It’s Good To Have Friends with Places

We feel so blessed to have such great friends in our lives to do and share life with.  We have some friends who have a cabin in Bass Lake and we have spent many weekends away building great memories, with and without their family.  I feel so thankful that God allows us opportunities of rest and solitude in His creation –  there is nothing like being in nature for me.

Our friends recently moved cabins and they offered it to us the weekend after my ARTofFREEDOM event.  Sure, there was plenty of follow up that needed to happen, but even more we needed a getaway.  Unfortunately, it also happened to be Jon’s men’s retreat weekend, so up me the kids and my mom went (despite Jon’s recommendation that it wasn’t a good weekend to go 😉 ).

We did a lot of this…

My Jovi…

My Swee…

Symphony has personality plus to say the least!  Which also includes her own fashion decisions (which to be honest, I LOVE) AND a really great attitude to help.

I think Big Brother has done a great job in leading by example as a hard worker (sometimes).  So why not start sweeping the leaves into a pile just to kick!?!

The first day we walked to the lake and got perfectly messy…

I Love this woman.  She has given me the best example of what a GREAT MOTHER is.  I’m so thankful to have her in my life.

And so are my kids… After nap time, we played cribbage and a eye spy board game G-ma brought.

Sunday morning we had reading time (and looks like we also had some nose picking time)…

Then we had some watercolor painting outside…

It was a great weekend making memories!  We love doing life with our G-ma!  

Celebrating my Two Littles in a Smashing Way!

My MOST PRIZED, CHERISHED, and FULFILLING role in life is being a mom.  Honest.  I wouldn’t change having one dirty diaper, time out or whine for the world!  Christopher and Symphony make my cup full of so much joy, love, life, exploration and just plain goodness.  So celebrating them is very easy to do!  I know this is a very old event, but these two are worth the post no matter how long ago.

In March we get to celebrate both of their births.  So this year, we had a combined birthday; and since Christopher is the oldest, and at the time Symphony didn’t have much of an understanding of ‘themed parties’ Christopher got his way – it was a Smashin’ Angry Bird Training Camp!

The night before the party the kids stayed at my mom’s so when they arrived in the morning, they got to see their backyard Angry Bird Training Camp for the first time.  They were so excited, and we were so excited for them!  It was the perfect Spring day!

The decor was everything smashing angry birds of course!  Christopher was not allowed to have gum until he was 5 years old.  He did so good!  So naturally centerpieces were filled with gum balls and the golden egg!

Food… (not pictured was gummy worms “Bird Food”)

This area was for Symphony’s friends… birds still in bootcamp.

Training camp was on!!  Kids got to launch their bird and smash those little piggies!  We couldn’t have done it without the help of some awesome family and friends who kept the walls intact and kids in line!  (Official Training Camp Sling Shot designed and created by Dad and Son Shabaglian.)

Angry Bird Training Camp 2013!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Bless these little ones and all You have in store for them God.

Peace out piggy’s!!!

My Firstborn in Kindergarten

Last Monday, I emotionally sent off my first born to kindergarten.  I am mixed with mostly negative and helpless feelings.  Feelings of inadequacy and guilt.  The first five years are the most important they say for the success of their entire future! (wow, what a load to carry for new young moms!).  His first 5 years now behind me, I can’t get them back.

Did I do it right?  Did I play enough?  Did I build enough forts?  Did I dig in the dirt enough?  Did I listen enough?  I know I didn’t kick the ball enough, or pull out the finger paints enough.  His manners and ABC’s is not what I worry about.  He’s off the charts there.  It’s the knowing that for the next 13+ years he has a routine that I am no longer in control of, and I am sending him off into the hands of others, wondering if I really did my best and gave him my all before letting him go?  I still don’t know; but I could not be a more proud mother.

Christopher stole my heart from the day we knew we were pregnant.  Then once again, when we found out he was not a ‘she’, then again from the moment he was born; I was in awe, smitten and heart handed over to him!

In preparation for his big day, we went shopping, got a back pack (yes, turtle power is cool again), and tried to make his 1st day extra special!

