The Jimenez Family

Timmy is Two Months!

2009-03-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

Timothy certainly is growing and changing with each passing day! It is amazing to watch! As most parents know, it is one of the sweetest things when your child can look at you and smile. Some of the things I love about my sweet boy Timmy:

- his smile
- all the baby noises, especially the cooing
- his smell
- the way he kicks and moves his little arms - looks like a hard workout
- how he is learning to hold his head up
- the sad lip he gets before crying and his cute cry - often times Jose and I will look at him and laugh because he looks so cute
- all his expressions and faces
- his pretty blue eyes (I hope they stay blue)
- he seems like an easy-going baby and will let us take him anywhere so far
- the times he has slept through the night (Praise God!)
- his cooperation as mommy takes tons of pictures

and the list goes on...What a blessed woman I am! Thank you Lord for allowing me to care for this precious life! Hopefully you can tell that I LOVE being a mom! It's my dream job. As a child I knew that I wanted to be a mom - more than anything else. As I played with my dolls I used to pray that they would come to life. I wanted a baby so much. Becoming a nurse was my secondary choice - and it has helped me grow in many ways, and I believe allows me to be a better mom. Maternity leave is such a blessing and I'm trying to soak it up. The plan is for me to go back to work in July (total of 6 months off). It will be a difficult transition no doubt, but God will give the grace when the time comes.
We've implemented the pacifier and he takes to it well. During fussy times it helps calm him and he's able to put himself to sleep.

TIMMY TUMMY TIME!

Here's our little man. I love dressing him in "man" clothes. These were just a little too big :) As others said, he is dressed better than most guys. Thanks to Aunt Caitlin for the shirt and shoes. Another post is needed to tell of all the adventures Timmy and I had with his Aunts (all my close girl friends are Timmy's aunts).

My two favorite boys! Daddy sure loves his boy! We often go to visit Jose at Seminary or meet at a coffee shop in between school and math tutoring.

