The Epps Clan

Happy 9th Birthday Boys!!

2011-05-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

Happy 40th Birthday to me!!

2011-05-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

See what I got for my 40th birthday present!? Front row seats to the Gaither Homecoming concert!! SO EXCITING!! If you have never gone...it is a little bit of heaven on earth. The music is AMAZING and you definitely get your monies worth. I think it was almost 4 hours long! I think I want the same present for my 41st birthday ;);)

The Gaither Vocal Band

GVB singing You are my all in all...just beautiful!!

The Isaacs

Lynda Randle

The Hoppers

The Martins - love them!

Epps Family Christmas Dinner

2011-01-02T20:46:00.000-08:00

We had a dinner over at Charley's brothers house and it was a lot of fun. Love it when all the cousins can get together and become better acquainted!

Grandma Epps came bearing gifts!

Sunday Christmas Singing

2011-01-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

The kids sang a couple of songs and recited Luke 2:11 on Christmas Sunday. What a treat! I love it when they get up there and sing. What a treat for us parents!!

Charley's company Christmas Party

2011-01-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

Me and my honey....and he even won a Blue Ray player....yippee!!

Yikes! I have a pre-teen!

2011-01-02T20:36:00.000-08:00

This year we celebrated Kristina's birthday by taking a couple of her friends..and her sister...to Fuddruckers and to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in 3D. It was a fun time. And...her mother even won a Christmas bear from one of those claw machines...you know....the ones that you never win on!? :):)

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2011-01-01T19:37:00.000-08:00

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2011-01-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to head out to Half Moon Bay and cut down our own tree. It was kind of fun! Memory made :):)

Celebrating a very special someone's 90th birthday

2011-01-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

This year, my Aunt Fern turned 90! Wow. She is such a blessing and a TRULY godly woman who loves the Lord and has served Him faithfully for so many years. In my life, she is one of those women that I want to strive to be like. We love you Aunt Fern!! Happy Birthday!!!!

Sisters in Law - Aunt Fern and Grandma Williams (Aunt Fern is my Grandpa Williams' sister)

She is quite the accomplished pianist. At her 90th birthday party, we sang some of her favorite hymns.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving, once again, included both the Milburn and Williams sides of the family. We were also able to have Michael Long, from our chapel, join us. This has been QUITE a year. So many things have happened in our family...sickness, death, changes. Our lives may change...but I am so thankful that the Lord NEVER changes. He is our ROCK! The only ONE who we can FULLY rely on. I am thankful for HIM!

Grandpa and Grandma Milburn along with Grandma Williams

Look how pretty my "find" from Target (the plates were on clearance!) looks with my tablecloth!!

Our annual Christmas card picture...coming to a mailbox near you!

Field Trip to the Capitol

2010-12-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

In November, Charley took the day off and we took the Amtrak train to the Capital in Sacramento. It was quite a fun field trip. We even got to see Governor Schwartzeneggers office.....guarded of course.

Field Trip to the Exploratorium and SFO

2010-12-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

The kids at the Golden Gate Bridge. When you are leaving SFO, go to the left side of the bridge. It is so fun! Don't remember the name of it, but it was totally a boy thing!

In the BIG chair at the Exploratorium

The kids made their own marble maze and I think they must have been there for an hour or more...they had SOOOO much fun doing this. They did a great job and one of the workers even took pics of it.

Ardenwood Harvest Festival 2010

2010-12-26T22:20:00.000-08:00

Ardenwood Harvest Festival was once again a special day! If you haven't gone, I would highly recommend it. Lots of fun and lots of photo opps :):)

Anna turns 6

2010-12-26T22:12:00.001-08:00

My baby turned 6 this past November! Hard to believe...although she is 6 going on 16 :(
My mom and her "best Anna"

Anna had lots of her friends over for a special 6 year old birthday party.

Happy 50th Koinonia!!!

2010-10-17T22:16:00.000-07:00

On August 28th we travelled down to Koinonia to celebrate the 50 years that the Lord has blessed Koinonia with.
Anna with the 50 year handout

It was so fun to see so many old time friends and family. Some staff members that I worked with and had not seen in awhile were there too!

My cousin Jennifer and her sweet family

Abby did one of the ropes courses...she didn't get very high up...but I thought it was great that she even wanted to try.

It was so good to see John Brooks and his family. It's been quite awhile since I've seen him...although his very faithful wife sends us all birthday cards and anniversary cards every year....without fail.

I was SOOOO excited when I heard that Kevin and Patti craig were going to be there!! I love them! I hadn't seen them since they left Koinonia over 15+ years ago. Now their oldest is married and their youngest just graduated from high school. Where has the time gone?? It was really fun to be able to catch up with them.

John and Jennifer Brooks and their boys

Lots!!

2010-10-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

Where do I start? I guess since I can't find my pictures in this computer..grrrr....I will just write. SOOO much has been happening lately. My great Aunt Florence is going through chemo..and struggling. My grandparents are just getting older and need more assistance. My Aunt Binky just found out that she has cancer and is going to go through cancer treatment. And...to top it all off...my Great Uncle Bob passed away in the midst of all of this. So much! Sometimes my brain has felt so jumbled up lately with so much that I thought it would burst! A verse that I LOVE that I have been clinging to is "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the ROCK that is higher than I." Such EXCELLENT advice. No need to take on the troubles and overwhelming thoughts all by myself. My ROCK wants me to give them to Him. What better hands could they be in??

Congratulations John and Eliane!!

2010-09-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Lord brought a special someone into John Mulgrew's life and we are SOOO happy for him. He and Eliane were married August 7th.

Caleb was asked to be the ring bearer. He looked so handsome!!
Hannah and Caleb

Charley was the best man and looked quite handsome himself:):)
(just a little fyi...John was the best man in our wedding)

Congratulations John and Eliane!! May the Lord truly bless your lives and marriage as you live and work together for Him.

Yosemite Fun

2010-08-27T09:48:00.000-07:00

What did we do in Yosemite??

Charley took 3 of the kids fishing. They didn't really catch anything though...although they were given a fish by a friend that they went fishing with that we were able to cook up. That was kind of fun.

Kristina made this sign...just in case people wondered where they were:)

Charley and I with Lower Yosemite Falls in the background

I don't think I've ever been to Lower Yosemite Falls. It was a very easy walk and what a sight!! Beautiful!! We took this walk a couple of times while we were there.

Kristina and Charley had wanted to walk up to Vernal Falls...so when our friends the Greenhouses came up for the day, they decided to do it together. My sister Lindsay went with them too. Well....they made it up to Vernal...and then kept going on to Nevada Falls!!! WOW!! I'm impressed! Not all of them went up to Nevada..but Kristina did! WooWoo Honey!!

On our last day there, we decided to take a bike ride to Mirror Lake..and we are SOOO glad that we did. It was beautiful! Because of all the rain we had this past winter, the lake was at a perfect level.

The kids enjoyed jumping off this huge rock. This is Joshua jumping off.

Charley and I...what you see when you look UP from Mirror Lake...Half Dome! And, it is MIRRORED in Mirror Lake:):):) Next year (and yes we've already put down our down payment:) we want to spend more time here. The kids had a lot of fun playing in the water.

I saw my one and only bear on this ride back to the campground. It was a smaller brown bear climbing up an embankment. Nothing close though....although we DID have a lot of bear activity throughout the week....I just never saw them...thankfully:):)

The day we left we saw this doe and her 2 baby fawns following her. Not sure if you can see both of the babies in the picture or not, but it was quite sweet.

Yosemite and Friends

2010-08-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well, we took the "plunge" this year and went to Yosemite for a week for the Bible Conference. I say "take the plunge" because in years past, going to Yosemite has not sounded like a very fun thing to do....especially with all of the work involved in going. It IS a lot of work...but OHHH SOOO WORTH IT!!!!!! We had a GREAT time!! My kids made so many new friends and had a week full of fun and play.
Caleb and Jake (* This little guy looks and acts so much like Caleb! We joked that he seems more like Caleb's twin than Joshua does:):)

Anna and Bella

Just...being little girls:):)

Making friends at the river...the very COLD river

We had some New Tribes friends stay with us for a couple of nights and it was WONDERFUL to get to know them. You know some people you meet and you feel, after only a very short time, that you have known them forever? That is how I felt with Dulcie. Wish we could have spent more time together!

The Milton Family and the Epps Family

Joshua Milton and Kristina

Hannah Milton and Abby...two peas in a pod :)

Anna and Bella...2 little rascals

Joshua, Jake, and Caleb ~ BUDS!! or, maybe...TRIPLETS:):)

Anna Rides A Broncing....SHEEP???

2010-08-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Well unbeknownst to me, my daughter has the ability to ride a sheep. They had sheep riding for 3-6 year olds at the fair this year, so Charley told Anna that if she would go on it, that he would buy her a "Wool Warrior Princess" pink t-shirt that they were selling. Of course she said yes...how could any little girl resist new clothes...PINK at that...and...with the words PRINCESS on it. Little did she know what she was getting herself into :)

Anna and Daddy getting ready for the sheep riding

Well here she is!! She stayed on for 5.3 seconds and then fell off into the EXTREMELY softened up dirt. When she got back to Charley, we weren't sure if she was laughing, smiling, or crying. BUT....she did it and was rewarded with her pink princess t-shirt. After her ride, Charley took her over to the starting gate to just watch the other kids do it. One older girl who was just doing it for the fun of it (she was too old to be in the competition) got a little scared and didn't want to do it. With a little prodding from Daddy, Anna told her, "Don't be scared..you can do it!" The "host" said, "What did you say? Somebody give me a microphone. I have a little girl over here who knows how to commentate." So he actually gave Anna a microphone and had a little conversation with her. It was SOOO funny! He also asked her if she wanted to ride the sheep again and she said, "NO!" Imagine that! :):)

Although the boys were too old for the sheep riding, they were able to play "run after the sheep (plural) and try to get the purple ribbon off of the sheep's rear end".

Getting ready to chase after the sheep

Neither boy got the purple ribbon, but they had fun trying:)

Goodbye Julia!

2010-08-24T10:43:00.000-07:00

My parents had a young girl from Germany stay with them for a month named Julia. Such a sweet girl! Thanks for all your help Julia! Hope you will come to visit us again.
The kids and Julia at the fair for one last photo

I Love the Fair!!

2010-08-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

We went to the Alameda County Fair this year and once again had a great time! It is always so fun. We kind of showed up late this time though and realized that next year we really need to get there when it opens to be able to do and see everything.
Anna and Mommy enjoying some ice cream.

Joshua and his ever-sweaty head of hair enjoying some yummy ice cream

We did the tractor pull again this year and the boys actually raced against each other. Nobody made it to the finals, but they had fun trying!

Joshua and Anna learning about and touching a cow.

They have the cutest little petting zoo that the kids can go through. They had a couple of fawns, a pot-belly pig, goats, chickens, and even a slightly temperamental donkey (you weren't allowed to feed the donkey)

Anna and Kristina feeding the little fawn.