My mom (like second mom to my kids), Jon’s parents and Pastor JR came over for Christopher choice breakfast… cereal and bacon!  😉  We all prayed over him and walked him to his classroom.

Then there was the ugly cry…. glasses had to go on.

And as any good first mom would do, I stalked him at recesses.  Yes, I did that.  And guess what, he came out the line leader!  My heart was so happy.  But he wasn’t playing with anyone and he shortly went to go sit down under a tree by himself.  ;(  My heart broke.  Now not occupied with a playground, he spotted us across the street – and started to cry.  I of course went up to the fence (assured the teacher is going to hate me), encouraged him and had to leave before it got too bad.  However, by the end of the day the tide had changed.  (whew!) Response to “So how was your first day of school?”, he replied, “I loved it, I loved it!”  WHAT?!?!  Ahh, and every day since it has been just as wonderful!

His teacher Miss Silviera.  (taken a week after the first day).  So far we love her and the fresh spirit she has for her class!

For dinner he also gets to pick the meal.  The menu for 2013?  Pineapple pizza and crab.  Yes, crab!  (2012 – PB&J and Crab).  So amazing G-ma spoiled him with crab and we picked up the pizza!  Thank you Mom for making it such a special night.

We spent the night swimming and playing in the thunderstorm.  Not sure it was the best idea, but it sure was fun!

Christopher already has three ‘best friends.’  We did not know their names for the first few days.  But they were his ‘best’ friends.  What I love about our diverse little community is that the nationalities of these 4 little compadres are caucasion, african-american, hmong and latino.   When I was mentioning that, Christopher said in defense, “they’re all American!”  I concur!  😉

A fireman or not Christopher, you will be a great man looking out for the interest of others!  We love you and are deeply proud of you!

 

 

Summer in Cream Puff: Just the Beginning

This summer we have committed to make memories in Cream Puff!  To be coined “The Summer of Cream Puff”

We had a GREAT start a few weekends ago.  A home away from home in Pismo, Cali, our little family has found a place to make memories…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Snow Day!

Here is Swee, so sweet and snuggly!!

I have been wanting to get our family to the snow this year (I’m not sure where this year has gone by the way), and had been thinking about this weekend being a good time to go.  BUT, I also had a (task) list of reasons why we couldn’t.  So, when our friends called and asked us to join them for a stay at their cabin and snow day, I knew it was meant to be!

However, just going for the day rather than overnight was our compromise to handle my mental madness, and it was nothing less than perfect.  The Johanson’s are dear friends of ours and our family’s love each other, so it is always just so easy…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Busy life don’t go too fast…..

Easter 2012

Easter has always been a favorite holiday, and recently even more; as it is the first holiday now BOTH of my children celebrated in their little lives.

Symphony’s first Easter (last year):

Leading up to Easter in this home is always a bit more hectic (then we already are).  Jon and his worship team put in more hours, thought and  creativity than usual; which means for longer rehearsals, and more nights rehearsing.  HOWEVER, it’s ALL worth it!  We had an amazing church service where nearly 30 people came forward to give their lives to Jesus for the first time, or rededicate themselves to Him.  (Isn’t knowing Him really what that day is all about?)

After service we celebrate with Jon’s side of the family.  This side of the family is SO special.  We are all in the season of life where we are growing our families with littles and they are growing up together.  It doesn’t get any better.  I am so grateful for this large family!  For the past few years we have been able to take advantage of beautiful weather and Jesse and Allie’s pizza oven!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hope your day was as fun and sweet as ours was!

You Have My Heart…

Christopher… even as I type your name about to dig into the emotional reservoir I have for you, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with such a deep love for you my son.

Never could I have imagined how much fulfillment you would bring into my life.  Today  you turn 4.  (I’m not sure how this is happening because just two weeks ago, you promised me that you would stay 3 forever for me.  However, the time machine is inevitable for us all, thank you for being willing.  😉 )  I thank God for you EVERY DAY.  I really do.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that I gave birth to you, and couldn’t take my eyes off of you.  Every stage of your little life I have tried to cherish and soak up.  If I could bottle moments, I would make the current reality show ‘Hoarders’ because I would have no room for anything else.