Timmy Bear

Mama and her boy

Smiley Boy

Sad, Mad, crying Timothy

Meet Timothy James

2009-02-23T13:55:00.001-08:00

Hello Friends!
Timothy James came into the world on January 21st at 5:33 am, weghing 6 lbs 10 oz, measuring 19.5 in. This is his birth story, for those of you who like details...
Our baby boy's due date was January 20th. My mom flew in on the 19th, hoping she'd make the birth and hoping she wouldn't have to wait a week for him to be born. I had an appointment on his due date and the midwife said I was maybe a centimeter dilated and it could be another week. My motherly instincts told me otherwise. Early that morning, around 6 am, I determined I was in early labor. I was having infrequent contractions, which just felt like a menstrual cramp. First I had to distinguish it from the feeling of gas. Anyways, it wasn't bad at all. The day took its course as my mom and I went shopping to various stores, including a trip to Starbucks. Jose was busy doing school work or tutoring.
At 5:30 pm as all of us drove to birthing class I began to notice my contractions had a pattern to them and they were a bit longer and more painful. We started to time them and they were about 5-7 minutes apart. I sat through the birthing class contracting the whole time and trying to pay attention when I could. Really I was thinking about when this little baby would come out. The reason I took birthing classes so late in the pregnancy was due to our business and it just wouldn't have fit into my work schedule. January 9th was my last day at work (not forever, but for a while)! What a glorious feeling! Back to the story...The class was held at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego where I was to deliver. We asked the lady teaching the class if I should get checked out because we were already there and secondly, the contractions weren't stopping. She suggested I do. So, we went up to the labor and delivery unit and they observed me for at least a half an hour on the monitor and checked to see if I had progress. I had a gut feeling they would send me home...they did. I was still only about one centimeter dilated, and as the intern told me "no offense, but you're not in enough pain to really be admitted". I knew I wasn't in that much pain, but I also knew it would only get worse.
We came back home sometime between nine and ten. We watched some TV and ate ice cream. Contractions continued all night long...My mom and Jose went to bed, even though I found out quickly I wouldn't be getting any rest. I would lay down and the contractions would feel worse. I tried so many positions and there was no getting comfortable. I was crying out to God to please give me some clarity when I should go to the hospital...labor had started and who knew how long it would be. My prayer was that my water would break so that I would know I would get admitted. At around 1:15 am on January 21st, the Lord answered my prayer, my water broke. Then I knew it was time to go to the hospital! It took minutes to wake up Jose, I was saying "honey, my water broke"; I guess he had just got into a deep sleep. Thankfully the bag for the hospital was already packed and we were pretty much ready to go. We woke up my mom and then we were on our way.
Let me just say that was the most uncomfortable car ride ever. I found a good use for that handle that is above the car door (you know what I am talking about?). Thank God it was the middle of the night and the roads were empty. So, once we arrived it became very evident after we walked a few steps that I needed a wheelchair. Uncomfortable again. They put me in one of the small rooms before they admitted me and hooked me up to the monitor. I remember this being one of the worst parts of labor because I was confined to this tiny bed (like the size of a stretcher) while being monitored and I couldn't really move. My mom and Jose were my advocates urging them to transfer me to another room with a real bed! They determined I was about 3-4 centimeters dilated and my water did in fact break. Phew, I finally got a real bed and it felt a lot better...sort of, until those contractions kept coming! The anesthesiologist came to talk to me about an epidural. I preferred delivering naturally, but as the pain was the worst I've ever felt (that's not saying too much), I was going to get an epidural because if this was going to last for hours on end I didn't know how I would last. First I needed an IV. I have wonderful big veins, but apparently they are tricky. It took four sticks to get me. I completely understood and told the kind nurse that I stink at putting in IV's. Besides it didn't bother me to be poked when my pain was coming from another source.
Time went on and the anesthesiologist was busy with other patients. The nurse asked if I wanted an IV pain reliever....I said "yes!" I received the wonderful drug of fentanyl through my IV with some anti nausea med (to prevent the possible side effect of throwing up). As a nurse, I've given that medication quite a few times and figured it would do me good in this situation. It took the edge off my pain and I was able to actually breathe through my contractions instead of just grunting (or whatever weird noises I was making). The nurse assigned to me was great - she would look me in the eye and tell me how to breathe and with her I was able to manage the contraction. Mom and Jose were great supporters, just not as trained! By this time Jose had called his dad and he had arrived. My mom asked when they were going to check me since it had been nearly 3 hours. They wanted to wait until the anesthesiologist was ready. Also, due to the fact my water broke they didn't want to introduce risk for infection.
It was 5 something in the morning when the nurse took a look, and to her surprise (and all of ours!) the baby's head was right there!! She asked if I had felt the urge to push and I told her I did. I had been pushing through quite a few contractions already, but nobody else knew. My body couldn't help it. So, she had me do a practice push and then realized there was no time to waste. She called the doctor and pediatric team to come to the room. No need or time for the epidural...thank God! When they arrived everything was set up quickly and it was time to bear down and push. The doctor assured me the head was right there and offered me the chance to touch it. I put my hand down there because I wanted to KNOW his head was right there. She said, "oh, no one has really done that before". Three contractions later our sweet little boy came screaming into the world. Amazing!! It's an experience like no other. The Lord answered the desires of my heart! The birth ended up being natural, without complications and much quicker than I had imagined it would be! All praise go to God! AND our little guy was small and sooo cute! I have been blessed with a pretty quick recovery. I did end up tearing in three places and getting stitched up. It's totally worth it! I remember saying shortly after the birth that I could do this again! God gave me so much grace! I am so thankful my mom was here for two weeks. She cared for us so well. I was spoiled with her feeding me around the clock, doing the housework, keeping me company, going on outings, and holding Timmy whenever I needed her to. Thanks Mom!
We love our Timothy sooo much! He seems to be a calm baby, at least for now. He really only cries when he needs something - usually if he's hungry or has lots of gas. Timmy makes lots of noises...squeaky noises, cute girgly noises, and the noises that are associated with going to the bathroom. We love watching him do his long stretch routine. He is fun just to stare at. Right now he doesn't do a whole lot other than sleep, eat, and poop, but he does those things well. He appears to be growing and developing normally. I am savoring this sweet time with my precious boy! Sometimes I want to freeze this period of our life. It's a huge blessing not to be going to work and to focus fully on my family. Now that I've started writing it feels like I could write a book on just the past month. If you've read to this point, thanks, and I will try to blog a little more consistently.

