Epidemic Beach Camp

Mid July Prestin participated in the Epidemic (youth group at Flipside) Beach Camp. Deron & Steve drove up to Leo Carrillo Beach (some 25 miles north of Malibu) to join in the fun for two days of it. We had hoped to give some surf lessons, but there were literally no waves!!! It was pretty hard core camping, we're talking tents and no power!!! By the end of the week several of the young people had given their lives to the Lord! Here is Deron enjoying one of the skits being put on by the young people. Prestin helping Jorge create their team poster.
They played various creative, strange and perhaps gross games. Here they are lined up ready to do a baby food relay. Many of them nearly gagged.

Prestin had to choke down a jar of baby green beans. Yes, he did gag!

Here is Steve with Kevin Ibanez (young life pastor at Flipside)

Huntington Library

In early July Jeff Logsdon invited Steve to join him in a day at Huntington Library. It is really more like a huge garden and some museums. And it is not in Huntington Beach but near Pasadena! There were many sections like this Japanese garden that displayed the beauty of the various places around the world totally highlighting the creativity of our God!
Here's Jeff (connections pastor at Flipside) and Steve.

With 1 Voice - Summer Edition

During the summer months we are doing With 1 Voice twice a month. These are opportunities to come and linger in God's presence as we worship and respond in prayer for a couple hours (first and third Mondays). We have had various themes such as the names of Jesus, to gazing on the Throne of God as found in Revelation 4 and 5. Each time our team is slightly different adding new dynamics. In this photo we had an intimate night of loving on God and receiving His love through the book of Song of Songs. This was an interesting night when everything seemed to be hard as we worshipped and prayed out the various names of Jesus. Undoubtedly, this was a significant time of spiritual warfare!

Flipside's "Mad Hatter's" Tea Party

On Saturday, June 20th, we had a wonderful time with Flipside's first annual tea party!!! Alisha (creative arts pastor at Flipside) headed the whole thing and Pam & I were a couple of the helpers who decorated tables and prepared yummy and petite finger foods.I got the "black" table which looked incredible with all my china. Pam & I had so much fun unpacking it but it was a bit of a challenge trying to find it in our storage shed. Can't wait till it gets to come out for good!!! Aren't the black tea pots cute? Everyone got to take one home!
Pam had the "white" table and her things looked so beautiful and delicate!!!
The "purple" table... I love the purple tea pots!
This is the "red" table and it was decorated adorably with "Mary Engelbreit" china... absolutely adorable!

Deanne, Carrie, and Jane, dressed for the occasion, even with cute hats. They make the "green" table stunning :D

The "yellow" table... decorated with sunflowers...

Alisha's beautiful face... leading the ladies in fun & games!

A glimpse of the room... it was beautiful!!!

Deron's Party

With the garden all decked out and the foods equivalent to a five star caterer, Deron's 21st Birthday Party erupted! The foods and the friends just kept coming!
Dan, Travis and Curtis

Jasen always loves a good eat!

Shellie & Pam working the kitchen

Kristina & Brad

Pam & Shellie tasting the treats!

Shellie & Steve

The fire pit was a real hit!

Matt chatting with Steve

Cambria, Lauren & Kristina

Around the circle of friends.

Ken & Pam watching the Angels beat the Dodgers and happy because of it!Deron opening some of his pressies!

Deron's cake (as per his request) - cheese cake with raspberries crowded in around the edge, topped with rich carmel sauce, Heath bar chunks and drizzled with white chocolate. Then for the daring, topped with hot fudge from the fondue! Tasty!!!

Going "Bang Bang" in the Desert

Friday, June 19, two vehicles were spotted heading out to some remote place in the desert with an arsenal of party poppers. Then in temps that reached the low 100's bang bang's could be heard! Chris, Deron and Prestin stop to pose for this manly shot! Ready, aim, fire! Ken was helping Prestin zero in the scope on his (Ken's) new bull barrel 22.
Deron hitting the mark!

Prestin with the big gun!

Even Steve gave it a pop!

Deron shows what's left of Santa before we demolished him with the shotgun! The bigger holes were made with the other guns at 100 yards. Zeroing in Prestin's gun.

Chris inspecting the 22.

On our way home, Deron experienced the first flat in his truck.

It was a much bigger job than we anticipated!

Deron got a big work out.

Back at home, gun cleaning time!

Deron turns 21

Deron, our eldest male child, has just turned 21. We celebrated his birthday stuff over a few days. Starting with opening his gifts, in a rather laid back manner, literally! Of course Purlie was right in the midst of it! Checking out the new mini!
Jasen & Prestin watch so attentively.Mom & Dad goofing around with Deron

Dad is a bit dyslexic. The fingers were supposed to read 21, not 12. Oops!
Happy Birthday Deron! We are so proud of you!

Early Father's Day

It was just one of those weeks (like way busy). And because it was, we celebrated Father's Day on Tuesday night, which was five days early. We enjoyed BBQ ribs and a whole bunch of other delicacies. Here we are after the fact! Simply happy campers!
Ken opening some of his gifts.
Gene (Pam's dad) opening his pressies.

By the way, Shellie's absence from the above photos is simply because she was taking the pictures.

Cruising the Northwest for 25

Twenty five years ago Shellie & Steve were married in Upland, California. Since then we have been all over this globe. It has been a wild adventure and we are glad to say, our love today is deeper and stronger than it has ever been. We had the blessed opportunity to get away and celebrate the crossing of a quarter of a century together. Originally we had booked a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, but thanks to the Swine Flu our destination was changed to Canada. This was a special treat as Canada has huge significance for us.

.....

DAY 1

This is the ship we travelled on. The photo was actually taken in Victoria, Canada, but it was a great shot to start this blog. The name of our ship was "Mariner of the Seas".
We were welcomed by all sorts of bizarre and creative things. This is a watermelon artistically carved just for this day!On board at last! Inside the ship!One of the first things we have to do before setting to sea is a drill. Don't we look cute in these bright orange fashion statement life preservers?
DAY 2
June 08, 2009 - Our 25th wedding anniversary!

We spent the day in San Francisco. And we walked from our ship at Fishersman's Wharf to nearly the Golden Gate Bridge. Shellie chatting with our boys.

Shellie loved the poppies!

Alcatraz Island is in the background.This is where we turned around, at Crissy Field.Almost back to our ship.Looking out from our room.

Getting ready for our dinner celebration.

Dinner at Chops Grille. It was amazing. The ship was pulling out from port and we had window seats overlooking San Francisco. The food was incredible, the service was personalised and the company was intimate!

The waiters came out and sang to us and then presented us a tasty treat (a truffle sort of thing).

A kiss in memory of our adventure that began 25 years ago.
DAY 3

A day at sea. We walked around and explored some more. And we did lots of steps! Here we are in the main walk inside the ship.Just one of those funny shots with both of us in it. We were enjoying our anniversary treat from the night before, on our balcony.

One of our favorite spots, on the balcony in the dining room.For the second night in a row the waiters came out and sang "Happy Anniversary" to us! Our anniversary treat.

DAY 4

Cruising into Victoria, Canada. It was here that 26 years ago we connected while on a youth choir tour. Our lives have never been the same!Chilling on the balcony before an amazing day of adventure in Victoria.

Steve standing on a massive hill of logs. These logs were strewn all over the shoreline!

Shellie's favorite bridge at Beacon Hill Park.Steve in front of the government house
Shellie had a great memory of Victoria, but Steve couldn't recall much of it. Oops!Victoria was stunningly beautiful with hanging flowers all over the place! Something Shellie recalled clearly.We actually grabed a drink and some snacks at this "local cafe".Steve enjoying the sundried tomato humus on some nam bread. Sunset in Victoria!
DAY 5

Morning in Seattle, Washington, looking from our balcony.First stop was Pike's Market Place - the flowers were so beautiful!

Several venders selling beautiful flowers for very little!

We walked a lot. And did you know that Seattle is quite hilly?
And we climbed heaps of stairs. Here is Shellie at the top of the Harbor Stairs.

One thing we noticed about Seattle was just how very noisy it was - from cars, trains and machinery! But it was also quite clean and pretty because of all the rain it gets. we had a lovely day here. That's gum art in the background, literally a whole wall in an alley underneath Pike's Place Market was covered with this artistic design. Us and Shellie's new flowers!
Shellie's flowers with our little ship in the background
Back in our room!DAY 6
Shellie's flowers looking even better. Elephant towel art

At the back of the ship while we were doing some laps around the lower deck.
Shellie enjoying the ambiance of our balcony.
Our second formal. Dino towel art waiting for us after our meal! DAY 7

Chilling out on the top deck. Shellie enjoying reading on the top deck.
One of many whales that put on a show for us!The top deck, with multiple pools.