Abby was able to be in a little "play" that they do every year too. Imagine that!! Abby wanting to be in the limelight :):)

Abby riding a pony

Joshua getting a ride on the pony ride

Happy 10th Birthday Abby!

2010-08-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

For Abby's birthday this year (in June) we had a bowling/sleepover birthday party

Mind you, it was our FIRST sleepover birthday party so it was very interesting:):) Did you know that little girls like to BE LOUD!!, and giggle, and stay up late?? Actually, I think they were all asleep by 11:45. I guess it could have been worse.

Hope you had a fun birthday sweet Abby!! We love you!!

LOVE...what more can I say :):)

2010-08-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

A Life Change

2010-08-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

In the middle of June, we loaded up my Grandparents belongings and moved them out of their sweet home on Starlight Lane in Arroyo Grande. It was kind of bitter sweet as they were leaving a place that they have called home for so long, to move to Bethesda Home where they really need to be now. It was definitely the Lord's timing and they moved into a very homey place which they have now made their own. Charley and I drove up in the morning, arrived about 1-2 p.m., helped load the truck & clean, ate dinner, and then drove the 4 hours back home. It was a LONG day, but it was nice to be able to sleep in our own beds instead of sleeping on the floor in my grandparents empty house. The next day, we got up, went to Bethesda and unloaded the truck. By the time my grandparents got there (around dinner time) their little place REALLY looked like a home....china in the china cabinet, bed made, kitchen in place, etc. I really think that them walking into a furnished home helped the "blow" a little of them having to move to Bethesda.
My sweet Grandma watching as we loaded the truck.

By the time we were done, this truck was PACKED to the very end.

A friend of my Grandparents came to help us move and he brought his little grandson with him. He was SO cute!! He wanted to help out in any way he could. Charley provided this photo opportunity for me:):)

Somebody handed him this screwdriver and told him to get the screws out of the bed frame. He stayed there for quite awhile just working those screws out and trying to work hard. SO CUTE!!

This wonderful lady is a special friend of my grandparents. She came and literally made the kitchen SHINE!

Margie and my mom Carol

Auntie Mary, me, & Auntie Helen after eating a hearty meal that Aunt Helen provided for all the hard workers.

So Long Little League Season

2010-08-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well little league season ended with a day of awards and then a dinner at Fuddruckers. I must admit that it seemed like a LONG season. Maybe it seemed that way because Charley was a coach this year and Kristina's softball practices overlapped for a month. Whew! We made it though.
Coach Daddy with Helper Kristina and Joshua and Caleb

While at Fuddruckers, Coach Charley gave each of the kids their medal and told why he appreciated each player or how they had improved over the season. The kids looked so proud when they received their trophies:):)
Coach Daddy and Joshua

Coach Daddy and Caleb

Anna's New Do

2010-06-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well...I finally did it! I cut Anna's hair. I've been stating my desire to cut it for months now...but actually chickened out the last time. Well no more chickening out....I did it!

Being silly :):)

Right after Mommy cut it. She looks so cute with short hair! It really suits her.

And the final product....after the hair stylist evened it out and made it pretty. Her hair is getting sent off to Locks of Love which is an organization that makes wigs for people (ex. cancer patients) The other girls did the same thing when we cut off their lovely locks.

Grandma Mary's Memorial (Charley's paternal grandmother)

2010-06-23T13:59:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of May, we all flew to Las Vegas as Charley's grandmother passed away. We had heard she was sick and we were actually planning on going to see her...but she went quickly, so we weren't able to see her alive. Thankfully, we were able to fly there as driving to Vegas would not have been a very fun trip. Charley was asked to do the message and we were excited about the opportunity that doing that allowed. Now we just pray for the fruit from it. Charley's cousin Chris also gave a message and was right on!
Below is a picture of all of Charley's aunts and uncle's (his dad's siblings - minus Charley's dad and another uncle who passed away).
(l-r: Uncle George, Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Mary, Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Jane, Uncle Jewell)

Me with Uncle Jewell's daughter Lisa

Charley and his sister Tonia and brother Pat

Caleb Epps and....CALEB EPPS!! Can you believe it!? There are two Caleb Epps' in the Epps family!! We were very surprised to find this out when we arrived in Vegas. So funny!

The Charley Epps family and the George Epps family

Has it really been 2 months already??!!

2010-05-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

Oh wow...it seems like I am saying this a bit on this blog. I guess because of Facebook, I just forget to blog. Well...let me try and catch you up on our life in the past 2 months.
It would be an understatement to say that we have been busy. With school, church, and just STUFF we have been going non-stop!
For Easter this year, my parents invited us over to there house. We usually have the get-togethers at our house because I have the biggest house and it's just easier for the kids to be in their own home. It was SOOO nice to not be the hostess for this holiday! What a treat! All I had to bring was dessert! Thanks so much Mom, Dad and Lindsay for a restful Easter. It was a good day!

Last month, my mom, sister, Kristina and I went down to my grandparents in Arroyo Grande to do some packing/get rid of stuff for their move up this way. The weekend started with our van not starting (thankfully it happened in our driveway) so we had to take our monster truck. We could SO CLEARLY see the Lord's hand in the entire weekend! The Lord answered prayer and really blessed our time. Because we took the truck, we were able to take ALL of their books (and we literally took about 25-30 boxes/bags of books) to a bookstore in Newark and got a little bit of money for them from the sale of the books. The weekend was a blessing and it was good to be able to spend some more time with my grandparents in their home.

We are venturing once again, to start a garden. Unfortunately, this year, we mixed up the dirt, but forgot to pack it down. So....when we watered the troughs, the water went under the earth and caused MUSH!! Almost like quick sand! Notice Abby's feet? Yes...it was as bad as it looks. It seems like it is better now though....hopefully :):)

We are growing corn, roma, grape, and beef steak tomatoes, yellow crook-neck squash and cucumbers. Unfortunately, as I write this, the cucumbers haven't made it. We have such awful dirt. I might have to buy a planter and baby them a little. We eat a lot of cucumbers so I really want to grow them.

Here are my "being babied" grape tomatoes:):) Sure hope they do good. We might have to pray this garden to harvest like last years garden.

More updates to come......

Grandpa and Grandma Milburn's 70th Anniversary Party

2010-03-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

On March 6, the whole family got together to celebrate my Grandpa and Grandma...and the 70 years that the Lord has given them together.

Still in love after 70 years

We had their party at a little hole in the wall family owned Hawaiian deli. My grandparents go there at least once a week so they are loved by the workers there. This is them on the wall of the deli.

The deli make them Hawaiian wedding cake for dessert.

The girls who work there put together some special hula dances especially for my grandparents. It was so sweet!

If you know anything about my Abby, when she likes something, or is intrigued by it...she REALLY gets into it. This look...am I going to hear about how she wants to be a hula dancer?? About a month ago, she was telling me that all she wanted for her birthday was to go to Hawaii!! Wouldn't we all!!

More kissing :):)

My grandparents with the hula girls

My kiddos with the hula girls

Charley and I

Well here we all all (minus one cousin and her husband) It was a PERFECT 70th anniversary party and it was wonderful to be able to go down and spend time with my sweet family.

70 years! Wow! Quite an accomplishment! QUITE a blessing!! It made me think about the marriage vows that people take when they get married. "In sickness and in health, in prosperity and adversity...." Growing old is not easy...the Lord knows that...but he wants us to stay true to the one that we have pledged our earthly life to. So many people in this day and age just give up on marriage when it seems to be too hard for them. I am so glad that the Lord knows me and loves me and promises only the best things for me that will bring me closer to my Savior. I am thankful for my grandparents and their godly example of staying together...even in the hard times.

The boys 8th birthday party

2010-02-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

The boys birthday was on February 5th and we celebrated in the morning with a fun birthday breakfast with Grandma, Papa and Auntie. Of course we had "eggies on toast" (poached eggs on toast) which is a favorite! Later that night we had our own little family party and the boys got nerf swords from Daddy and Mommy. Not wanting to be left out, Daddy had to buy one for himself too :):) Oh the battle that took place when they got those!! Wish I had a picture of them...but alas...I don't. Then we watched Ice Age 3 which the kids requested to watch.

Today we had the birthday party at a Fremont bowling alley. How fun is this picture!

Happy Birthday Caleb and Joshua!!

Caleb and Joshua received these electric guitars from the Greenhouses and they LOVED them! The boys have played the video game "rock star" ?? Not sure if that is the name or not. Anyway, you play an electric guitar in it and the boys have really enjoyed playing it...so these guitars will provide them with hours and hours of fun!

Love this picture just because of the look on Joshua's face. So funny! I guess he liked what he got:):)

Here are all the friends. It was a fun party. Thanks everyone!

Field Trip Week

2010-02-21T21:28:00.000-08:00

Well...I feel like I haven't blogged FOREVER...so here is a little update on what the Epps Clan has been up to recently. A few weeks back, Charley took the week off of work and we had a "fun" week. We went to the library, we went to the Exploratorium, and we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I had not been to the Exploratorium....probably since about junior high....so it was fun to go back and show the kids all the fun stuff.
My lovely little red headed girl getting blown away:):)

The Palace of Fine Arts...do you see my little "ant" children??

Just being funny

All my sweet kiddos

Unfortunately, that same week, all of the girls (including myself) got colds. Mine was the worse with an INTENSE sinus headache. However, not wanting to miss going on some good field trips and having a wonderful thing called Claritan D and Ibuprofin :):), we went anyway. Once again the Monterey Bay Aquarium did not disappoint!!

*Don't know if you know this or not, but it is the male sea horse that actually gives birth. We were standing by one of the exhibits talking to one of the volunteers when Charley says, "One of the sea horses is giving birth!" Low and behold he was!! They looked like teeny tiny bubbles coming out of him. However, as the volunteer had been talking about, the other fish that was in the tank pretty much ate them up before they went very far. I guess that is their method of "birth control" for the sea horses. It was very interesting to see. Will probably never see it again!

The kids really enjoyed seeing the new sea horse display.

The kids also, depending on their age and ability, wrote reports about some of the things we saw there. I printed off some coloring pictures from the MBA website, the kids colored them in the car on the way there, and then they wrote some things about the sea life (from the info that they read about the sea life at each exhibit) that they had decided to write about. Kristina did her first "bigger" report and even typed it out...for the first time. I printed out some of the pictures we had taken and glued them to the writing pages. They turned out so good! Even Anna did a little report :)

For lunch, we went to Bubba Gumps which is just down the street from the aquarium.

Anna and Kristina

Me and my honey at Bubba Gumps

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Josh Pietzke

2010-01-17T21:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we attended the wedding of my cousin Jamie to Josh Pietzke. The wedding was held at Scotts Garden in Walnut Creek. I have never been to a wedding quite like it before...but it was VERY nice! We actually sat at our tables for the wedding. Very pretty place!

Jamie was glowing and her smile was infectious! She truly was a BEE-U-TEE-FULL bride! :):) Uncle Pete looked quite dashing himself.

