"New and Improved"

I was talking with a friend today. A really good friend who is kind of like a spiritual mother to me. She asked me how things are going. Well, there is so much going on in life right now, that my heart just about burst all over the place and flooded into her ear on the other end of the phone, poor dear. But alas, just as I was getting to the really "deep" part, her phone died (she warned me beforehand that it would). I didn't get to finish telling her. It is just as well. So, I'll tell you my phantom blog followers.

I am deeply burdened at the alarming rate of Christians who are trying to "improve" Christianity. You know, make it better, more palatable if you will. Tweak doctrines in order to "contextualize" with our post modern society.

Christians are slowly moving away from what really matters...simplicity of devotion to Christ and moving instead to exalt movements and concepts like 'community'. THIS IS A STRONG POST, I KNOW!! Is 'community' a bad thing in and of itself? Certainly not! But, it and any other thing is a bad thing when it is what gets exalted and heralded above the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. This breaks my heart!! Recently I've been doing a study on Hebrews and am reminded of the vast blessings of the New Covenant that we who are "born-again" Christians are now under. Why do we try and make it about other things!! Why!! When we have been given so much by such an awesome and wonderful Savior who didn't spare His own life to ensure our eternal salvation?

Some of you may think I've gone bonkers, well, maybe I have. But here's an excerpt from an article I saw on someone else's blog that I really respect that has a lot to do with what I am saying...

The Following excerpt is from "Christ’s Servant—His Duty, and Reward," preached by Charles Spurgeon on 3 August 1862 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle.

"I know the proud flesh wants to serve Christ, by striking out new paths. Proud man has a desire to preach new doctrine, to set up a new Church; to be an original thinker, to judge, and consider, and do anything but obey. This is no service to Christ. He that would serve Christ must follow him; he must be content to tread only in the old footsteps, and go only where Christ has led the way. It is not for you and me to be originals; we must be humble copies of Christ. There must be nothing about our religion of our own inventing; it is for us to lay thought, and judgment, and opinion at the feet of Christ, and do what he bids us, simply because he gives the command."

Lord Jesus, please keep me from this self-exalting path. Keep me on the straight and narrow way that stays close to your heart and your commandments. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit which enables me to do this. You are so wonderful to me. I love You because You first loved me. Amen.

Carving Pumpkins

Enjoy these pictures of the kiddos with their pumpkins.

The kids carved them on the night Kempiz was scheduled to arrive back from the Caribbean on the 30th. They wanted their pumpkins to be carved and lit for their daddy when he would get home later that night.

The "guts"

Demi says to me, "Mama, I want my baby pumpkin to look like a princess, okay?"

The finished result...

When Kempiz got home late that night, these pumpkins were waiting for him. They brought a big smile to his face, because I told him as he approached that the kids carved and lit them for him. He was so happy to be home to his sick, but recovering family and was such a tremendous help to me almost as soon as he walked inside the door. I was just glad he was back, cuz I kinda like him. =)

The kids actually didn't go trick-or-treating the next day, they didn't do anything the next day because they were all still recovering from the swine flu. But they sure did enjoy carving these pumpkins. =)

Pumpkin Patch

Lombardi Ranch

October 2009

It's a tradition...Every year either myself or both Kempiz and I take the kiddos so that they can each pick a pumpkin to carve at home. The kids have so much fun doing this! They take finding the "perfect" pumpkin very seriously. It has to be just right! They are so cute.

..

'This is Demi, sitting pretty with the "baby" pumpkins, as she affectionately referred to them. She felt so sorry for these orphaned pumpkins being without their mother. She found one and began holding it like it was her baby and rocking it in her little arms. She looked up and said to me, "This one is my baby, and I'm taking it home"

My precious boy Ezra. Man, how much I love this kid!

My sweet darling Ty. He has the gentlest little spirit.

And never runs out of kisses, smiles and hugs for mama.

Ezra is such an amazing big brother.

Always caring and watching out for the little-er ones.

My Jo Jo. This precious boy has brought so much joy to my heart. He's the tender one who comforts those in their afflictions.He's such a comedian too. My little men.

I really love this picture of them together.
This one even more.

Mama and the little littles.
After looking around a little bit, here are the boys' final choices...they were very excited about them! They did really great!

Here's the pumpkin Demi "adopted" =) She cuddled with her new "child" the rest of the day.
We had a blast! I really enjoyed spending time with my littles. They won't always be so little.

