Sunday, August 29, 2010

Happy One Year Anniversary Housemates!

Happy one year anniversary housemates! (plus or minus a few days)
I think Kaden is one well-rounded kid... he has four adults daily (depends on the day... more or less adults living in this house) speaking into his life. He gets to experience the great outdoors-gardening, canoeing, swimming and hiking. He gets to experience the passion of the sports world... he has one heck of a kick and one heck of a throwing arm... he loves helping in the kitchen... he gets a wide variety of music. Even down to reading the same book to him in four different ways!
It's been an amazing year since Zach and Amanda (we call her Mei Mei) moved into the abode. I think we were each other's saving grace during this time of ups and downs... busy-ness... changes... we often get the questions of "how does it work... do you guys like living with each other..." or the constant confused looks when random people come through and try to figure out our living situation.

We have loved living in the To-Banker house together... it's not all roses all the time, but we make it work. We talk it out. We have figured out each other's quirks and know when to give each other space or know when to push each other to deeper things. It's been awesome to see their love for Kaden grow as Kaden is growing... especially Mei Mei... she always says that "Kaden has weaseled his way into her heart".
Changes are on the horizon... it's inevitable. And I don't look forward to the day we have to say our goodbyes to the Bankers. It's been one year since they moved into our house... and it's been 4 1/2 years since they moved into our lives. We are very grateful for them... and is in constant awe of how God has arranged our lives to meet and become friends....and now family.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Happy Birthday Auntie Lori!!!





Auntie Lori (or Di Di is what Kaden calls her)....

Happy Birthday! May you experience God's love and grace in a way that will rock you! You are an amazing sister, and auntie... we love you more than words can ever describe. We are glad you are home from your trip to Spain and can't wait to hear all about what Jesus has taught you through this trip and that your 22nd year of life will have much joy...love...and laughter!!!

What happened to July???

Wow... July came and went in a blink of an eye!!! Some highlights and lowlights...

Highlight: Went to Central Point, OR to be with Joel's parents and work the fourth of July.
Lowlight: Health of Joel's parents.
Highlight: Celebrated a babyshower for Doug & Anya in the To-Banker backyard!
Lowlight: Joel had to miss it because he was helping his parents with some fairs.
Highlight: Being a part of the Missio Community... loving every event and gathering.
Lowlight: Some stresses with trying to figure out when to move to SW Portland and what to do with our house and what our next move is.
Highlight: Katie coming to intern at my office...and staying with us for a week...
Lowlight: Kaden misses his new friend... he plays in the guest room and tells us he's in "Katie's Room".
Highlight: Celebrating Anh Linh & Chi Hong's Wedding...seeing family and friends...
Lowlight: Mourned a loss of a 12 year old due to brain cancer... (but knowing he's with Jesus!)
It's been a month of thankfulness... growth... dependance on Jesus... trusting in him and trying to discern His will and not our own desires. Kaden is growing rapidly not only physically, but intellectually and spiritually! It's been an amazing journey... in the good times and bad. Can't believe the year is more than half gone... hope you had a good July too!!!