Happy New Year!

Malibu, CA

2009-01-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

Marshall & I got to go away for a couple of days to my favorite place in the world, Malibu. It was so beautiful, so relaxing, just such a blessing! I'd forgotten how much I liked my husband! We had a great time together, reconnecting, and laughing, and laughing, and laughing. Plus, we started dating in that city while attending school at Pepperdine so there's many places that bring back a lot of great memories for us. I took a lot of pictures, of course! Here's a few...

I got up before the sun, as I always do. It's my favorite part of the day. I took one these pictures from our hotel window and the other was at the beach because I couldn't help myself from heading down there to watch the sun come over the mountains. You know Malibu is where the "mountains meet the sea".

We shopped, we read, we talked, we ate, we walked, we slept, and yadda, yadda, yadda, it was a great trip!

2009-01-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

The second day that we were there I found this letter in my purse. It was from Jackson and he was referencing the movie "Elf" by writing "To Someone Special" on the front of it. If you've watched that movie as many times as we have then you know exactly what I'm talking about.

The note was to both Marshall & me. Jackson, being the thoughtful, sweet boy that he is, wrote us a note telling us what great parents we were. Apparently my prayers are working. I always pray that my kids will just remember my good points, and forget the days when I have major PMS.

2009-01-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

We went to one of our favorite restaurants in Malibu twice while we were there. Both times we got the best seat in the house, (thank you, God). The seat right in front of the window.

2009-01-10T16:26:00.000-08:00

Our table was beautifully placed right in front of the window where we had a delightful view of the Pacific as the sun was slowly setting. It was heaven for me! Then, this little guy showed up and started staring at us. I wondered what his little bird brain was thinking about as he looked me up one side and down the other.

2009-01-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

He's thinking about joining us for some crab won tons. In & out, in & out. He can't make up his mind.

2009-01-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

Here he finally got his courage up, and joined us for dinner. The chair you see in the picture was at our table. He was about 2 1/2 feet away from Marshall. He just stared at us. I felt like he needed to tell us something important, but sadly, he never did.

2009-01-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

And this was at night. Do you see how the water is reflecting the color of the sky?!! Oh, I love the ocean!!

Jonah's Eight!

2008-12-31T15:08:00.000-08:00

Jonah turned 8 on December 8th in 2008.

He's smart, handsome, very gifted athletically,(he's never tried a sport that he wasn't good at), sensitive, nurturing towards Ezekiel, manipulative, difficult, sly, crafty, quite witty, humorous, and a wonderful conversationalist.

When he was born it was sincerely the happiest day of my life (so far). Perhaps I shouldn't say that, but it was. I had been terrified of dying when he was born because I'd almost died when Jackson was born. I went into the operating room for my C-section at 8 am on December 8, 2000 wondering if I was getting ready to go to heaven. I know that sounds ridiculously dramatic, but I'm serious when I say that I wondered if this time around I wasn't going to be so fortunate. Obviously the Lord knew of my terror and anguish and he used my two year old son Jackson to comfort me. I was packing my bag to go to the hospital, praying while I packed. Jackson, who was playing with some cars down by my feet, looked up at me while I was packing and said: "Mom, it's going to be OK."

"What's going to be OK?" I asked. He just repeated "Mom, it's going to be OK." Then, he went back to playing with his cars.

God had used the mouth of babes to speak to one anxious mama. He still speaks to me through my children. He speaks to me through His Word. He speaks to me in my spirit. I'm so grateful that He still speaks!

Jonah's birth healed a part of me that had been deeply wounded 2 years, and 9 months earlier. Jonah was a joy as a baby. He was so easy! He was by far the easiest baby of my four boys! He was always happy. Jonah is a mama's boy, and to put it simply I'm crazy about him!!! He loves me in such a special way. He's very quiet about it. One wouldn't notice if they weren't really looking, but in the times when no ones around, he comes to me, checking on me, opening up to me, complimenting me, just loving me. He's so tender about it. He won't even do it if Marshall's around. He's a private person. Most people in his life really don't know him very well because he doesn't let them know him. He's guarded. I'm not all together sure why, but he just is. He doesn't reveal anything that he doesn't have to. He's SO precious to me! He's a treasure, and now.................he's eight!

