ALLIE crooned many other tunes this season as she participated in her first two Christmas programs via church and school.  It’s so strange to be the parents in the audience…weren’t we the ones just a bit ago standing in those choir lofts?  I’m not biased or anything, but our baby girl sure was fabulous in her sparkly Christmas dress from Papa, her dark hair flipped just so.  “Hark the Harold Angels Sing” was her favorite song of the season in addition to the dramatic bow that the choir did at the end of the program.

Baby MAX (in my totally honest opinion, is one super cute baby) has been taking steps for a few months when in response to our constant coercing.  This changed, however, this month as he decided walking was his best mode of transportation.  It’s so strange to see our little guy standing, carrying things around rather proudly.  This proud walking is quickly turning into more of a jogging action.  Max is a quick little guy that enjoys many mischievous moments (like jumping off stuff), keeping us on our toes!!

AP, along with continuing to be the best dad and hubs eva’, is also off galavanting in Vegas with Leatherman. Evidently launching new products is pretty important stuff.  He has had the awesome opportunity to become quite the photographer/videographer for them.  The photo ops have included local firefighters, swat guys, alligators and boars, and our cool friends….Amazing man. Enjoy some of his best photos below…our kiddos

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!!

Oh how I have loved seeing Allie learn and absorb the world as we have explored it together the past six years. But, alas, the milestones of strapping on the backpack, tucking in lovingly (and hurriedly) made pb&j’s into the Barbie lunch box, and tying “P.E.” shoes on has arrived in the Perez house.  As a family, we drove her to the first day of school, took the classic first day pics, and tentatively said our good byes.  6 weeks later, we “newbie” school parents are dropping her off with confidence as she practically bounds into her 1st grade classroom. She. LOVES. school.  New friends, reading circles, chapel, and playground adventures fill our car ride conversations as I plague her with questions so that I can still feel a part of her “every” day.  Love that girl–so proud of her!

3 years old

Ironman. Irrronnn maannn (there’s a song–who knew?) or Batman. That’s what consumes three year Jackie’s head these days. Yes, THREE years old. Hard to believe he’s not a baby anymore.  Jack has moved from toddling around to cruising around on his bike and tying to attempt any and all scary stunts.  He has grown from a vocabulary we could count on our fingers to endless chatter.  His individual words are becoming clearer as we focus more in on his conversational speech being clear to everyone.  Allie somehow understands everything he tells us, so we have to be careful to remind him to speak clearly anyway.  He recently passed his hearing screen, so no surgeries on the horizon…unless he somehow injures himself otherwise with the random stick or rock that makes its way into his chubby hand as some sort of weaponry.  What a relief it is to also see him become more open to people outside of our family and enter new situations without quite as much drama as last year.  His drama has moved more into trying to make anyone who will pay attention laugh!

1 years old

Maddox is helping us cross the threshold from baby days to toddler days. Goodbye infant carseat, bassinet, and swaddling techniques.  Hello into EVERYthing, master maneuvers, and first words.  I now know how the “baby” of the family is created as Maddox’s siblings protest us saying “no” to him or not putting up with baby fits.  They coddle him so much that it will be a miracle if Max isn’t spoiled beyond repair.  But, considering that one of this mama’s biggest hearts’ desire is that my children love each other, I will smile and pray for the best. I am thankful they are as in love with their baby brother as we are.  Now if we can just keep him out of the bathroom and off the stairs…

 And Us

Recently Anthony and I have had some fun times withOUT this crazy bunch.  We hit the road…literally, to help out a Hood to Coast team by directing traffic at 2:30 A.M.  Who knew it could be fun to shine flashlights at unsuspecting cars, runners, ourselves…  A fall concert was also calling our name–Casting Crowns to be exact.  For some reason we love the hootin’/hollering/singing/praising kind of night.  Yet another date was in the books–to run (or perhaps walk quickly) the Warrior Dash.  There was some great marital  bonding while pulling our  30-ish+ish bodies over walls and through mud pits–with our friends Justin and Sue.

