13 Going on 30!


Last night a group of girlfriends got together to celebrate two birthdays. One friend was turning 29, the other 30. The Party theme was "13 Going on 30". We were asked to come dressed up like we were 13, to bring a picture of ourselves at 13, and of course we watched the movie "13 Going on 30" It was a hilarious night to say the least. Everyone came dressed in their version of 13. There was quite the span of varying styles and trends represented. Some of us who were a bit older were pegging our pants, others were wearing their hair in pigtails and donning their flowers.
Getting ready for the party I found myself once again attempting to make my bangs do that "thing" that was so popular among all the girls at my school. Of course, my bangs would not fully cooperate with me, so I found myself settling for the style of bangs that was oddly similar to the very same style I had when I was 13. They say old habits die hard, well that is true with my bangs. I also found myself oddly self conscious of my pegged pants... another "old habit" that was hard to shake. It was a bit frightening how easily I remembered how to peg them.
All the reminiscing of being 13 made me very glad to be 30! I look back on those years with a bit of a grimice. They really were not the best years of my life, in fact I feel that they were probably the worst years of my life. Last night at the party there were many comments about how akward we all looked during that time in our lives. Many of us were so unsure, so lacking in confidence. I wouldn't go back for anything.
For a brief moment at the partly last night I saw all my friends as they were at 13.The best part of the night was looking around at all the girls at the party and thinking of how much we had all changed. I couldn't help but wonder if we would have all been friends at the age of 13? Probably some of us would have been friends (in fact a couple of us were friends back then). I'm glad we are all friends now... we're all much better at 30 something! (Or 20 something still for some...)
All I can say is that I am sure glad I don't have to fix my bangs like that anymore!

Katharine and Amy, Birthday Girls!

Rachelle and I... Friends at 13, Friends still! And Our hair looked pretty much the same as it does here... AHH! (Ignore the wrinkles, and we would be 13)

If you have known Scott and I for any length of time, you would know that one of our favorite things to do is to go camping. We especially love camping with our friends. Last week we were able to add Adam and Alexis to the ever-growing list of camping friends. They invited us to join them for three days in the beautiful Northern California Redwoods. It was Beautiful! By far, my favorite Northern California terrain is the Redwood forest with the ferns covering the ground. LOVE IT! What a great time with great friends. The doggies had a good time too. They were able to wear themselves out playing in the water. Kona even put himself to bed by scratching at the tent door. He was pooped. Baby Nathan had a blast and it was fun to watch him explore and experience camping for the first time. Thanks for a great trip guys!

The newest addition to our household! I LOVE this machine. It's been great so far, and I feel so blessed to have it!
For all you who care to know... it has many wonderful features that make my job a lot easier and a lot more fun! I won't bore you with all the details of the many wonderful features.

My dear friend Jessica had a beautiful baby boy this past weekend. We are so excited to welcome little Isaac into the world. Jessica had some complications and we were very worried for her. But God was gracious in sparring her life. I am in awe of how Jess and Jon fully trusted the Lord through it all. Their peace and rest during the ordeal was remarkable, and I am thankful for their amazing testimony. It reminded me that in ALL things, God is in control. We can rest in That!

Finally on Etsy!!
Many of you know that I have been making bags and purses for a while now. Until recently I have sold them to friends and family. After many promptings, I have finally put my items on Etsy! If you have not discovered Etsy, check it out! It is a website to buy and sell handmade and vintage items. It's fabulous! my site is: www.mycreativethreads.etsy.com I'd love to hear your feedback. I'm still working on a few things to make the site look better, but it's a start.
THE other BIG news... I have a new sewing machine. I feel like such a sewing nerd, but this is the most exciting thing for me! My parents lovingly helped me to purchase a new machine. My old machine just wasn't cutting it any longer, and needed to be replaced. While I LOVE my old machine, this new one is pretty darn cool!! I can't believe I haven't taken a picture yet... I'll have to do that!
God has been providing for all our needs lately, not only with a new sewing machine, but our basic needs as well. He is faithful!!

Proverbs 3:5-6 says: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."

