Category Archives: Uncategorized

Piano and Flute

This month we stopped music lessons at Eager Studios. For many reasons, but mostly it’s a rigid schedule and we’re out of town a lot, and it was too expensive for only going a few times per month or less. I’d been praying that God would provide someone to come to our home to teach (at least) Ava piano, I just didn’t want her to lose what she had learned. A few days before our last lesson at Eager Studios, I walked into Anthony’s coffee shop and saw two past students sitting at one of the tables, so of course I went over to chat with them and see what they’ve been up to- they’re both in college now. One of the girls is majoring in Piano and Flute at Fresno State, and agreed to come over when she’s in town to do a lesson here and there. I’m tearry-eyed just writing that. God is so good. He provides over and over again. Ava had her first “lesson” today in our living room, half piano, half flute. She’s doing so well, and Isabella, her teacher, my student, is so patient and kind. She even chose Disney songs she thought Ava would be excited about learning. Thank you Jesus for the little things and the big things. This is a big thing.

The best surprise

We’re expecting our fourth baby❤️. I found out a few weeks ago and thought this little neglected blog would be a great place to document it. We’re in Hawaii with our Guest Equity team, it’s a great place to praise Jesus for this miracle. It’s been wonderful. So far I’ve just had a little morning sickness, soreness, headaches, and bloating, but nothing that’s really holding me back. I knew God had another baby for me. I’m so excited and so so blessed. I’ve been thinking about my past pregnancies, cravings, and symptoms. With Ava, I didn’t have many, or any, early symptoms. I craved chili dogs and frito boats and hot dogs of any kind, and it was gross because I didn’t even like hot dogs. With Jack I had some morning sickness, but my first clue was a really bad headache and when I came home from work I fell asleep on the couch- very unusual for me. I drank chocolate milk every night and ate way too many Oreos. With Pete I knew I was pregnant because I was walking through target and I just got super light headed and a little nauseous. A feeling that I don’t usually get. I ate a lot of sweet potatoes with Pete but I don’t remember many cravings. With this baby- its been way different. It started with soreness all across my chest- I thought it was from working out. Then a lump in my breast which brought me to my Gynecologist, but turns out it could be a swollen milk duct. Who knew? She wanted me to wait until after my cycle to see if it was still there, but my cycle never came. I was truly shocked about this baby, because for the past 5 years after we had Pete, we were low key trying for one more. When it hadn’t happened late last year, I told Adrian we have to stop, it’s too much for my heart, and I’m happy and so blessed with the babies I have. This must really be God’s perfect timing. I haven’t seen a doctor yet, but I think my due date will be late September.

Rollie Pollies

The kids helped me plant the side gardens. One is full of wildflowers, though I’m sure mint will find its way back as well. The other had tomatoes and peppers. We planted watermelon and pumpkin under the big trees so they could take advantage of the sprinkler system and have room to grow. This little set up makes me love our house even more. Pete found a treasure trove of Rollie pollies in the garden after pulling out all the old mint. He named all of them Driggy, and now we’ll call every Rollie Pollie “Driggy” from now on.

Hunting

It’s been a while since I wrote an entry but I want to get back into it. Life is shifting. Adrian is leaving the team and brokerage he’s been under for his entire real estate career up until this point. Guest Equity is hitting new peaks and continues to grow. We’re expecting to get permits for our downtown building within the next few months. We invested in a mobile golf business with a few friends. And- we started the very exciting practice of hunting. This is where we drive around town and look for flippable houses, then call to see if we can purchase it for cheap. We haven’t actually purchased a home this way yet, but the hunt is thrilling to me. Today after a birthday party, the kids and I drove around the neighborhood and wrote down addresses of possible flips. The kids have a love-hate relationship with our many endeavors, but they seemed to enjoy this and it was a fun way to include them. After “hunting” we picked up Adrian and Jack from the house and we’re off for a drive to the mountains, after record snow and rain fall it’s going to be a beautiful drive.

Dinkey Creek

No wifi, no TV… it’s been such a peaceful and cleansing experience away from technology, especially for the kids.

There’s a group of preteens here that Ava has had fun hanging around with. They walk to the volleyball court and play volleyball. She missed them this evening, so Adrian walked her down and then met met back at the camp fire. Jack finally roasted a “perfect” marshmallow, and Pete snuggled in my arms, missing Ava until she returned.

We rented pontoon boats and headed out in Shaver Lake earlier today. We found a sandy beach spot and fished and hung out in the sand. The kids played in the water. Ava built a shelter like the ones we’ve seen on alone. Both Pete and his cousin Jo fell asleep on the boat on the way back. Before heading back to Dinkey, we picked up some mouse traps, steel wool, and electrical tape, to try to mouseproof the cabin. It’s a quaint and rustic bare bones cabin which has been wonderful for us except for the small mouse issue.

When we arrived yesterday, the kids were excited to see there are bunk beds and the Martin boys have BB guns and cool electric bikes. I think they’ll ask for BB guns for Christmas. We set up a tent for them and set out the toys we’d brought, a ball game, some nature puzzles, and some plastic farm animals and dinosaurs. All the kids loved it. They pulled out a rock painting set and the little boys all painted rocks- but mostly their skin. Ava later hid the rocks for them and they found them like an Easter egg hunt. They were still finding some today.

Ava asked if we can do this every year. That’s such a win. My friend/cousin Allie and her family grew up coming to Dinkey every summer as a family tradition. Since she married my cousin Ty, we’ve sort of become part of the family. But really even without that relation, I’m sure they would’ve gladly included us- the whole family is just wonderful, especially Allie whom I’ve known since Kindergarten at Oak Valley.

An unlikely blessing- I went to take a shower today in the communal showers. There was no one there, so I left the shower door open a bit so I could see the trees. The water was warm and the crisp mountain air was cool. It was my favorite shower that I’ve ever taken.

Personal Assistant

Ava and Pete came with me to Shaver today to act as my assistants. Pete is home sick from school, so Ava stayed too to help me with him. Any chance to get out of school to go to Shaver is an obvious yes! I paid her $13 per hour to update my calendar, take social media content with my phone, and keep an eye on Pete. It was the most fun at work I’ve ever had. They were so good, and we had a great time tromping around in the snow. I had prayed that God would show me the quiet waters from Psalm 23. I know He leads me beside quiet waters, but I feel like I usually run right past those waters without notice. Today I prayed to notice the little things, and to take the time to breathe them in. Throughout the day I felt a nudge saying “this is the quiet water” when one of the kids would ask for something, want to play in the snow a little longer, or say something adorable.

This might be my favorite prayer I’ve ever prayed. Lord, you make me lie down in green pastures, even though I have a very hard time resting peacefully. Help me to find peace in rest. You lead me beside still waters even though I run through life quickly and sometimes frantically, always looking to what’s next. Open my eyes to the quiet waters and help me feel your peace, joy, and love in the special moments! Thank you Lord! Amen.