The Bridesmaids/Matrons
l-r: a friend of Jamie's that I didn't know, Michelle Brown-Widman, Jodie Milburn-Martin, & Ashley Milburn

"with a gentle and quiet spirit...." "Hey! Who put that in there?" says Jamie. "I just had him slip it in," says Josh.:)

Josh, you may now kiss your bride!

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Pietzke!!

The Dean and Milburn Clan

Grandma and Grandpa Milburn

Still in love after almost 70 years!

The Cake...see the reflection of the cake on the utensils? Does that mean I'm a good photographer? NO..it just means that I was really fortunate to get that shot:)

Me and my honey

Drew and Jodie (sister of the bride) Martin

Jamie and Grandma Milburn

I'm thinking that this is a framer!! How sweet!

Uncle Pete and Auntie Terri

Uncle Tom and Auntie Claire

Uncle Pete, Dave Breuninger, and Uncle Tom

The Milburn Cousins

top: Eric Milburn, Jodie Milburn-Martin, Courtney Milburn-Gruss

bottom: Lindsay Williams, Stacey Epps, Jamie Milburn-Pietzke, Ashley Milburn

They were NOT kind:):)

Instead of throwing the garter and the bouquet, they asked for all the married couples to stand up. Then, they asked who had been married the least amount of time. The garter was given to Jamie's cousin Holly who had been married for 3 1/2 months. Then, they started going up in numbers trying to see who had been married the longest. My parents and grandparents were the last ones standing. My parents have been married 42 years..so at that point, they sat down and it was just my grandparents standing. The guy kept going up the number line...one number at a time. It was so funny...because then, my grandma started counting with him in her funny/silly grandma kind of way (you had to be there) until he got up to 70. Sooo...with all that explanation....my grandparents were given the bouquet.

In March of 2010, my grandparents will have been married for 70 years!! Can you believe it?! The Lord has TRULY blessed them and I am SOOO thankful for them!

Grandma, Me, and Grandpa

Grandma, Me, and Grandpa....we were ALL supposed to do a silly picture...but it looks like I was the only one who did...Oh Well...good memories:):)

"Wives, be submissive to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord to do. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh toward them." Colossians 3:18-19

Congratulations Josh and Jamie! My prayer is that you will follow the Lord's "instruction manual" in your marriage. What better way to start your marriage then to follow the One who created it. Love you!!

Christmas

2010-01-17T21:47:00.000-08:00

We had SUCH a relaxing Christmas break this year. We were able to finish all of our school work BEFORE the break began, so we didn't have anything hanging over our heads (in the way of schooling). Obviously, we had to prepare for Christmas a.k.a clean, cook, wrap presents, etc., but we were able to spread out the work with the fun. All of the kids, except Anna, got new bikes as they were in need of upgrades since they are growing like weeds! Anna got new training wheels, tires, and a new bike helmet:):) I must admit that it was very hard to get back into the school routine after having such a relaxing 2 weeks off. We have now been back to school for 2 weeks and I think we are finally back into the swing of things.

Popping Popcorn on the Cob!!

2009-11-29T22:34:00.001-08:00

How cool is this!! Tonight we popped the popcorn that we literally picked off the stalk at Ardenwood's Harvest Festival. Yummy!!

My cousin Jamie's Bridal Shower

2009-11-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today was my cousin Jamie's bridal shower. She looks so happy and confident in God's will for her life in becoming Josh's wife. I am so happy for you Jamie! May the Lord bless your new life together as you live and work together for Him!

It was a black and white shower so everyone wore black and white (with a few variations:) and pretty much every one's package was black and white (with a bit of purple thanks to Bed Bath and Beyond wrapping:):).

Jamie and Me

Sisters! Ashley, Jamie, & Jodie

Are you sure there aren't 4 Milburn sisters?? Auntie Terri joined them in this picture.

Momma Milburn and her "little" girl:)

We had the shower at Jamie's cousin Michelle Widman's house.

Michelle, Pam (with Michelle's little guy Henry), Kelly (Michelle's mom and my Auntie Terri's sister)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-29T22:10:00.000-08:00

We had such a nice Thanksgiving this year. Not that every Thanksgiving isn't nice...but this year was special. We had my Grandpa and Grandma Milburn AND my Grandma Williams! What a treat!

We put our new table to good use as there were 14 people in all.

Grandma Milburn, Grandma Williams, & Grandpa Milburn

Here we all are! Even Buster got in on this family picture. Pretty amazing that we all are looking at the camera, our eyes are open and most of us are smiling.:):) A small miracle!!
Back Row: Bryn Williams, Joshua Epps, Caleb Epps, Charley Epps
Middle Row: Carol Williams w/ Anna Epps, Ruth Milburn, Betty Williams, Binky Scott w/Buster Epps:), Bob Milburn
Front Row: Lindsay Williams, Abby Epps, Kristina Epps, Stacey Epps

We took the opportunity to take our family Christmas photo...look for it in a mailbox near you:)

My sweet girlies

My handsome boys

Me and my handsome hubby:):)....well he is! :)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for!

Anniversary Get-Away

2009-11-21T23:07:00.000-08:00

Charley and I celebrated our 12 year anniversary on the 15th!! Wow!! To celebrate our anniversary, we took a quick get-away to Monterey/Pacific Grove. We stayed in the Seven Gables Inn in Pacific Grove. I would highly recommend it. It was just what we needed!
We ate dinner at Fandangos which was OK...probably would have been better if I was a real lover of Italian food...but alas....I am not. Oh well, it was an adventure.

This is what we woke up to....just gorgeous!

We walked along the "cliffs" over the bay for awhile and spent some time in the Word and just talking. What a treat it was to just be quiet for a few days and not be responsible for any littlies. Just what I needed.

The gardens were very beautiful and peaceful.

Charley is pointing to our room :):)

The happy...and well rested....couple enjoying their time together.

Then...we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium...and can I just say, that that is an amazing place!! We had never seen the sea horse display since it opened, so I was very excited to see it. I WAS NOT disappointed. AMAZING!! What an amazing Creator is our God!! I never tire of looking at the sea creatures at the aquarium. Charley and I took a behind the scenes tour and that was pretty great too. Our guide was SOOO informative and knew A LOT. The people in our group were quite talkative too (in a good way) so it made the tour all the more worth it.

Can you believe that this is a seahorse?? It took me a minute to realize what I was looking at :)

After going through some of the aquarium, we stopped for lunch at Bubba Gumps. It was a very fun lunch! We had a "Bucket of Boat Trash"....a bucket full of crab, fish, shrimp and fries. All fried...not good for you in the least....but very yummy :):) Thanks Samm for the tip!

Happy Birthday to my Baby!!

2009-11-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well, my baby is now 5!! I can't believe it!
Where has the time gone? Next year she will be in kindergarten...learning to read....graduating from high school...getting married.....AAAHHHH! :):):) We had a fun little pony party and had her friends and family over to celebrate.
Elli, Anna, and Nessy

Anna and Kristina ....princesses!!

Grandma Epps gave Anna a BIG doll that was exactly Anna's height. It was actually kind of funny to watch her with it since it was her exact height. Not sure what she thought of it when she first saw it, but now she likes it.

Happy Birthday Anna! We love you!!

Even Transformers like to dress up for Halloween

2009-11-02T09:29:00.000-08:00

Went into the boys room last night to kiss them goodnight and this is what I find.
I guess Transformers like to dress up as Mouseketeers for Halloween:):):)

Story Problems

2009-10-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

Thus...one more difference between boys and girls. Instead of making up story problems about kittens, dolls, flowers, bunnies, etc., boys make up story problems about Star Wars, people dying, and light sabers. :):)

Spoiled Dog!

2009-10-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on the couch tonight, look over at Caleb, and this is the sight that meets my eyes. Spoiled Dog! He has more love in this family than he knows what to do with. I have to say that we are a bit spoiled with him too. He is such a good dog! He turns 1 this month.

Happy Birthday month Buster!!

Ardenwood Harvest Festival 2009

2009-10-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

As I get older, I think Fall is now my favorite season. I really do not enjoy summer anymore and the heat....although I must admit that except for a few weeks of INTENSE heat....this was a really nice summer.

Once again this year, we went to the Ardenwood Harvest Festival. It was a lot of fun! The kids really enjoyed picking the corn and I think Anna would have picked it all day if we had let her. Mom's back paid for it the morning after as I had to lug a huge gunny sack of corn over to the husking area. Ugh!!:(

Grandma Epps came with us for a little while. It was nice spending some time with her.

Kristina picking the popcorn

How big of a pumpkin can you pick up Abby!!

Joshua, trying to keep his eyes semi-open in the bright sun.

Silly Caleb as Dorothy

Our Pumpkin Beauty

Charley wanted to take this picture....me in the driver seat with my students in tow. So cute!!

Happy Birthday Uncle John!!

2009-10-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

So...it is "Uncle" John's birthday...and it is a special one! His 50th! So I make a special dinner, make a chocolate-chocolate cake, and buy a birthday card. When Charley comes home, I ask him to sign the card and then I wanted to show him the cake. I open up the cake lid and this is what my eyes behold.........

..........2 Anna-sized finger marks!! Can you believe it??!! What a stinker she is! She admitted to it later (after I took a picture of it:):) Hee Hee :) As my cousin rightly stated, she is the cutest little cake monster you ever did see.

Graduation 2009

2009-09-25T21:40:00.001-07:00

Well...after a long summer of "catching up", we finally finished on August 28th. Yeah!! On Sept. 4th, we celebrated the kids graduation with special awards, completion of grade awards, and then a trip to Chuck E Cheese for all of their hard work throughout the year.
Kristina was awarded with the "Junior Baker Award" since she learned how to bake this year...which...I might add...was a HUGE help for me on Wednesday nights when we had small group. Thanks Honey!

Abby's award was for "Love for Reading". She is loving reading now and that is making Teacher Mommy VERY happy:):)

Even Buster wanted to watch the festivities. He was impressed!

Joshua got an award for "Industriousness/Diligence". Sometimes he just blows my socks off! When he is given his work, he gets it done! Good Job Jog!!

Caleb's award was for "Perseverance". In the last month of school, Caleb had to become a left-handed boy...eating and writing with his non-broken arm. He complained only one time at the very beginning and that was it! He was a trooper. Good Job Caleb!

And last, but definitely not least, Anna received her reward for "Playing by herself in a good way while Mommy taught the older kids". Have I ever mentioned what a blessing it is to have a 5th child who actually LIKES to play by herself? BLESSING! Especially for this homeschooling mom.

Teacher Mommy with her class of AMAZING students.

Good Job Kids! Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you!!

We've been invaded!

2009-09-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

We have been invaded! First we were invaded by army men...... (thanks to Caleb:)

Then....the Transformers arrived!

AND...we were also invaded by the Greenhouse's....we REALLY enjoyed that invasion though:):)

Saying Good-bye.....again

2009-08-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, we had to say good-bye again to our special friends. In 2000, almost exactly 9 years ago, they left for Honduras. Now they leave for another country. So sad to see them go.:( We did have a few times of fellowship so that was nice.
This picture was taken at the airport almost 9 years ago. Abby was just a newborn at the time.