ShellieOur last evening approaches...We were so blessed to be able to get away from our daily responsibilities of caring for grandma and just for a week not to think about it! Thank you Lord, and everyone else who helped make this trip possible!

MOPS Tea Party

May was definitely the month of celebrations, actually it is flowing right into June, too!!! The Steering Team gathered together the night before, brought their special china pieces and created a beautiful atmosphere for the next morning's tea party. It was so special for all the moms.

Pam & Carrie... can you tell we were in a very celebrative mood!?! Pam... yes, the creative mood was flowing wildly! Deanne, always wholehearted in all she does Megan & me... we were the "table leader & mentor mom" coordinator buddies and we get to be again next year... yeah!!! She is such a blessing to work with! Carrie & Megan posing so beautifully! Each center piece was uniquely prepared... there is nothing like fresh flowers, they all came from our garden and after I had cut them all I couldn't even tell any were missing! The Mentor Moms... Debbi, Lydia, Pam, Me and Valerie... these ladies pour out so much love on all the young mothers... they are such a blessing to everyone! The Table Leaders... Apryl, Jane, Veronica & Megan (with little Averie, such a cutie), these young moms are so full of creativity, passion and life, they are awesome!!!

Baby Shower at M&M

Mug & Muffins, our Saturday morning ladies bible study, celebrated our very first baby shower. Heather McCool with only a few weeks to go, enjoying the festivities in Chela's back garden. Sara... in charge of the balloons The inside view... we had three different areas to celebrate in! A close up of the cupcakes... they were soo fun to make and turned out so cute! Cristabel, Michele, and Chela... busy with kitchen preparations

Sara, Heather & Heather... they have the expression of the joy we all felt!

Michele, Sarah & Jill... we had a great morning together!

Jen, me & Chela

Cristabel & Kamy

Check out the beautiful spread... we could have eaten for a week and it was so delicious!!!

This is a group of incredible women... what a joy to share life with them!

Time to pray for abundant blessings for mommy and baby!!!

And lastly, we all enjoyed Heather opening up all her gifts... it was a lovely celebration.

Ken & Pam's Anniversary

Ken & Pam celebrate 33 years together... they are a beautiful couple, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
May 15, 2009

Shellie's 44th Birthday

I turned 44 and had a great celebration with family and friends... so many surprises!!! Pam spoiled me with a beautiful meal, beautiful dessert and beautiful gifts... I am so blessed!
Prestin, Jasen & Deron playing a game of risk... I hate that game, it's ruthless!

Ken & Steve watching the Angel's game

Pam, Wanda (Pam's mom) & LaVona (Steve's mom)

MOPS Table Surprise Party

On Shellie's birthday she was surprised when her table from MOPS showed up at our house and threw a party for her. It was so sweet!!! Gabbie, Nadia's little girl, joined us too!
Nadia, Gabbie, CeCe, Megan, and Carrie in our back garden... a perfect birthday picnic!
Me & Erin... these ladies are so precious, we've shared a wonderful year together!

A Fishing Adventure

In early May, Steve received a surprise phone call from Matt, a long time friend, inviting him to a few days of fishing up near Mammoth. Shellie rearranged her schedule and off Steve went with Matt the next day! Here is Matt as the moon rises on the first night as he fished just outside of Lone Pine. The next day they drove up just past Bishop and turned off onto a road heading up into the mountain to a place called Rock Creek. They drove as far as the road would let them (like 10 miles off the main highway) and then hiked up a few hours. Here is Matt at the first frozen lake (where they started their hike upward).On their way up!
Proof that they actually were there together!
First stop... the bottom end of a frozen lake. It was about a two hour hike from where they parked the car.Looking up to the other side where they would soon hike up to.They hiked up and around to the other side of the frozen lake, where it was being fed into in hopes of finding hungry fish.Happy wilderness man!Did I mention Steve really doesn't know how to fish?! Matt was a great and patient teacher! And yes it was incredibly beautiful!The thawed end of the lake!
Matt was catching fish after fish. He invited Steve to throw his line into the spot where the fish were being caught. You guessed it... the fish stopped biting. After a few more tries, Steve pulled his line in and Matt threw his back out. Almost instantly the fish were fighting to get on the hook. Matt caught several more! I guess it wasn't Steve's time to catch a fish yet!
Matt threw back everything he caught. He fishes just for the fun of it!This was seconds before Steve dropped the camera in the creek (by the way it was Jasen's camera that Steve was borrowing!). Anyways with some tender loving care the camera and its photos have been saved (though it took two weeks)!Did I mention it was beautiful?
Matt & Steve were best men in each other's weddings!Other end of the frozen lake! This was where they stopped on the way up.Hiking back down was actually quite tiring!
From lake fishing to creek fishing. Matt changed tactics and continued to fish at various spots as they hiked back down the mountain.At another spot where the fish were biting Steve gave it another go. And the fish ran for cover! No bites!On their way home the next day they stopped just outside of Big Pine and did some creek fishing. Wow, that is a huge challenge climbing through the brush and trying not to get the line snagged. But in the end Steve actually caught two fish - well that is they were on his line for maybe a few seconds!Steve had a great time with his friend Matt. The fishing part, well that was okay, but the adventure was awesome. Steve says he will stick to being a fisher of men! Nevertheless, fishing may get another opportunity in the future!

With One Voice

Usually the first Monday night of each month, we gather together for an evening of long & lingering worship with opportunity to press in with prayer. These nights are called With One Voice. Steve co leads these with Aaron. In our May edition the team consisted of Caty (vocals), Mark (bass), Aaron (keyboard), Terry (drums), Chris (electric guitar) and Steve (acoustic guitar). These are rich and sweet nights!

Photo is complements of Jasen Smith!

Flipside Family Camp '09

In late March the Flipside family converged on the KOA campsgrounds in Chula Vista for a weekend of well, pretty much just hanging out together!

Steve & Deron played catch with the football, something they are still getting used to! Shellie looks cute even when brushing her teeth!Jasen just loves to rent one of these carts for an hour! And he gets every cent worth!Prestin, Deron and Ray jammed on the guitars on our cabin porch!Pam, Shellie, Jasen & Coleen enjoyed a yummy frozen yogurt!Just smelling the roses, and there are a lot of them!JasenSteve just after a 25 mile bike ride with Brent to Coronado!Saturday evening barbecue! We had habanero beef! What a spread of food. Everyone added their own plate to share!After the barbecue the guys warmed their buns!Shellie tasting a s'more!
Prestin finishing up his s'more... Shellie & Steve enjoying a few moments together!
Steve fixing waffles Sunday morning. Ken & Prestin so patiently waiting for their portion!Yes, this is bacon, something we don't have too often. But it tastes so good with waffles!Deron still loves his truck. Jasen gets a ride into the space as we moved out of our cabin and hung out with Ken & Pam for the day!Shellie, Gina & Pam.Deron, Steve & Jasen just relaxing! Well, Jasen is getting ready for the dogs to bark!Okay, now Jasen is relaxing and Shellie is powering her way through her novel!Deron just hanging!Shellie finding refuge from the cool breeze in order to keep powering on with her book!Our last meal in San Diego. We shared these moments with the Schmidts, Murdocks and Ken & Pam, before heading back home to resume our care of grandma.

Easter Sunday

We all got to go to Flipside's Easter service together. It was strange sitting together as a family. It was because grandma joined us! Jasen so loves going to gatherings at Flipside! Deron was on the worship team on Easter as well as for the Good Friday production!
Prestin & Shellie Grandma & Ken

Steve & Shellie really enjoyed being together, again! Proof, we were all there!

Easter Saturday

On Easter Saturday we had a lovely family night at Ken & Pam's place.The table of yummy pre-dinner snacks!Grandma & Wanda (Pam's mom) Ken & Pam

LaVona (grandma), Wanda & Pam before we made a mess of the beautifully set dinner table!

Deron enjoying a piece of baklava

Prestin playing Wii - not exactly his favorite

Shellie & Pam

Ken & Steve (with Sophie)

Grandma & Jasen really enjoying their desserts!

More gardening at Flipside!

The finishing touch! After the roses came the ground flowers and then the mulch. Wow it is really made a huge difference! Shellie hard at work!
Everyone shovelling the mulch. It has really softened the entry.
As well as the harsh wall.

Fin!