Amidst all this busyness we like to book for our family, there are the myriads of normal, make-it-through the day kind of things going on.  The throw yourself in bed and crawl back out all too soon kind of days. You know, work, laundry, obligations, sick kids, etc.  Thank goodness for our Hope, our Reason, Jesus, who is the glue to binds us as a family through the regular hecticness that we call life!

LIFE. Mine a mere 30 somethingish years long, Grandma’s broaching on 97 years, and my kiddos–so young.

Many life points consist of joy, pounding powerfully like Palouse falls, rainbows of blessing weaving and shimmering their way through the water.  Others, intersections and valleys, appear dark, unclear. Ups and downs. Turns. Valleys, straightaways, and mountaintops, each taking their time on the ribbon.

Truth: God is Creator. Sovereign. LOVE. I desire to live fully and worthily in the valleys and the peaks because God’s presence is there. In the shadiest valley, His face shines so brightly that I have to hide mine in a cleft of THE rock (Voskamp); as I emerge out of the valley, I see the footprints of his glory–evidence he WAS there.  Seriously, as I take a quick scan of “Lisa’s life valleys,” His footprint is there!  On the mountaintop the joy is easier, fully naked for all to see.   You know, graduations (go Daniel!), the birth of kids, fun trips, job promotions, retirement (Yay Dad!), a good prognosis, answered prayer, etc.  In both places there should not be fear, but joy (Chan). Joy in knowing He KNOWS. He PLANS.  My Planner. Am I  ready to plunge joyfully, fearlessly into future dark valleys, live fully in the straightaways, and to summit the peaks–to live intentionally on this ribbon of life?  As my belly continuous to process the copious amounts of sushi consumed in the last 3 days, my heart is hopeful and prayerful towards my future ribbon.

Exodous 33:22  “and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by.”(ESV)    Psalm 23:4a  “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;”  Psalm 37:23  “The steps of a man are established by the LORD when he delights in his way;” (ESV)

Chan, Francis. “Fearless.”  Reality Church, 29 August 2010.
Voskamp, Ann.  One Thousand Gifts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2010.

Jack’s hearing!

Jack’s recent ear tube surgery came off without a hitch.  The drugs and anesthetics did make him more crazy than normal, but once that wore off, he was unphased.  Two weeks later he passed his hearing test with perfect scores. We can already hear a difference in his speech and are excited for him to have some intense speech sessions this summer.

Allie’s graduating!

From kindergarten that is.  She has been promised her first trip to Oaks Park upon completion of her school work. She is busily and carefully printing her last pages of handwriting, math, and language. We recently made the decision to enroll her in 1st grade for the coming school year (sob).  With that comes the end of her blooming gymnastics skills.  I only wish I could have such a sweet attitude when life hands me disappointment as she did when we told her that it was time to be done with her team. We’re excited to see her jump into her next endeavor–1st grade!

Max can see!

Anthony surprised me while home alone with the kiddos. I came home to Maddox sporting a new, much shorter hair do.  Much needed for sure, but sad too. Additionally, he is a little steam roller–by flipping his chubbiness over and over, he can pretty much get anywhere he feels he needs to be.  Our baby is growing up!

Wrong!

However sleep deprived I may be at this point in my life, this one thing I know, it’s Thanksgiving.  Through  God’s Word, music, church, books, blogs, conversations,….(need I go on?) — God has so clearly revealed this season to me.  The wonder of the salvation He so freely gave to me is so often lost in the rush of the every day–in the overwhelmingness of life.  And so, as Easter, (yes, the true “holiday” of the season) has crept closer, God has stirred my heart to a place of Thanksgiving for this precious gift.  In this Thanksgiving comes a deeper joy for the simple things he’s allowed in my life, in addition to his eternal grace, coupled with  the deeper knowledge that I am absolutely nothing without Him.

