The History of Bible Studies

I have had the privilege of participating in dozens of Bible Studies over the past 17 years. Below are the ones I have done in the past 9 years- so many special books. Every time I would do a new study, it always applied to what I was going through at the time- God works like that!! Anyway, I wanted to have a record of them before they got recycled (we are cleaning house over here). I guess I am the living record of these studies- the work that God did in and through me. I have fond memories of the women that I journeyed with along the way- many prayers, tears, laughter and learning!!

Nathan Transforms Again

Nathan has taken all of his transformers apart and turned them into one giant guy- the Devistator. Each body part (legs, arms, head) transforms into a vehicle as well. This kid is so creative!!

Chloe's Locks of Love

Little Ms. Chloe has been growing her hair out the last two months. It had been so cold that we didn't have the heart to cut it off. Well, it's warmed up a bit and off came the hair!!

 My foot for comparison

 This is not a happy puppy

Nathan:: Newest Obsession

Two months ago Nathan was into Origami- He wanted to fold and create with any paper he could get his hands on. Currently he is all about Transformers. Do you see a theme here? His interests are all related to building, transforming and creating. Today was a good example of that. Jason was playing with Play doh, so Nathan joined him- what did he make?

 Optimus Prime of course!!

 The toy of the hour- Construct Bots 

The pieces are separate and you build the transformer-cool!!

 3 in 1 Bumblebee transformer

Construct Bots- taken apart & ready to transform into one large transformer- Deceptacon

Christmas 2013:: Family Reunion

After a lovely morning with breakfast and gifts at Grandma Mary's house, we headed down south to reunite with family (Dan's side) we haven't seen in awhile. It was a gorgeous day- sunshine and a bit of wind (welcome to a So Cal Christmas). Debbie and Al Finocchio hosted the gang and put out quite a spread. Debbie's parents and brother were there (Warner, Judy and Sean) as well as Al's folks (Pat & Al). As for our crew- there was Mary, Steve, Dave & Sandy (in from Portland) and then the Crazy Crouts (Dan, Mel, Nathan & Jason). The big surprise today (especially for Grandma Mary) was that Ryan came with his girlfriend Jade. They drove out from Arizona the day before (seeing his mom) and managed to make it down to be with our family today. The food was great, but it was the conversations and connections that were the most special of all. What a blessed Christmas this was!!

 Nate & Uncle Steve

 The boys and Grandma

 Dan, Dave & Sandy

 Jade & Ryan

 Mary and ALL her boys 

(3 sons and 3 grandsons)

 The McIntire Group (minus Katie)

 Deb & Al- great hosts!

 Sandy & Dave

 Melissa & Dan

 The Crazy Crouts (completed)

Cousins- Mary & Warner

Christmas 2013:: Melissa's Family

Christmas Eve- what a wonderful day. The day before we celebrate the Lord's birth and I am surrounded by my family with good health. I have everything I could ever want or need!!

To add frosting to the cake- we spent the afternoon on Balboa Island with my side of the family. We had a great turn out-The Crouts, Brestels, Slevcoves, Reinharts and Kunihiro's were present (we missed uncle Mike this year). There was great food (thanks Mom for the meal), a fun white elephant game (thanks Aunt Chris) and a generous giving of gifts. I have had many Christmas celebrations with this crew- but I have to say that this was one of the best years ever. Now that the kids are older, everyone can enjoy each other and just be relaxed. I sure do love my family and am glad we could spend this quality time together!

 My little elves have grown!

 Mom and her girls

 Aunt Missy & Kalika

 Dan & Desi (sorry for the blur)

 Cousins- Jason & Kalika

Cousins- Nathan & Mike

 Uncle Curt carving the bird

 Nathan & his aunties- Chris & Sherry

 White Elephant gifts galore

Uncle Curt and the boys!!

Christmas 2013:: A time for Family

As we near Christmas, we get to enjoy spending time with family and friends whom we may not see through out the year. Today we had the pleasure of being with Dan's dad and his wife. Grandpa Don and Nana Marilyn are visiting from Northern California- what a treat!! We spent the day hanging out and just being together and then went out for a wonderful dinner at Koki's Teppan Grille. The surprise of the day was being joined by Marilyn's daughter, Meg, and her son, Malcom. I have heard about Meg for over 10 years and had never met her face to face. When I saw her, it was like I have always known her-we hit it off right away (I knew we would). The boys played with Mal and then they joined us for dinner.

 Say Cheese 

(Hey Mal, look over here)

 Nanna & Grandpa and the boys

 A whole bunch of Crouts!!

The whole gang in one shot!!