Here we are, Stacey and Betsy, 9 years later, saying good-by again at the airport.

We were able to spend quite a bit of time with Megan before they left. Kristina and Abby were able to spend a week seeing her at VBS which was an unexpected treat. We were also privileged enough to take her shopping for some last minute clothes items. I'm not sure if the girls enjoyed it so much...but I did :) Always love shopping! :) It was a VERY successful day!
Megan and Kristina 2000

Megan and Kristina 2009 - what a difference 9 years makes, eh?!

Megan and Catherine 2000

Megan and Catherine 2009

They were only allowed 6 check-ins, 6 carry-ons, and 6 backpacks. All their worldly goods (basically) in that little amount of luggage. WOW! is all I can say to that! Made me think about me and what I would take if I were in a similar situation. We will be sending some stuff to them after they settle in...but not much.

Peter and Nathan waiting to go through security

Good-bye our friends! We will miss you terribly but know that you are right where you are supposed to be. We love you!

More Reunion Pics

2009-08-29T13:24:00.001-07:00

Redwood Christian's Class of 1989's 20 year Reunion

2009-08-15T21:57:00.001-07:00

WHEW! That was a mouthful! I'm really having a hard time with the fact that I graduated 20 years ago. That number just sounds SOOO LARGE! ;) Jenifer Cuneo and I organized the 20th reunion and it was a lot of fun. We had it at Eden Shores Community Park in Hayward. 15 of the 50 students came. We even had 3 that came from out of state (Idaho, Maryland, & Ohio). It was fun catching up with everyone and seeing what they have been up to in the past 20 years.
(back row: Beth (Schroeder) Bernasconi, Kevin Arredondo, Christine (Chinn) Young (with baby in tow:), Steve Gillette (our only teacher that was able to make it), Stacey (Williams) Epps, Jenifer Cuneo, Lisa (Barnes) DeFazio, Bruce Johnson (Superintendent), Rachel (Allender) Jackson, Tim Herb, Chad Nepstad, Dan Ball (front row: Susan (Lee) Smith, Lisa Smith (with baby Emma:), Tami (Normann) Ghere, Tanisha (Nimmer) Walton, Heather (Frey) Korsten

The DeFazio Family

The Nepstad Family

Dan made all of us feel REALLY OLD as his son just got married last weekend! Thanks a lot Dan!;);) Just kiddin...we are very happy for you guys.

The Epps Family

Jenifer and 2 of her boys

Tanisha and her boys

Tim and Jennifer Herb

Kevin Arredondo & Dan Ball

Heidi (Edwards) Hall and Tami (Normann) Ghere

Heidi didn't actually graduate from Redwood. Trying to figure it out, we think she left in 10th grade. It was so good seeing her again. She came to Fairhaven for awhile in junior high since her Grandma lived down the street from the church.

It was a fun day...but a lot of work and we were all exhausted when we got home. Now I'm off to bed...night night!:)

Bob and Larry Veggie Tales

2009-08-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

YIPPPPEEEE!!!!!!

Discovery Kingdom

2009-08-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

The kids participated once again in the Read To Succeed program that Discovery Kingdom puts on. They have to read for 6 hours in order to receive a free ticket....teacher gets a free one too!! What a deal! We took Kristina's friend Christine with us along with the Iglesias'. It was such a fun day...but very long and tiring. By the end of the day, at least some of us, were dragging ourselves back to the car. It's hard work having so much fun!!;);)

As always, the butterflies were amazing and it was fun to see all the gorgeous colors. A couple of the butterflies looked so plain when they were sitting on a branch...but as soon as they started flying the inside was an electrifying blue and one was a fluorescent red. Just beautiful! It always amazes me the colors that the Lord has given for our enjoyment.

I like elephants! They are such amazing creatures. (Note: Just because I like elephants doesn't mean that I want a whole bunch of elephant stuff around my house. I'm just an admirer from afar;);) I remember when I was younger, I REALLY liked elephants. This was the first time that we had gone to the elephant show and we were really impressed! The elephant was SOOO close (almost too close for my liking...especially since my kids were sitting in the front row and there was only a stair step that was separating the elephant from them). The trainer was very informative and seemed like he really enjoyed his job and the elephants.

Stacey, Daffy, Anna, Tweety, Kristina, & Christine

Sweet Anna

There he is! My orange-armed boy! Just in case you hadn't heard, Caleb fractured his arm at about the elbow. On the last day of swimming lessons, I let the kids play in the park that is right next to the pool. Caleb fell off of the monkey bars (he fell backwards and landed on his arm ). He will have the cast on for a month. Unfortunately, it is his right arm....thus making life, school, and eating an all around challenge/adventure at this time.

Joshua on the merry-go-round

The Epps Clan plus Christine :)

Heidi and Jonathan

2009-08-02T13:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we were able to celebrate the marriage of my cousin Heidi. She looked so beautiful! (Jonathan looked quite dashing himself :) It was held at Heather Farms Community Center in Walnut Creek and it was such a nice setting. The Lord gave them beautiful weather for their special day with just a slight breeze to keep away that Walnut Creek heat.

The Johnson Family

Heidi and Jonathan with my Aunt Binky and my grandma

Oh....they were kind! I'm amazed that I got as good a picture as I did...because there were about 12 people around me who also wanted a picture of this. :):)

Jonathan and Heidi with the Epps kiddos

Congratulations Jonathan and Heidi!! We are so happy for you and pray that your marriage will be one that brings glory to the Lord. We love you!

The First-Fruits

2009-08-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well, here are the first-fruits of our garden!!
We actually already picked a red pepper but I forgot to take a picture of it. The cucumber was so yummy! The corn was actually not ripe yet....guess I'll have to look on the internet on when corn should be harvested. Our tomatoes are starting to turn orange and hopefully within a week, we should be able to pick them. So exciting!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Gruss!!

2009-07-21T13:36:00.000-07:00

OK..this is going to be the longest post I've ever posted I think. This past weekend, my dad, mom, sister and I travelled down to Arroyo Grande for the wedding of my cousin Courtney to Ryan Gruss. It felt like old times...my sister and I in the back seat, driving down to Grandma's. I did miss Charley and the kids though:( I have now been down to Arroyo Grande 3 times in the past year...I think that is a record! It was a very pretty outside wedding with very pretty flowers and a beautiful bride!:) The only bad think about an outside wedding is the sun in your eyes when you're trying to smile for a picture. Ahh..that blue-eyed curse strikes again!

Me, Lindsay, and my mom

These boys (cousins of the bride) have a special place in my moms heart as she took care of them for about a week when their mom died in a tragic car accident about 12 years ago.

Greg, Kathleen Santucci (the boys grandma), my mom Carol, and Jonathan

Cousins Ashley & Jamie and Josh

Cousin Eric bringing Grandma in with Grandpa in the background

Eric and Auntie Claire (Mother of the Bride)

Uncle Tom and Courtney

Courtney's uncle, Peter Santucci, did the wedding. About 34 years ago, he and I were ring bearer and flower girl in my Uncle Tom and Aunt Claire's wedding.

"Introducing, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Gruss!!"

Siblings!! Tom, Pete, & Carol

Grandma and Grandpa

Me with Aunt Helen and Aunt Mary (my Grandpa's sisters)

Mom & Grandma

What a cool Grandma I have!! ;);)

Courtney is the second cousin in the past year that has gotten married. We go to another cousins wedding on August 1st. Are there going to be any other cousins getting married any time soon??? Anyone? Anyone? Hint..Hint....Nudge...Nudge :):) Just kiddin. Wait on the Lord. His timing is ALWAYS perfect...and BEST!

Cousin Jamie and Josh

Uncle Pete & Auntie Terri

Cousins Ashley and Jodie

The Milburn Cousins! Eric, Jodie, Ashley, Jamie, Courtney, Stacey, & Lindsay

Ryan and Courtney waiting to get roasted...err...I mean, toasted :)

My Grandma would kill me if she knew I put this picture up, but since she doesn't have a computer...and no one is going to tell her...I think I am safe. So funny and sooo Grandma!:)

Grandma dancing with Jamie

Grandma dancing with her "baby" Tom

The Epps/Williams Family

Stacey, Bryn, Carol, & Lindsay

Courtney, Ryan, Grandma, & Grandpa

Wow!! I can't believe we actually got this picture! AND...it is good of almost everyone! What a special picture. The whole Milburn clan. What a rich heritage I have! I am so thankful to the Lord for them. I won't try and write all of the names as they are all in the preceding pictures.

Congratulations Ryan and Courtney!! May the Lord truly bless your life together as you live and work together for Him.

An Epps "Shower/Tea Party" for Heidi

2009-07-21T12:52:00.001-07:00

We celebrated a special cousin this past week. Heidi is getting married! We had a little "tea party" for her...although we didn't have hot tea since it was a VERY hot day. We had iced tea instead :) We are SOOO happy for her that the Lord has brought a special someone into her life that she can now share her life with. BUT....we are VERY sad that that special someone lives so far away!! We will miss you Heidi! Oh well, I guess we'll just have to make a yearly trip to Mariposa to visit you. Another good reason why we should go to Yosemite next summer!:):)

I brought out my china for the occasion...which I don't think I've EVER done since I've had kids. The kids were wondering where I got it. Pretty sad :( We had little tea sandwiches...chicken salad, egg salad, pb&j, and cucumber and cream cheese. I also make a big fruit salad and then lemon cake for dessert. Everything tasted so yummy!

Heidi and Me:)

The Fair & the Fourth

2009-07-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

We went the the Alameda County Fair on July 3rd this year. It was a great day and the weather was just right. We met the Greenhouses there and walked around with them. Always fun to be with our friends that we don't get to see that often. It was also the fireworks night so we stayed for that. Unfortunately, because a lot of people also stayed, it took us an hour...just to get out of the parking lot. UGH! :( Not fun.

The Epps kiddos and the Greenhouse kiddos

Having fun :)

We saw some pretty cute ducklings and chicks. The kids asked me, "Why can't we get a little duckling?" My answer...."Because cute little ducklings turn into adult ducks!" End of discussion.

They had a GREAT petting zoo that had lots of baby goats, a couple of fawns, a llama, a donkey and even a pot belly pig. The kids enjoyed being able to get up so close to all those cute animals.

The kids (minus Kristina) were involved in a little "production" where they dressed up in little farmyard animal outfits and then "acted" in a play.

Anna was the germ police, who shot her bubble gun at the evil Germinator. It was so funny!

Kristina and her Daddy :)

We had our 3rd Annual Fourth of July party this year. Charley and 3 of the kids started off the day handing out tracts at the Fremont parade (Kristina had a little bout of heat stroke after our day at the fair so she, Anna and I stayed at home.) Everyone came over at about 7:30 and we had some yummy ice cream sundaes. YUMMO!

Then...it was outside to set off the fireworks. This year our neighbor also had a party along with fireworks, so we had even more fireworks.