Thanksgiving.  Salvation.  Daily walk with Christ.  Grace. The wisdom of Proverbs.  Praising Jesus with hands held high.  City lights at night. Impromptu dance parties with kids.  Babysitters. Date night.  Naptime.  Waking Maddox from nap, fists clenched, arms stretched.  Texting. Running. Rich friendships. Sunshine. Marshmellows.  You know, the simple things. Thanksgiving.

On the family front, all is well in our crazy busy lives.  Recently we were able to join Anthony in Seattle (THANK you Pass family for lodging!) while he took a class—fun, of course—the highlight being a coffee tour he and I  joined. What’s better than being hopped up on caffeine, on a date, in Seattle?  Allie will participate in her first “meet” for gymnastics this week—can we say, EXCITED?  Jack’s potty trained (for the most part)—this is JOY.  Maddox is rolling all around and trying to be the big 7 months that he is, while we try to capture and hold every BABY moment.

For some Cleft news, Jack did recently fail his hearing test by a long shot, so he’s headed into surgery this next Wednesday.  His ENT will be putting in new ear tubes which will hopefully improve his hearing and in turn improve his speech. Please keep our little chubby guy in your prayers.:)

As we turn our faces toward the cross this weekend and rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection and the relationship we can have with Him, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!  (and lots of candy, sunshine, pretty dresses, and hopefully a hot cup of coffee)

Click to view slideshow.

Sadly, my Grandma Elder passed away in October.  So, we ventured on our first road trip with new Maddox in tow.  He did great, and despite the circumstances, it was fun to introduce him to his extended family.  We sure will miss Grandma’s wit, charm, wisdom, and endless talent.  Rather surprisingly, it seems like Maddox has inherited her lovely blue eyes.  We shall see if he keeps them!

Link to Grandma’s life info:  http://www.kayserschapel.com/visitations/View.php?id=534

The November winds blew in my fabulous brother Steve, Miwa, and baby Isamu AND  friends, the Linns, to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday–along with my parents, Laura, and Kyle.  Seeing Isamu toddle around with our kids was great–can’t wait to see him again!  With the Linns, we even braved the Black Friday crowds (ahem–KHOL”S–ever been there on Black Friday? CRAZY!) together–with Maddox–he’s quite the adventurous baby!  Steve spoiled Anthony and Matt with a trip to a Ducks game. They were pretty exhausted after shopping AND football.

The Great Wolf Lodge was calling our name in early December. What a FUN place!  We were able to completely surprise our kids and boy did they love it. Allie even braved the big slides…there may have been some bribery involved.  My only regret is that it wasn’t ME sliding down the big ones, but I suppose Jack and Maddox do need some supervision.  Can’t wait to go back!

And then there was Christmas.  We had plans. Upon PLANS.12 days of coffee and Anthony’s entire family coming over for a week of activities and memory making fun. But, alas, we ended up packing up and spending some time at the Coachman Inn on Whidbey Island where Nana and Papa live.  Nana was unexpectedly hospitalized for an entire week.  We were all thrilled to welcome her home on Christmas Eve.  At the end of the day, or week, memories were still made and we were all that much more thankful for our Nana!  The second week of the break, we were able to entertain parts of Anthony’s family in our home.

THEN  January.  No plans. Until Papa was hospitalized for a week!  We got re-aquainted with their small town–I even tried to convince Anthony that I was really enjoying small town living. Despite the craziness of being there again, I must say that I loved learning more about my husband.  We re-explored some childhood haunts of his as he shared many a fun memory.  Additionally we were able to spend more time with his GREAT sisters.  I’m so thrilled my kids were able to bond with Auntie Tina (or Nina as Jack says) and Auntie Siony.  Priceless.  Every day since, Jack says with regret in his voice, “Nina Bye, Bye?”  Papa did have to get a toe amputated, but is doing well now–thankfully!  Here’s to good health for the rest of 2011!

Perez Kidz

Allie–is ALMOST 6–nooooo!  As I’ve home schooled her this year, I’ve had the opportunity to see her joy of learning and see the basic things from new eyes.