The dreaded family photo!

2008-12-14T15:47:00.001-08:00

Well, I didn't have the patience to try to get a good family photo in time for Christmas cards, but I did still want to get one. So, I forced my family to dress nice, and smile for me this morning between first service & second service. We took a gagillion pictures and got a couple of decent ones. Its so much easier to get good pictures when you only have adults or only have ONE child in the picture. I included one of the really bad ones, as I feel that it better represents reality. Just tryin' to keep it real. Here are the results:

A Surprise Hot Chocolate Evening

2008-12-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

My parents surprised the boys by coming by Sunday night so that we could all enjoy some hot chocolate together. It was such a nice treat for all! We played the "question game" that Ethan created. We laughed A LOT through the game. It was such a fun time. However, I never cease to be amazed at how chaotic it is to try to do anything with four children who all want to talk at the same time. It was a loud evening...........a really lovely evening. After the kids went to bed the adults had a wonderful time talking and cherishing each other & our conversation with one another. How grateful I am that I have two parents who are still married to one another! They're so much better together! As we talked my dad shared about how this is the first Christmas where he hasn't had a deep sadness in his heart. It's taken a lot of healing, a lot of counseling, a lot of work, patience, and determination to be whole for him to reach this point! I'm so proud of his desire to be a healthy, whole, man of God. Here's some pictures from our evening.

Ezekiel

2008-11-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Ezekiel,

Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives! You make us laugh a lot. You're so cute & so much fun to be around. Thanks for being so flexible and easy. Thanks for be so tenderhearted towards anyone that's hurting.

We love you!!

Love,

Your Family

My Ethan

2008-10-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

My little Ethan has been struggling so much lately. I've been storming the gates of heaven like only a mother can, that is with a mother's heart & passion for her child's well-being. I've been seeing breakthroughs, and I'm so grateful to God! I'm so grateful that even though I can't be with my child 24,7, God can and IS!! Then it got me thinking about all the little ones of the world that don't have a mama praying for them.

Moms, this is a call to action: Ask God to give you another child (that's not your own) to pray for. Once God gives you a child to pray for, pray for them as though they were your own. Call out God's power over their life. Unfortunately, every child does not have a mom that is fervently praying for them. Moms, lets starting praying for them!!

My birthday gift from God

2008-10-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

After we went out to dinner for my birthday last Monday night we came home and washed the car as a family (per my request). As we worked on the car this sunset developed into a stunning piece of art. Then it dawned on me, it was my birthday gift from God! I took some pictures of God's gift. It only seemed right.

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ezekiel & I went with Ethan to Cobb Ranch Pumpkin Patch for his field trip. It was nice. Here's a few pictures....

The Cutest #40 that you've ever seen!!

2008-09-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

Jackson is playing football at Fresno Christian this year. It's REALLY cute! I love watching him play. He loves playing. It's been fun for our family. It's been a huge commitment though! He practices from 5:30-7:30PM Tues, Wed, & Thurs. nights. With games every Saturday night & most of the games are out of town! It's dominating our time right now, but seems to be worth it. Jackson is making some good friends on the team and that was the whole reason that we decided to sign him up to play. We're thankful for some good boys who've invited him over and are hanging out with him at school. He even spent the night with a friend (for the first time). I just thought you'd like to see some pics of him in his football attire.

Avila Beach

2008-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we decided to drive over to Avila Beach for the day. We really didn't get a family vacation this Summer or last Summer. We were missing the beach. I guess our year at Hume was kind of like a year-long vacation, so don't feel too sorry for us. Nonetheless, we wanted a day at the beach before everyone started school. We had such a delightful time as a family! Marshall & I are having so much with our boys. They're getting so big & so caring for them is not nearly as hard as it used to be! Honestly, now they serve us a lot. It's been such a great time lately just enjoying the people that they are becoming! To those of you who still have real little ones, just know that the training you do now DOES PAY OFF!!

We had a blast together........some more memories to add to our mental files. It was good. Thank you, Lord, for my family!!

Ethan's SIX!!

