Praise The Lord!!!!

I just finished catching up on all our recent activity, but couldn't go to sleep without posting this last one. Tonight when I was putting the boys to bed, Elijah was asking all kinds of questions about Jesus and God, and if they lived in our hearts, and if they go to bed with us. He asked similar questions earlier today, and I felt a tug at my heart to go into deeper discussion with him about things. But, the conversation was interrupted, and I told myself if he brought it up again I'd follow through. So, sure enough, I sat down on his bed (mind you- Tyler's in his bed wondering why I'm still in the room, and why the light is still on), and began talking with him. I basically told him the basics, and told him he can pray to God whenever he wants, and that God will always be there for him. Then I asked if he wanted to pray together, and he was just so excited. So I first prayed for him, and then let him pray to God himself. He asked Jesus to come into his heart, and said sorry for all his sins, and told Jesus he believed in Him, and that he loved Him. It was one of the most special events of my entire life. From the minute my boys were each born I've been praying for them, and let me tell you-- God answers prayer. I am just so thankful to the Lord for giving Elijah such an open heart, and for being willing to accept Christ. I cannot even begin to explain the look on his face after he prayed- just a look of extreme joy. It was as if God filled him full of joy from head to toe. Thank you, Lord- you've blessed me SO much today!

The Night of Elijah's Bday

So since we were rained out of our camping trip, and back home a day early, we decided to have family over for some pizza for Elijah's birthday. My grandparents from Southern CA are visiting, so it was nice to have them here to celebrate! Also in attendance was my mom and dad, Kyle and Kelly, and Jaron and Danae. We ate pizza, hung out, jumped on the trampoline, and the boys enjoyed a clown cone from Baskin Robbins (although I think the BIGGER boys ate most of them, since Elijah wasn't interested, and Tyler just wanted the cookie, lol).

Elijah was a spoiled boy!

He LOVED his water squirt gun

Kyle doing crazy stunts

And Kevin's just as bad!

Then Kelly shocked us all when she did a back flip of her own!!!

Camping to highlands for Elijah's Bday

So this year instead of having a party like we usually do, we decided to take Elijah camping for his birthday. We went up to Highlands again, and gave him his presents a couple days early (so he could enjoy them while we camped), and made cupcakes for him. We had a blast, as usual.. the only sad thing was that we missed a day and a half of Linz & Jordan's visit, which was very hard for me. This camping trip had been planned for months, and it ended up being a very good thing that we left the day we did, as it was pretty crowded up there. The spot that we usually have was taken, and the spot we had this time was pretty dirty. The dirt was much looser, and just got on EVERYTHING! The first day the boys were BROWN, and I'm not exaggerating! (However, I am still bummed I missed that time with my sister and the family, but definitely had a great time with her, and can't wait to see them all soon). Our camping trip was shortened by one day when it poured rain and hail all night Sunday, and Monday we woke up to a mud/puddle mess. So, we headed home- but all in all had tons of fun.

Tyler was super excited to give Elijah his present

And Elijah loved his baseball :)

He loved his "rocket speed bike" from us... (he calls it this because it goes ''so fast'' he says). Although, after giving it to him, he said, "Is this all!?" lol.. gotta love the openess of a 4 year old!

Ryan got him TWO transformers, which he was SUPER excited about!!!
Ryan playing with Kael

Kevin and Ryan diving in the freezing cold water
Even Elijah went waist deep- those boys are nuts!

I was surprised at how well he did on the dirt road!

(I don't know why this won't load the right way- but I'm done trying! lol)

Chuck-E-Cheese

When Elijah turned 1 we took him to Chuck-E-Cheese to celebrate. So, when Tyler turned 1 we did the same. Well, since Tyler got to celebrate there this year, we promised Elijah he could too. Here are a few pictures from our fun day, and one picture from long ago... ;)

This was when Elijah turned one :)

Elijah's 4th birthday "get-together"
Everything Elijah does is cool to Tyler ;)

Linz and Jordan competing in basketball- they tied this round!

Tyler bowling (throwing it like a baseball!) :)

Look at that follow through!

Kyle and Mark competing- I believe Kyle won!

Mark, Steph and Nora bowling

Linz & Jordan Visit CA!

