Reconnecting

I love Facebook! We have been able to find so many friends.  One of the newest finds are all of the people who we traveled with back in 1989 with Continental Singers.  I know, that is sooo long ago.  We are spread out all over the globe; yet through the computer, we keep in touch on a regular basis - for free:)  It is great to see everyone still singing or playing in worship bands - some are pastors, teachers, missionaries, public leaders etc.  Everyone  still has a passion for the Lord and serves Him with their whole heart.  Once I find a picture of Craig and I from back then, that won't scare too many of you, I will have to post it for all to see - think 80's style and big hair.  Oh my...

Hello Wilson!

Blake had a liver biopsy today to confirm a diagnosis of Wilsons Disease from his doctors. It is a condition where the liver cannot process the mineral, copper (who knew?). Only 1 in 30,000 people have this disease - so Blake is above normal:) He was so brave and such a trooper today - he didn't cry or show any fear through all the blood draws, IV's etc...he was actually really cool about the whole thing. He did however have a reaction to the anesthesia when they tried to wake him up. He apparently went "kung fu" (his brothers words) on the nurses - kicking, waving his arms, grabbing things, etc..oops. I would have loved to see that. Thank you to all our family and friends who prayed for him today. There was great peace about the whole thing and we are really blessed.

Blake in preop with his St. Patrick's Day hat (thanks ME)

Blake in recovery after a long "nap"

Desert Spring

As I am working in the house today; laundry, organizing, downloading pictures (to post on this blog), etc... I have all the windows open and spring is in the air! So much so, that Craig II and I are feeling the effects of it. Ah sweet blooming Palo Verde Trees and Claritin - what a match!

Still Trying

I have such great pictures to post from our trip, with stories and blessings to go along with it. Our computer is sick, which is making it hard to stay online long enough to post anything. So, we are taking it to the doctor, and hopefully it will be fixed. In the meantime I will be working, patiently, on writing something to post as soon as it lets me :(

Ready to be stretched

Our family is leaving this Friday morning to go to Puerto Penasco , Mexico. We are part of a team from our church (150 people) that are going to help some families, by building them a home. Mind you, this is not a "trip" to Mexico. It is tent camping, with very "rustic" facilities - meaning, there basically aren't any (stretch). I can't believe I am saying this - but I can't wait to go! We went last year and were blessed beyond belief. Knowing what I know now, I am a little nervous about a few things (stretch), but overall I can't wait to meet our family and get started! The weather forecast is showing rain (stretch), and I can imagine that will make things a little interesting. This trip is so much more than a whirlwind of construction. It is unbelievable that in 3 days, from the ground up, we construct a home for a family - 4 walls, a roof, 2 doors and 2 windows. Nothing else-no electricity, running water, etc. This is more than they could ever ask for, and we are humbled that we are called to provide. God has really blessed this trip in so many ways before we even leave town- financially, supplies, people, etc.  We would love it if you would pray for us as we travel and work,  that we would put aside our own personal needs and not complain when it gets rough (stretch).  Also pray for the families who we will minister to - we have a great opportunity to show the love of Christ as we work side by side for a brief 3 days.  This is going to be an amazing experience, and I look forward to posting picture and stories for you when we get back. :)

A few thoughts...

Instead of trying to remember to post all the time with the fun and interesting things that go on around here, I am going to try a different approach.
So, with that being said...

• History was made last week- may not like it, but we will pray anyway
• Cardinals in the superbowl- who knew?
  
• An oldest son who is soo close to being taller than I am
  
• A youngest son who loves football
• A husband who is a working machine and is so good at his job; yeah to a new dealership!
• A kids praise team that gets it!
• A job that stretches me; and it is good
• Friends our sons have chosen; so much fun
• Surprise nerf gun attacks!
  
• International beer fest invites:)
• Guitar lessons and an oldest son who likes them
• The end of the tunnel for a youngest son and his braces; almost
  
• Strong family study - looking forward to the journey
  
• Golden spoon certificates from an honor roll student
• Helping choose high school courses for next years registration
  
• Mexico trip meetings and prep work
• Friends that are blessings and we can't live without
• Isaiah 40:28-31

I Can Only Laugh!

Yesterday was one of those days. A morning that was stressful, yet manageable (prayer works well), an afternoon that was fun(doing laundry, watching football and having some of Craig II's friends at the house), and an evening that turned out to be eventful. I decided to order pizza for dinner - big favorite of jr. high guys. Since I ordered over the phone, the delivery guy would need to see my debit card when he came to the door. Craig handled the transaction with my card when the pizza came. I made sure everyone was "good to go", and went grocery shopping. After my marathon shop, I was putting all my bags into my cart and started to pay, when I panicked, realizing I never got my debit card back from Craig. I called Craig to ask him to come and "bail me out", urging him to come quickly. He said he was just getting off the freeway to take one of Craig II's friends home. I asked that he come and help me first, and joked that he needed to drive fast, but just don't get a ticket. Well....10 minutes goes by and Craig II calls ("Mom, you won't believe this") to tell me that they have been pulled over! I seriously could not have made this up. Craig got a warning (what?!!) and a lecture and came to the store to save me. So, all I can do is laugh. We will start over again today; it's a blessing to know God is in control:)

SISTERS

OK, guarda che è così carino

translation is a little off I think :)

xo

So...

I have realized that much can happen since my last post. My sister and her boys were here, we celebrated Christmas, my dad and his wife Dena came for a visit, and we celebrated New Years.

Here are a few pictures of the events mentioned above...

