drive in

friday night we had our first experience at the drive in. it was so much fun. we went with another family whom we just adore! we brought pizza, drinks, popcorn, candy, blankets and wore our pjs. the movie was funny and we even stayed for the second one - however everyone except levi fell asleep. melinda and i both brought our cameras and attempted to document this memorable night. here are some of the shots that i took, none are good, but will be in my mind as the most fun to take thus far. we were laughing so hard because it was completely dark outside and the flash on the camera went off several times before actually snapping the picture. we were all totally blinded many times before the movie began. it was definitely a night we'll remember!

melinda and her camera

taylor trying to keep her eyes open for the picture

levi and loren

brett was blinded

levi couldn't keep his open

several blinding attempts at taking a picture with all 8 eyes open was unsuccessful. but here is one where they all smiled! i can't wait to go again!

taylors first soccer game

today i was a soccer mom, a very loud and excited soccer mom. my sweet taylor tried out for the school team and made it. she is one of just a few 4th graders to make the co-ed team of 4th-6th graders. yeah taylor! when she started playing soccer, we affectionately called her "turn around taylor" because she would aggressively take the ball, take it down the field, shoot and score...for the wrong team. i yelled "turn around taylor!!" all season long.

this year, it looks like she will be called tough girl taylor, she was the only child to get hurt during the game - and it didn't just happen once, it happened twice. she didn't cry nor did she come out of the game. once she fell flat and the other she was knocked in the face. she may wake up with a fat lip, but she'll wear it proudly to school. harvest beat the other team considerable but we stopped counting at half time. it was very exciting!

here is taylor head to head, er, um chest with an older girl from the other team.

her coach is telling her the position she will play

one of the times she was knocked, she took a penalty kick.

she's aggresive during the game, look at her go!

praying for maria

i got to spend the day with two very special people - maria and my mom.

this is my sister, maria. she came to our family 12 years ago, when she was 9. she has been through a lot in her life and is a blessing to us. she is currently at western med stumping the doctors with her "episodes" which now know aren't seizures. we don't know what they are or what is causing them. poor girl is so tired of the poking and meds. she has been a trooper.

my hero in this is my amazing mom, who has been by maria's side non stop. she is tired and feeling worn out, but she won't leave, maria needs her. maria is deaf and has faced more in her 21 years than anyone should ever have to face in their life. my mom is selfless, she is the most patient, giving, caring and strong woman i know. she is maria's advocate.

please pray for maria to heal. pray for the doctors to gain wisdom. pray for my mom continue to be filled with God's love, strength, grace and mercy.