Already as things have begun to grow, the front of the Flipside facilities continue to look better every time we go now! Imagine what it will look like in a year with the roses at about window height, the ground cover blossoming with flowers and the birch trees with a few more feet of growth upward and putward! We love doing this ministry of beautification - both inside & out!

Roses at Flipside

At the end of March we finally got the roses into the ground in the front at the Flipside. We also replaced one of the birch trees that mysteriously died last year. The transformation is amazing! Ken & Steve unloaded the goods.
Then the holes were dug! Shellie made sure each rose bush was carefully placed in their new home.Finale!Give it a year and it is going to look so beautiful, well at least for an ex-warehouse facility that is home for the Flipside!

Grandma's visitor

In late March, Grandma's sister Wanda came out for a few days just to be together!

Trip to Georgia

In early March Shellie, Jasen & Pam voyaged to Georgia for ten days. When they arrived there was snow on the ground and there was no sign of Spring anywhere to be found. By the time they left, things had begun to happen (as you will see at the end of this post).Shellie & Jasen at the airport - in transit for Georgia.Hunter & Rudolph JonahHanging out at the table. One of their early stops was Real Deals.

Jasen & Stef having some tickling time.

Haley & Hunter

Jasen & Jonah
Jasen just has something about China. Here as they played with Legos he spelled out "China" while Stef & Hunter created objects of wonder.

Stef, Pam & Jimmy at the Vandegrifts home. Cuddles in the back seat.

Mayfield Dairy Farm... renown for its yummy ice cream!
Giant Cow... seriously it's not real!

Rocking chairs at Mayfield.And the tasty ice cream!

Stef & Jasen

Hugging dad (Jimmy)
Scott & Jenny

Jenny & Jonah at Scott & Jenny's new home.

Stef & Jimmy

Tacos with fresh salsa... Pam's specialty!

Jenny & Scott in their kitchen

Out on the Vandegrift's deck!
Downtown Athens - Bulldogs GO!
Downtown Athens is a quiant little center and right next to the Unviersity of Georgia!

Rachael & Stef
Lunch with Kyle & Robin (Pastor of Anthens Vineyard).
Tiny rabbit at the Athens Flea Market. Apparently its the largest in the state.
Jasen enjoyed the animals.

Things go pretty slow at the Athens Flea Market! Entering the Mall of Georgia!

Pam & Pam

Iniside the Mall of Georgia. Again, we hear this is the largest Mall in the State.

Jenny, Pam & Stef - shopping but no buying!

Jasen chose Daytona Bear.

A time to rest after the long exploration of the Mall. And by the way, it is huge!

Just a cool shot of Jasen! He looks so grown up!

More at the Mall.
Leaving the Mall with rewards in hand...

and mouth!Downtown Watkinsville - just south of Athens.
Birthday party for everyone!Jasen & Scott at the covered bridge.
Inside the covered bridge!
Evidence of Spring.
From snow on the ground when they arrived to white flowers in the pear trees when they left! Change can happen fast!Just a beautiful picture. And the trees look nice also!

Good bye to Georgia for now!

Chris & Donna's miracle

Over this past year Chris & Donna have been trying to adopt. This came after years of trying to have a baby on their own. Through a series of God ordained events they now have a beautiful baby, whom they named Alisha, as part of their family!!! Here is the celebration they had with the Flipside family!!! Oh yeah, Shellie helped plan and set up for the day along with some pretty amazing and creative ladies... she loves this kind of thing!

Pam in full party mode
The entryShellie & Megan (MOPS Coordinator buddies) Chris & Donna arrive, along with Donna's mom Louise & Pam... experienced masterminds for events like these!

John & Carol... significant supportive friends for Chris & Donna
Reigh Lea... (the amazing woman who organizes all the meals

for Flipside families with new babies) & Pam

Pam & Shellie... sisters :)

Alisha...director of women and creative arts

& Brittany...Alisha's right hand man (administrator)

Kamy... Mug n Muffin & MOPS buddy & Caden... such a cutie!

Proof that it wasn't just a ladies thing. Here are just some of the guys that came to celebrate baby Alisha. (L-R) Chris B, Chris K, Steve & John.
Chris & Donna... a beautiful couple... now a beautiful family!!!

Allison, Shellie, Lindsay & Reigh Lea... more MOPS gals!

Chris... a real cool guy!

Shellie praying for Chris & Donna. It was a tearfully joyful prayer!

Steve & Jeff... pastor of community life and groups
Ajay, Katie and Emily... Cool Epidemic kids... some of Prestin's buddies

Coleen... Mug n Muffin buddy & Shellie... the cakes were delicious by the way!

Jen...you've got the look! Move over Kev... your wife looks like she's ready to preach!!!

Reigh Lea & Lindsay

Paul... can you believe this guy is the pastor of "Flipt"!?!

He is amazing with those children!!!

Chris in the background

Watching the slide show of baby Alisha...

She represents the tender heart of God... He heard the cry of Chris & Donna's heart...

He responded in His way, in His time, with a gift that overwhelmed all our hearts...

Alisha is perfect!!!

Steve & JeffAnd the children had so much fun!

Soo many came to celebrate this new addition to the Flipside family.

We all had only two weeks to prepare... now that's a "suddenly!"

The Finale!

The Knopp's were blessed with so much love and so many beautiful gifts...

This was soo much fun!

A good excuse for a Family Night

Just needing an excuse to get together after Ken & Pam's camping trip to Ventura, we converged at their place and enjoyed a lovely feast. The table, ready for the food and us guests.One of the things we did was watch the tear jerking movie - Fireproof! Sweet stuff!Jasen, Steve and grandma, ready for the movie to begin!
Before movie (afterwards Shellie wouldn't let us get a photo of her because she had cried during the flick).Speaking of not wanting their pictures taken... after a lifetime of a million plus photos taken of them, Deron and Prestin have hit their limit! Really, it's not that painful!Of course a Wii bowling tournament was worked into the evening. This night Steve & Jasen beat Ken & Deron. One of Steve's games was a 299!!! He is still waiting for that perfect game!

Mug N Muffins "Love" Celebration

Snowy mountains and a full rainbow outside Michele's home

as we prepare for the celebration!

Thank You, Lord, for such a beautiful symbol of Your love

and faithfulness to us...

that's what this night is all about!!! Andria, me and Michele, team leader buddies Kamy and Michele... Kamy is our newest team leader buddy :)Sarah modelling her classy style! One of several food spreads... delicious... and all Michele's favorites! Andria and hubby, Kevin... pastors of young life ministries at Flipside! Francis and hubby enjoying the fellowship, games and food...

another adorable couple. Heather "Sparkle" ... another team leader buddy!Rob chatting with Kevin. Kamy with her beautiful family... Caden and hubby, Frank. Sara on the right... such a sweetie, and she brought her friend too. Heather, Me, and Sarah... yes, Sarah is another team leader buddy!

And they are ALL amazing ladies!!!

We had a beautiful night. Thank you Michele for hosting and providing EVERTHING... YOU ARE INCREDIBLE AND SUCH A HUGE BLESSING!!! We love you heaps!

Flipside MOPS ...Valentine's celebration

Our MOPS Valentine celebration at Flipside.Megan & My "Adventure Land" table... soo pretty and fragrant. Some of the amazing ladies at our table...Erin, Karin, Carrie and CeCe Nadia is at our table, too!Karin Megan... our table leader coordinator... my buddy!!! The beautiful and VERY fragrant flowers at our table... soo fun! Pam, speaking on "Godly parenting" and sharing tips from the "pros"... she did an excellent job! Pam & Jane... "Frontier Land"... this is their table!

Jane is extremely creative with her crafts and decorating!!!Moms filling out parenting questionnaires Apryl & Debbi's table..."Fantasy Land"(Apryl on the right... her mom is not pictured)Veronica & Lydia's table...
Sandra's last day with us... she's moving back to Kentucky... her hubby comes home from Iraq in April... she's waited a LONG time and has been such an inspiration to us all!Carrie's birthday gift... Arbonne! (Carrie is the MOPS coordinator)

Day trip to Door of Faith Orphanage

On the last Saturday in January we joined the gang from Flipside, the largest group yet (just a few more than 50) to head to the Door of Faith Orphanage in Mexico. A total of eight vehicles caravaned, with Deron as the driver of the lead vehicle!Not too long after we arrived the batteries in our camera died. Hence the limited number of photos being blogged right now. Here we see some of the children washing their hands before the lunch that we prepared for them.Deron & Prestin chatting with Greg Shipp.Lunch time for us. The kids had just finished their tasty meal!Jasen hanging out on the swing. Notice in the back how the nursery is slowly taking shape. Steve chatting with Jasen as Tom Horn pushes one of the orphan girls.
On our way back from a hike to the cross. In the background are the cabins that we will stay in for AMOS later this year.