Christopher, you make your dad and I so proud.  You are sweet and caring.  You love to help!  You, like me, are a doer.  And you ARE our best little helper.  You always want to cook with us, you have fine taste buds little one… from PB&J to crab, you’re pallet is advanced to say the least.  You love the beach and the beat of a drum.  Music is an obvious love –  definitely not from me.  😉  THOUGH, we do often make up our own songs and they quickly become our favorites.  Your favorite color is still blue – dark blue.  You love to hide and be found.  You love to make us laugh.  You have a strong hospitality gift and are the BEST Big Brother!!!

Your sister loves and trusts you.  You have learned to be so gentle with her and love to make her happy.  You will most likely enter preschool this year, and more than ever venture in finding your own little self.  I’m hoping you’ll always kiss me and hug me in front of your friends.

Though I know I can’t keep you three forever, I do hope that I will always be a mom that, just as you do now, can trust me for all things.  I commit to do my best to preserve that trust with you.  I love you more than words can write Christopher Daniel.  I am SO GRATEFUL God has given you to me for this lifetime – you have made me very rich.

You have my heart Son and I hope you feel SOOO much love today on your special day!

xoxo,

Mama

Current Nick Names:  Jovi, Shark, Shark Bait, Favorite Son and Jovi Monster!

Christmas Traditions

This year I wanted to have matching pajamas.  A  sweet friend, Jenica made these for us and I just LOVE them!!  The ladies have a glittery nose and a rhinestone blinged out bow!  Could they get any cuter!?!  They were a big hit!  Christopher still (in late January) wants us all to wear our matching ‘moose’ jammies!  😉

As we build our holiday traditions with our family, I have three favorites that we do each year.  First, is that we attend People’s Church Christmas Eve Service.  It’s a beautiful service and we always get to visit with old friends we love so dearly.  This year our church had our own service and right after we headed over to People’s, it’s is that special.

When we come home that evening, we get the kids to bed and get ready for the next day.  A longtime favorite tradition on my side of the family is homemade eggnog.  You have to start this recipe the night before.  SOOOO many calories, but I DON’T count when it’s the holidays.  (Well, I really don’t count when it’s not either.)

Then my last and sweetest tradition has become the party!  While Christopher is sleeping, we blow up a bunch of balloons and fill his bedroom, the hallway and around the tree for the big birthday party!!!… after all, its really about the gift of Jesus isn’t it!!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

What are your traditions?

Christopher’s Christmas Tree

I know we’re almost half way through the new year (well at least it feels that way for me), but this is more for my own feeling of accomplishment, rather than timely posts – maybe one day I’ll catch up to myself.

_______________________________________

This year, I had the privilege and opportunity to decorate The Fairwinds; a very classy retirement home in North Fresno, where I used to work as the Activities  Director.  (Yes, I got to plan parties for Senior Citizens – AND IT WAS MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE JOB TOO).  So 4 trees, balcony garland, fireplaces and nooks and crannies decorated, this year the Shabaglian home got leftovers!

A little worried about what I had to work with, I resolved in my heart (also justifying what could be a potentially crappy looking tree) that for this year, Christopher could choose the decorations!

So with our mix of gold, silver, champagne, red AND turquoise (a few black glitter  feathers I was able to convince the 3′ tall designer were best in the back of the tree), I was surprised and happy to say that we didn’t do half bad!

The Decorator inspecting his work.

Symphony's first Christmas tree - it was very fascinating...

This was our favorite ornament all season!

Christopher's 2011 Ornament of course made it onto the tree. Crush and Offspring! 😉

Not too bad. I realize I cut off the top which was a very large gold glitter star with two golf glitter feathers on either side... to look like a bull horns???

And just for fun, because I love her!

MadeForThem – My non-profit

Yes!  We are in FULL swing!!! swooshhhhhhh….. (did you feel the breeze?)

As I said to you a few months ago, ‘God Said, “Yes”‘ to starting a non-profit to raise awareness and support for human trafficking and human rights issues, through the vehicles of fashion and the arts.

