Micah - just turned 2
The word for Micah is "talk." This little guy is talking up a storm. We only understand about half, which makes for frustrating moments, but Micah is so determined. He is such a boy - high energy, loves to makes things fight and crash, wants to do whatever the big boys are doing, but still loves to cuddle with Momma. Micah is a great eater, but is still a poor sleeper. We are looking forward to potty training soon, and then he'll start preschool next fall. So many changes in the year ahead for Micah.
Malia - 4 years old
The word for Malia is "pretend." This girl loves to make up stories and songs. Her toys are always talking to each other, and when I stop to really listen to the dialogue I find myself cracking up. Malia started preschool twice a week, and she really enjoys it. She makes friends easily, and if she had her way, there would always be a friend at our house. Malia loves books, and she tries to help Josh with his homework. She's actually picking up a lot this way, and she can read simple words. Malia will continue with preschool next year, but will up her days to three times a week.
Joshua - 5 years old.
The word for Joshua is "growth." Josh has seen the most changes this year, and he's growing up in so many ways. He started Kindergarten in the fall, and he is really doing well. We've seen him grow socially, and he's really learning to build friendships and not just play independently. He's grown academically and is reading whole books by himself. Josh used to hate coloring and writing, but now he can't wait to sit down and work on his homework each day. He actually asks if he can have more things to color. Crazy! Josh still loves to play video and computer games, and his favorite place is still Disneyland. He's becoming a roller coaster junkie.
Lori -still under 40
I think the word for me this year is "prayer." Yep, when you help launch a church, and when that church moves from a home into a building... you do a lot of praying. Prayers for guidance, wisdom, patience, direction, resources, and love. When I wrote this almost a year ago, I believe now that I was prophesying, (well, sort of... ha ha)
"... our best plans are not God's plans, and His best plans are far better than we could ever imagine. We know that the people that are with us now are amazing, and excited, and there for a reason."
Those words have come true over and over this past year. There are so many examples of our plans not working out (actually failing pretty miserably), but we see now where God was clearly leading and providing. And it was way better than what we thought we wanted! Our faith has been built! I don't say this to brag or to say, "Look at us!" but to encourage you to trust God's plan. I don't know if "excited" accurately describes how I feel about the future of Veritas, but it will do for now. I'm excited.
As for my money-making job, I am still mentoring private school teachers getting their clear credential through Concordia University. I have 9 teachers that I mentor in south Orange County. It's been much more difficult this year since I have 2 kids in school half-day, and I volunteer in Josh's class once a week. I also started a tot school for Micah and his friends twice a month. Somehow I squeeze in all of the meetings, observations, trainings, etc. for my mentoring job - thanks to a great hubby and wonderful grandparents who watch the kids for me :)
Alvin - turning 43 on Christmas Day
Alvin's word this year is "learn." Talk about a steep learning curve. Not only has Alvin learned so much through his weekly preparation for delivering the message, but he has had to learn all about church planting 101. How do we become a 501(c)(3) organization? How do we get insured to rent a facility? How can we record the messages and podcast them? How do we become affiliated with Calvary Chapel? How do we set up a website or write by-laws or articulate our statement of beliefs? Ask Alvin, he knows!
Seriously, I am so impressed with how hard Alvin has worked this year. If he didn't know how to do something, or even where to start, he would just start asking, researching, and figuring it out. At times he may have felt a little overwhelmed, but instead of quitting, he would press on and finish everything that needed to be done. Now we are surrounded by a wonderful core group of volunteers that devote so much time and energy to Veritas. Alvin definitely laid the ground work, but it's our awesome volunteers that are keeping this church running each week.
Alvin is still working full-time at St. Joseph's. For a few months my crazy husband actually picked up a part-time job at Anaheim General as well, but had to quit when he needed to start devoting more time to the church. In September he started attending weekly meetings with Calvary Chapel pastors. Those have been so encouraging and enlightening for him.