We're having a ...

2008-09-08T22:29:00.000-07:00

BOY! Today was the ultrasound and as far as we can tell it's a little boy. Praise God that our baby is healthy and growing as expected :) We're thrilled...our instincts about having a boy seem to be true. The ultrasound went well, except babyboo insisted on keeping his head low near my pelvis, making it difficult for them to get a good shot. His weight is about 12 ounces. I know many of you have been waiting for updates. Sorry, it's been a while. After we came back from vacation we didn't have internet for a week or so. We had a blast in Hawaii - I'll have to post more on that later. For now enjoy these pics of the little one:

By Popular Demand

2008-07-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hey friends! Especially those ladies from the East Coast who haven't seen me in a while. I've been getting requests to see pictures of my belly. Well, most people can't really tell I'm pregnant yet...but I definitely notice my flat stomach is no longer around. Praise God I still have not experienced morning sickness! Some ladies say that I'm probably having a boy (as does Jose); we'll just have to wait to find that out. My next appointment is August 1st. I just rescheduled it because on July 25th, my original appointment date, I am most likely going to be summoned for jury duty. I'm praying they don't need me. Anyways, enjoy the pictures.
This was taken June 8, 2008

These were taken June 18, 2008
June 25, 2008

July 11, 2008

And Jose is growing quite large fast! He's just jealous :)
I'm about 12 weeks now. As you can see there's a lot more baby growth to take place.

WI cont.

2008-07-14T14:50:00.001-07:00

After my cousin's wedding, we went to go see my Grandma Hamelink. We met my Uncle Bob and his family at the home where she lives.

Here's a wall with lots of pictures of family for my Grandma to look at and try to remember. Grandma didn't remember us, as I suspected she wouldn't with her increasing dementia. She said that it was nice to meet us all. Thankfully, she is aware of her son who comes by often to visit.

We chatted with her after she finished her dinner in the lobby. It's a pretty homey place and the residents seem to be well taken care of.
One thing I always want to remember about my Grandma is how she prayed for me each day that she had the memory to. My Grandma would always write in her letters or tell me that she prayed for me everyday. I wasn't sure I believed "everyday". While I was at her house in 2000 for my Grandpa's funeral I slept on the couch in the living room and she came in that room early and sat on a chair and started praying. I could hear only whispers, but I did hear her say my name; she thought I was still sleeping. Anyways, that had a deep impact on me and I'm grateful that God has heard her prayers. I hope that I will pray for the future generation and my family as she did. Hopefully, one day soon she will be able to see the effects of her prayers while she is rejoicing in heaven.

Before we drove David to the airport, we went to a brewery. The tour wasn't until later, so we had to settle for the gift shop.

My mom, Jose and I toured the Green Bay Packer's stadium.

Jose imagining what it'd be like as a Packer running out to the cheering crowd.

Natural Cheese heads. As a side note, we had our quota of cheese curds while in the cheese land. Yum...too bad they're not considered a health food.

Then we headed back to spend the last night with the fam. On the way we stopped by a lake.
Always a good time for a smooch!
We went out for our last Wisconsin meal.
Brother and sister : Nicholas and Samantha

This is the Marriott we stayed in our last night. This one had the largest space, with an upstairs and two full bathrooms.
So that pretty much sums up our trip.
Mom, hope you enjoy the pictures, even though they're not the best quality. Thanks for driving us around everywhere! We had a fun, relaxing time :)

Wisconsin Trip

2008-07-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Last month we took a trip to Wisconsin for my cousin Luke's wedding and to see family. It was a nice break from work and time with family. My mom and brother met us there. The first night my Grandma treated us all to dinner.
Here's the bride Stephanie and her father.

My Grandma, cousin Amy and Aunt Diane

Stephanie and Luke
Brother and Mom
cousin Samantha and Aunt Kristi

Girl cousins : me, Samantha, Amy and Lana

Jose, me and David by the beautiful sunset over the lake
Mom, Grandma, Amy and Aunt Susie

It's Donkey!!
The day after the wedding we hung out at Stephanie's parent's home where they have lots of sheep. We ate all the leftover rehearsal dinner and wedding food.