Happy 4th of July!!!

Happy 9th Birthday Abby!!

2009-06-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I started this post on June 23rd, and it is now July 8th. YIKES!! Much to catch up on.
We celebrated Abby's 9th Birthday this year with a garden party. We've done a garden party before and it was a lot of fun.

Abby wanted me to make a chocolate cake with a flower on top...so this is my rendition of her request. I tried to write "Happy Birthday Abby" on it...but I only got to about the "P" and had to take the lettering off because it looked so awful. Chocolate frosting is very forgiving to lettering mistakes :)

All of the kids were given a pot to decorate. They looked so cute! Then, I made up a treasure hunt that they went on. The treasure (which was found in our mailbox) was a bunch of flowers that we let them choose from to put in their pots. So fun!

Happy 9th Birthday Abby!! You sure are a blessing to us!!

Happy 90th Grandma!

2009-06-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

The girls and I went down to Arroyo Grande last weekend for my Grandma's 90th birthday. It was such a special treat to be able to spend time with both my Grandma and Grandpa. Can you believe that my Grandpa is 95? They both look amazing!

We took a little trip to Pismo Beach and looked around at the tide pools to see what sea creatures we could see. Oh...YES I did cut my hair...and...I'm getting used to the look:)

The girls with GG Pa

We went to the Olive Garden for Grandma's birthday.
Grandma, Jamie, and Ashley

We went to The Barn which is right near Avila Beach. It was a lot of fun! We got to feed the animals and we were even able to see some babies.

These baby goats were so cute! We stayed by them for a long time because they were so fun to watch. My girls wanted to ask someone if they could hold them.

Me and the girls :)

It is always hard to say good bye...and there were tears. :( I love them so much!

....but there was also laughing:):)

More Veggie Tales and More

2009-06-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have been ANXIOUSLY awaiting the most recent pictures of our garden ;);)...here they are. Can you believe this? Pretty good for 2 people who really have no idea what they are doing :):) Actually, we have prayed a lot over this garden, because we KNOW that any good that comes out of it is ONLY the Lord!

Here is the bell pepper plant. It has one pepper on it...but that is the same pepper that was on it when I bought it...and it doesn't look like there are any more on it.....yet:)

Here are the sunflower plants. They are HUGE!

These are the ones that I am REALLY excited about! The Roma Tomatoes. I can't wait until they start appearing. We eat a lot of tomatoes so that will be fun.

OK...I'm done:) More veggie tales to come........

The boys little league season came to a close with an award night at Straw Hat Pizza. At Awana, the kids have special nights such as crazy hat night, animal night, etc. When I told Joshua that we were going to Straw Hat for awards, he asked me, "We need to get a straw hat and wear it Mom!" Obviously we are not a Straw Hat Pizza family :):) We prefer Me n Ed's Pizza...thank you very much;)

Caleb receiving his award from Coach Kirk with Coach Juan (who happens to be our backyard neighbor) in the background

Abby, Coach Kirk and Joshua

Last Sunday I took my camera to church, so I was able to get a few pictures of the kids in their Sunday School classes (Sorry Allie:) Love ya!)
Miss Lita's class with Eli, Joel, Anna, and Nessya

Alice and Allie with Annabelle, Joshua, Molly, Hannah, Abby, and Caleb

This past Monday we celebrated Baby Joseph Shapiro's birth with a baby shower.

Abby with Baby Joey

Kathie Ormsby gave an amazing and very sweet devotion that she included both Ellianna and Nessya in.

The girls received books from Kathie...one about Joseph and one about David.

AND THEN...both girls recited Psalm 100. They did a SUPER job!

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."

"Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path."

Piling up the activities

2009-06-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

I really need to write on this blog more instead of piling up the activities until, like today, there is just too much to write about. I'll leave the other activities and pictures for another day. The main reason for the pile up is that my computer is down (where I usually download all of my pics) so I finally had to just download them onto the lap top since I didn't have any memory space left on the camera :( Well, these activities are totally out of order...but I really don't like having to move them around...so we will just have to live with out of order events:):)

We celebrated my sister Lindsay on Friday with a birthday lunch. All the kids made Auntie a birthday picture/card and we had a special lunch.

Mom, Lindsay, & me

Kristina made Auntie a special birthday picture.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE LINDSAY!!! We hope you had a special day!

One day, not even sure when, when Charley took the other kids out somewhere, I was left home with Anna. Because I had quite a few half used frosting tubs in my fridge, I decided that we needed to make cupcakes to use up all the extra frosting. Anna helped me make the cupcakes and then we, of course, had to document this special Mommy and Anna time. Anna asked to take a picture of me...actually she wanted to take a picture of every step of putting the cupcakes in the oven...along with a silly face picture...but I will spare you those pictures and just put one on here:)

A very proud-of-herself Anna, holding our cupcakes.

Good Job Anna! Those cupcakes were yummy!

For Memorial Day, we went to the A's game as a family. We had a really fun time. I told Charley that I think that was the most relaxing and non-stressful game that I have been to (as a family). It was just really nice. Thankfully they won and we got to leave the Coliseum to the Celebration song. Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

JOSEPH DAVID SHAPIRO - 8lbs. 21 in.
Another exciting thing that happened on May 21st, was that Joseph David Shapiro was born to Noad and Sharyn Shapiro. We watched Elli and Nessya while Noad and Sharyn went to the hospital and little Joey came REALLY quick. Only about 2 1/2 hours after they got to the hospital. PTL! He is SUCH a cutie. All my kids have enjoyed holding him.

Joshua holding baby Joey.

Elli, Sharyn, and Baby Joseph

Congratulations Noad, Sharyn, Ellianna, and Nessya! You have been given a GIFT!

Softball, Stickers, Sparks, Jelly Bellys, & Friends

2009-05-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy couple of weeks. Lots going on. Kristina started Fremont girls softball so we all went out to opening day to see her play her first game. Her team is called the Heartbreakers. They are a very young team and most of them have never played before...so...as the coach said at the beginning...this is a learning year.

Because she is the tallest, her coach has given her the opportunity to try out catching and pitching. Actually, she has done quite a bit of catching. Go Heartbreakers!!

We went to Mrs. Grossmans sticker Factory for a field trip the other day. It was a lot of fun. We got a lot of fun stickers and we learned how that stickers are made. After the tour, the kids were given a bunch of stickers and a postcard that they were able to decorate

My mom came with us, which was a big help, since we brought Anna with us:):) Thanks Mom! Hope you enjoyed the field trip!

Sparks awards was last week too. The boys didn't finish their books this year, but they were close. We'll have to try and finish them over the summer. We are so thankful that our kids are learning to hide God's Word in their hearts.

Joshua receiving his Sparks award.

Caleb receiving his Sparks award.

In the home schooling group that I am in, it is our duty to plan a few field trips. For mine, I decided that we should go to the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield. It was a lot of fun! Very interesting how they make those yummy candies! And...can you believe it...my kids, excluding Joshua, do not like jelly bellys!! I just cannot understand how that can be!;);)

Abby standing with a jelly belly mosaic of the Reagans.

The kids in front of Mr. Jelly Belly

After the Jelly Belly Factory, we went to visit our friends the Jarvis', who only live a couple of minutes away from the factory. We had a lot of fun with them eating lunch, playing, and catching up. Thanks Jarvis' for a fun afternoon!!

Wow! Look at all those kids...and Anna wasn't even there!

Kelly and I with baby Joy.

More Veggie Tales

2009-05-13T21:51:00.001-07:00

Well here are the latest pictures of the garden. The green in the back is the corn, then the tomatoes, then the cucumbers and then the sunflowers in the front. Unfortunately, it looks like something is enjoying eating the sunflowers and the cucumbers :( Grrrrr! We might have to do something about that.

Can you see it?? My little Albatross pepper? Don't ask me what an Albatross pepper is...it just came with the group of 3 pepper plants that I got from Costco...but, it's GROWING!! Yeah!!

Here is the other side of the garden. Doing good! Cannot wait to be able to pick my first vegetable.

More updates to come...Kristina's opening day of softball, field trip to Mrs. Grossmans Sticker Factory, Sparks awards, etc. Stay tuned.........

Gardening and Fishing

2009-04-29T13:15:00.001-07:00

Guess what!? We planted a garden. I am SOOOO excited about this since I've been waiting a whole year to be able to do this. I wanted to last year...but it just didn't happen. We planted corn, green, red and albatross peppers, roma tomatoes, early girl tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, and sunflowers. I seed planted a cherry tomato but I'm not sure if that one is going to take. I might have to go and buy a little plant instead. The corn is doing amazing and the pepper plants, which I bought at Costco, are already growing little peppers. So fun to watch!

I told the kids that we need to pray for our garden that the Lord would cause the veggies to grow. More updates...or as Mr. Greenhouse says...more veggie tales to come:):)

The other day we took all the kids to Quarry Lakes in Fremont to fish. Everybody had their own fishing pole...even Anna. We bought her a Dora the Explorer one. And you know what? She did a GREAT job casting! Pretty good for a 4 1/2 year old! We didn't catch anything, but we had a fun day (although it got really hot).
Here is Abby messing around with the bait :)

I haven't put a picture of Buster on here since we first got him about 3-4 months ago. He is getting so big! He is such a good/friendly puppy and loves us and people in general. He is such a house dog that I don't think I have ever seen him panting like he did this day. We took him fishing with us.

The kids hard at work...or should that be..working on patience:)

Kristina...the master caster. Since Charley doesn't have a fishing license, he couldn't help the kids cast their lines...so Kristina came to the rescue many a time that day.

Anna with her Dora fishing pole

Fisherman Caleb

Friends from Germany and Anna-isms

2009-04-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

Today we had our German friends, Friedrich and Svenja Troeps along with their two boys Josias and Bennett spend the day with us. It was a busy day! It was great fun just catching up and letting the kiddos play with each other. We talked/played for awhile, had lunch, then walked to the chapel to show them around. We are definitely going to have a good sleep tonight!

And then, of course, the activity that my children are always asking to do as we pass by it on the way to Costco....we went to Chuck E Cheese! Joyful delight would be a good way to describe the reaction from the Epps kids. (especially after I had just told them the other day that we only go to Chuck E Cheese for graduation and Halloween:)
So glad that we were able to spend time with you today Troeps! We'll miss you!

A few Anna-isms for your reading enjoyment:
Anna was looking at a picture of a little girl with long curly hair....which she described as "crumbly and shapey" :):):)
Anna was frustrated with one of her brothers the other day, so she comes into the office and asks me as only my 4 year old daughter can, "Mom, can you deal with him?"

Opening Day

2009-03-21T21:41:00.001-07:00

Well today was a very exciting day! It was the opening day parade and game for Union City Little League. The boys looked SO handsome in their uniforms.....if I do say so myself:) Charley is one of the assistant coaches (he looked pretty handsome too:):)...and we just learned that one of the other coaches is our backyard neighbor! So funny:)

Since this is their first year, they need some more practice in the basic skills, but I thought they did pretty good today. Of course I am a biased mom...but they did:) Caleb caught a ball really good and Joshua hit the ball and was able to make it all around the bases (not all at one time).