Merry Christmas! We pray that you have a fabulous holiday celebrating the birth of Christ.
Malia - 4 years old
The word for Malia is "pretend." This girl loves to make up stories and songs. Her toys are always talking to each other, and when I stop to really listen to the dialogue I find myself cracking up. Malia started preschool twice a week, and she really enjoys it. She makes friends easily, and if she had her way, there would always be a friend at our house. Malia loves books, and she tries to help Josh with his homework. She's actually picking up a lot this way, and she can read simple words. Malia will continue with preschool next year, but will up her days to three times a week.
Joshua - 5 years old.
The word for Joshua is "growth." Josh has seen the most changes this year, and he's growing up in so many ways. He started Kindergarten in the fall, and he is really doing well. We've seen him grow socially, and he's really learning to build friendships and not just play independently. He's grown academically and is reading whole books by himself. Josh used to hate coloring and writing, but now he can't wait to sit down and work on his homework each day. He actually asks if he can have more things to color. Crazy! Josh still loves to play video and computer games, and his favorite place is still Disneyland. He's becoming a roller coaster junkie.
Lori -still under 40
I think the word for me this year is "prayer." Yep, when you help launch a church, and when that church moves from a home into a building... you do a lot of praying. Prayers for guidance, wisdom, patience, direction, resources, and love. When I wrote this almost a year ago, I believe now that I was prophesying, (well, sort of... ha ha)
"... our best plans are not God's plans, and His best plans are far better than we could ever imagine. We know that the people that are with us now are amazing, and excited, and there for a reason."
Those words have come true over and over this past year. There are so many examples of our plans not working out (actually failing pretty miserably), but we see now where God was clearly leading and providing. And it was way better than what we thought we wanted! Our faith has been built! I don't say this to brag or to say, "Look at us!" but to encourage you to trust God's plan. I don't know if "excited" accurately describes how I feel about the future of Veritas, but it will do for now. I'm excited.
As for my money-making job, I am still mentoring private school teachers getting their clear credential through Concordia University. I have 9 teachers that I mentor in south Orange County. It's been much more difficult this year since I have 2 kids in school half-day, and I volunteer in Josh's class once a week. I also started a tot school for Micah and his friends twice a month. Somehow I squeeze in all of the meetings, observations, trainings, etc. for my mentoring job - thanks to a great hubby and wonderful grandparents who watch the kids for me :)
Alvin - turning 43 on Christmas Day
Alvin's word this year is "learn." Talk about a steep learning curve. Not only has Alvin learned so much through his weekly preparation for delivering the message, but he has had to learn all about church planting 101. How do we become a 501(c)(3) organization? How do we get insured to rent a facility? How can we record the messages and podcast them? How do we become affiliated with Calvary Chapel? How do we set up a website or write by-laws or articulate our statement of beliefs? Ask Alvin, he knows!
Seriously, I am so impressed with how hard Alvin has worked this year. If he didn't know how to do something, or even where to start, he would just start asking, researching, and figuring it out. At times he may have felt a little overwhelmed, but instead of quitting, he would press on and finish everything that needed to be done. Now we are surrounded by a wonderful core group of volunteers that devote so much time and energy to Veritas. Alvin definitely laid the ground work, but it's our awesome volunteers that are keeping this church running each week.
Alvin is still working full-time at St. Joseph's. For a few months my crazy husband actually picked up a part-time job at Anaheim General as well, but had to quit when he needed to start devoting more time to the church. In September he started attending weekly meetings with Calvary Chapel pastors. Those have been so encouraging and enlightening for him.
Merry Christmas! We pray that you have a fabulous holiday celebrating the birth of Christ.
1 comments:
Lori,
Very proud of you and your wonderful family. Your children are just adorable. Do take time to be present in the moment as time passes by ever so quickly.
Hopefully we can plan a trip south so I can see all of you in person!
Merry Christmas and have a healthy and happy 2011.
With love,
Aunt Barbara
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