The happy newly weds : Luke and Stephanie Piwoni

Positive!

2008-06-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

Twins?!? We found out I was pregnant on Monday,May 26th. We were suspicious and hoping that I was pregnant so we bought a home pregnancy test the night before. That night I didn't sleep so well as I was awaiting taking the test in the morning (they say urine in the morning is the most concentrated with the HCG hormone). Anyways, it came out positive really quickly......not like the times it came back negative. I jumped on Jose as he was still in bed (it was 5 something in the morning) and we celebrated the good news. Unable to go back to sleep, we made our plan for who and how to tell people. We called my mom first (thank goodness Maryland is 3 hours ahead) and then Jose's dad. Later that day we called my dad and tried to reach my brother, who didn't answer. Now the word is out; so I thought it was a good time for a post.
Here's the lovely daisies that my dad and Casey sent after hearing the news.

Today was my very first appointment with the full exam and blood work. I'm going to a nurse midwifery clinic at Miramar; it seems like a really good option. It's close to home and very close to Jose's work (walking distance). Daddy came along for the first visit...and I'm so glad he could share in the moment of hearing our baby boo's heartbeat for the first time and seeing the images of our tiny one. Let me explain the introduction to this announcement of "twins?": well, while the midwife was doing the ultrasound on top of my belly to make sure there was really something there before proceeding to do the whole exam., she asked if there were twins in the family and then said it looked "very suspicious" and wouldn't be able to tell until she did it vaginally. Jose and I were getting anxiously excited at this prospect, especially since he always jokes about us having more than one at a time. She came back to do the full exam and well it's ONE healthy baby with a strong heartbeat! We're so blessed! Praise God for this new life He is creating with all the chromosomes He wants this child to have! We will try to keep you up to date with this new life being created.

Right now I'm between 9 and 10 weeks and due between January 20 -27. There's two dates...one based on my LMP and the other on the ultrasound. For those of you wondering I'm am doing really well. I'm one of those extremely blessed woman who is not dealing with morning sickness (at least not these first 9 weeks). I've been able to work and rest. Fatigue, the need to eat frequently, sore breasts, and frequent urination are the symptoms I've been experiencing. Praise God for His kindness to me at this time!!

2 Years!

2008-05-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's already been two sweet years of marriage! I thank God for giving Jose to me as a husband! After salvation, Jose is the best gift I've been given. We continue to grow in our love for each other and are excited for all that God still has in store!

We celebrated our second anniversary 2 weekends ago by going to Carlsbad and staying a night in the condo we have there. We enjoyed a long jog/walk along the beach then a cool Starbucks drink to sip while relaxing in the sand. Going in the water was fun too...not too cold, and it felt pretty good since it was a hot weekend. After getting cleaned up we shopped at the Carlsbad Outlets. We decided to buy each other stuff there. Since the second anniversary gift is "cotton" we got matching cotton shirts and beach towels. Yes, we are dorks! To end the night we went and saw Prince Caspian.
On our actual anniversary (May 20th)we ate out at P.F. Changs, one of my favorites.
We were going to go to La Jolla and see the sunset, but it got cloudy and cool outside. So we opted to drive thru Starbucks and get some hot chocolate and watch a movie snuggled up at home.

In other news...because I've been terrible at updating the blog recently.....
Jose got official word to his final day in the active Marine Corps. December first is his last day. As many of you know we've been praying for months as to what to do. Jose will be going to Westminster Seminary in Escondido (http://www.wscal.edu/) full time starting this fall semester. He's getting on track to become a Navy Chaplain, Lord-willing. We're still thinking and praying about whether or not he'll stay in the reserves. Praise God for providing a scholarship for all his tuition for this upcoming year! This past semester, Jose took a New Testament and Greek class. He just finished finals today. He should now have somewhat of a break. He was pretty busy with tutoring some high school students in physics and math, taking 2 classes, plus a full time job and hanging out with me. There definitely will be changes ahead of us, but God will continue to provide as He always has!
As for me, work continues to go well. I have gained more confidence and am enjoying taking care of older people. It's fun meeting new people and getting to know some things about them in a short period of time.
We've also started to go to a Bible study on Friday nights for Military families. They have pizza, a time of worship and discussion. It's been good to have more fellowship and get a little taste of military outreach.
Well that's a little update for those of you who still check this.

