New Year "Resolutions"

With the New Year approaching, I always find myself thinking of goals and the things I want to do BETTER this year. And, like many, in mid-February, I find myself weak in "keeping" these goals. This always consists of reading the Bible more, praying more, working out regularly, etc. This year, I'm going to rely wholly on the LORD's strength. I'm tired of trying to do things on my own - I NEED the Holy Spirit's power!! And you do, too, if you're a human like me! :) I recently listened to a message that addressed this issue, and it really struck a chord with me.
I want to make this year - 2010 - ALL about our LORD Jesus. I want to look back at this time next year and think of 2010 as a year that I drew closer to the LORD and was found faithful in loving and serving Him. In becoming a parent soon, it has encouraged me to re-think my life and what is important, and also how I (we) want to raise Katelyn. I've personally adopted this verse and desire for it to be the standard of my life as a parent and as just me, Michelle.
"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself". Luke 10:27.
There is nothing else more important than life!! So easy to remember, but hard to live-out. Jesus knows us and made us this way so we'd be led to Him.

Here is the link to the message that was such an encouragement and inspiration to me. I hope you'll listen to it and let the LORD speak to your heart this Christmas season.
http://www.ajesuschurch.org/teachings/2009/12-06-2009.mp3

Our Christmas Tree!

Here is our Christmas tree in our living room! I (Michelle) have been craving a Christmas tree for the last 2 years. We didn't get one because of our puppy, Lizzy (not knowing what she would do to it!), and the lack of space. But, as I was shopping with my friend Felice on Black Friday morning, I saw this tree at Target - on sale. I love it! And it's soooo cozy! It's pre-lit and it is a "cashmere" tree, so it has cashmere on the very ends of the boughs. There's nothing like having a Christmas tree at home. :) Although, I will admit, I grew up with a fresh evergreen tree that my family and I cut from the tree farm every year, and never had artificial trees. But, there is actually a beauty in artificial trees, if they're done nicely. We can look forward to the same tree every year - maybe put it in Katelyn's room next year, perhaps? Or in our room? We'll see.

Update!

Well, it sure has been forever since we've blogged here. I let Facebook take over for me for a while, but with our baby on the way, I figure this is one of the best ways to share what's going on in our lives, especially for family and friends that live far away.
So, as of today, Katelyn (Baby Akrami) is 21 weeks and 4 days!! I have been amazed at how fast this pregnancy has gone. When we first found out that we were pregnant back in July, I remember thinking that this was going to be a long 9 months! I can already feel the truth of when people say, "they grow up so fast"! I am really enjoying every day of pregnancy, but also trying to wait patiently to meet our sweet girl. :)
We are SO thankful for the blessing that God has given us. Every day now, when I feel little Katelyn move and kick, I can't help but smile and thank the LORD for this child He has given us. One of my favorite verses right now (I made a frame for the nursery with this verse written on it!) is 1 Samuel 1:27: "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him". This is my heart, O LORD.

Two new hobbies

My hubby and I have recently taken an interest in hiking. We have a favorite hike called "Poop Out Trail" in Glendora, and it is a perfect hike. There are three "hills" at the beginning of the hike, and the first one has a VERY steep grade. The second is moderate, and the last is a straight hike up the hill. After you reach the top and catch your breath, you have a beautiful 2-mile hike down the mountain. It takes you through thickets (a new favorite word of ours!), and beautiful landscapes. Today, we hiked in the morning before the sun was up and it was glorious!! I love the early, tender mornings. And I love spending it with my sweetie. :)


Our other interest is photography. Now, Cameron is WAAAY more into it than I am with his new camera, but I have re-discovered my digital camera and its many functions. Cameron showed me that I have a "micro" setting on my camera, and I've been taking more close-up pictures of whatever I can find. I love it because the lens captures more of the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" life, that usually goes unseen. Our Creator has a beautiful, creative eye!

Home sweet home (almost!)

Hi everyone!

We have some fun news - we are in escrow for our new house!!! We are thrilled to the max about God's faithfulness and goodness. We are blown away. It is so hard to wrap our minds around the fact that we are almost home owners. It feels so surreal. Each time I think about it I get a burst of adrenaline! :)

We are so excited for more room, and a backyard for Lizzy!! She told me she is so excited. :) The house is in Alta Loma, which is a community between Upland and Rancho Cucamonga. It's off of Carnelian, which is off the 210 freeway. I already met one of the neighbors, and she is a teacher, too and a mother. She loves the neighborhood.

We desire for our home to be a place that we can grow in love and learn, and where God can minister to others. We can't wait to have our friends over. We are abundantly blessed. All glory to our LORD! :)

Fall '08 catch-up part 1

So, I haven't blogged in almost 2 months. Geesh!
So, shortly after our last post, my new sis-in-law, Steph, came to visit us in California!! She passed her NCLEX exam and she is now a registered nurse! We're so proud of her. So, we spent a wonderful 5 days traveling around southern California - Laguna Beach, Pasadena, Claremont, and we knew how to end her visit here well... a day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona! I love my new sis!! (and we even had some people think that we were actual sisters!) :)


Then, November was a beautiful month. My old college roommate and good friend, Tia, had her baby boy on November 2nd (my Dad's birthday, as well!). She is the first of my close friends to have a baby and it was amazing to get the chance to hold her newborn son. His name is Nehemiah and he is a cutie!!
Also, my Mom came down and visited us for about 5 days!! I am totally loving all of the visits from family members. She came down and we relaxed, did crafts, took walks, and enjoyed each other's company tremendously. I love my Mom, and it was so nice to have a good chunk of quality time with her. :) More to come in part 2!