2008-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends & Family,

Thank you for all the presents! I used the money that you all gave me to buy Prince Caspian action figures from Target. I love playing with them. I've wanted them for a long time, but its a good thing that I waited until now to buy them because I ended up getting them on sale which saved me a lot of money. I still have $75.43 leftover!

Hunter, Pop, & Ma, Uncle Ryan & Aunt Karle, Rod's, and Mom, Dad, Jackson, Jonah, & Ezekiel, thank you for going out to breakfast with me too! That was fun.

Sara, thank you for remembering to bring me a birthday present! I was glad that you remembered to bring it, and I was glad that it was money.

Hall Family, THANK YOU very, very much for the streamers, and the sign, and the cake, and the toys, and the movie. That made me so happy. I really liked it all, and I'm never going to forget it. You are so nice to me! It was a great birthday at Hume Lake!

I love all of my friends and family. You are special to me.

Love, Ethan Joseph Hamm

Can you hear the Bell's ringing?

2008-07-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

My boys & I had such a nice time with the Bell girls today. Jen, thank you so much for having us over! I really enjoyed our visit, & my boys loved swimming and playing with your BEAUTIFUL (inside & out) girls! Thank you for lunch too! Jonah said that your "healthy" meatballs were "awesome"! You have such a lovely family. You are doing a wonderful job with your girls. May God continue to bless you in your efforts to raise exceptional, godly women who love the Lord with all their hearts.

I look forward to hanging out again.

Las Vegas, here we come

2008-07-10T08:12:00.001-07:00

Marsh & I are off to a family reunion in Las Vegas. That's right a three-day-long family reunion in Vegas! At first, I thought that sounded weird. My family reunions always consisted of potato salad one Sunday afternoon at Woodward park, not a weekend in Vegas. This is Marshall's family reunion. All expenses paid. Can't complain about that!

We need to get away in the worst way, so we are so excited! Plus, it's actually supposed to be hotter in Fresno for the next three days than in Las Vegas, go figure! Some time away with no kids, no work, oh man I can't wait. Plus, the weekend has been professionally planned for us with all kinds of awesome activities (all paid for) for us to do all weekend. I'll tell you all about it when I get back.............Las Vegas, here we come.

Jackson, we miss you!!

2008-07-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

Jackson,
We miss you SO MUCH! Jonah's been really lonely without his big brother to play sports with. Really, he's been sad without you here. He says that he can't wait for you to come home at least three times each day. Dad's bummed that you're not here to comb over the new Sports Illustrated with him. He can't wait to show you the new Fresno State layout and talk about some new statistics. I've missed talking with you all week. I miss looking at your sweet face! I miss your thoughtful comments. Ethan, well, I don't know if Ethan misses you or not. He's in his own little world with his drums and his art supplies, and he had Hunter over to spend the night. So, E.J.'s OK, but Zeke is missing you a lot too. In the morning he wakes up calling for you and then looks for you after naps. He keeps saying "Where Jack go? Oh, Jack go camp." It's cute. We hope that you're having a blast at camp because its probably the last time that we're ever going to let you leave for this long again! We miss you because you're a pure joy to be around! Can't wait 'til Saturday!!!!!! 8:00am sharp!!
xoxo ~Mom

My Boys, or Should I Say, My Little Men.

2008-06-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

I've been having such a blast with my boys! They're getting bigger. They're developing their own thoughts on things. They've also developed some hilarious senses of humor! Yesterday I grabbed Jonah's forearm because he was getting ready to run into someone. Without even blinking he said "All passengers, please keep your hands & feet to yourselves."
They're becoming the men that God created them to be. A couple of nights ago Jonah was walking down the hall saying "Who deleted my Beth Moore off of my ipod?" I said that I had because I thought that it was on there by mistake & I was just trying to make more space for him on his ipod. "No" he told me, "I love Beth Moore. I listen to her every night before I go to sleep. Can you please load all of her stuff back onto my ipod." What in the world!!? I had NO idea that he was listening to all of my Beth Moore stuff!! It thrilled me that he'd been doing that on his own!