So true! That expresses well right where we are at!

Prestin chilling out on top of the hill!

Bowling again!

Believe it or not, we were able to squeeze away again for another round of bowling. But honestly, our games quite deteriorated since a week ago! Again, it is not the same as playing Wii!Jasen has absolutely the most unique style. Even the way he holds the ball is way cool. Check out how he puts his fingers in the holes.
Prestin switched to lefty and he did way better!Deron has the smoothest style, but today, even his ball was not going straight.
Pizza and lots of snacks were included!Then came the arcade - thanks to free tokens! Jasen beat Steve in Air Hockey!

Bowling one afternoon

One day in mid January, when we were relieved of our grandma sitting duties for a few hours we decided to hit the bowling alley. It is not quite the same as Wii (by a long shot!) but it was still quite fun! Shellie watched on, taking pictures of her guys doing their stuff.Steve just couldn't get the ball down the middle of the alley. Perhaps he was throwing it TOO hard!Jasen had a fantastic time, and thanks to Wii, he really understood the game!And did I mention he has the absolute most unique style?!Prestin slid in with some friends from Flipside, that just happened to be there, in the lane next to ours! Here (l to r) are John, Jackson, Brittany and Prestin.Let's try a HEAVY ball!And well, Deron beat us all in total pins! Unlike in Wii, his ball does go straight!

Jasen turns 19

We celebrated Jasen's nineteenth with Ken, Pam, grandma and our gang.While Shellie was doing the prep for the party, Steve fixed chocolate chip waffles. They were amazing! Not exactly healthy, but absolutely yummy!Jasen even paused his battling on in Lord of the Rings online just to chow down on his waffle.Jasen checking out Shellie's masterpiece of a birthday cake!Jasen chose this spaghetti and meatball birthday cupcake cake.The final piece of art! The meatballs were Fererro Rochers and the sauce was strawberry jam.Let the party begin!Fruit, nuts, chips & salsa started us off.The theme was Thai food, with a curry coconut beef as the main dish with spicy green beans/carrots and jasmine rice. Wow, it was as good as it sounds! And Jasen was very happy with his choice for the night! By the way, we had the little tables out to watch the BCS championship football game - Florida beat Oklahoma pretty solidly!BUSTED... Grandma took a cupcake off the platter, with candle and all, and chowed down, long before it was time. We caught her in the very act! I suppose she just could not wait any longer! The rest of us had to wait another hour for Jasen to blow out the candles!Pressie time!!!Now on to the cake! Notice the flames on the cake.A big blow took care of all the colorful flames.Jasen was very pleased with his party!

Just a few moments after we did the cake thing, our area was hit with a decent sized earthquake (like 4.5)! Even the earth said "happy birthday" to Jasen!

With One Voice

We now have a monthly night of worship & prayer at Flipside. These are incredibly sweet times where we hang out before the throne of grace in the context on long & lingering worship, with prayer interspersed throughout. At this January gathering we focused on celebrating what God had done in 2008, and prayerfully dreaming about what God could do in 2009. The team did a beautiful job just flowing with the Spirit and the themes. Brad Smith (no known relationship) was over on the far left in the dark playing bass. Jillian & Alisha sang oh so sensitively, Deron drummed (first time in many many moons & he did great), Steve led and played acoustic guitar, Mark played second acoustic guitar and Chris played a sweet electric guitar. Steve felt so very backed up by this team of talented musicians. Thanks guys!!! Deron, hidden behind the cymbals and plexi-glass.A portion of the night was focused on praying for each of the staff team. We had folks come up and surround them in prayer as we continued to press in in worship! Here's Jeff getting his soaking!

Thanks Prestin for operating the computer and taking these photos!

600 months and counting...

On December 31st Steve celebrated his 50th birthday. That's a half century, or 600 months, or 18,257 days, 438,257 days (ok I will stop with that!).What sweet fruit of all those days alive! The boys doing their "tough" look... scary & cuddly!!!Shellie made Steve the most incredible edible cake. Coconut cream and condensed sweetened milk poured over a white cake and then frost with a whipped cream and coconut flakes. Outstanding!!!The boys enjoyed some xboxing. The lights were actually off in the room, but you really can't tell thanks to a brilliant flash! Steve with his pressies. Steve and his boys.

A late Christmas & early birthday

With Ken & Pam in Georgia over Christmas we delayed some of the festivities until they returned. So on Monday, 29th of December 2008, we celebrated a late Christmas and an early birthday for Steve (who turned 50 on the 31st of December).Jasen always makes these festivities exciting. He just ripped up the wrapping paper and was throwing it up in the air as confetti!Shellie got a beautiful top and was very happy about it! Steve got his black hoody for his birthday!Enjoying the moments. Looking at a book on the viusal history of guns. Trying to hold him back from jumping on all the presents... By the way, Deron did survive this ordeal... :)

But he will never be the same!

Overseas guests

We had a very pleasant surpirze with the Obendorfs stopping by for a little visit. They live and minister out of Hong Kong. We were so blessed to see them again! Here they are with us... Tim, Elizabeth, Anthony, and Rosa (l to r). Thanks guys for making the effort to see us!!!

Youth Service @ Flipside

On the last Sunday of December, the youth led the morning worship service at Flipside. Yes and it was a cold morning. Here is Joel, Jackson, Prestin & Raymond (l to r).Kevin Ibanez (yes like the guitar) is the pastor of young life at Flipside and he spoke on being History Makers.Prestin, Jaymee and Raymond preparing for announcements. Prestin helping with the announcements. This was round two. In the first service Prestin used his Smegal voice and Raymond put on a Jamaican accent. Note the lady sitting in the chair in the bottom right side of the picture. She is one of the "signers" at Flipside. I am sure she had her challenge this morning interpreting these guys! By the way, she does a great job!

Freeze

Southern California, renown for its sunshine and year around warm temperatures... sometimes gets hit with a big freeze. Just after Christmas we had a few nights (and days) when it got really cold (relatively speaking), so much so that things froze. Lawns and roofs were coated with white frost. And here is a picture of our fountain, after I turned it back on around ten in the morning! By the way, the reason it was off was because it had froze up!

Surprises on Christmas

Quite a beautiful day with many surprises, and sweet blessings blowing us away! Though we don't have a fireplace, one of the TV channels actually had a fire burning for several hours with Christmas music accompanying it. It was called the yuletide log. Kinda bizarre, but fun!

Steve created waffles - something we don't usually enjoy. The beginnings of a tasty adventure!

The boys finally got up, and the day took off.

Our Christmas breaky table - we had to kick the boys off so we could set it!

It was well after 11am when we finally endulged ourselves in this birthday breakfast. By the way, did I mention it was Jesus' birthday?Okay, after we got all cleaned up, it was pressie time!Grandma & Jasen so patiently waiting... The presents were stacked in piles in front of each of us, just ready for the signal to start opening them. Prestin actually looks excited!!!Purlie was right in the middle of EVERYTHING!!! The fire definitely burns in her eyes!All of us would open a gift simultaneously and then share what we got!And did I mention that Purlie was right in the middle of it all?The boys each got one special gift which was opened at the end, slowly one at a time. Jasen opening his gift... Doesn't he match his package?Did I introduce Purlie?Deron and his big gift.Purlie can't wait to borrow Deron's new iPod.Prestin's big gift...The bike wasn't actually in the box. Sorry if we misled you in anyway!Purlie looked on knowing she isn't big enough to ride Prestin's bike.
Shellie's unwrapping her robe.We had movies playing in the background throughout this adventure. As Shellie carefully packs up the wrappings, It's A Wonderful Life blares onward.And don't forget Purlie!
Okay, this was one picture Purlie actually tried to escape from!Stocking time... Grandma had accidentially given away the stocking that Shellie made, so she got her's in a quite little box.Prestin at one time many years ago actually thought his stocking was cute.Jasen is always a happy camper! Deron is ready to watch one of many DVD's we got.Yes, we are truly happily married!!!One of LaVona's special friends (Cathy) came over and watched a movie in the afternoon.Happy with how the day had gone, we settled back and began to work on this blog. It was a very cosy afternoon. It was actually cold out and the rain was falling pretty heavily. Then suddenly something we hadn't even considered a possibility became a reality. A door to a room that had been hidden for many years was flung open. With the door bell ringing, we saw a couple of people standing out in the rain. Because rain is such a rare thing in Southern California there are no gutters on our roof. As we opened the door there was a vague semblance of familiarity racing through our mind as we stared at each other. There, standing in the pouring rain, was Shellie's dad and his wife, Lisa. A miracle in the making. Of course we invited them in and spent the next several hours reconnecting and introducing them to his grand kids!!! This was a most beautiful present to us from God!!! As mentioned, it has opened a room which holds a whole new adventure and we are going to have fun exploring this newly found lost relationship!

