Christmas Week

We started the week with the preschool kids singing in big church on Sunday. They sang two songs. Kyle knew the songs and the motions -- he's always singing them at home -- however, he chose not to participate. He was a little out of it. We were all a little off. I hurt my back and was in a lot of pain that morning. I would have stayed home if it wasn't Christmas Sunday. Karis slept in and that also added to the rush and our delay in arriving to church. Makena did great, but when she came down the steps she started to cry. She said she didn't want to do it (it was already over). She said she didn't like all the people looking at her! 

Later that day, we had Derek's staff Christmas party. It started with a service project in the afternoon at a church we partner with throughout the year. Derek took the kids while I rested my back. Afterwards, we went to the dinner party sans kids. Here is a photo of (most of) the church staff and office volunteers. 

We went to the family Christmas Eve service at church. Derek left early and I brought the kids later. I thought it'd be fun to surprise Derek and have Kyle dressed up like him. We all got a kick out of it!

 

It's been fun to watch Kyle participate more in the Christmas festivities this year. He is no longer a baby! He sat through the service and did great. 

These two on the other hand are trouble -- obviously not paying attention as they noticed I was taking pictures with my phone! ;)

Our New Church Family

Before we left on our road trip, we thought the moving truck would arrive on the same day (Friday) or the day after we arrived. While we were on the road, Derek touched base with the moving company.  They told Derek  that our stuff wouldn't arrive at the house until Tuesday of the following week. The only other option was to have our stuff arrive earlier on Thursday. We took the Thursday option so we wouldn't have to be in an empty house for four days.  

Our executive pastor jumped in to help. He met with the realtor to give her a check and get the keys to the house. He spent all day at our house supervising the movers. We knew when we arrived that there would be a lot of things out of place. What we didn't realize was that there were several other people at our house as well that day, from other staff members to the director of the preschool (which is affiliated with the church). They bought and decorated a Christmas tree for us, left wrapped Christmas gifts for the kids, and filled the pantry with snacks, soup and canned vegetables. They also bought some cleaning supplies, Christmas kitchen towels and a candle. We were blown away by their generosity and thoughtfulness.  It was such a nice end to our long journey.  

Here is a photo of our Christmas tree after we added a few of our own ornaments.  

Shortly after we arrived, we've been having meals brought to our home. Our pastor's wife set up a sign-up for people to bring us dinner. We're having dinner bought to us every other day for three weeks so we can focus on unpacking. It's been a huge help not having to make dinner and clean the kitchen every night.  

The youth pastor also arranged for two high school seniors to come over to help me unpack the kitchen.  They were the sweetest girls and were so helpful. They came over for a couple hours on two different days and I'm happy to say that my kitchen is unpacked and functional. I wouldn't be able to say that if it weren't for them!

I am so thankful for all the help that we've been receiving. I'm hoping to one day do the same for a new family in town.  

Trunk Or Treat

Our church had their second annual Halloween event called Trunk or Treat.  A bunch of cars park in a line ready to give out candy.  Each car is decorated in a specific theme and some even have games.  There were hotdogs for dinner, giveaways, bounce houses and lots of cute kids in costumes.  

  

  

The kids had fun collecting candy and eating it along the way.  

  

We didn't stay long because once the sun started to go down it got cold and all three kids are sick right now.  Unfortunately, we didn't see Daddy until the very end.  He was busy serving this huge event (over 1,000 people!).  Makena kept looking around saying, "I can't see Daddy ANYWHERE"and Karis kept telling me, "I just want to give Daddy a hug."  It was a busy church weekend for Derek so the kids hadn't seen much of him all weekend.  Fortunately, we caught him on the way out and they got a lot of lovin' from him.  And then it was all me to put our sugar-loaded kids to bed!

Hanging Out With Our Church Family

At the end of July, our church had a summer BBQ/pool party at a lagoon in Irvine.  Over 200 people came to eat dinner, watch baptisms, and hang out.  It was a fun evening with our church family and the girls had a great time playing in the lagoon (which had sand and a water slide) and making s'mores. 