Each boy has a story that I could share. They're delightful, really, really delightful. This Summer we've just thoroughly enjoyed each other's company, and it's been such a joy. They are acting like friends to one another, rather then acting like each other's enemies as they have in the past. It blesses me to see them love each other. They ALL love Ezekiel. They are so sweet with him. They tend to his every need (except diapers). ;) He is one blessed boy. Last night they were all in bed when I heard Ezekiel start to cry. It took me a second to get in there to see what was wrong. When I got there all three boys were standing by his crib. All three of them touching him, trying to soothe him. So precious!

This is the first time that I can remember since Jackson was born that it's not stressful to go to the store alone with all of my boys with me. In fact, it's actually better to take them with me because they're so helpful. Their dad has taught them to be gentlemen, so they don't like me (being a girl & all) to have to lift a finger. My door is always opened for me. They lift all of the heavy things into the cart for me. They load all the groceries into the car for me. They bring them into the house for me. They put Ezekiel into his car seat & get him back out again when we get home. Boy, this is the life!!

Parenting is the hardest thing that I've ever done, and especially because I'm trying so hard to "do it right". This Summer though, I've started to see a lot of fruit from all of our hard work. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that I've arrived! There's a long way to go, but I'm just saying I've seen some fruit, and it is thrilling! I love these sweet boys. They bless me! Thank you, Jesus, for my sons!

What Doesn't Kill Me, Makes Me Stronger, Right?

2008-06-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

I keep waiting for things to slow down. What a whirlwind life has been!
Drama before we moved.
We moved.
I hope I NEVER have to move again! Twice in one year is PLENTY!!
Drama after we moved. One stressful event and circumstance after another.
A new job for me.
A new job for Marshall.
A new school for the boys.
Health problems.
We're being cut off from our health insurance is 6 days, that's 62 days earlier than we were told we'd be cut off.
Financial problems.
Family problems.
Painful events in the lives of those that we love dearly. Therefore, we are pained.
Unusual attacks from the enemy of my soul.
I can't find important papers that I need............

Yikes! Life is so stinkin' hard sometimes! Life's taking a lot of faith right now. I know that these times where much faith is required only increases the measure of faith that I carry with me from this place. How do people who don't know the Lord Jesus get through? I'll never know! Jesus, thank you for giving me enough grace for today, and thank you for reminding me that I don't need to worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow you'll give me a fresh measure of your grace to carry me through the new day! I love you so much! You're my only hope. You're all I need. You're perfect. You never leave me. You never let me down. You're the source of all good things. You work ALL things together for my good because I love you. You give me peace in the midst of pure chaos. How can I ever thank you enough? I bless your Holy Name! Be glorified!

All about the pics

2008-06-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

"Today I finally overcame trying to fit the world inside a picture frame. Baby, I will tell you all about it when I'm in the mood to lose my way, but let me say you should have seen that sunrise with your own eyes. It brought me back to life. You'll be with me next time I go outside, no more 3 by 5's. Just no more 3 by 5's."

Anybody know who's lyrics these are??? I'm crazy for photographs. What can I say? I love to take pictures. I love to look at pictures, and not just mine, anyone's.......if they're good. Marshall & I went into Borders on Third Street in Santa Monica and sat and looked at books for hours. I looked at one book of photographs after another. SOOOO therapeutic! My favorite one was by Anne Levowitz. There were pictures in there that should not have been, so let me give that qualifying comment first. BUT, I loved what she did. She made a book of her families' ordinary happenings. One of my favorite pictures was a black & white of her mother after she'd just woken up, sitting on the edge of her bed with her husband (Anne's father) laying in bed next to her with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. Neither of them were smiling. The looked grouchy. I loved it. It was just real life as it was happening.

The reason that I like the song that I quoted up above is because I have this curse of seeing the world through a camera lens. I'm CONSTANTLY wishing that I had my camera! When someone makes a face that I'd like to capture and keep forever, or when there's a beautiful flower, or leaf, or car, or building, or a special needs child that's so precious I just want to take his picture. There was one in a wheelchair in Target the other day, he smiled at me & my boys and in his strained voice said "Hi". I wanted to squeeze him, and love on him, and then I wanted to take his picture.

