Another Special Day!!!

YES! We have two birthdays back to back!


Today is Marissa's 14th Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Rissa!!!

She was co-partaker of yesterday's beach and shopping trip with Jessica. (see pics below) Today we had church so nothing real exciting happened for Rissa. EXCEPT that BOTH her siblings went home with someone from church for the afternoon so she got Mom and Dad to herself!!! She thought that was awesome.

I made Chicken Parmigiana and Fettucine Alfredo accompanied by Garlic Cheese Ciabatta Bread for lunch. Marissa helped me a little because she has made the chicken before and I have not. It was delicious! We followed it up with an Angel Food cake with a sweet Raspberry sauce over it! I didn't get pictures of her cake though. Sorry!

Yummy!!

Marissa,
Keep being strong. Your strong will can keep you on the right track with God if you let it! Tonight, at church, we received our deliverance from whatever has hindered us in the past. Stand firm on the belief that God has delivered you and will take you all the way!!

You are such a blessing to me! You cook almost all our meals, keep the kitchen clean (most of the time), and keep an eye on your siblings when needed. You also bless me and ILC Music. Running back and forth looking for sheet music, making copies, handing out calendars and notices. I couldn't do it without you!!!!

I just know that God has BIG plans for you, Ris. Keep that strong will (just don't use it against mom and dad, ok?) It will help you overcome all obstacles as you mature and become who Marissa is supposed to be. Remember, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!! That is your verse...Don't forget it!!! Have faith in God and let Him make you what He wants you to be! I can't wait to see what God has in store for you!!!

Hope your day was blessed and that you know you are much loved by Mom and Dad!!!!

Te amo mucho!! I love you forever, to the moon and back, to infinity, always and forever!

Mom

SpEcIaL DaY FoR A SpEcIaL YoUnG LaDy!

Happy Birthday, Jessi!!!!!!!

Jessica Lenae McVay, a very special part of my life, turned 12 today!!!

I can't believe she is already 12, it seems like only yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital; a tiny, chubby, bundle of sweetness! And now, according to this website she is in the youth group at church! WAIT!!!! I am not ready for a second kid to escort to the myriad youth activities, prayer meetings, and such!!!! Unfortunately, it doesn't matter if I am ready or not. Jessica IS ready and time marches on!

Marissa and I have had a fun day planned for Jessi all week and actually managed to keep it a secret!!! We woke her up and told her we had to have a cake to the church by 9. We really did have a cake to take for the Men's Meeting at ILC today. However, the cake could have been taken later but we were meeting Sarah Booker and her girls for a day of shopping and a trip to the beach. We went shopping in the O.C. and then headed to Newport Beach for some fun in the water.

Here are some pictures of Jessica, Marissa, and Natalya having a blast in the surf and then in the sand.

After we got home, we had Jessi's favorite Pizza, Hawaiian Style, and then had cake. Marissa made the cake and it was delicious!

Jessica, I love you so much! I hope you have had a fun day and enjoy your purchases (and the sand you will keep finding in the most unlikely spots for a while, LOL) for a long time to come. You are a beautiful young lady who has a bright future. You can be whatever you want to be. Just remember to always put God first and to serve Him with all your heart, mind soul. Do Mom and Dad a favor, okay? Slow down, don't rush the future so fast. Enjoy your teen years, make lots of friends, win souls, and quit worrying about boys! YUCK!! Remember, you can't date until after you are married! LOL No, really! We will think about letting you like boys when you are about 30. :) Okay, how about 18? Think about it. You can finish school without all the drama of a boyfriend, stay pure, and maybe even decide to wait on dating until you are finished with college??? That way you will have had plenty of time to mature and be ready for all the curve balls that a relationship can throw your way! You make me so proud to be your Mom! Thank you for loving the Lord and for trying hard to do what will please Him! Again, keep Him first in everything! Love you forever, to the moon and back, till the cows come home and pigs fly!!! Muah! Mom

Birth Verses - Scriptures to Live By

Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence,
so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Jana's - April 16

1 John 4:15 NIV
If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,
God lives in him and he in God.
Mark's - April 15

2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God,
and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Marissa's - October 5

Romans 10:4 NIV
Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Jessica's - October 4

Ephesians 3:12 NIV
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Justin's - March 12