I am SOO super excited to report that Linz and Jordan and Brayden came to visit this last week. It was so much fun to come home from Oregon to have them here! Elijah and Tyler were finally able to meet their newest cousin, Brayden, and Elijah even held him. We had a lot of fun visiting, and decided to celebrate a week early and go to Chuck-E-Cheese for Elijah's birthday (so that they would be able to attend). My mom and Dad, as well as Kyle and Kelly, Mark, Steph and Nora also came to play. We had a blast playing games, eating pizza, winning tons of tickets, and being silly of course! Brayden has grown so much since I saw him in July, and it was so neat to be able to see him again so soon. It breaks my heart that I can't see him whenever I want. I just pray that not too much time passes before our next visit! I want Brayden to know his FAVORITE auntie!!! ;) Love and miss you guys already-- it was so much fun seeing you!

Happy 4th Birthday, Elijah!

I can't believe my boy is 4 years old... How the time flies by!!! He is such a sweet kid, who LOVES going to church, and learning about the Lord. He has such a passion for learning in general, it is so amazing to watch him excel. He also is a BALL full of energy- I don't understand how one boy can have SO much energy. He doesn't stop from the time he wakes up until the second he goes to sleep- and that's by force! For those who don't know him well, you may think I'm exaggerating, but those that DO know him-- you know I'm not exaggerating at ALL. Not even a little! He keeps me on my toes, that's for sure. God created him just the way he is, and I love him so much. God has sure taught me so many things through Elijah-- and continues to daily! ;) We are so blessed to have him in our lives, and can't even begin to explain how special he is to us. Happy Birthday, Elijah- we love you!

A small walk down memory lane...

This was me about a week before I had Elijah (August '05)
Elijah Thomas Hess, born 8-24-05

About 1 month old

Christmas '05

Danae Gets Married!!

This last weekend we went up to Oregon for Kevin's sister, Danae's, wedding. It was one of the most beautiful wedding/receptions I've ever been to. I couldn't believe how real all her flowers looked, even though they were artificial- it was amazing (this includes all of the bouquets, and corsages). It was surreal to watch little Danae get married... When I first started dating Kevin, Danae was about 12 years old. I remember after our date he took me back to his parents' house to go swimming with the family, and I was the ONLY girl getting in the pool. I BEGGED Danae to put her suit on and get in with me, and she was such a sweetheart and did. Now, she's married, and currently enjoying a cruise with her hubby Jaron. Congratulations, again you two- we're so happy for you! :)

Elijah, along with his cousin James, were the ring-bearers in the wedding. They wore shirts that said, "Ring Security" on the backs, and sunglasses, and carried briefcases down the aisle containing the actual rings. It was adorable. I am sad to report that because the church was EXTREMELY dark I did NOT get good pictures at all. I have some from before the wedding, but none of the boys walking down. I was disappointed. I'm sure I will get ahold of some though.. and at that time maybe I'll post them. For now, enjoy what I DID get! :)

James and Elijah, the ring-bearer STUDS

Tyler played on the stage a little before the wedding
Elijah, Tyler and Johnathan waiting patiently for the wedding to begin

The KISS

Kevin and Danae dancing

Kelly and Tyler, the day AFTER the wedding

Alaethia and one of the kittens

ALL of the Hess grandkids:

Alaethia and Sophia, James, Johnathan, Gracie, Lillie, Elijah and Tyler

Elijah was proud of the black bug he had on the stick

Tried to get a good family picture-- Kyle got a much better one :)

Precious little Sophia amongst the flowers

Kelly & Janay, and their kids (from L to R)

Johnathan, James, Lillie and Gracie

Camping to Highlands

First I'd like to say a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my niece, Gracie, who turned 8 on the 10th. Happy Birthday! Can't wait to see you soon!!!

This last weekend I FINALLY got to camp in our trailer!!! It is so nice- we are so spoiled! We went up to Highlands Lakes from Sunday to Tuesday. It was so much fun. Good weather, and good company! ;) The boys always enjoy getting out and getting dirty (including my BIG boy Kevin!). Here are a few pictures from our weekend...

Elijah caught a fish! He was so excited! :)

Tyler fell off a chair into the dirt face first.. and just laughed. It was funny :)
Sitting around the campfire, roastin' some marshmallows

The boys LOVE to throw rocks into the water-- can do it for hours

Tyler posing like a ham :)

Ginger trying to catch the rocks Elijah throws in

Muaaaaaaah!

Isn't the lake beautiful!?

Brrrrrrr!!! That water was freezing- and Kevin was crazy enough to get in it!

And Elijah shocked us all when he followed up to his waist!!