What a beautiful day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

Christmas Eve @ Flipside

Welcome to the Flipside Christmas Eve Service...

An incredible celebration of the gift Christ is to us!!! From the manger.... to the cross... Jesus Christ... Saviour of our souls!!!Our guitar... I thought it looked really cool on the stand with all the lights... classy shot!Jasen and Steve... excited for the night to begin.Grandma, Shellie and Jasen... patiently waiting and snugged up warmly too!Abbey & Sue Williams... these are Jenny's (our niece) mom and little sis. A cool shot of the instruments in the background.Jeff... the community life & groups guy...Some of the musos... Matt on electric, Mark on bass, Deron on acoustic guitar, Aaron on keyboard... not in this pic... Terry on drums, Travis on drums and Dane on drums... yes, we had three drummer boys and they were incredible playing "the little drummer boy"... WOW!!!Kev... the lead Flipside guy.Abbey as Mary, Prestin as Joseph... the story begins!John... singing over the new born KING... "what child is this?" A quiet, holy moment...

Cambria joins in singing...Joseph holding baby Jesus...Abbey & Alisha (a classy angel) singing..."The First Noel-Mary, Mary" ... stunning!!!

Okay, another cool shot of Deron.Rejoicing together...The dancers...

The candles were a stunning way to close the service.The Grand Finale..."Silent Night, Holy Night..."

What a sweet way to spend Christmas Eve! We thoroughly enjoyed the Flipside Christmas service. We even got grandma there to share in the celebration... she really enjoyed herself and was glad she came... completely forgetting that she absolutely refused to come earlier on... oh the memories :)

Christmas Eve Eve

We had planned to go out to eat on Christmas Eve, but those plans were thrown out when we discovered that Deron & Prestin (who are in doing things at both the Christmas Eve Services at Flipside) had to be there early (like at 3pm) and wouldn't be home until well after midnight. So we simply adjusted our plans and went out a day earlier. Claim Jumper, one of our favorites, became our landing point for this Christmas Eve Eve dinner! Here Shellie & grandma sitting, waiting for our table. Though they would like you to believe they were sleeping, they hardly had time for any shut eye because our table was all ready!Just one of those moments. Shellie is always so pretty! Jasen enjoying his glass of cold icy water, with sugar added (not by him).Deron, well who knows what he is doing (or thinking)?Grandma's funny face pose looks far more scary than it was supposed to.Jasen was feeling and pulling out hairs from Deron's beard. And Deron being such an awesome, older brother, he didn't even squirm!Prestin studying the multitudes of culinary options.When our pile of onion rings arrived Jasen didn't know where to start. By the way, they were yummy!And did I mention how glamorous and beautiful Shellie is?
Oh ya, Jasen totally demolished his "widow maker burger" in a way only he could!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve to you!!!

Mugs -n- Muffins Christmas Party

Shellie at the Mug-n-Muffins Christmas Party at Michele's place...

Michele was in Michigan with all the snow... she was REALLY missed! The spread was lavish and delicious!!!Heather & Andrea

Sarah Heather, Sara & Kamy
Heather & ShellieJillJen & Kamy
Sarah & Lisa Sara
Shellie & Andrea
Sarah We have soo much fun together!
Lisa Kamy Heather & Jill getting some yummies...Shellie & Heather

This was my "white elephant" treasure...

a margarita glass from Las Vegas...

it has been redeemed... it now displays a large red candle with white pearls and a little wreath... very attractive and festive... hee hee :)This is an amazing group of ladies... we are learning and growing a lot together in Christ and with eachother. For all of you that were unable to make it...

WE REALLY LOVE YOU AND YOU WERE MISSED!!!

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS!!!