Now on to Missy Poo......Anna was in her own little world at the ballpark...laying on the grass, picking flowers, and singing with all her might.."JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN. ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. RED AND YELLOW, BLACK AND WHITE. THEY ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD." So cute! She was also arraying my lap with all kinds of leaves that she was gathering. Later in the day, she was holding her stomach and telling me something which I couldn't understand at first. When she repeated it, she said, "I think I have cansaw (cancer). I think you need to pray for me." We have been praying for some people during our prayer time who have cancer, so that is why she had (so to speak) cancer on the brain. Some of the things that that little girl comes up with.................:)

Abby has really been taking off in reading! She now LOVES to read...for which I am EXTREMELY glad. I wasn't sure if she would ever love to read like her sister does, but I think she has finally earned the title, "Book Worm". She has really enjoyed reading "Sarah Plain and Tall" and the sequel to it, "Calebs Story".

On Wednesday, the 18th, we celebrated my Dad's and Charley's birthdays. We gave my Dad a "#1 Grandpa" frame, so I had to take a picture of him and his grandkids to fill it. Of course Buster had to be included since he is part of the family now:):)

Where the Red Fern Grows-

2009-03-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read the story, "Where the Red Fern Grows"? If you have never read it, it is about a young boy who saves up his money for 2 years...doing odd jobs...to buy 2 huntin' dogs. He names them Big Dan and Little Ann. He teaches them to go 'coon huntin' and the story revolves around the love that these 3 have for each other. We borrowed the CD's from the library so Abby has been listening to them. Today when I called the kids to lunch, Abby came in with tears in her eyes and a look like she was about to burst. I asked her what the matter was and with a quivering lip she sadly said, "Big Dan died. He laid his life down for Billy (the boy)" She hadn't gotten to the part yet where Little Anna dies of a "broken heart" and I didn't want to make the present situation worse so I didn't tell her. I asked her, "Abby, who laid their life down for Abby?" She responded, "Jesus". I asked her, "Does that make you cry? Does that make you smile?" Her response was, "No". I told her that it should.
Do we cry or have a thankful smile when we think about what the Lord Jesus did for us? We should. It should "dissolve our heart in thankfulness and melt our eyes to tears" as the hymn very rightly states. I found Abby a little later...still listening and crying....she now knows the end of the story...that Little Ann dies too.

It's been a year!

2009-03-05T22:41:00.001-08:00

Today it has been a year since Joshua's vesicoureteral reflux surgery! Wow! This year has sure flown by. Every appointment we have gone to in the past year has had good results...PRAISE THE LORD! We go in this month sometime for an ultrasound to make sure that his kidneys are growing like they should. Oh joy! That is always a fun appointment...I mean the part where he has to drink a WHOLE LOT of water and then have to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes. Actually, besides that part of it, it really isn't that bad:)

Happy belated 7th Birthday Joshua and Caleb!

2009-02-23T22:24:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I wrote that I didn't think that there was anything really exciting to write about....UH....HEEELLLLOOOOO! Stacey.........just your boy's 7th BIRTHDAY!!!! I guess I have an excuse since I was so sick on their birthday that I don't even think I saw them until the late afternoon that day.
Happy (belated posting of your) Birthday boys!! We love you so much and are so thankful to the Lord Jesus that He gave us 2!!:):) You are both so precious to us!

The other day Joshua was talking about a field trip that we went on last year to John Muir's house in Martinez. He said, "We went to John Muir's house....but he wasn't there." :):) Below is a picture of the kids in front of John Muir's house.

This morning I was sorting laundry in front of the boys room and was able to eavesdrop on a conversation between them.

Caleb: "Tomorrow is Flag Day!"
Joshua: "Flag Day? What's flag day?"
Caleb: "It's a day when you say "God Bless America" and all that stuff"
**When I looked at the boys calendar today, I read that it was MEXICAN Flag Day:):)

As you can imagine, I had to run downstairs (smiling all the way of course) to quick write it down so I wouldn't forget it. SO CUTE!:)

The Epps Happenings

2009-02-13T15:26:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been awhile since I've updated...mostly because it really didn't seem like there was anything really interesting lately in our lives that deserved a post on. But hey....we've got 5 kids! There is ALWAYS something, if not something INTERESTING, going on at our house:) So...now I think back at the last 3 or so weeks and recount. I had to say goodbye to my dear friend Betsy on the 29th. With some friends, even though you don't see them that often, you just seem to pick up where you left off. That is Betsy and my relationship. I appreciate her so much and wish that we could spend more time together sharing our hearts, our joys, our struggles. I appreciate you so much Betsy!

Last week we were ALL down with the horrible, no good, very bad, volcanic and violent stomach flu. It started with the youngest...skipped Caleb...but then came back to Caleb...and ended with the oldest...and I'm not talking about the oldest child. It was BAD! I think I got it the worst of everybody:( Thankfully Charley was already planning on taking a couple of days off so I just stayed in bed and slept.....ALL DAY!

Charley has been preaching at Calvary for the last month on Joshua and Caleb. Last week, he talked about Joshua, Jericho and Rahab. I was impressed with the fact that both Joshua and Rahab believed God in what He said and they showed their belief in their obedience (Joshua in taking the walled city of Jericho and Rahab in her obedience in putting the red chord out her window) It made me think of me and my life. Do I move forward in obedience, taking God at His word, or do I worry and question? In my quiet times lately, I have been studying Genesis and I was struck by Noah and his unquestioning belief and obedience to the Lord. Did he question God when God told him to build an ark? I'm thinking he didn't since the Lord didn't record it. He records others disbelief and questioning (Abraham, Sarah, Zechariah), but with Noah it just says, "Noah did all that the Lord commanded him." What a testimony to his family and to us thousands of hears later! I pray that it may be said of me, Stacey did all that the Lord commanded her. As I write this, the song Trust and Obey is running through my head.

When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word

What a glory He sheds on our way

When we do His good will

He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey

Trust and Obey for there's no other way

To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

I looked at last years calendar a few days ago and realized that today is the 1 year anniversary to when Joshua went in for his surgery...the first time...his tonsillectomy and insertion of tubes. We are so thankful that Joshua is doing so well and praise the Lord that even though this time last year was quite a frustrating time for us, that the Lord knew exactly what He was doing and everything was fixed in His perfect timing. Thanks to all of our friends and family for lifting us up before the Throne of Grace during and after the surgeries. Your prayers were felt and MUCH appreciated!

A Night with Friends

2009-01-27T09:43:00.001-08:00

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Excuse me as I cry...my friends are leaving in a few days to go back to Nicaragua.:(:(
We had a fun night together last night. Dinner, dessert, lots of excited children, and lots of chatting and sharing. How I wish we lived closer but thankfully with the internet, we can at least stay in semi-constant touch. I have one more visit to Starbucks with Betsy on Thursday night (while the kids are at Awana). Looking forward to that! For those of you that don't know, Betsy discipled me in my early college days and was also a bridesmaid in my wedding.
Goodbye dear friends! We will miss you terribly! :(:(

Well here is our first family picture with Buster as a part of our family. Didn't turn out too bad if I do say so myself. ;)

Megan came over last week and was able to spend the night and a day with Kristina and Abby. I think that is the first friend that the girls have had over to spend the night. I tried to keep the boys out of the girls way as much as possible, cause, well,,,,you know how boys can be sometimes. They are just a bit more rough and tumble than the girlies. Thus, the black eye that Joshua is sporting in the family picture above. Nobody is quite sure how it happened...but it is narrowed down to Caleb or Anna. Go figure! It must not have hurt him that much, because I didn't hear any whining or crying because of it.

Buster is here to stay!

2009-01-24T21:46:00.001-08:00

Well, we did it! We are now the proud owners...or to be PC about it...caretakers of a 3 month old Dachshund Chihuahua mix puppy. He is pretty cute and loves to lavish us all with wet kisses:):):) We are excited to start this new journey in our lives. We went through a place in Oakland called Lisa's Passion for Pets (it's actually a pet store..but the owner rescues dogs from being put to sleep). She has ALL KINDS of little dogs...so if you are looking for a littler dog, I would suggest checking her pet store out. You can foster dogs for a week at a time or adopt them. The kids absolutely LOVED going there and getting to see and hold all those cute...well most of them were cute...dogs.

Goodbye Jasper

2009-01-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Well, we took Jasper back yesterday. Cute doggy, with some good things about him, but also some bad things...such as nipping at all the kids. He followed me around the house and liked me, but he DEFINITELY didn't like Charley and was not really a kid dog. Oh well, live and learn. We now know that we want more of a loving and "joyful" dog...not one that seems depressed most of the time.
the dog saga and search continues..............

Welcome Jasper!!

2009-01-05T11:14:00.001-08:00

Well here he is in all his glory! Jasper (actually his name was Casper...but we didn't like that name) We have him until Saturday unless we decide to adopt him...then we have him forever. He has been a bit timid, but seems to be settling down a bit. I am his best friend (not bad for someone who is not crazy about animals) and he follows me around quite a bit. He is starting to follow others too now, so that is a good sign. He is getting used to us and we are getting used to him. Last night we were all sitting on the couch...he jumped up, laid his head down and promptly fell asleep. So cute! It would have made a super cute picture:):)

...and the dog saga continues

2009-01-03T22:17:00.000-08:00

Well today was a fun day. We went to the SPCA and a dog store that was having a doggy adoption day. At the dog store, there were A LOT of small dogs..which is what we are looking for. We took one for a walk that really has a lot of potential as becoming a member of our family. He is a Papillon mix...kind of a creme color...very sweet and calm..and best of all.......potty trained. Anna keeps saying, "I'm the first pooper picker-upper." We are praying about possibly fostering him for a week to see if he would be a good fit for our family. Exciting..Exciting! On the way home, we were trying to think of boy doggy names.:):)
We were also able to spend a fun evening with the Rods...fellowshipping, laughing at kiddos:), and going to Rigatoni's for dinner. Thanks Rods! We appreciate you!

Merry CHRISTmas 2008!

2008-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, we are sitting at the kitchen table and Charley tells the kids, "You know, we don't have a lot of money for Christmas presents this year...so this is all we can afford."
He then hands the kids each a refrigerator letter magnet. He told them to put them on the table. Kristina said,"It spells God" to which Joshua replied (Joshua was across from Kristina) "It spells DOG". At this point all the kids are looking at Charley with a questioning look. "A DOG? Are you serious?" Caleb said, "You can't be serious!" Yep , we are getting a dog! Don't know when at the moment...there is one that we are interested in..but we will see what dog the Lord has for us. Needless to say the kids are ecstatic!

Today we had the Williams side Christmas. My Grandma, who is living at Bethesda for a little while, came and so did my Aunt Binky. I cooked a turkey and it turned out OK...I thought it was a little dry:(:(

The Epps kiddos with Papa, Grandma, and Auntie

The kids with Auntie Binky

The kids with Great Grand Mam

I hope that everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas!