San Diego Beauty

2008-04-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

This is one of the reasons I love living in San Diego! The pictures say it all. Praise God for spring time and the beauty He's created!

Easter Weekend

2008-03-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a joyous Easter! These past few days we've been blessed with the Mstowskis presence! They are friends that are like family. I used to babysit for Julie, Kristen and Michael. We've gone sight seeing in perfect weather, eaten yummy food, played games and just enjoyed being together.
Friday, while the guys went to Legoland, the ladies went to the flower fields.

Then we shopped around the Carlsbad outlet. Once the guys had their fun at Legoland, we headed to the beach to watch the sunset (looked for the "green flash" and didn't see it). We ate dinner at one of our favorites, Pizza Port. I love having friends visit...it's like I'm on vacation too...and I live here!

On Saturday morning Jose and I participated in our church outreach. We went around a neighborhood inviting people to come to the Easter service. Our interactions with the people went well, but the longest conversation was only a few minutes. We plant and water, but it is God who gives the growth. During that time the Mstowskis hiked Torrey Pines, and tired themselves out. We met them at La Jolla cove to see the famous seals. The rest of the day we relaxed at our house and played Gestures.

.
Easter Sunday, after the church service we headed to Cold Stone for a treat to hold us over for our late lunch

Our Home Group leaders, Kristen and Paul Kitabjian, kindly invited us all over for Easter.
The Fowlers came too. Here's Kristin and her new baby girl, Kaylee (5 weeks old).

My fifth and sixth grade teacher, Miss Rohr came in town for a visit too. Today the Mstowskis, Miss Rohr and I went to Cabrillo National Monument.

Thanks Mstowskis for coming to visit! I miss you already! Come again :)

Work Update

2008-03-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

Friday I met with my manager to talk about time management and other goals. The Lord gave me peace for whatever he was going to tell me. Praise the Lord! My manager was very happy with my progress! He said he received "very good feedback" from those who have been observing and helping me as he put people "behind the scenes". Yeah, I felt the stress of being watched more carefully...as if nursing wasn't stressful enough with peoples' lives at stake. Thank God for His sovereignty that our heart beats are in His hands and not mine! I must give glory to God for enabling me to work more efficiently! At work I've received help from my mentors, charge nurses and more experienced nurses. I'm grateful I work in an environment of coworkers who care and where resources are made available. So, I'm glad to say I will be keeping my job on 6 East (cardiac care) at Scripps Memorial Hospital until God leads me to another place. Phew...it's relieving to know I don't have to find another job right now.

Beautiful times

2008-03-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our loyal blog readers who actually still check this. Sorry for the lack of postings. There's no particular reason that I stopped posting. We've gone on a few trips and had visitors since the last time I updated this. In the future we may direct you to another website that I've slowly been working on with our Apple computer. Jose and I are busy working and enjoying the wonderful life in San Diego. Jose's schedule is fuller than mine - he tutors math/science to a couple kids a few hours a week, helps a company with book keeping, takes two classes at Westminster Seminary on Thursday and Friday, plus continues to be a full time communications Officer in the Marines. The latest news on future plans is that he'll be getting out of the active duty Marines in December 2008 and going to school full time. We're excited for where God is leading us. I'm still working as a cardiac nurse. Tomorrow I meet with my Manager to follow-up with how I've been doing with time management (something I've been working on for months). He had mentioned last meeting (over a month ago) that if I continue to stay overtime then he'll have to take "disciplinary action", which could ultimately mean firing me. God has been teaching me to trust in Him and realize my security doesn't come from having a job. By God's grace I have seen a lot of improvement in time management and for the most part have been leaving on time. We'll just have to hear what my manager thinks. After the last meeting with my manager I was preparing myself to get a new job either by transferring units or switching hospitals. I applied to Children's Hospital a few weeks ago and never heard back - the recruiter wouldn't give me the manager's contact info. I would like to stay with my current job if possible for a while longer, but I know God has the best plan whatever it is.