Derek had the privilege of baptizing people.  I especially loved watching the kids get baptized and can't wait for the day Derek baptizes our kids.  

When it was dark, we packed up and I took the kids home.  Karis asked why Daddy wasn't coming home with us. I told her that he had to stay to clean up.  She asked why (as she always does) and I said it was because it's part of his job.  She responded in a "Mommy-you're-so-silly" kind of voice, "Mommy, Daddy doesn't work at a pool.  He works at church!" Silly 3-year old!

My Separation Anxiety, Not Hers

(by Lena) Like most first time parents, I try to do things by the book as much as possible. Karis is at the age where separation anxiety sets in. I have learned that there are certain things we as parents can do to try to ease the anxiety. While Karis doesn't really exhibit much, if any, separation anxiety, I still try to do what I can to follow certain steps so that she knows when I'm leaving and that I will be back to get her.

When saying good-bye to your child, whether leaving them at home with a sitter or dropping them off in nursery, I learned that you're supposed to give them a little time to get comfortable, kiss and hug them, tell them you're going to be right back (keeping it light), and then leaving and not coming back to comfort them.

Well, last Sunday, I dropped Karis off at the church nursery. I took her out of her stroller and before I even had time to stand up straight, she had dashed into the room and the door shut behind her. "Bye Karis..." I said (to myself) as she was long gone... I kinda wanted a hug and kiss good-bye. I signed her in and filled out the name tag for her, thinking I could go in the room and put it on her. The nursery volunteer stood at the door and said, "I'll take that for you. Enjoy the service!" and he took the name tag and went inside... again, the door shut.

It was funny and sad at the same time... I know Karis enjoys her time there and evidently didn't care much for a proper good-bye but I sure could have used one! I wonder is there is anything in the "book" about parent separation anxiety. =)

p.s. The smile, kiss and mad dash to me when I walked in the room to pick her up was enough to make up for the lack of proper good-bye.

Happy Easter!

We had a busy but great weekend celebrating Easter.  We read Karis the story of Jesus' death and resurrection from her Bible.  We can't wait for the day when she understands the reason we celebrate.  For now, it's the day she put on a dress and spent a long day at church!  

Derek was busy serving at our four Easter services, starting Saturday night.  I made some desserts and then joined him Sunday afternoon at church for a staff lunch.  We attended the service afterwards and then ended the day with a nice dinner at my sister's house.  

We Dedicated Her to the Lord

On February 15, 2009 we stood before our church, friends and family and declared the following:

• We will treasure our child as a gift from God on loan to us.
  
• We will teach our child of God's love and of His gift of eternal life through His Son Jesus.
  
• We will give grace to our child, as grace has been given to us.
  
• We will forgive our hcild, as we have been forgiven.
  
• We will accept responsibility for helping our child discover her God given purpose in life.
  

All The Babies Have Arrived!

All the staff wives on the Saddleback Irvine team has had their babies (see previous post for pre-baby photo).  

On December 17, Erin and Joy came over to bring us dinner.  Karis met Autumn for the first time. 

Skylar was born on December 27.  We visited the Galarza's on the 28th at the hospital where Karis met Skylar.  She was intrigued!

We're looking forward to some great friendships and sisterhood developing among them!

What's in the water at Irvine?

We opened a Saddleback Church campus in Irvine, CA this past Easter (March 2008). Saddleback Church has become "one church with many locations." Derek was brought on as the director of small groups and ministry. It is a perfect blend of his past few years of experience at Saddleback. He started out as an intern on the small groups team and then was part of the ministry team for one year. The all-star team at Irvine also consists of a campus pastor, youth director and children's director. Part-time staff includes a worship leader and a team associate.

Shortly after the team was assembled, each married male staff member announced that his wife was pregnant! Not long after, we all found out that we're having girls! The first to arrive is baby Kerr (campus pastor) at the end of September, then our baby in mid-December, and then the Galarza (youth director) baby at the end of December. I hope the church nursery is ready for them!

We're all first time parents! It's going to be a great ride.
























- Lena