MOPS Christmas Tea Party

Celebrate... ALL that Jesus Christ is to us!

~~~~~
Billie Jo, Deb (her mom-n-law) and I decorated the Flipt room for our Christmas Tea Party...
we finished before midnight!
Lots of fun and creativity was flowing!

"Adventure Land"... Nadia & Gabbie, Carrie, Me, Karin, Megan & Averie...
this is our table... and it's the best!!!
Erin, CeCe, and Dawn are missing from this picture :(

Megan & Averie... our table leader... she's the sweetest!!!

Our table was gorgeous!!!

Alisha & Deron... leading us in worship... (By the way... Alisha is all decked out for snowboarding in Big Bear... the snow covered mountains are calling)This is "Frontier Land"... this is Pam's table (my sis-n-law)
and they are incredibly creative!!!
(Pam, we really missed you this morning :( but we know you are having a blast in Georgia with your kiddos and grandkiddos too)
WE MISS YOU ALL!!! This is baby Jackson... Gina's new little bundle... too cute!!!Carrie... in a serious pose... is it possible?!?
She's the main mops gal... looks the part very well I might add :)Veronica's table... "Tomorrow Land" ...
with two new babies... and two on the way!!!Here's one of the precious bundles with her mom... Lindsay...
a precious moment... aahhhh!Deron... playing some beautiful worship songs... so proud of him.Alisha... caught in a holy moment... beautiful... Apryl's table... "Fantasy Land"...
two babies at this table too... and one on the way!Mid way through our feast... everything was delicious!

First Winter Storm

The first winter blast of the season came with a vengeance at mid December. With a lull between storms Deron & Steve took a drive into the mountains to see how high they could get in Deron's truck (without chains) and to have a play in the snow!By the way, did I say it's like less than 20 minutes up the road for where we live?It was simply beautiful!At Ice House Canyon they had to turn around. It was snowing and quite slippery.
Check it out... it's snowing!!!On the way back down...We stopped at the Buckhorn Inn and pulled into the parking lot that was coated with a foot of snow. There we proceeded to load up the back of Deron's truck with that powdery white stuff!
Note the chuck of snow that appears to be hanging for the wires. Actually it is enroute to the bed of the truck!Steve with a snowball in hand, just waiting to let loose...Load it up!Enjoying this wintery wonderland!
We took the load of snow home and shared it with the rest of the fam...
Jasen loved to opportunity to play in the snow, right outside of the comfort of our home!
The snowball fight begins...And continues...And continues...Prestin tried to stay safe and dry, but ultimately got sucked into the battle!Time out, Steve had to take a phone call from his friend Craig, but the snowball fight continued!Jasen can't believe it is so cold, but it's so fun!But Deron, where are your gloves?Fire away!
Even Shellie had a toss or two!It is not every day you can have a snowball fight in the front yard in Southern California.

Celebrating Pam's Birthday

I know this is almost too personal, but what the heck, it's all family. Here we see Ken giving Pam her birthday smack! It's official... there's love!

We enjoyed a beautiful & tasty Mexican feast - tamales, taquitos, and chili relleno. It was almost too good!

After the lovely feast of Mexican food, we were all feeling quite overly filled!JasenDeronPrestin Time for a little rest at the table.
Grandma, with Pam's folks (Gene & Wanda) Time to open presents...
Super surprised!Modeling her new cosy house coat from us.Ken trying to get some cool angled photos amongst all the dogs.Grandma always loves it when Vicki comes out!Shellie & PamPam getting ready to blow out her candle!

Ken trying to sneak a sample!
Okay, you now know one of Ken's weaknesses - whipped cream in a can!

Sight & Surf

Every year (for a few decades now) a friend of ours takes care of our eye needs. Paul has been a huge blessing to us, like in major ways!!! Thanks Paul!!! Jasen waits for his examination of which he passed with new glasses!From the eye chair to the surf. With a very little bit of arm twisting by Paul, Deron and Steve hit the water for the very first time since arriving from Australia some 16 months ago! Pictured here (L to R) are Steve, Paul, Deron and Chad. By the way, it was weird not being able to see what was below you in the water! Still it was awesome sliding down the face of the waves again!

Christmas lights on Thoroughbred

Every December a whole neighborhood in Alta Loma goes all out to creatively decorate with lights and festive figures. So we make it a point to get there as a family (joining the crowds) and check it out.

One of many homes beautifully decorated. A wonderful atmosphere... lots of families walking together and enjoying the festivities!Here are a few more homes that were pretty cool. You know, pictures just do not capture the feeling and the beauty of a zillion little lights twinkling in the darkness.Jasen totally loved it!!!Jasen with a surfing Santa - in memory of our Christmas' spent in Australia. Walking... Ken & Pam, Grandma, Steve & Shellie, Deron and Jasen. By the way, Prestin was at Flipside with his buddy, Raymond.
Admittedly, this is not one of Deron's highlights, but he still joins us to be with family.
Ken & Pam all bundled up for this festive walk... this just might be their last!

A day in the desert with the boys

After about an hour and a half driving deep into the desert, we arrived for a day of shooting up targets, plastic bottles and old doors (well and a few other things like a clay monkey head with a pair of glasses).First things first, we had to set up the targets, 25, 50 and 100 yards away.Deron getting his canons ready.Lighting up the 7mm. Deron said it is an awesome feeling exploding a water bottle at 100 yards!Prestin giving the big gun a go!Ken shooting his HK and Prestin waiting to conquer the 22. By the way, Prestin tamed this beast that everyone else had all but thrown away. He was hitting the mark even at 100 yards!!! All those computer games did train him for something.Ken giving his mini it's maiden run. Ken & Deron examining their hits and preparing for another attack. The softball Deron is holdling literally exploded.

Deron spotting for Ken at 100 yards.

Even Steve hit the mark with the big gun.
Prestin mastering the 357

The 12 gauge does the trick at short distance!
This door was literally obliterated before we were done!

Ironically, hours after we departed an earthquake registering 5.1 shook the area we had been shooting in!

Creating Christmas Fudge

Shellie & Pam converged to create some yummy treats to give away this Christmas season.

Shellie breaking the White Chocolate Peppermint Bark.
Butter Pecan Fudge filled these snowflake cookie cutters.

Victoria Gardens Adventure

Ken & Pam came over to relieve us for a few hours. While they cared for grandma, we took a little adventure to Victoria Gardens (aka VG).The family shot. We are still trying to get a good family photo for our Christmas cards!? This one almost made it! What do you think?Shellie got captured by Jasen with these extra large stuft animals at Macy's.Jasen found the Christmas decorations! He loves that stuff!Steve & Jasen in front of the famous and huge Christmas tree. Steve & Shellie in one of those romantic settings with millions of twinkly lights and thousands of passer-byers.Prestin & Deron found the message chairs at Macy's, and we had to pry them off just to move on to the next place!

Deron turning Prestin's on full blast. Just in case you were wondering, these photos were taken by Jasen!
Jasen & Shellie posing for a impromptu photo.
Contrary to popular belief, Chris & Curtis really do not live at VG. They are just there quite a bit! And of course, we caught up with them at the Christmas tree.

Decorated for Christmas

We dug our Christmas tree and decorations out of deep storage and this past week set it all up amongst grandma's clutter. This is the first time that our things have come out since we returned from Australia over 16 months ago.

The porcelain Christmas carolers amongst the wall plate form Japan and a photo of Steve's mom & dad when they were way young.The nativity set squeezed in. Close up and personal...
Preparation is all part of the Christmas joy of giving presents. Even our bedroom was not exempt from Christmas deco.By the way, the black & white framed photos are baby shots of Deron, Jasen & Prestin. Can you guess which belongs to each of them? Even our dresser got deco-nized!
All the deco is a simple reminder that Jesus is the reason for this season!!! "God so loved the world that He gave His one & only Son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Thanksgiving 2008

It was Thanksgiving, and yes, the Christmas trees are up. Our celebrations were a bit more subdued this year with two family units now living in Georgia. Still we gathered at Ken & Pam's place for a wonderful day of Thanksgiving! The family portrait! The table just waiting for people and the yummy things to be loaded onto our plates! Pam (& Shellie) did such a lovely job preparing for this feast.Shellie carving up the turkey. Hungry Thanksgivers delay gratifying the cries from their tummies just long enough to snap a few more photos!Happy campers totally enjoying the goods!
Grandma enjoyed her day. In the front is the partially eaten Turtle Cheesecake (or as Deron called "Turtleneck" Cheesecake). It was cooked cheesecake with chocolate, caramel and pecans. Served with vanilla ice cream... Yummy!

Exploring Georgia

In mid November Steve, Deron & Prestin took a trip to Georgia, just exploring the possibility that we might head there when this current season is over. In a lot of ways we feel just like this leaf floating in the breeze, we are caught in the drafts of the Holy Spirit! Georgia is stunningly beautiful! We arrived as the trees turned from green to yellow, to red to brown and then fall to the ground leaving skeletons reaching for the sky!On our first day we got out driving around, checking out the area and looking at homes. Jimmy, Stef, Hunter and Jonah joined us on this quest.Deron & Prestin took lots of pictures, not just of each other! Like I said, they took lots of pictures, even ones through each others camera!
Stef getting out at just one of the houses we explored.Prestin inside of one of those homes. And by the way, the homes are big, spacious, beautiful and are about half the price they are in California!Just more color!Here is a typical neighborhood.Steve met with several pastors while there. Here is Scott, the pastor of a Vineyard church in Buford. We ate out quite a bit, experiencing the local cuisine. Here is one of our meals at The Waffle House. They are like on every corner. We had waffles and hash browns.We went into Atlanta one of the days. Deron did all our driving, and did a fantastic drive navigating, inspite of the erroneous GPS device, affectionately called Bob.One of our stops... Georgia Tech. Deron looks out onto the football field - our should I say, their sanctuary. Georgians are really into their High School and College football.The mascot of Georgia Tech is the Yellow Jacket, hence the name of their team - the Yellow Jackets. Prestin picked up a hat with the logo! By the way, Prestin really liked GT!Back in the car, navigating through Atlanta to our next stop.