Anyways, the weather here has been beautiful. Aah, springtime has come. I love looking up at the clear blue sky, and seeing colorful wild flowers all over the place. Even though it never got that cold here, there's been a shift in the season. Jose took me to Coronado on Friday - we both had off work. It was one of the best dates ever. We took a blanket on the beach and read for a little while, enjoying the warm sun and crashing waves. Then we went to get some mint Oreo ice cream to share. After enjoying that we walked around to find a coffee shop. We found a local cafe and had some of the best chai tea. There were several pictures that I accidentally deleted off my camera of our date...so I only have pictures from the time the sun started going down.

Then we went off to Old Town to meet up a friend in town for dinner. What a relaxing, refreshing day!

Saturday we enjoyed a hike at Torrey Pines. It's so pretty there that you don't even know you're getting exercise. The Lord has blessed us so much to be able to live here. We're excited for our friends, the Mstowski family, that they get to have a taste of where we live next week.

Happy 2008!

2008-01-06T13:38:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas and happy new year! The past month was busy, as it was for most people. This post will summarize December - so it's lengthy.
My mom came to San Diego on my birthday (Dec. 7th) and celebrated with us.

We enjoyed beautiful weather by the beach.
We went to see the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Natural History Museum at Balboa Park. Then we hit up another favorite spot,Old Town,and ate Mexican food.

Someone from our church blessed us with tickets to the Pointsettia Bowl game - GO NAVY! Jacob and Sarah Portaro came along with us too. Unfortunately, Navy lost in the close game.

Saturday, December 22nd we went to Disneyland with our friends, Alex and Karen Sanchez. We're all kids at heart, so we had lots of fun. It was my first time to Disneyland, although I have gone to Disney World.

"It's a small world after all, it's a small world after all...." While standing in line they counted down and turned on all the pretty lights.

Alex and Karen

The parade and Christmas decorations.

Christmas Day I worked, which wasn't bad considering I got paid more and there was a big potluck. We celebrated Christmas Eve with Jose's dad and brother, Matt in Carlsbad. Jose and I took a walk on the lovely day.
This is what Jose and Matt spent a good amount of time doing.
We had a good meal together and played cards.
In the evening we went to the Christmas Eve service. Afterwards, our friends, the Fierros invited us over for food, fellowship and games.
Mmmmm...carnitas!
Game time.

Our little Christmas at home.

Thanks friends for the greetings, cards, and pictures!

The Lord has blessed us in so many ways! Thank you God for sending your one and only Son, Jesus, to come into this sinful world and take our punishment, so that we may spend eternity with you!

Viva Las Vegas

2007-12-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

Jose and I drove back home yesterday from our trip to Las Vegas. We joined my Dad and Casey for some fun. They ran the full marathon, while we settled for the half marathon. We survived by God's grace and think we're ready for some more races in the future. The Mandalay Bay is where we stayed and enjoyed the luxury of a king sized bed, TVs, and big bath tub.
Jose and I arrived Friday evening after driving through rain all day. I drove and it proved to be a time of sanctification.
Dad and Casey got tickets for the show at MGM called Cirque du Soliel. Jose and I really enjoyed it. You can check it out on this website: http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/ka-cirque-du-soleil-show.aspx.

Let's just say we more than covered the calories we burned with some great food!

All the decorations were beautiful and extravagant. Roaming through hotels and eating are probably the best activities in Vegas.

Here we are in the Bellagio after eating a delicious dinner (where I had the best salmon).

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2007-11-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hope you all have a joyous Thanksgiving! There is so much to be grateful for. I am most thankful for God meeting my greatest need by sending His one and only Son, Jesus, to die the death I deserve so that I may be forgiven and spend eternal life with Him!! The Lord has not only met my greatest need but continually blesses me with the comfort of family, the best husband everest, friends, church, a job, a home, and the list goes on!

Psalm 111

Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

Grace Church Rejoices!