Small Meeting

2008-12-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

We have "small group" at our house every Tuesday night. Right now, we are going verse by verse through the book of Philippians. Joshua asks me, quite often, "Are we having the "small meeting" tonight?" :):):)

Cookie Baking Extravaganza 2008

2008-12-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

We had QUITE the day yesterday at our house. It was cookie baking day! What fun it was! Allie came over and helped us make and decorate our cookies. We made molasses cut out cookies, sugar (cut out) cookies, snickerdoodles, and shortbread with chocolate topping. YUM YUM!!

The kids really enjoyed decorating the cookies....although they also enjoyed being distracted by the movie Prince Caspian that was playing in the background:)

The kids did a great job in decorating the cookies.

Mommy and Kristina. As I am writing this blog, Kristina just came in and said, "It was so fun decorating the cookies. I almost want to do it again!" WOW...that is a die hard cookie fan. I must admit that I was kind of tired of decorating when we were done. There were SO MANY cut-out cookies!

Allie helped out Anna a lot (thanks Allie!) and we learned that Anna is even more of a die hard cookie decorator than Kristina. She kept going and going and going. When we were all done, she kind of got upset that we couldn't keep decorating. Last year when we did this, I had to keep Anna's cookies separate from everyone elses because she kept licking her fingers, cookies, etc. This year, I made sure to tell her that she couldn't lick anything. At one point in the night, she had a glob of icing on her arm. Allie said, "Lick it off", to which Anna replied, "No, I can't, my mommy told me not too!" She actually listened...and I know that with sugary icing in front of her that that wasn't easy:):) Good Job Anna!
Hard at work

This cookie is a masterpiece! Can't you tell?? Actually this is a "Anna got a hold of the sprinkles before anyone could stop her" cookie:):) When Allie was getting ready to leave and we were filling up her plate with cookies to take home, I asked Anna, "Are you going to give Allie one of yours?" Can you guess which one she gave her? Yep...the one with ALL the sprinkles (picture below:):) What a gift! I hope you enjoy eating that one Allie!!:):)

Here are some pictures of all of our cookies. Enjoy...I know that we are going to enjoy eating them!!

Those annoying Fireworks!

2008-12-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

Every year, we go to the fireworks at the Oakland Coliseum via a friends workplace that is right next to the Coliseum. The following is a conversation that Anna had with my mom at one of the fireworks displays in July (a late post...but I thought it was too cute to pass up:)

Anna: "Grandma, those fireworks really annoy me!"
Grandma: "I'm so sorry Anna."
Anna: "That's OK Grandma, it's not your fault..it's the fireworks fault."
(mind you she was 3 at the time all of this was said:):):)

Happy 10th Birthday Kristina!

2008-12-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Today was Kristina's 10th birthday. We celebrated with 3 of her good friends, Grandpa/Grandma/Auntie, and of course her favorite siblings:):) We went to the Castro Village Bowl and had a fun time. A few of the kids ended up on the floor...some purposefully...some not:)

It was so good to have Kristina's friend Megan here for her birthday. Megan's mom Betsy was one of my brides maids and their family is serving the Lord in Nicaragua. They are currently on furlough until February.

Kristina with Dad and Mom

I looked like a pyro when I was lighting these candles. I clumped them all together (10 candles of course) and lit them. As you can see from the picture, there was quite a large flame:):)

Oops..forgot to tell you that we went to the Ice Creamery after bowling. Lunch there was fine but the the icecream was BETTER! Charley ordered a Junior Banana Split..Yeah Right! It was huge! Anna's eyes got REALLY big when Charley told her, "There you go. There's your icecream." :):):):)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY!! We love you and are so thankful for you.

Thanksgiving (a little late)

2008-12-13T22:11:00.001-08:00

Oh my...how time flies! It's almost Christmas and I haven't even posted about Thanksgiving. What I was thankful for this year was that we were able to spend Thanksgiving in Arroyo Grande with my grandparents. What a treat! We drove down Wednesday morning and arrived about 4:30 p.m.
Isn't this picture precious!? 65+ years of marriage and still holding hands.:):)

I cooked "The Bird" and it turned out pretty good...if I do say so myself:) I get nervous about it every year, but this year it dawned on me that it is actually pretty easy to cook a turkey. I might have to do it more often. Especially when said bird is $9.99!! Cheap meat!:)
Isn't it purdy?!

My dad did the honors of cutting the meat and Kristina was his sidekick.

We were able to visit, for a very short time, with Aunt Helen and Aunt Mary. It was so good to see them. Quick memory of Aunt Mary(the one with the blue necklace on)....she loves children and I can remember as a child, when all of the other adults were in the living room talking, Aunt Mary would come into the bedroom and color with me. I believe it was a Winnie the Pooh coloring book. She would always have tea parties when I would go to her house, which I loved....lots of sugar and milk. Yum Yum! And cookies...always cookies at Auntie Mary's house. I remember going to her house and doing all sorts of crafts too. We made walnut shell turtles and paper mache vases....I was little, but I still remember it. I guess as I think back, and as an adult now, I realize that it is not always easy to move away from the adult conversation to play with a child. But I still remember the time she spent with me and how special that time was to me. As a mom, I know that I need to spend that special time with my kiddos, doing fun stuff that will create memories for them of their childhood like Auntie Mary created for me. I love you Auntie Mary. You are very special!!

After Thanksgiving dinner, we went to see the Monarch butterflies at Pismo Beach. Amazing! There were SO many of them that they looked like they were a big clump of leaves instead of butterflies.

We also took a walk at Pismo Beach and saw a gorgeous sunset.

Here is the Epps family and Auntie Lindsay in front of the "almost gorgeous sunset":):)

And of course we had to take lots of pictures with Grandpa and Grandma Milburn. I so thankful that my kids have been able to know and spend time with their GGPa and GG. It has been a special blessing!

We had a wonderful time together and hope that we will be able to do it again soon. So much to be thankful for!!!

Astronauts and Eskimos

2008-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

This morning, while Abby was snuggling in bed with me, she rubbed her nose against my nose.

Abby - "An astronaut kiss!"

Me - "An astronaut kiss?"

Abby - "Yeah"

Me (laughing) - "You mean an ESKIMO kiss?"

Abby - "Oh yeah...an eskimo kiss." :):):)

And speaking of Abby.....she read her first LONG/BIG book the other day..."Sarah Plain and Tall"....good job Abby!!!!

Rude Socks

2008-11-23T13:56:00.001-08:00

The other day my mom was over to watch the kids. Anna comes down the stairs with an upset look on her face, holding a pair of socks. She asks my mom, "Grandma can you help me? My socks are being rude to me!" (translation: I can't get my socks on!) :):)

11 and 4

2008-11-15T22:18:00.001-08:00

Well it was an exciting day in the Epps household today. Today was Charley's and my 11th anniversary! Wow...I can hardly believe we've been married that long....weren't we just in college....didn't we just graduate from high school.:):) I love you more than ever Hon! We went to Horatios for dinner tonight which was a lot of fun until I felt like I was going to get sick after eating. We did take a walk at the Marina...but that was about all I could handle. Ugghh:(

Today was also Anna's 4th Birthday. Four years ago today I had that sweet faced little girl on my anniversary...what better gift could you ask for??

This is her new silly face that she does quite a bit lately. She is such a silly girl sometimes and it's fun just watching her be funny.

We had some of her friends and their parents over and also some family members. Uncle Pat came over in his police car and let the kids get in it. That was a fun and unexpected surprise!

First, we had all the kids make their own mini pizzas.

Then..they got to decorate their own cupcakes with all sorts of yummies....gummi bears, m&m's, sprinkles, and jelly bellies. They were so creative and did a great job!

And then of course...presents...and then the group picture.

I tell the kids that if they do a nice "smiling" picture, that they can do a silly picture next.......

Happy 4th Birthday Peanut!! We are so thankful to the Lord Jesus for you. You are a special blessing to all of us!

90 years young

2008-11-12T13:08:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated my Grandmam's 90th birthday. Wow...I hope I look just as good as she does when I hit 90! My aunt had an open house where friends and family came to celebrate my Grandmam (the Welsh way of saying Grandma).
My Uncle Doug even came from Colorado to celebrate.

Binky, Doug, Betty (Grandmam), Bryn

Stacey, Bryn, Grandmam, Carol, Lindsay

Grandmam with all the Epps Kiddos:)

My Aunt Fern (my Grandpa's sister) and Grandmam

So glad we could be there with you Grandmam and celebrate your special day! We love you!!

The Beach and Gilroy Gardens

2008-11-02T22:12:00.001-08:00

The weekend of October 24-25 was a VERY fun-filled weekend. I told Charley that it almost felt like we were on vacation and were trying to pack as much in as we could. Charley took that Friday off and we went to the beach with Grandma Epps. We found a GREAT beach at Half Moon Bay. It had tide pools for as far as you could see. (When you reach the end of 92...I believe it would be Hwy. 1...you turn right and go down a ways and then turn left on California Ave.) There was a ranger station there with a very informative young ranger who was able to tell us a lot about the tide pools, the tides, the best place to fish, etc.
Anna and Momma

My boys had just recently been saying, "We've never gone to the beach!" which wasn't true...but they were so young that they just don't remember it. This was more of a tide pool beach...not a "get your swim suit on and get in the water" type beach. We'll have to find one of those next summer.

I LOVE this picture of Caleb. How amazing is our God and His creation!

Kristina found a crab that was dead, but almost fully intact. He became the bait for the fishing expedition that Charley led the older kids on.

My precious little Anna's hand in the ocean

She actually hated the water and would hardly go near it. She got a little more brave as the day progressed...but not much.

She REALLY didn't want to take this picture so I am amazed that I got such a cute smile out of her. It was a very low tide when we were there so we were able to go out quite a ways on the tide pools.

Here is a starfish that I found on a walk along the tide pools.

My Handsome Boys:)....and did I mention that we are A's fans??

Joshua found a dead crab and was acting silly.

The Fishing Expedition! Charley took the older kids to a recommended spot and taught them how to cast. He said that they were casting a good distance, but of course when mom showed up to see how they were doing, none of them could do it.

On Saturday, we went to Gilroy Gardens. Grandma Epps gave us some free tickets so we all went, along with some friends of ours. We had a fun, but tiring time.

The Kids in the Mini Corn Maze

At this point in the day, Anna was at her limit! She is not really taking naps anymore (maybe once a week) but with so much going on, she was E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D!!!

Anna with Grandma Epps.

Thank you Grandma Epps for the tickets and for spending 2 very long, fun-filled, and action-packed days with us!! We love you!

Charley, Kristina, Joshua, and Caleb on the hot air balloon ride

...and last but not least, 2 drowned rats! Caleb & Abby went under a waterfall that they have there and got drenched!!! :):) They loved every minute of it!