A Long Fun Filled Day

Los Angeles County Fair

September 25, 2009

Here are some fun pictures of the kids when I took them on a field trip to LA Co. Fair. It was absolutely crazy crowded on this day! AND it reached up to like 110 degrees.

We managed to have a really fun time though, in spite of the fact that I dressed them all up in RED thinking, "Oh, if I put them all in red I'll be able to keep a better eye on them"...Well guess what folks...EVERYBODY AND THEIR MOTHER AND UNCLE LENNY WERE WEARING...YOU GUESSED IT...RED!!

So, we started out our day at Fairview Farms, where the kids got to see all kinds of farm/barn animals, including newborns that were born or hatched just the day before. They got to see a goat get milked. They were intrigued for a short while and wanted nothing to do with actually trying it themselves. So, they just sat back and watched until they got bored which took all of 90 seconds.
The Three Caballeros

Some of the animals the kids got to see and pet

This has got to be the funkiest kind of chicken I have ever seen. It almost looked like it was dancing around the pen and not just walking "shaking a tail feather". "Twist it, shake it shake it shake it birdie!"
And of course, what's a barn without pigs.

Then it was off to do the next thing...Let Mama take lots of fun pictures. =)

Ty LOVES lions.

Aren't these two precious. I love my sweet boys!

Mama says, MORE PICTURES kids! And thankfully they gladly oblige!

The Dinosaur exhibit was the boy's favorite! Demi loved it too.

They had a room the size of the basketball stadium full of mechanical moving dinosaurs. Ty thought it was real at first and we had to reassure him that they were only man-made plastic and would indeed not eat him. He was satisfied with this and proceeded to go inside to investigate for himself. It a pretty cool exhibit. I can see why the boys loved it so much, just look at the expression on their faces...

My precious sons. We eventually found the craft area on our way out of the fair, the boys decided on their own volition to try their hand at quilting...Don't tell Kempiz. (hee hee)

Real men quilt. =)

----------------------------------------------------------------

So, after a fun-filled day at the Fair, I packed up the kids and we drove off to beautiful Balboa Island in Newport Beach. We were invited to stay at the beach house of some very dear friends. Our friends, the Labus' also came (bringing my hubby with them) and joined us. The kids were so excited, because they LOVE the beach.

Balboa Island, CA

Thankfully, the beach was literally just a minute's walk from the beach house. While we waited for Uncle Doug, Aunt Nicole and Daddy to get there, I thought it would fun for the monkeys to play in the water for a little while

And play they did!

My four precious darlings. What a privilege it is to be their mama!

After our fun time at the beach, we ended up going for a walk. This is not always the best idea to do with someone like me.

What do I mean by that you ask?

Well, only that I am the kind of person who enjoys the journey more than the destination, unlike my precious husband who thinks it's silly to stop and smell the daisies and watch ladybugs walk around on petals, and pet cute puppies on leashes and...well, I think you get the picture. He's the kind of person who just wants to get from point A to point B as quickly and with as little traffic as possible.

So, why'd I go on that rabbit trail, you ask?

Well...

The kids and I stopped and smelled roses and pet cute puppies and stopped and looked up at the stars and....well....got really badly LOST! Hee Hee! I'm cute though, right?

The other problem with this is that I am the kind of person who doesn't mind getting lost either. Because then there are new things to see and people to meet, etc. etc.

Finally after the kids complained that their bare feet were beginning to get tired of walking I stopped an older gentleman walking his dog how to get to Ruby street.

"Well, it's the next street over"

We were home in a jiff.

I quickly plopped the kiddos in the nice warm shower and scrubbed them down until their cheeks were bright and rosy, then draped them in their jammies. I gave them some cookies and drinks and it was off to bed.

Kempiz and the crew arrived past 10pm when the littles were all sleeping soundly by then. I was so exhausted, and I was glad to have provided such amusing entertainment for everyone, being the - emotional, deliriously tired mother, paranoid of losing her four children most of the day because she dressed them in red - person that I was. =)

The next morning we went on a walk to Newport Beach, where the waves were a little cranky and kept on trying to knock everyone over and push them away...and suceeded.

Then, we ended our time at Sprinkles Cupcakes. I had never been there and just wanted to try one. Yummo! The red velvet ones are the best!

Mostly we just enjoyed being together and being able to hang out with the Labus'.

It was a super fun time! =)

(But, next time I think I'll dress the kids in a nice peach or mint or maybe neon orange - not red)

10 Years Together Part 3 of 3

So, here's pictures from our last couple of days there...