Hot tip... "Everybody's Pizza" is amazing!!! They are located just across the street from Emory University. I hear the Thai Chicken Salad Pizza is out of this world. But we settled for a Barbecue Chicken and Jalepeno Pizza instead. And it was sooooo yummy!We crossed the street and took a quick look at Emory, a top school for medical type stuff.It is also a very beautiful campus!Driving back from Emory (in Atlanta).One day we did the manly bonding sort of thing. We went to gun shops and even tried them out at an underground shooting range.Scott shooting a Glock.
Steve aiming, relaxing and squeezing the trigger...and he even hit the target!!!Prestin showing off his guns before shooting the revolver.Aiming...
Squeezing...Deron fixing his sites on the target, like a zillion feet away!And he hit the rings! Not bad at all!!!This was Jimmy's first time, ever, to shoot a gun. And he did fantastic, and had lots of fun!!! He's a natural!Another meal out with the guys, Johnny's BBQ. Simple but amazing. Tender pork barbecued and shredded, then served on a bun, with some BBQ sauce. That's it!!!Deron chowing into his tasty treat. Oh ya, don't tell him there is a sesame seed on his lip.Scott & Jenny allowed us to use the Honda CRV. Thanks guys! Here it is.I was wondering why we had so much chicken! We didn't get a picture of it (believe it or not) but there is a huge statue of a chicken in Gainesville. We heard that it is actually illegal to eat chicken with a fork on Sundays. Just some silly law that no one heeds. It is also illegal to put an ice cream in your back pocket! Another pastor that Steve connected with is Kyle, from Athens Vineyard.
Downtown Athens is quaint and very gorgeous! Down at the end of this street is the University of Georgia (UGA).Deron & Prestin checking out the map, trying to figure out where we got to go for our info meeting at UGA. UGA's mascot and name is the Bulldogs, but we could not find a statue so we settled for the famous logo. Steve had to get a picture in front of their football stadium.Back at the Vandegrifts. They have a lovely home and they so graciously allowed us to stay. Thanks guys!!! Here Stef is raking part of their front lawn and drive way. As you can imagine, it is a nearly endless task this time of year!Jimmy chose to stay inside, where it was warm and watch Stef do the never ending raking.
The roads are tree lined, curvy and hilly. And did I mention... beautiful?We visited the Mall of Georgia, which allegedly is one of the largest mall in the USA. We got to try on some of the Bulldog fan wear.Rainbow. Need I say more? Well I will... God is faithful to His promises!We shared an evening at Rodger & Pam's place. Rodger is the cousin of Pam Smith (not the Pam pictured here). Oh yeah, Sydney is their dog also pictured!Downstairs in their basement - the windowless recreation room, we played some ping pong and watched manly shows like Man and the Wild. The host had just killed a yak with his knife and was eating it raw! Yikes...
The next day on our way to visit a church we saw this truck with a deer sleeping in the back... like permanently sleeping. Hunting is very popular in Georgia.
Lake Lanier is very close. We checked it out. The water level is way down because of the "drought". Actually Georgia gets plenty of rain but gives away their water to a neighboring state. Such generosity!!! Just kidding, it is a very contentious topic! Here is Jimmy as his kids. Moments after this Hunter got stuck in some serious mud.I forgot to mention it was cold.We really enjoyed hanging out with Scott & Jenny and all the Vandegrifts.
Stef & Jonah waving good bye to us as we headed off to the airport. It stayed in the 40's that day in Georgia, but when we arrived back in California we walked into the hottest day since 1945 (for that date) - in the 90's! What a contrast!Having returned from this whirlwind trip, we still fill like this leaf in the wind. At least it is the wind of the Holy Spirit and we will end up right where God wants us!

On the ice!

Prestin went with the youth group from Flipside to ice skate and play broomball. I think this was his very first time ice skating. He did quite well, with only a few painful falls on his bottom!

Prestin's years of field hockey in Australia hardly prepared him for this broomball competition. He totally had the style, but no one else played by any rules!!!

Prestin skyping

High tech has provided us a wonderful tool. Our world has grown so small. Prestin is able to stay in touch with friends from Australia with ease. Here he is skyping with Luke (Australia) and playing stuff for him on his guitar.

Shellie & her special M&M friends

Every Saturday morning Shellie helps lead a woman's group called Mugs & Muffins - and they have gone really deep! Much healing and break through is happening amongst them. Here Shellie is with the leadership team.Michele, Shellie, Heather and Jen (l to r)

Prestin turns 17

Big 1-7!!! Prestin, the gentle giant, celebrated this huge day at grandma's house! Jorge from Flipside was Prestin's special guest.They broke world and Olympic records on Wii.
Yummy food!Grandma & StefJonah!
Stef and her new toy!
Jasen enjoying an orange soda

GrandmaJonah
Enjoying the nice Southern California day
Steve even got into the patio graffiti - creating roads and rail tracks for Hunter
Hunter giving Thomas a swim in our fountain

Locked in our bedroom we held a special and private pressie opening ceremony for Prestin the night prior to the huge celebration. By the way, Deron felt compelled to share his special coin of promise in this photo shoot.

Vande's depart for Georgia

Stef got out with some of her friends for a day at Huntington Beach, Shellie was included! Though it was cool, and even misty inland, they had a beautiful day. It was one of those farewell times! Pictured here are Megan, Stef, Erin and Shellie. Shellie & Stef outside of Ruby's where they ate lunch!Packing up the truck!

Job complete. They are ready to go! See you later Stef & Jimmy!

The Vande's were prayed for and released at Flipside on Sunday 12 October. Here their home group surrounds them with love and prayer. It was a deep moment! Final farewell's at grandma's house!

Grandma turns 81

Shellie prepared a special afternoon tea for LaVona's birthday. A good friend of Shellie's put together some beautiful invitations which went out to several of mom's friends. And Shellie put together a five star spread of goodies. It was a special treat for LaVona!

We also celebrated Grandma's 81st birthday as a family at Ken & Pam's place. Here she is opening pressies and cards with Gene & Wanda looking onGrandma and her kids!
Steve & Hunter!
J, D & P - playing Wii!

Bowling

The guys had an afternoon of bowling. Inspired by Wii, our games overall were not as high in score. Here Deron smiles after a not too good of a shot! Jasen absolutely loved real bowling!
He has his own unique Jasen style!Prestin even tried throwing it left handed.By the way, Steve racked up a score of 183 in his first game! Wii must really help - not really!

Prestin's Debut

After months of learning and practicing the guitar, Prestin has joined the worship team for Flipt, the Children's ministry at Flipside. Here pictured are Brad, Prestin and Chris (L to R).

Night of worship & prayer @ Flipside

In late September we had a beautiful evening of long and lingering worship. Much work went into setting up the ambiance around the theme of warfare. We worshipped for two hours with prayer going on in the midst of it. Approximately 60 folks joined in for the evening and for most they really dove into it!!! Sorry but somehow once we got going, no pictures were taken. Hopefully you'll be able to glean a few details of this awesome night from the before shots!

Here Deron, Mark and Steve look over some of the possible music for the night. Alisha (who was alos on the team) was in photocopying more stuff. Steve & Alisha led the night.

Chairs were set up around the cross, taking the focus off of the worship leaders. Many folks stayed on their faces at the foot of the cross all night.
We had prayer stations set up in several places in the auditorium where people went to focus prayers on the five pastors and their various ministries. There was also a place to write a note to each of the pastors.
A table was set up for those who wanted to draw during the worship and this became a very popular spot.
At the end of the evening we had encouraging words to the pastors recorded on black paper. Shellie put this together to create framed encouragement card to hang on the wall in their offices. (By the way, these photos were added much later than the above ones)

Here's Kev (Lead Pastor). Here is Paul (Kids Pastor)

Here is Jeff (Groups & Community Life)

Here is Kevin Ibanez (Youth & Young Adults)

Here is Alisha (Worship, Creative Arts, Women's Ministries)

Jamming

Ever since Prestin bought his own guitar he has been practicing like hours a day. He plans to soon play with the worship team for the kids church at Flipside.

Purlie

Purlie continues to steal hearts and attention. Here she relaxes under a comfy blanket.Yes, she is as silky as she looks! Here she is overseeing that Jasen does his school work correctly, or at least being a moral support for him! She loves to hang around wherever we are at.Purlie on her elevated home in Deron's room. Being affectionate while Shellie doing some encouragement on her cell phone.She really is this cute and she knows it!She does get pretty laid out when she sleeps.Patiently letting me take these photos.

We have never regretted bringing her with us from Australia!!! October 13th marked her 8th birthday!

Wii comes home!

We have been blessed to bring Wii into our home. We have found it to be a great family activity after grandma goes to bed and we can invade the front room. Jasen gives his all as he throws the virtual bowling ball down the alley.
Deron multi-tasking... bowling and doing stuff on his notebook simultaneously.
Left with a split!
Prestin with a sweet toss.
We have just added Wii Fit to our selection and Shellie is really getting into it.

Flipstock

In late August Deron participated in an Arts & Music Festival through Flipside called Flipstock. It was a great opportunity to see unchurched folks come into the church building to hear popular music and check out all sorts of artistic expressions. Mnay of these folks would normally never step foot into a church building, but have had several misconceptions of "church" demolished!

Scott & Jenny leave for Georgia

August 15th - the eve of Scott & Jenny's exodus from Southern California to Georgia, we all gathered to say good bye and pray for them. They had loaded all their things into two "pods" that would somehow make their way to Flowery Branch over the next few months.
Scott was pleased they got it all in.
Things also were packed into their car. By the way, a caravan of vehicles joined them when they departed at 4am on Saturday 16 August. Ken & Pam, and Gene & Wanda drove in their truck. And Bren & Sue (Jenny's folks) followed along in their truck, on this three day nearly non-stop drive.
Saying good bye!

Jonah turns 1