A Joshua Funny

2008-11-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

Today in the Breaking of Bread, Joshua was sitting on his seat (he was at the end of the aisle) when all of a sudden he fell off of it. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow look, to which he responded, "Oops! I guess I should be careful." Do ya think so???:) There was more than one giggle from people (including myself) in the rows around us:):)

Caleb reading to Anna

2008-10-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

This does my heart GOOD!!:):)

3 going on 16!

2008-10-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

This morning, Kristina and Anna were playing with the legos. Here is the conversation that ensued....
K- "Anna, you get the hotel."
A- "No, you get it."
K- "No...you get it!"
A- "I'm not gonna fall for that again!"

Field Trip, Garlic, Fall, & Party

2008-10-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

The kids and I had a field trip to the Fremont PD a few weeks ago that was really fun. They were able to actually get into a cop car and hear the LOUD siren. We were also able to see Auntie Teresa who works there (always a joy to see her smiling face:):)

We have a spot in our back yard that is a perfect spot for a garden. It is a little fenced area that is even hooked up with sprinklers. We didn't get a garden planted in the spring/summer, but we decided that we would see what kinds of things you could grow in the winter......and we found one....GARLIC! So, the kids and Charley planted some garlic plants. They are actually growing and doing pretty good.

For one of the boys math lessons, we had to find a tree that changes with the seasons (i.e. colors, etc.) Our trees in our yard don't really change colors, but I was seeing red leaves on my front lawn so I knew that there must be one in our area. I found it! OOOHHHH! Look at those colors! Gorgeous! I love Fall. I think it is my new favorite season:)

On Sunday we surprised the Robertsons with a 25th Anniversary surprise party at our house. The Robertson kids put the whole thing together....you did a great job guys!! The whole church was invited so, needless to say, we had a lot of people in our house. I think there was between 65-70 people that came. And.....they were actually surprised! They had no incling that anything was happening.

Happy 25th Anniversary Don and Krista!

May the Lord bless you with many, many more years to serve Him together.

Well, that's it....I think I'm fully caught up on my blogging....at least until this next weekend:):)

Great is His Faithfulness

2008-10-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Life has been so crazy-busy lately that my blogging has taken a back seat. I will try to get up to date but it might take a few days. Yesterday I was mulling over the verses, "It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Just a few examples of His faithfulness in my life lately...not really big things, but they are big to me:) I like to go clothes shopping but I just really don't have a lot of time to do that. When I go, more often than not, I am discouraged by the lack of clothes that actually fit right. A friend came up to me a few weeks ago and asked if I would like to try on some clothes that she was getting rid of. Always willing to try......and they fit! It was like Christmas in my house the day I tried them on. Then a few weeks later, this same friend handed me a few more bags with MORE clothes, this time they were winter clothes (the first batch was more summer clothes). The Lord is so good! Most of them fit great! FAITHFULNESS #1. FAITHFULNESS #2 was seen yesterday. Anna's birthday is coming up so I wanted to go through my boxes of 4T clothes to see what she has and what I should tell people as ideas for her birthday. 4T was a "good" year with my older girls, I guess, because we have boxes and boxes of clothes for that size! She not only has all of her winter wardrobe, but has an over abundance. The Lord has sure been good to us. He has provided us with "above all that we could ask or think." Sorry for the rambling....it was just neat to see the Lord's hand in even the clothes that we wear.
More to come......

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Martin!!!

2008-09-28T22:50:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, Jodie and Drew became husband and wife at Rolling Hills Church in Danville. Of course, she was a beautiful bride and Drew looked quite dashing too:)

It was so good to see family and friends that we haven't seen in awhile.
Cousin Jamie and her boyfriend Josh

Cousin Courtney was bombarded by 5 little Epps'....

...so was Cousin Ashley:)

It was so good to see my sweet Grandma and Grandpa who I wish that I could see more. The kids got to get their loves from them.

Uncle Pete & Auntie Terri; Jodie and Drew Martin; Jamie & Ashley

The kids didn't go to the reception, so after the wedding, we took them over to the Greenhouses who live in Danville, about 10 minutes away from the church! (Thank you Lord for friends who live in Danville!:):) They had a great time with their Greenhouse friends. Thanks Greenhouses!

The reception was very nice with sweet (and goofy:) toasts to the bride and groom. We were(at least I was) crying by the time Jamie and Chrissy were done with their toasts. They were so sweet and very heartfelt.

It was so good to also see my cousin Jennifer Breuninger Telles and her husband Julio. She is due in 2 1/2 weeks with her first, a little girl that they are going to name Jenae Olivia.

The Milburn cousins took this photo op to get a new "cousins" picture.

(l-r)Ashley, Jamie, Jodie, Stacey, Lindsay, Eric, Courtney

Congratulations Drew and Jodie! May the Lord truly bless your marriage as you live and work together for Him.

Orpah or Oprah

2008-09-28T22:28:00.001-07:00

In Sunday School today, my kids were learning about Ruth. When they were being tested on who they had learned about, the teacher said, "Ruth....Naomi....and what was Ruth's sister in law's name?" to which one of my children replied, "Oprah!":):)

The Sound of Music

2008-09-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

My kids recently watched The Sound of Music for the first time and absolutely LOVED it! Last night, as I'm getting them ready for bed, I hear this shrill whistle that continues for awhile. After having enough of the sound, I go to see what is going on. They are playing The Sound of Music where the father is showing Maria the whistle sound for each child. They were even in tallest to smallest order:):)

OK...I know that quite a few people read this blog (because you have told me you do) Where are all of the comments?? Just say "hi" if you want. You don't even have to sign up with blogspot. Just sign in as anonymous (although put your name on the post so I know who is talking to me:):)

Do you think she might be a little bit tired?

2008-09-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Can you guess when this picture was taken?? The kids were reading the Bible, praying, and singing with Charley tonight. Each of the kids took turns praying. When it came to Anna's turn, her words started slurring and Joshua pipes up, "I don't know what she's saying!" To which Charley replied, "That's because she is falling asleep!" Sure enough:):)

Abby could hardly contain herself as they had a little fun, at Anna's expense, by putting the song book in front of her like she was singing. Abby started coughing because she was laughing so hard. Poor Anna:):)

Night Night little Peanut....Sweet Dreams

Oh my!!

2008-09-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight I had a very interesting conversation with my son (who will remain nameless:)
"Mommy, when Anna and I are grown up...are we going to be together, not pretend, but for real like a Mommy and Daddy?" I explained to him that brothers and sisters don't get married, but that Lord willing he will marry a girl who is not his sister. He informed me that she should be his age or younger...like Mommy and Daddy.

Then...a little later in the evening he asks me, "How old do you have to be when you grow up to be a Dad?" My response was, "When you get married!":):)

Oh man....here we go.....

Baby Tristram James Lung has arrived!

2008-09-06T01:19:00.001-07:00

Meet Tristram "Tris" James Lung. What a cutie! He was born on Sept.4th and weighed 6 lbs. 9 oz. Congratulations Scott and Cindy! You have been given a blessing:):)

Happy Graduation 2008!!

2008-09-03T20:15:00.001-07:00

Monday was graduation day in the Epps household!!! The kids were SO excited to be graduating (or was it the fact that we were going to Chuck E. Cheese??:):) All of the kids did really good this year in their studies and endured to the end. Each child received a certificate of promotion and then also received a special award for an area that they had excelled or improved in this past year.

Kristina received her special award for Life Skills. She has really learned how to take care of a house this year (i.e laundry, diapers, cleaning, and even starting to learn how to cook) and has done it with a very good attitude.

Abby's award was for Improvement in Reading. She is doing a lot better at her reading and is even able to read her Bible now.

Joshua's award was for being a reader. Woo Hoo! He also really likes to show his Daddy how well he can read. Joshua could hardly stand still when it was his turn to get an award, as he realized that he is going into the 1st grade.

Caleb's award was also for being a reader and improving greatly in his penmanship. Good Job Caleb!

Although Anna wasn't officially in school, she didn't want to be left out:) I let her watch a Richard Scarry video about the ABC's and she loves it. The teacher's name is Miss Honey (Miss Honey is a bear:) so Anna says that her teachers name is Miss Honey. It's so cute! Anyway, she has learned her ABC's and pronounces them very well (not the normal slur of "LMNOP" that you normally hear from a 3 year old)

Then we went to Chuck E. Cheese and had FUN FUN FUN!!!

GOOD JOB KIDS!!!! TEACHER MOMMY SAY "WOO WOO TO YOU"!!!!!!!:):):):)

My sweet little boys

2008-08-30T23:24:00.000-07:00

Excuse me as I reminisce:) Look at those two little peanuts! We used to call them Buddy and Pally. Joshua is on the left and Caleb is on the right...and yes...I've always been able to tell them apart.

These seats were a lifesaver!

How funny is this picture!? Poor Joshua:(

silly boys

A Daddy and his boys. In this picture, we were at Koinonia for a church retreat. We were having potato sack races.

Having fun with my bro:)

"That jelly was yuuummmmyyyy mommy!"

I am so thankful for these boys. What a blessing they are!
As their Kindergarten year comes to an end, I just want to say how pleased I am (and a bit proud too) of what they have learned this year. My little boys are official readers!! Woo Hoo!! Super Job boys!

(more reminiscing to come:):)

Jodie's Bridal Shower

2008-08-23T21:57:00.001-07:00

Today was Jodie's day. We (my mom, sister and I) went to my cousin Jodie's bridal shower. It was so much fun to see friends and family that we don't get to see that often.

We had a really nice brunch put on by Kelly and Michelle. Ashley was there too and it was good to see her. She goes back to Azusa Pacific soon for her junior year. Wasn't she just the baby of the family? Time seems to be flying by without me realizing it. It was fun to see Michelles little guy Jack. What a cutie! Also, it was fun to catch up with Jacks grandma Carol Widman. She and her late husband used to go to Fairhaven and she and I worked together in the crib room when I was about 10.
Michelle (Brown) Widman and Kelly Brown

Cousin Ashley and Lindsay

Cousin Jodie and Stacey

Cousin Jodie and Auntie Terri Milburn

Michelle with little Jack and mother in law Carol Widman

Lesson learned

2008-08-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were in a frantic search for a couple of library books that we didn't know where they were. I stopped the kids from what they were doing to tell them that we were not going to stop looking until we had found that book. We looked in the normal places, we took apart toy boxes, we searched the car, under beds...everywhere! I started to get frustrated as I was pretty sure that the book was somewhere in the house and that we were just missing it. I turned to Kristina, who was in the room with me, and said, "You know what we forgot to do?" to which she replied, "pray.". I said, "Yeah...the way we should have started this search." So we stopped and prayed that the Lord would help us find it and bring to mind the place that it might be. It was not more than 3 minutes later I heard a scream and an "I FOUND IT!" coming from Kristina. The book was found in a place where she thought she had already looked. This time we did not delay in praying. All the kids and I sat down and we all thanked the Lord for answering our prayer and helping us find the book.
How many times do I do that? Forget the most important thing...my relationship with my Father who knew all along where that book was, but was just waiting for me to ask.