...

.

...

This is the entrance to our hotel

On this day, we had originally planned on going on an excursion to the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. It was going to require lots of walking around and some climbing. I was still too weak to do this, so our travel agent allowed to get an exchange. Instead, Kempiz and I paid to go on a Romantic Lagoon Dinner Cruise.
I ran to go and get ready for our big date on the Lagoon. Kempiz bought me this dress the day before, so I was really excited that I would be able to put it to good use. =)

Here Kempiz and I are waiting at the dock. It was fun to sit around with a lot of other couples. They all seemed so different. Everything from newlyweds to old marrieds to dating couples.

Then it was time to board our boat.

We had a great time with this other couple that we met while we were on our cruise. They were from Nebraska. They were so fun. They also were kind enough to take lots of pictures of Kempiz and I. We cruised on into the sunset. Isn't this gorgeous. There were also lots of dolphins in the water circling around and around the ship.

OH WHAT A NIGHT! Yeah, it was a good night!!

.

.

.

THE LAST DAY

.............................

And then, alas, the last day came. Our departure time was set for 12:35pm. This gave us enough time to play for a little bit before. So, we got up super early and had some yummy breakfast. Then we got in the pool for a little bit, sat and got some sun, then we head down to the beautiful beach one last time. We especially enjoyed getting in that warm wonderful water again. We head back to our room, took showers and then had some lunch. Here I am after lunch, my very last picture in Cancun. Then, it was time to get back home. I was really missing the kids by this time, so I was really looking forward to getting back home.

Cancun...I will be back!! :)

10 Years Together Part 2 of 3

Isn't this a great view?

This is what Kempiz and I got to see every morning when we woke up. It was so lovely.

By the third day I was starting to feel lots better. The situation had cleared up and I was getting back a lot more energy.

Kempiz and I decided to go on a little walk through town. We picked up some fun stuff for the kids and my mom and littlest sister. I got tired really quick so we head back to our hotel for some more much needed relaxation.
Kempiz and I had a wonderful romantic dinner overlooking the Sea. There was sentimental music in the background, the sounds of the ocean and wind gently blowing through the trees.

Time for appetizers

The Main Course....mmmm, mmmm!!
Desert was DEEElicious.

A Wonderful night!! =)

10 Years Together Part 1 of 3

Cancun, Mexico

August 26th - 31st, 2009

This year Kempiz and I celebrated our 10th year wedding anniversary together. Kempiz surprised me by taking me to Cancun. Even on the flight there, I had no idea where we were going...seriously! I found out by accidentally glancing at Kempiz's international paperwork he had to hand to the flight attendant. As he passed it over me to her, he said, "Did you see anything?" I had to admit it. He and I laughed and then hugged. It was my first time ever flying and I was a little nervous, I have to admit.

It was a good time to trust in the Lord, because I ended up getting really sick. Not cold or cough sick, but I have a condition where I bleed internally from certain areas in my body. I could tell from the way I felt that this was the case. When we got to the hotel I was not feeling great at all. It was tough because I was so happy to be there, but on the other hand I felt miserable and was quite sure I was going to pass out. As soon I got to our room I just crashed on the bed and began to pray. I was kinda scared. The pain intensified to the point that I had to take some pain meds and I was so nervous about how weak I was that my heart felt like it was going to thrust right out of my chest. I finally was able to get some sleep and the next morning the internal pain was still there, but I had enough strength to go down to breakfast.

After breakfast, we went down to the pool for a little bit - which was amazing. They had a wonderful pool there. There was a bar by the pool and we enjoyed pina coladas and miami vices.

After the pool, we walked just a few steps down to the beach. We were really spoiled! We absolutely loved the beach. The Carribean Sea is amazing! There were hardly any waves and the water was so warm and crystal blue. It was so gorgeous! We had such a great time getting in the water and then laying out underneath the grass umbrellas. It was so relaxing and refreshing! In spite of my issues, we had a great day.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is our hotel, we were in the tippy top. Just under the penthouse.

This was the pool. I so miss this pool!
Can you see me under the umbrella. I sat there without getting up for quite some time. This is amazing to me, because since I've been a mother, I just don't do that!

Looking towards the north

Looking east

Looking south

I miss this ocean even more than I miss the pool. Sometimes when things get crazy, I like to imagine myself being in this water again. Very helpful.

A lovely day!