Allie: What is MLK day about anyway? Me: Well, Martin Luther King was a black man that wanted…Allie: WHAT? He was totally black? Me: Just really dark brown. Like Oprah. After further explanation, Allie: Soooo, he wanted to be nice to all people just like I am nice to my brothers even though they are a different color than me. Me: ummmm yeah. Additionally she stated that we need to treat people that look like Ellen nice too.

Me:  Let’s review.  How old does one have to be in order to be President?  Allie: 35.  Me:  So could Jack be President?  Allie: no–he’s too young! Me: How about Papa? Allie:  long pause.  Me:  Don’t you think he’s older than 35?  Allie:  Well, yeah, but I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t know how! (And I cringe that this year , I too will be eligible to be President…age wise anyway!)

Another Social Studies lesson brought us to the idea of dreams and what we would dream for others in the world.  I of course tried to steer the conversation towards things like the Gospel being shared, food and shelter for all, peace…etc.  We ended with Allie stating her dream for all kids:  My dream for all kids is that the whole world would be made of jello so we could just BOUNCE all around.

Ok ok–last one:

Allie: If you give a pig an apple, he’ll give you bacon. Me: Oh really–HOW?

Allie: He toots it out.

Jack Jack: is pretty much hilarious. This is good, considering he is TWO and has the occasional (daily) emotional moment.  He somehow knows how to contort his face at any given moment to make us laugh.  His laugh continues to be contagious and  we can’t help but smile as he attempts to put more than 1 word together now.   He’s become rather obsessed with his batman figurine– Hilarious.  Batman is constantly fighting something or being shot down by a Nerf gun.  Jack’ers is a big fan of his big sister–attempting to mimic pretty much anything she does or says.  He continues to see a speech therapist once a week and we are looking into private speech for the coming months. So far Doernbecher has said that he can continue to develop, so no surgeries are on the horizon. Yay!!

Maddox: Chill. GOOD. Adorable.  Has rough nights. 5 months.  Adores his siblings who return the favor.  Allie is my little mommy–holding him constantly. Jack’s favorite thing to do is lie next to him–sometimes piling batman figurines on top of him.  Maddox just mastered our jump-a-roo–his head bobs to the beat of his CHUBBY feet dancing around.

As the flurries of life have come, I must say some days I have felt overwhelmingly overwhelmed and incapable. But, even now as I step into a calmer period, I can see how blessed we’ve been.

The Linns introduced this song to us at Thanksgiving–so great!

“I have been blessed. God’s so good to me. Precious are His thoughts of you and me. No way I can count them, there’s not enough time, so I’ll just thank Him for being so kind. God has been good, so good.

I have been blessed.“

Click to view slideshow.

Smile Oregon’s first event was held this past Friday.  Our family joined them at the MAC in Portland.  How fun to see our cleft team again along with all the supporters they had invited.  Jack was pretty pumped to see himself on video  and I must admit that as a mom, it’s pretty fun to see so many say “awwww” about your son… really a moment I had not envision two years ago.  Jack then proceeded to work the tables around us, flashing his cheesiest smile and sitting on many a lap.  Amid this joy was also the mixed emotion of how much more needs to be done for Jack.  But, for now we will enjoy his spotlight and lull in treatment.

Jack continues to get regular visits to check on all the wonderful work that he received.  A few weeks ago we were pleased to see him pass another vision screening (amidst many tears about his eyes being dilated) and seems on track with his speech progress.  Current favorite words: “No Way!  Meme (baby) and Meme cry!”  We are committed to continue to work with him so he can be speaking clearly by school age.

Adjustments.