A picture really is worth a 1000 words. So forgive my steady steam of photographs. I can't seem to post without pictures being involved. I was the kid that would rather look at the pictures than read the words. Now I'm the adult that would rather look at the pictures than read the words.

The family pictures Jen Tilley took. Thank you, Jen! The ones that I'm not in, I took.

It's coming to an end...

2008-05-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sad. We've made some wonderful friends here at Hume. I'm going to miss them so very much! I'm hoping to take more pictures as the week goes on and as our time at Hume comes to an end, but here's some that I have for now. I will not soon forget these wonderful people who have been so tremendously kind to us and our kids. Thank you for the time that you've invested in our family. We love you all!

We're moving HOME

2008-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to get to tell you that we are moving back to our house on Browning! Yea! We felt like the Lord asked us to give the house up, and we did. It seems as though it was a test of hearts & not really what we were going to have to end up doing. We gave it to the Lord, and He has now given it back to us. We are REALLY excited. This picture was taken in front of our Browning house a couple of years ago. :) It's been a crazy journey of waiting on the Lord. The end result is such a great one though! Eric & Sara, we can't wait to be your neighbors again!!!!

Devin's Senior Pictures

2008-05-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that Devin is already graduating from high school! It seems like he was just born a few months ago. D-Rod, I hope that you're happy with the pictures. I had fun shooting them.
Hall Girls, what do you think of this location for your pictures?

2008-05-14T10:21:00.000-07:00

2008-05-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

2008-05-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Praise God! Cal & Mary on their 32 Wedding Anniversary

2008-05-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

May 8th, 32 years and counting....

2008-05-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well, its been quite a year. What a joy it is to have celebrated my parent's 32 wedding anniversary on Thursday. We had a beautiful ceremony of them renewing their vows. Marcy did such a nice job with that! Thanks, Marcy! Ryan & Karle, thanks for hosting it and making your yard & house look so beautiful for this special occasion! Aunt Pam, thanks for all of your hard work on the delicious cake! Jon, thanks for taking all the pictures! Eric & Sara, thanks for babysitting Ezekiel. Andrea & Shauna, thanks for being the behind the scenes workers. All other friends, thanks for your support and friendship. Mom & Dad, thanks for doing whatever it takes to have a marriage that stands the tests of time. I'm so glad that we all got to celebrate your hard work and the grace of God. You're a wonderful example to all of us of how to fight for our marriages when Satan seeks to steel, kill, and destroy them. I love you!
~Rachel

More pictures

2008-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Malibu, in all it's glory

2008-05-13T10:22:00.000-07:00

Our family had such a wonderful time in Malibu a couple of weeks ago. It was great to enjoy the beauty of that place, to grow in our knowledge & love of God's Word, and to just be together away from day to day life. It was a super fun week! We got to spend a lot of time with our family, and with old friends that we haven't seen in many years. It was so nice to see friends that we grew up with now holding children of their own! What beautiful families have developed over the years.

Thank you, God for this precious week! It was a sweet gift from you!

Here's a couple of pictures from the beach.

A rainy, happy day

2008-04-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's raining a bit here at Hume. It's so nice. I love the rain. I'm enjoying the many windows in my living room. Only a few more weeks to enjoy looking out at all of these beautiful trees.... :(

Praise the Lord, Marshall sold his car last night! We were so very happy about that. The guy who bought it is a mechanic and was happy to have the car. Yea! Everyone's happy. The car wasn't starting when it got hot out, and both passenger doors would no longer open. The windows didn't roll down anymore, and the back hatchback thing doesn't stay open without a stick in it to keep it open. The radio doesn't work, the air conditioning doesn't work, the sunroof doesn't work, you get the picture. So, we're glad to be moving on to a different car for Marsh. He deserves it. Poor guys' been driving that thing forever.

It's a happy, rainy day here, and we're thankful!

We're Blogging Now....

2008-04-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

OK, OK, I give!!! I've finally consented that I have to blog to keep up with my friends' lives. I've been very reluctant, but I've given in. SO, here I am. I'll write more later, but for now I just wanted to see how this crazy blog life works.

~Rachel