This has been my "life verse" these past few weeks as our life has been up and down, uncertain, and at times, very trying. I began to really study these two simple verses. It's often time easier said than done to trust in the Lord, and not lean on my own understanding. But as I began to think about what this really meant for me, I began to realize that my own understanding is often clouded by emotions and feelings (which cannot always be trusted). I was also reminded that God IS trustworthy. He is the creator of ALL things, and He definately knows the plans that He has for my life. While I get caught up, and at times overwhelmed, in the tiny details, He sees the bigger picture. I also know that when I am walking in obediece, acknowledging Him in all my ways, He does direct my path.

Most of our blog followers know that Scott was laid off from his job in early January. Since that time he has started working for a friend in Colorado Springs, who owns his own website design business. Scott is working at contacting businesses that may be looking for a website, or looking to upgrade their current website. The business is Colowebo.com, and they design professional websites for small and medium sized businesses. Colowebo.com boasts, "Get a Fortune 500 Website, without paying a fortune"!

We are asking friends and family to keep Colowebo in mind if you know of anyone who may be interested in a website, or already has a website that might need updating. Please contact Scott for further information. Thanks so much for your support!!
Jen and Scott

Over the weekend we were privileged to watch Joshua and Eli. While we were doing their parents a favor, we were really the ones who were most blessed by the presence of these two dear boys. We had a full weekend which included hiking, playing at the park, and fun with Kona.

Hiking is fun... especially when you are being pushed in a stroller!
Eli decided that his socks belonged on his hands during his nap time.
Watching Uncle Scott clean mommy's car "Dirty Mommy car, Clean mommy car"
Getting the mail with Uncle Scott
Eli saying "cheese" as he poses with Kona
Eli saying "cheese" as he slides.
Eli trying to use a fork to eat his cherrios...
Reading Time.
Josh and Auntie Jen cuddle

Scott's parents spent time with us this Feb. Scott and his Dad did a lot of work around our house. We went to Monterey and also spent a day in Old Town Sacramento. We even got to play Bingo a few times. (My first Bingo experience) None of us won anything... It was such fun to have them here!

We took the horse and buggy ride around Old Town Sacramento. Mom and I pretended to have big dresses and hats on as we clip-clopped around the town.

Have you tried the MeatLoaf at Fat City in Old Town Sacramento? You should try it!!

Broom-Hilda, the happy witch.

Testing out the new exhaust fan and light in the garage.

Enjoying the California Sunshine! We made doggie bisquits for Kona. He loves them

Not sure exactly what is going on here.... But they did manage to get quite a bit accomplished.

We love playing Eucher, especially with Scott's parents. If you aren't familiar with this game, your probably not from the Midwest... and you're certainly missing out!

Say Cheese!!
What? Cheese?

We drove down to Monterey/ Carmel for two days. It rained quite a bit, but we had moments of sunshine. It's so beautiful there! We drove along 17 Mile drive, and it rained nearly the entire time. Despite the rain, we saw some of the most beautiful coastal views.

While posing for a picture on the beach, we looked back to see a huge wave coming in. Ooops! Wet feet!

Just Before the big wave came... and the wet feet!

Scott's moment in time on Pebble Beach Golf Course.

Who can't resist a Sundae from Ghirardelli?
Monterey Bay

Mom P had a Birthday while she was visiting. It's not often we get to celebrate Birthday's together. We had a fun day. And as our niece Jenna says... Happy Dirt-Day Grandma!!








Happy Dirt-Day Grandma!
Who Says you can't have Birthday Pie?

Trip to Colorado Springs

Most of you know how much Scott and I love Colorado, and that we've been known to babble on and on about it. Well we were able to spend six days there this past week as we looked into some possible job opportunities. It was a very busy six days, but we were able to spend a few minutes enjoying the beautiful Garden of the Gods.

For those of you who don't know, Scott was unexpectadly laid off from his job. (ahh the wonderful economy!) We went to Colorado to investigate a few opportunities. In Colorado we were presented with some really interesting ideas that we are continuing to pursue and pray about. We would ask for prayer through this time as we seek out what God has for us next....

Ahh Colorado!