After amazing testimony after amazing testimony, in just a few short months, I have a great board, a fantastic and supportive board of advisors, an incredibly talented (and fun) design team, our logo (ya’hoo), our name trademarked AND in just three weeks after submission to the IRS – our FULL tax exempt status!!!!!  If you know anything about submitting for your status with the IRS – this is an UNHEARD of miracle!!!  I know people now who have been waiting 14 months – and are still waiting!

Our Mission Statement:

It is the mission of MadeForThem to combat human trafficking and promote social justice and human rights through design, fashion, and the arts.

Our Vision Statement:

MadeForThem is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and human rights issues dealing with abuse, neglect and exploitation. We fund-raise through the vehicles of design, fashion, and the arts to raise awareness. Resources are directed to support committed organizations who are making a significant difference in these areas.

100% of the net profits go toward combating human trafficking and other human rights causes supporting local, state, national and international organizations.

………………………………………

I ask that you would continue to join me in this great venture!  It’s going to be a lot of fun and a wild ride, and I am surely not supposed to do it alone!  Follow our FB page here and check back in about a week to peek at our website.  If you would like to get involved with this MadeForThem team and feel a stirring in your heart, e-mail me andrea@eventsdivineonline.com (MFT e-mail coming soon).

MadeForThem will deliver for you some of the best quality and uniquely designed garments and OF COURSE some of the most creative and amazing fundraising events!  Can’t wait to share more with you!

For more resources on Human Trafficking you can see our likes on our FB page.

Doing this journey with you!

xoxo. Andrea

Turkey Indulgence

Thanksgiving 2011 was filled with, like always, a grateful fragrance in the air, lots of great family and friends and way too many calories to care about; because it’s ALL worth it!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I unfortunately didn’t get any pictures of the Penner Thanksgiving, but our cousin Allie did and she did a great post you can see here.

Now for the spirit of Christmas… may your season be mErrY and BrIGhT!!

Fall Frenzy!

Fall is definitely my favorite season!  I love the weather, I love the feeling that it brings of warmth, family, home and comfort.  Changing from an iced coffee to a warm mug, making more soups than salads, wearing jeans and light sweaters over tank tops and flip flops (maybe still the flip flops), that’s my kinda season!  Now having little ones, we take advantage of the special things that fall brings.  And we are so thankful to have such great family in town to do life with!  (and for those who visit.)

Christopher and Symphony:  They make us MUCH better people!!

 

 

 

 

 

She has brought SO MUCH SweeTneSS into our home…     

He Melts My Heart EVERY DAY…

 

 

 

 

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

From 2 to 7.

Since kids started coming around our family, we have made some fun family traditions.  Cherie (Jon’s cousin) and I were the first to have kiddos, and thus, in October of that year, became what is now a very treasured tradition… our kiddos in costumes!

2008. 5 months old.

2009

2010

2011!! From 2 to 7!!!

For a really great growth history visit Cherie’s Blog.  She does so well at these things!!

Much Needed Vacation – Day 5&6

Day Five:  Day TWO at Disneyland!!! • The fam with The Mejia’s, two dear friends of ours • Lunch at Club 33 • Shopping and eating with the Kizirian’s • Dinner with all us in Downtown Disney

Day Six:  Day THREE at Disneyland!!! • Adults only day (until I missed them in the early evening) • Snacks provided by Club 33 that we didn’t stay for • Adult rides and new friends • 11pm drive home for church the next day!!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Much Needed Vacation – Day 4

  

Day four was so much fun for us!  First, we are so humbled and thankful to some new and dear friends who graciously treated us to Disneyland and made so many special and fun memories.  

This day, was just our little family of four.  The kids were fighting colds and we had a late night at the Lecrae concert, so we got a late start, but God was so good to us all throughout the day!  I am truly in love with this little family of four.    

Day Four:  Day ONE at Disneyland!! •  Just Jon the kids and me walking around one of the happiest places on earth • Dinner at Rainforest Cafe in Downtown Disney with Joy

This slideshow requires JavaScript.