Family Time

My sister and her boys arrived safely tonight from California. Dominic and Dante are so funny; they make us laugh. I am sure there will be plenty of photos to post soon:)

A Thanksgiving to Remember

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, our family went to Colorado for a fun, yet too quick trip.
Thanks Dad and Laurie for a great time together; Chrysler family, it was just like old times.
We love all of you!

We have much to be thankful for!

(Sorry this post took so long to be available. The photos were a nightmare to load; and there are lots to look at. Captions are below the pictures)

We woke the boys up to take this photo! Didn't want them to miss the moment:)

Amazing what you see while driving the interstate! "Mom, check out the mit and baseball" "Where?" "Out your window" :)

Decorating cupcakes with Grandma Laurie

We made our cupcakes look like turkeys

Getting ready to fry the turkey; tell me, does Blake look a little cold? :)

In it goes! 17lb. bird that cooked in 55 minutes! I was really worried about how it would taste, but it was so good. Who knew?

Craig II and Grandma "Duff"

The first family member to fall into a couch/turkey coma!

Family picture: Herrman's, Norkett's and McDuff's

Craig and his sister, Stacy

Blake and Papa riding the ATV

Craig II getting driving instructions

There he goes!


The cousins!

Aunt Pam, Craig and Aunt Sharon

Brothers riding

So cold, and having so much fun!

Falcon in the field

Family poker game

Blake and Tartan-buddies for the weekend!

Papa, Grandma and the boys

TJ, Justine, Craig II and Blake


Getting ready for a snowball fight

No gloves, but still fun

Beau Jo's pizza night

Sarah, Craig, Andy and Kara- picking up where we left off

Yes, that is the correct temperature

A very cold family!

The start of driving home in the snow

Leaving the Rockies behind

A night drive into Arizona

Gods Creation

We had our trees trimmed recently,

and this is what was left on the tree

from where a branch was cut...

Home!

We got home tonight at 8pm, after a 15 hour drive from Colorado! I will be posting photos and stories in the days to come; needless to say we have much to be thankful for.

It Has Finally Happened

13 years ago, I knew that one day, Craig II was going to grow up in front of my eyes. He always seemed to be a little taller than everyone his age. It was confirmed today, that my son, Craig II is only 1/2 an inch shorter than I am! He is 5'6" tall! I can't believe I look my son in the eye. He's not far from being taller than his dad either - I am sure you'll hear from us when that day happens!

Here are the boys pictures from school this year - Blake is not far behind his brother; he is still a skinny little thing, but is growing like a weed!

Thanks!

A big thank you to all of you who came to Holiday Palooza today! It was fun to see all of you there. For those who couldn't make it, I missed you! I even brought out Christmas decorations, and played Christmas music to help get us in the Christmas "mood". I have catalogs for the items that were available today; if you are interested in getting anything, just let me know:)

Invitation!

HOLIDAY-PALOOZA!
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008

1:00pm-3:00pm
Sarah's house

Come ready to enjoy some great yummies to eat and drink,

and the opportunity for
one-stop-shopping for yourselves or others for Christmas.

I am featuring:
Pampered Chef, Ashman Candles, Cookie Lee Jewelry,

Arbonne Skincare Cosmetics and Tobi Hancock Photography

All great ideas for gifts!
Bring a friend! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Gotta Love Those Kids

So, today Sarah needed help in the nursery since she had a worker call in. She asked me yesterday to help out third service. I said alright I can do that. As we started the morning we had very few little ones. Then more and more showed up, I see why there is about 1:1/1:2 ratio, these little ones keep you on your toes. Although I was the only father/man in there, I think I will be missed next week. To all you Dads out there, I encourage you to be a part of the childrens ministry, those little ones need us to be around watching and teaching them as well as these mothers. Even if you only help once a month it is time well spent. Parents your children today were very well behaved.

Some additional thoughts and my point of view--
Brynn what a sweetie and brave, you had no other girls your age to play with today
Ryland-seriously, was daddy part of the process- you look so much like your mommy
Steven-I can now say I knew you when-once you become a fullback or a lineman of some type
Keith you are just too cute-tell mom and dad you want your swing back
Aaron you are too funny, the faces you made today were great I think you get your personality from mommy and grandma Fox
Santi-although we almost had to put the smackdown on you and have your big sister give you a flying burrito you are a joy to watch
To all of you parents, your children were wonderful and if Sarah needs help in there again I would do it in a New York minute:-)

Janet Elaine (McCormick) Pelfini

I just wanted to share this with you:

9 years ago today, our lives changed as my mom suddenly passed away. My sister and I both agree that we don't hurt as much as we did at the beginning, and are stronger today, but there are moments that suddenly spring up and emotions get the best of us; sounds, smells, the need to talk to her, family events, etc. To all my friends in Arizona, I so wish you had had the opportunity to meet my Mom. She was so funny and creative. She was always willing to serve and was a great Sunday School teacher and nurse. When it came to cooking and entertaining, she was Martha Stuart on steroids! She loved my Dad and her family. She had struggles, but every one of us has them. She has adorable grandchildren who she would have loved to get to know more (Craig II was 4 yrs. old and Blake was 6mo. old when she passed away, and Dominic and Dante weren't born yet). It is amazing though that Blake and Dante have a few McCormick traits - blue eyes, light skin and a few freckles. For all our family and friends not in Arizona, I am so glad that you knew her - I am sure you have memories and stories to last a lifetime.
I know that our life here on earth is not our own, and I am comforted in knowing that my Mom is with her Savior, and her legacy will be one to live on in all of us:)