In mid August we celebrated Jonah's first birthday, and what a gathering we had had Ken & Pam's house! While Jonah was stuffing the cake into his face Jasen was looking on from the hammock. Jimmy helps Jonah do the cake thing.
Pressie time! Jonah just loves that ball!
On looker as the pressies are revealed. Scott gives his infamous pose!

The Amos Project

We had the opportunity to join the young people at Flipside on their annual mission trip. This year it was to San Diego. We based ourselves at a KOA campground in Chula Vista. Each day they would take mission excurions into the city or to Mexico. Here is the chronicle of our adventure.

The calm before the crowd

We arrived a day early to settle in and get things ready. Here we are just kicking back.

Our first night we had to work out a place to stay before our cabin was available. So we made a little tent on one side of our van. It was cozy! Jasen enjoyed a night on his own in the tent over the bed of Ken & Pam's truck! Prestin stayed in the Murdocks trailer. Deron was off with Scott for the weekend.

Shellie & Pam inside their 5th wheel trailer. They know how to do the camping thing in style!

Prestin waiting for the group to arrive.

The group's arrival

It's time to unload - everyone jumped in to help! Jasen & Shellie

The young people went down to the beach. Though not quite the same as our beach in Australia, it will do! Cheers to the end of a good day!Prestin getting into his role as camera man!The official Amos Project manual

First full day together

Breakfast for champions - pancakes galore!!!Steve Schmidt wins the Artistic Design Award! This pancake reads AMOS. Morning session of worship.

Jasen listening in while up in the tree nearby as the session goes on below. Jasen now having his quiet time - while everyone else does the same.
Prayer walking in the city of San Diego Another prayer walking team Jasen eating his "shepherd's pie" at an Irish pub while the others were prayer walking. By the way, Larry Murdock, Steve Schmidt and Steve were with him.

Jasen back at the campground doing a boy thing - playing with the bulldozer in the sand.

Stef & family came down for the day!Steve speaking in the night session - having the attitude of a risk taker for Jesus! Yes it was pretty dark and that flash light was quite handy.

A day in Mexico

Deron drove our van and he led all the other vehicles through Tijuana to the orphanage. Here he is wanting for the other vehicles to caught up after a toll booth. By the way, he did a fantastic job both driving and leading the way!

We spent a full day in Mexico at the Door of Faith orphanage (DOFO). This was Shellie first time there and she got initiated! We arrived just before noon and they dove right into making a couple hundred sandwiches. Here Shellie is with Mallory, Ashley and Sarah (from DOFO).
Prestin pushing the spinning thing.Lunch time!
Our three hijos (sons) in la cocina (the kitchen)!
Eating...
Prestin doing the cameraman thing! They will be putting together a video to show at Flipside sometime soon. Progress with the construction of the nursery

Prestin pushing some of the kids on the swings.Deron head butting the ball in a game of soccer. This little boy wasn't feeling very well. Shellie ended up finding where his dorm was and they put him to bed.
Shellie and a new friend...
Worshipping with the kids in the courtyard. Jasen took the hike up to the top of the hill where the cross overlooks DOFO.
Prestin doing more of the video cameraman thing from at the foot of the cross. Deron playing with these kiddos.... Steve & a new amigo (friend)...
Shellie will never need to have her nails done again. She truly got her initiation.

Of course, others wanted to help out!The finished product!!!Deron giving some skin to Jasen on the swing Nathan leading the trainJustin, Kevin Ibanez and Steve, just before we had a prayer time in the playground.No worries, this guy wasn't after us!

Day in San Diego

While the young folks were ministering in various places through out San Diego we took a drive through the city and parked at Seaport Village.

Jasen got Jalapeno Cheese Fries for lunch. Deron got Chili Fries.
Shellie & Steve with the Coronado bridge in the background.

Jasen with an aircraft carrier behind him.

Last moments

Jasen getting just a few last moments on his Gameboy before bed. The Amos Shirt - distributed on the last day!
Shellie & Pam packing up.

The last day finished up with the amazing race. Team were broken into vehicles and they chased clues all over San Diego, communicating via cell phones. They ended up at Seaport Village.

The Taylor Guitars Factory in El Cajon

On our way home we detoured just a bit. While Prestin participated in the Amazing Race, Shellie & Jasen explored the antique district in La Mesa, and Deron & Steve visited the place where Taylor Guitars are made. We were astonished by the volume of these guitars that are cranked out each day - like 300! And these are high quality instruments that are pretty much hand-made! Sadly, there we no free guitars to take home when we were finished!

Deron played this 915ce as we waited for the tour. It was sweet!

The coveted pass that gave us access! Sadly, we had to give it back after the tour!
Deron checks out the rare woods that are used to make special order and top end guitars. Note that they are locked up! Deron trying to picture which one he would prefer!Deron listening to the tour guide through the head set.

Deron checking out the completed fret work.
Taylor has mastered the art of perfectly bending the woods into shape! Bodies galore!Note the handiwork around the sound hole. This we all hand inlaid!Almost complete...
Finished product

Grandma with her kids!

Ken has a birthday!!!

In mid July we celebrated Ken and Gene's (Pam's dad) birthday. Jimmy & Steve look on as the gifts are opened.
Jonah - what more need I say?
Shellie & Jonah
Ken got Tiger Woods golf for Wii, and he was a happy camper!
Grandma
Prestin
Ken & Gene get some help from Hunter in blowing out the candles.
Ken & Pam - such a sweet couple!!!
Scott & Jenny enjoying moments with Jonah.
Pam & her pop!
Grandma enjoying her dessert!

Door of Faith Orphanage - Mexico

4:30am we are out in the dark ready to embark on a huge adventurous day to Mexico. This time Prestin and Jasen are joining us. Their first time south of the border! At the Door of Faith Orphanage getting a tour and a briefing. As Prestin listens to the briefing, what's going on in his mind?
A photo opportunity for one of the beautiful children! She has confessed that some day she hopes to be a model.
Actually this photo is not of Justin (though he is a cool dude listening to some more details about the children), it is of the the little girl behind him petting the dog who is sticking his head through the fly screen. Deron & Hayley listening to still more stuff on the kids. Check out Prestin's face in upper left hand corner.
The four amigos taking a break at the orphanage.
Jasen had such a fun time in Mexico. Note behind him is the construction for the new nursery.
Prestin is really beginning to smile these days!Deron and his new found friend!Chalk art! Steve did not draw the figure but moved in after Cody was done!Steve being very still as he is being traced by a budding artist with chalk. Prestin holding the collection of crayon drawings, sandwiched between a young girl from the orphanage and Cody from Flipside.

Alisha & John sandwiching a couple young orphan girls.Blythe having a nice stroll with one of the little guys.Fixing lunch for the children Children lining up by age group for lunch.
Deron & Hayley
Jasen about to dive into his burger!
Prestin & John enjoying their barbecued lunch. John is one happy guy to be around!

Jasen being social with one of the little girls.
Jasen hung out at the play ground.But he was not alone!And soon these children simply sat down with him.And got even closer!And closer!And even closer! Hayley giving some photography tips.
Jasen standing at the front of the orphanage - proof he was actually there!
Deron playing soccer on the cement playground.

Photographers unite!
Deron's spring has been fixed. Last time we came down in April Deron threw a stone and hit a pole quite a distance away. There was a loud ca-boom and a spring of water shot up in the air. It has since been fixed with this cap.
Presting climbed up to the top of the hill overlooking the orphanage. Yep, he is catching his breath.
Jasen up close and personal!
After we left DOFO we stopped at a little restaurant for a feast before heading back across the border. Deron scored someones quesadilla in addition to his huge carne de sala burrito. It was actually too much for him to eat!

Dan helping negotiate the paying of the bill.
By the way, Dan is one cool photographer dude!!! And he is not bad with his espanol either! Our final briefing before getting in our vehicles and heading back to the chaos known as the border crossing! Brittany and Alisha encouraging the drivers to stay close and keep to the right.
As we approach the border here is the fence with California just on the other side!
As we converged at the border with a multitude of other vehicles, we were also greeted with venders and beggars.

That's Deron's truck up on the right!
Here is Deron's truck as we pass him by.
Here is a guy selling "live" puppies. A few moments later another guy came by selling plaster puppies of the same colors.
"Nathan, did you forget to grab your passport?"
The building in the background is the border. You can see at the light pole there are armed border guards just keeping things "safe". We had an amazing day. I am sure we benefit as much if not more than the children at the orphanage do. Still in the book of James we read that caring for widows and orphans are what God considers pure religion!

Garden Update

Since our last phots of the garden things have really grown.

Movie Night

Deron & Hayley enjoying their spiders while we all watched National Treasure 2. By the way, our spider consists of nearly forzen 7up with several scoops of rainbow sherbet. YUMMY!!!

Flipside Golf Tourney

On Thursday, 26 June Flipside held the annual golf tournament. Ken, Stef, Prestin & Steve put together a four hole miniature golf course as part of the beginning activities. Our official uniform was a red Angels t-shirt.
Group pose of the miniature golf sqad!

Deron's 20th Birthday

Deron turned 20 this month. He had to work all day and then run off to Epidemic to help with the Jr Hi young folk! Somewhere in there we grabbed a few moments to open some presents and say "Happy Birthday!"He came home from work and discovered a tree in a barrel outside his window. It just so happens to be his favourite type of tree. A Red Japanese Maple!

His pressies waited until later that night to be unwrapped.Jasen gives Deron a birthday squeeze!Steve up close and personal! Jasen loves birthdays!
Shellie & Prestin join in the fun!
Deron had to wait until Friday (two full days after his actual birthday) to have a party.

Shellie & Jonah
Deron opening up cards and gifts. Notice the tool of his choice to help him in this unwrapping process is his knife!
Scott & Jenny
Deron reads card to Grandma
Prestin & Jonah

The group - left side of the room
The group - right side of the room
Pam & Jonah
Stef & Jenny