2007-11-14T14:43:00.000-08:00

We're officially occupying the facility! Praise God for enabling us to meet all the inspections! We had our first meeting on Sunday. It felt somewhat strange meeting there, but in other ways not really. So many of the members have labored so hard to make this building...it was a blessing to see the fruit of their labor already. We look forward to all the ways God will draw people to Himself through having this facility! Jose and I served in Children's Ministry. I am grateful that it seems children's ministry will go much smoother and feel safer in our own facilitly compared to how it was in the high school, where kids were able to run around outside (this being hard to contain them). It's all exciting!

Here's some pictures of our first meeting:

Marine Corps Birthday Ball

2007-11-07T16:11:00.001-08:00

On Saturday Jose's unit celebrated the Marine Corps Birthday at the Hyatt Hotel downtown San Diego. It's a beautiful hotel overlooking the bay and city. We enjoyed our time eating a good meal and being with the other Marines and spouses. Getting dressed up was fun too. While Jose was rehearsing I walked to a Payless and picked up some shoes and then found a place in the mall to get my haircut right before the ball. Many of the pictures didn't turn out that well, it was hard to know which setting to use on our camera. As you can see in one of the pictures Jose is reading part of the ceremony's traditional words.

As soon as I can figure out how to post pictures from our Mac to the blog, I will post pictures of our trip to Sequoia National Park and others from my mom's visit.

Last week was busy and stressful for both of us. I started working day shift and that is quite an adjustment from the quiet, less-stress night atmosphere. My first day working I made a medication error and felt horrible. However, there were other errors made leading up to mine that made me feel somewhat better. Thank the Lord that the patient is alive and the medication didn't cause a harmful effect! The patient was very sedated and pain free as a result. Also, the doctor was very understanding and not angry! The second day I should have reported a low blood pressure to someone to get advice as to what to do and I didn't - due to business I forgot and the patient presented themselves without any other problems...again praise God the patient's blood pressure went up. The third day my manager called me into his office to talk about these errors and was concerned about my "critical thinking" skills. So, over the next two weeks I am focusing on certain areas to improve my critical thinking. By the end of my third shift on days I was beyond exhausted -staying overtime all three days and making mistakes. I came home and cried. Surprisingly, that's my first time crying after a shift at work....I thought it would come sooner with all the stories I've heard from new nurses. I worked on Monday and praise God the shift went much better than the previous ones! So, that's my little story of life recently. I would appreciate your prayers :)

hey

2007-11-06T20:16:00.001-08:00

i love bekah

San Diego Fire Update

2007-10-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

Jose and I are safely at home right now. My mom is flying back to MD on a plane and should be landing any minute now. It's been a long 3 days watching TV and staying mostly inside (the air quality is pretty bad with all the smoke and ashes). We thank God for His protection of so many people and that our area was spared from the fire! We were never evacuated although we chose to leave our home yesterday afternoon and went to a friend's house near the Qualcomm stadium, where we slept over. It was pretty weird thinking that I may never return to same home. We packed up a bunch of things, which are still in the cars. Thankfully we were able to celebrate my mom's birthday yesterday evening downtown SD in Seaport Village.
We know that at least if not more than 50% of families from our church have been evacuated from their homes. As far as I know all the families are safe, although a few of their homes are in danger of being burned. The winds aren't nearly as bad as they were, so they are able to use more resources to contain the fires.
The area where our church is located, Rancho Bernardo, probably has experienced the most damage. God has definitely created an opportunity for us to reach out to this community. Pray for the hope of the gospel to go forth.
It's amazing to hear that there have been too many people wanting to volunteer their time to help. There has also been so many donations at Qualcomm stadium. It's encouraging to see God's common grace in so many people as they work together. It's obvious people have learned from the fires they had 4 years ago as well as from Katrina.
Jose was not able to help as he hoped, but has been keeping tabs on his Marines. I will be going to work in about an hour and it probably will be pretty busy there.
Please continue to pray for all of us here!!

FIRES!

