Pick up where we left off...

Since my last post was really in August... I am attempting one blog at a time... so, here I go...

SEPTEMBER:

This was a hard month for me. (Lisa) I had to say goodbye to a really dear friend, my work wife, Krista. We spent more time together than any other people on staff... God ordained our meeting, her hiring, and her becoming a really good friend. I was the one that convinced her to go to the store to buy pregnancy tests and celebrated with her! We shared struggles, celebrations, and lots of prayers together! I am thankful for what God is doing in her life... and understand her move to Tennessee. I am just a selfish person and wish she was around here! I am glad that she is coming back in a few months for a short visit. Miss you friend!

Where to start?

Not sure how people have time to blog regularly. I don't even have time to sleep regularly. :) Of course it's not on my priority list so I forget to update it. I think about it and think about what amazing things I want to write and inspire my two readers out there in this cyber world. This might not be one of those amazing inspirational blogs...it's just to catch you up on the life of the To's. So, I will start with one picture... and we will go from there... then maybe I will blog more often this year... maybe.

What happened to August?

The rain is here... the trees are changing colors and summer is officially over. I love the autumn! I love my sweaters, my scarfs, my coffee. I don't know what happened to August. I think that's a trend in my life... (I think I blogged about what happened to the month of July too.) :)

August was a month of parades, festivals, family in town, serving and a few road trips.

Kaden found out that parades equal candy! :) Even though he only gets to eat like one or two pieces of what he collects!

All of his favorite things are at parades: fire trucks, police cars, race cars, animals, and candy!

Serving along side Uncle Dominic at Hayhurst Elementary School-community care day.

Missio had a fun day in the park. Here's Kaden and his buddy "My Lillian".

Lisa's work staff on our annual road trip. This year we headed up the gorge to Eastern Washington and Idaho.

There was much more fun pictures to the month of August and lots of random little adventures... but here's a snippet of our month. Happy Fall!

reflections on the summer...

I must have started this post ten times... sometimes it's hard to put into words what someone means to you.

This summer has been a crazy season for us. Yet, very manageable... with LOTS of HELP!! Joel has been away a lot this summer helping his parents out with the family business. They have a "food cart" at small festivals and county fairs. (mostly in Southern Oregon) So, after figuring out Joel's schedule there were two full week long fairs that Joel would be away from home. The first week we solicited help from Mei Mei, Joel's two sisters and Jen, and Amy. Kaden enjoyed his play dates with all of his aunties and many cousins and friends. For the second week that Joel would be gone I asked my cousin, April to come down from Seattle to watch Kaden. It's often the evening duties that the extra hand is more helpful. Kaden LOVES APRIL! And APRIL LOVES KADEN!!!! Here's her blog about her week down here.

Kaden was in tears when April (we call her Kiki) had to leave. And I think she was crying most of the way home too. It was a fun week with her.... learning what it's like to be 15 again. Sometimes words doesn't do justice to how much Kiki means to me and this family. Kristina joined in the fun towards the end of the week from Hawaii... it was definitely a full house around here with family coming from Seattle too. Can't believe that the summer has come and gone. Many nights around the "black hub" ie. the dinning room table. Lots of laughs and lots of growing up and journey with our friends and family. Lots to be thankful for... lots to love and lots to ask Jesus for wisdom and forgiveness. Very thankful for grace for my brokenness and that I hope I can shine some of this love that Jesus has given me to others.

Kaden did so much growing (physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally) this summer. It's fun to hear his language pick up so much. Not to mention his imagination is so fun!!! Time has been hard to come by... so, hopefully with the fall normal routine will return and blogging will be more consistent. There's so much to share of the Adventures of KADEN!!!

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.

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!!!