friend of mine and has a girl about Elijah's age, so we will be having lots of play-dates.

All the ladies at the shower--such a loving community!

The morning of Malachi's dedication to the Lord we had a family walk and of course a photo shoot. I love my guys! A few years ago we had a photo shoot on this same path for our second anniversary. Now look how God has added to our family--praise Him!

Again, thank you, Lord, for this wonderful family. I am such a happy blessed woman!

Praying as a family in church--this is just so special to me.

My mom's last full day with us was in church--I had some tears I tried to hold back but also tried to enjoy every precious moment with her, like this one!

Nate helps a ton with Elijah now that we have two. This is a common place for them at church on Sundays climbing the slide.

Joyful boy--growing fast! He's adjusting better and better as time passes to having to share Mama. My mom helped a ton with the transition!

Playing peek-a-boo with Grandma at church. She is full of such fun ideas and makes Elijah laugh.

Just before he was dedicated officially to the Lord at church. God timed it all perfectly with his eating, being awake and being ready to go on stage.

Pastor Norman welcomes my mom from America. We are thankful to have her there for the public dedication of Malachi to the Lord.

Prayer for our son--Lord we give our son to you and pray you will save him at an early age and use him to bring many people the truth and message of your word.

After grandma left I was learning to care for the boys by myself! I try to keep Elijah from jumping on Malachi's head or kicking him. Let's hug and be very kind.

What an answer to prayer--we asked God to give Elijah a brother. I pray they will become great friends and brothers in Christ also. Elijah looks so proud and loving.

Malachi's First Message

The students meet Malachi for the first time--he is six days old (his first time out)

Malachi preached his first message at six days. The students were really in tune as we shared about the book of Malachi and why we named him Malachi.

Here I am sharing about "my messenger" (I look like I'm feeling a bit weak, eh? First time out of the house, you know).

Thanks to my high school friend, Jana, I had a song for Malachi 1.11 that I taught to the students. "My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought unto my name, for my name will be great among the nations."

Here is the middle school learning about Malachi. It was encouraging to hear them repeat back to me what they had learned. Exactly the main points of the book. Good listening, students!

Morning moments outside Nate's classroom. We love you, buddy.

Attempt at a photo shoot--Elijah was not so fond of the idea.

Papa loves you!

First drum lesson. After a few strikes of the drum Malachi started to cry. Nate said, "Well, that is enough drum lessons for one day!"

A random cute picture on his one week birthday! I had him wear this outfit each saturday in honor of his first day of life. I love his eyes and poofy cheeks.