With the birth of every child there comes a period of adjustment for our family core.  Each time it opens a new season in life and reconfigures the relationships and routines. So, I knew we’d be in for some adjustments–mainly that we’d outnumbered by our children– once sweet Maddox was born. But, I don’t think I really KNEW.  The days are flying by as we seek to adjust to this new number and attempt to meet all their needs.  Between getting them fed, clothed, working, and homeschooling, we now really know that we now have to PLAN  to get in a great conversation or accomplish something more than the minimum around our home.  Most days as we pillow our heads we are simply thankful they were all fed and made it through the day safely.  Granted, we are only 5 weeks into this family of 5, so surely we’ll adjust a bit more each month, RIGHT?

Maddox Kai.

There really couldn’t be a sweeter baby–he rarely complains, loves to cuddle and gives the most kissable little faces.  We are all pretty much in LOVE.  We are treasuring these fleeting newborn days and also anticipating the days that 8 hours–or even 4 hours of sleep could be obtained in one session.  Allie has expanded her big sis role to include long moments of carefully cradling baby Maddox on the couch while singing her very own impromptu lullabies.  Jack too is quite smitten with his soon to be playmate.  He is the first-responder to any squeaks of complaint his baby bro. might make.  Jack did have a few unfortunate days , well… weeks, of overall aggression in other areas of his life–even refusing to come to me after Maddox was born; but, fortunately our crazy guy seems to be settling back into fun loving, slightly sneaky Jackers.

Check out Jack’s Smile Oregon Video and a few recent pics–including Jack’s birthday. Happy 2nd Birthday, Jack!!

More info in the days to follow; but for now, some darn cute pics will have to suffice.

We were able to wrap up summer with a few great moments.  Drum Roll….most memorable day in August?  Anthony RUNNING Hood to Coast successfully!  Joining up with 11 friends, he ran and ran and ran. 197 miles to be exact. Well, he ran about 1/12th of those, but still, quite the accomplishment for this former self-proclaimed non-runner!  The kids and I cheered loudly, even breaking out the pom poms for Daddy-O.  So Proud.

Other GREAT moments include WALKING to our Farmer’s Market, SPLASHING in the pool (btw this is one of Jack’s favorite words along with “cooookie”), Allie ATTENDING VBS (she said LOTS of verses–so amazing), FEELING the Oregon sand between our toes (Jack also calls the Pacific Ocean the “pooooool!”), and just some good ole’ FAMILY time.

And now some FIRSTS–

Allie started Kindergarden today–TEARS. Not really. We are homeschooling. But still, the idea that she’s old enough to do school almost brings a tear.  Her beloved Grandma Mary spoiled her with some fun school supplies complete with a pink Hello Kitty backpack and Barbie lunch box.  Allie informed us that on the “first day” of school she would walk down the stairs with her supplies and “act” nervous while we took pictures.  Love this girl.  And that is what she did today—after picking out what she deemed a “schoolish” outfit.  She also successfully completed her school work with Jack hovering over her shoulder–that takes skill.

Lastly, another FIRST is that Anthony and I will officially be outnumbered by our kiddos on Friday.  We covet all prayers for an uncomplicated C-section and a healthy baby boy.  Feel free to check back here on Friday, Sept. 10th,  as we welcome Maddox _____ Perez into our family (middle name still to be determined—eek!)

is the name of the game for the Perez’s this summer! Somehow we jumped from ONE planned vacation on Whidbey Island to FOUR more fun weekends away.  The Lord heard the desires of this Mama’s heart for a memorable summer.  Now I was originally

thinking,  wishing,and hoping

for  Disneyland, Maui, or Chicago.  Of course those still sound like dream trips that hopefully will occur one day, but we have managed to make some amazing memories right here the great northwest!  In the last month and a half we have trekked from

Montana to Cannon Beach, Whidbey Island, more Montana,

and Black Butte Ranch (just left there at 5 am today to get to work–gotta make the most of the vacation, you know?).  Beautiful scenery has greeted us around every bend, precious friendships have been enjoyed (THANK you Linns and Crazy Coon’s), great conversation has infused our marriage, and priceless memories were created with our kiddos.  Ok. There were SOME whiney moments in those long car rides, but nothing that a few

nuggets, playlands, Red Box,

or Starbucks (can we say Venti iced coffee) couldn’t solve. That each trip was spur of the moment made them even more fun!  What more could a girl ask for?  Maybe more trips…

Crazy Jackers….

has just gotten crazier.  We all are loving this age—now 21 months. He is learning so much, curious about everything, and super funny.  His speech is not as far along as I had wanted, but he is enjoying his speech therapist and can say new things like “papa,” “go,” “car,” and I’m pretty sure I heard “goggles” the other day.   Hearing  these consonants is awesome; we are working on getting more words with these same sounds and hoping to hear “d” or “t.”

