Graduation!!

We have big news around here. After 3 1/2 years, two kids, 1 CD, summer camp, and lots of hours at Starbucks Jeff has graduated with his Masters Degree in Music Education from Azusa Pacific University. We are so proud of him and sooooo excited that he is finished.

Monthly Pictures

Madeline Joy is getting bigger. She is 8 months old. She is really changing lately. She just got 2 bottom teeth, is scooting around on the floor, and eats Puffs. She is a real joy and we love her lots.

Snow Day!

This last weekend there was a big storm that came through of rain in Glendora and snow in the local mountains. Jeff went backpacking in the snow on Saturday till Sunday. He had a great time with his professor Xander and really enjoyed some hiking. He hasn't been able to take a trip like this in a long time. On his way down the mountain he stopped to see our friends the Zeek family. They live in Forest Falls near Forest Home. We used to spend lots of time with them when we lived there for the summer. We haven't seen them in over a year so it was fun for Jeff to stop by. Since the boys had today off from school they invited our whole family back up to come hang out and play in the snow. It is only about an hour trip from our house. So we decided to go. It is the best place to have a snow day. The kids can play right outside of their house and come in to get warm and take a break. Beth and I get to catch up and hang out with Madeline while the big kids have fun in the snow. These pictures crack me up because only in Southern California do kids use boogie boards as sleds in the snow.

Happy 6th Month Birthday!!

It is hard to believe that Madeline is 6 months old. She is a little peanut by far the smallest baby we have had. All of the boys have been in the 95%. I have been trying to enjoy every day with her. I know that this first year has so many changes and goes by so fast. She has changed so much already. She is a great sleeper (7pm to 7 am) which is a serious blessing to me. She rolls over lots from her back to her tummy. She sucks her thumb (when we don't put a pacifier in her mouth. She loves rice cereal and is about to start getting oatmeal. She smiles lots and even laughs out loud. Her new favorite toy is the Johnny Jump Up. Having a girl is so much fun! The clothes are awesome. But I most of all I am glad there are two of us girls I mean. Some days I have felt a little out numbered. The boys love her and I am excited for them to have a sister. Here are her monthly pictures. I got this idea from a friend and love to see how she has grown.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Well it has been too long since I posted. I am going to try to post a little more often. This sweet little love bug came into our lives August 17th. Madeline Joy Grable has brought so much joy to our house. Her brothers love her and are very sweet with her. Even Tanner hasn't had a hard time with her. She is as sweet as she is cute. Four kids has been quite a challenge in our house. Jeff is in his last semester at APU and will finish his Master's degree in Music Education in May. WOOHOOO!! He has worked very hard for 3 years to finish. We will all be glad when he is done. With Jeff being gone for school, Tanner turning 2 and all that goes with that fun stage, 2 kiddos in school and teaching a baby to sleep through the night this mommy is worn out. I have learned to let go of my house a little more and rely on God's wisdom and strength like never before (accept maybe my first year of teaching). Cadyn is in 2nd grade and still loves to read and learn about whatever he can get his hands on. He had a speaking part and solo in the Christmas musical this year. He loves the stage like someone else in our house. He is always up for trying something new and loves life. Griffin started Kindergarten this year and loves it. He has Mrs. Morehart who was Cadyn's teaching the last two years. Griffin took the honors of being the first broken bone in our house. He broke his collarbone on the slip and slide this fall. He healed up just fine and was able to finish out his first soccer season. Both the boys are in Awana's and are looking forward to baseball season starting soon. Griffin had a big year this year he learned to ride a bike, read, and swim. Tanner is 2 1/2 and a total crack up. He talks a ton and potty trained himself. I have heard people say that before and I thought no way but he did it even through the night. Great gift to his mommy! Tanner loves his little sister and wants to hold her lots. He also learned to swim this summer our youngest yet. I am still involved with Mom to Mom in a little different role. I am coaching the two leaders. I really enjoy it and have had the chance to see some ways God has matured me over the years as I mentor them. I spend lots of time trying to organize meals, laundry and homework. Being a mom of 4 has been a challenge with lots of sweet joy in the middle. Looking forward to keeping better track of our journey here.

Spring is Coming

Jeff went to a Children's Pastor Conference in San Diego and had great opportunities to promote his new CD and music programs. In the pictures are Karl from Kidology and Rob Biagi with Noelle from Massachusetts.













Tanner loved holding Baby Jadyn Taflinger. He is ready to be a big brother to Baby #4 due in August 2010.

Baseball season is here!

































Griffin at the bike-a-thon. Thanks to the Taflinger's for loaning us the cool racer bike.

Friends

We have been really blessed here with lots of good friends. Here are just a few. Tanner and his friend Titus on a walk. Griffin and Joshua playing a little dress up. Cadyn and Aaron with a little baseball rivalry. Finally my friends Joan and Chaser at Joan's 40th birthday party. Thank you God for friends they sure make life better.