Can't wait for summer to get here! This weekend was a preview of what I enjoy so much during the summer months. The weather was nice and sunny and the beach was beautiful. Friday after work Abby, Michael & I headed down to Huntington Beach. We met up with the Henigmans and had a cookout/bonfire. It was fun to play with the kids (throw a football for the first time in my life!). We roasted hotdogs and made smores and just enjoyed sitting around the fire playing word games (ask me about the "dogphins"!) and enjoying each others company. The next morning I headed down there again to hang out with Abby and watch Michael play volleyball. Rob joined us and we had a great time talking and hanging out...it made for a very fun day. You can see lots more beach pictures here: http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/

"Then said Jesus unto them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." John 20:21

Lord, let me be willing and obedient to your leading. Easter Sunday, what a wonderful time to reflect and think about the amazing event of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection that fills us with eternal hope. The Lord is risen! Because He lives we also will live!

Mom was in town this weekend and so we were able to go together to the Sunday morning service which was packed. Erik Thoennes gave a very inspiring message from Matthew 28. After church we drove over to the Henigmans for an Easter brunch. (Thank you Anita & John for making me feel like part of the family!) It was a wonderful time of fellowship, food, friends, family and fun. After eating the kids had an Easter egg hunt and then us "bigger" kids enjoyed playing some rounds of lawn darts and croquet. After that Mom and I drove back to Fullerton to have an Easter dinner with my Grace group from church. What a blessing it is to be able to spend time and fellowship with our extended family in Christ. You can check out all the fun here:
http://chiarapics.spaces.live.com/
There are two Easter picture albums one from the brunch and one from the dinner with my Grace Group from church.

Seems like every day is a party at the Registrar's Office...

even an emergency evacuation fire drill...

Saturday morning Grace, Jon and I went out cycling. We drove out to Seal Beach and then rode east along one of the "riverbeds" (looks more like big cement channels). It is nice to ride because it has bike lanes along side and you don't have to contend with any cars. It was a bit cloudy and cool. We rode all the way past Artesia Blvd. I think that is about 20-25 miles out then turned around and rode back. I really enjoy riding so much! We got back to the beach about an hour later and walk along the water for a bit to "stretch" the legs. Right along the parking lot by the beach is a curious musician. He sings away as he plays the old rickety piano in the back of his old chevy.

1st Sgt Brad Kasal, wounded Nov 2004

Four years... It's hard to believe that the war started four years ago. Sometimes it seems like it has been a lot longer than that. I wonder if we ever thought that we would still be there after all this time. I have had the honor of knowing some of these brave men and women who have faithfully and courageously served and fought in this war including Sgt. Major Brad Kasal, a true hero. War comes with a great price. Many have given the ultimate sacrifice, many have visible scars and still others scars we will never see, but all of them are true heroes. I am so thankful that we have so many brave men & women willing to stand up and fight for freedom. Please remember to pray for our troops every day. Let us be grateful and never forget what they have done so we might have freedom. Never take freedom for granted.Sgt Major Brad Kasal, May 2006

Click here for more of Brad's story:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4525928

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Growing in a little bunch right outside my front door is a little shamrock plant. As I thought about it, it just was a little reminder of God's wonderful workmanship and care. This little plant that no one planted or is taking care of or waters is growing right between the crack of a hard cement floor. Persistance, perseverance and most of all dependence on the Lord! What a lesson for me to take to heart.

"Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide."

Happy Birthday Jeri! Sunday night we went to Ye Olde Ship in dowtown Fullerton to celebrate Jeri's birthday. A good time was had by all... my chicken & veggie curry was fantastic.

Today was a good day... I ran a mile and a half tonight with no knee support on =) I'm tired but I feel good. I heard a song on the radio that I really liked driving home tonight. It is called "Do it Anyway" sung by Martina McBride. Here are the lyrics. If you get a chance listen to the song sometime...

You can spend your whole life building something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach
and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good
And when I pray it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway

This world’s gone crazy and it’s hard to believe
that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart, for all the right reasons,
and in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love ‘em anyway

God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good
And when I pray it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway
You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in
then tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway, sing it anyway

I sing, I dream, I love, anyway

I call this.... PARANOIA! As I pulled up this morning to park here at work I came upon this scene I call "paranoia". Seriously, do you have to park straddling the line just because you own a fancy car? Sigh...

Amazing Dez... Yesterday was the LA Marathon. Desiree did it running and walking in 6 hours and 43 minutes... no training...