Jack  LOVES to wrestle with his Dada or “Nana” as he refers to him.  The pool continues to be his favorite destination—we’re pretty sure he thinks he can swim and have to keep a hawk’s eye on him when he’s splashing around.  HE would say his greatest feat of the summer so far has been climbing out of his crib. I’m not so sure I agree, but his chubby, dimpled, smiling  face was pretty adorable when he came out of his room…he was so proud!

She’s got wheels!

While in Montana, Allie took off riding her bike, training-wheel free! It’s hilarious to watch because she still has a little 12 inch bike—she has to peddle super fast to get anywhere.  How FUN that she can ride along side us now!  One of my favorite memories of this summer is riding along side her. She was decked out in her hot pink, polka-dot swimsuit with her green skirt poofing out as she peddled.  We just chatted about life as I savored the moment.   Sadly, I may have (not totally owning up to it) bumped her bike with our car; the  back wheel is now rolling a bit awkwardly..and making some funky clicking noises.  I think I’m going to have to cough up some moolah for the “big girl” bike sooner than I thought…she’s pretty sure it needs a basket and a kick stand.

Baby Perez…

Has completely overtaken my torso…so I’m really excited to meet this little guy.  If all goes according to plan, we’ll get to meet him around the 10^th of September.  I am so thankful for this

“textbook” pregnancy, vivano smoothies,del carbon chicken tacos,

and the miracle of new life!

These past weeks God has been working so much in different areas of our lives through the avenues of Bible study, audio books/podcasts, marriage conference material, and preaching.  I praise Him  for our

salvation, that He cares about the little stuff, moves hearts, and is our Provider.

Happy Summer Adventures to you all! (see pics below)

Sigh. Relief.

Joy. Excitement.

Fear. What exactly can two little boys accomplish together?

We can’t wait to kiss some more baby chubs–come on September!  Well, first, I have some shopping to do!

Easter…

brought us to beautiful Whidbey Island where Nana and Papa live.  We enjoyed some bowling action on the base…and some pretty sweet fries and queso.  Allie and Jacker’s scavenged for Easter eggs at a local hunt.  Jack was in awe of the Easter Bunny–couldn’t stop waving, yet screamed quite shrilly whenever he approached us.  Allie surprisingly took a pic with the furry guy–she’s growing up!  Easter Sunday we were able to celebrate with Nana and Papa Christ’s resurrection and all He’s done for us.

Spring Fun

Anthony cruised around in Vail for a few days–thanks, Leatherman! Jack’s at the super-explorer age, so things like the Children’s Museum, parks, books, crayons (yikes!!)  and our kitchen cupboards have been keeping him pretty busy.  Allie continues to cartwheel her way toward kindergarten. This next month she’ll get to have 3 hours a week instead of 45 min. in the gym.  Her love of reading has exploded and we are going through library books like mad women–LOVE it!

The Perez’s are enjoying the spring showers Oregon brings, but we are anticipating some summer fun that is just around the corner!

Love to All!

]]> http://souldesign.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/adding-some/feed/ 1 souldesign Cool Mr. Jack Date night--cruising Portland's waterfront Daddy's cool creations Jack gets to bowl! Hi Jack! Vail sweatband Children's Museum Easter Hunt Scary Bunny Allies tolerates the scary bunny Pretty in pink! Mama and Jack handsome guy! Nana and Papa Washington's Tulip Fields Park lover