2007-10-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
Please pray for us here in San Diego! There are 6-7 fires burning and spreading! The Santa Ana winds and humidity below 10% create a fire friendly environment. Jose, my mom and I are still at home watching the TV and taking it easy. We do have a bag and things ready if we need to be evacuated. Jose is keeping in contact with his Marines and waiting to find out if there's any way he can help, he had training for emergency situations such as this. Several families from our church have evacuated already. The fires aren't far from here. We are prepared to go if the fires spread this way. So, please pray for everyone here....pray that the fires would be contained, for God's protection of firefighters, for civilians to evacuate as directed safely and that the gospel would be made known throughout this time....and however God leads you.
This is my mom's birthday - at least it will be memorable. God is in control and will guide our steps. I'll try to keep you posted and let you know if we have to leave.
We are grateful for your prayers!

Update from the Philippines

2007-09-20T13:04:00.001-07:00

Here's a group shot of the E-team. It's now been a week since Jose left, only 3 more days to go. I've received 3 updates on the progress there. Below is the email that was sent today:

Hi Everyone!

With only 2-1/2 working days left, the E-Team is working very hard - way above & beyond. Everyone has been challenged by the various conditions there including things not going as planned resulting in numerous changes and improvisation, the different way in which construction is done over there, …to the physical demands of working so hard in hot, humid conditions. But God is giving strength to tired bodies and minds and there is a marked atmosphere of the presence of God & of unity and joy in serving.

Special thanks to those on Team C – The Badjau Church Addition….who have experienced a lot of change & moving around! They have done so with a servant’s heart as they have been temporarily transferred around to wherever there was a need on the other teams. They also have had lots of manual labor with the hand-digging of the foundation for the Badjau tribe Church Addition. At present they are working with helping Team B on the renovation work before they head back to the Badjau site.

Things are really happening with Team B – Renovations of the Existing Sovereign Grace Building. The team has finished the roof reinforcing & metal roofing and are now framing up Pastor Fernando’s office. Others are plastering walls, doing the electrical, lighting, plumbing, & kitchen work. Also, Lynn has a very special secret surprise up his sleeve known only to the E-Team. He and the crew are working very hard to pull it off for this weekend. (thanks for letting us keep this quiet and staying as a surprise until this weekend’s update!!)

Team A is working hard and are now on the roof pearlins (lumber which runs from one truss to the next truss for reinforcing). The truss and pearlin lumber was freshly cut from the jungle and is green, crooked, wet, and very heavy…this is what is used in the Philippines (that is why they use so much rebar/steel). It’s hard cutting through this dense wood and it has already burned out one skillsaw. As per previous update, you can see that it took a lot of guys to lift each truss up because they were so heavy. Then, the rebar which was sticking out from the concrete columns, is wrapped and bent around the trusses. Then the trusses are further secured with 4” spikes. Once the pearlins are on, then the sheet metal roof will be installed.

With the construction suppliers on the island, one challenge is that they are located all over and it requires a lot of hours to go around and, with an interpreter, try to find and obtain needed materials and supplies. Sometimes it takes going to as many as 8 stores before finding everything needed on the list. Most suppliers have a front desk right by the road traffic, which can be noisy at times. You tell the salesperson what you want & then walk down narrow paths into the back of the store to find what you want & see if it will work for what is needed. If an item needs to be exchanged, sometimes the wait can be up to ½ hr for the sales manager to make the exchange. Sometimes things can’t be found in one piece so separate pieces need to be bought then assembled. For example, one of the plumbers needed a water pump but it couldn’t be located anywhere & were told that no-one in the city carried it fully assembled, so the plumber had to take many small parts and assemble/build it himself. Later on, a pump was seen at another supplier fully assembled!

Improvisation…. Certain materials or tools just can’t be found at the supplier stores, so the team has had to be creative & improvise. For example, the team needed a rubber float for some tile work that was added to the scope of work…. They were told that they could “just use a shoe!”….they ended up improvising with a window squeegee. Another time, the team needed to mix thin-set, but no mixing tools were available….they ended up taking a 3/8” piece of rebar, putting a bend on end & using that in their drill as the tool that mixes the mortar. What great creativity this has brought out in the team as they work to be as efficient as possible!

Update on Mark Vanselous….Mark & his family have sponsored a girl, Charisma, through Compassion Int. for last 10 years. He had the wonderful blessing of being able to coordinate a visit with Charisma yesterday. He traveled by Ocean-Jet Ferry two islands over and back again…. returned safely. Mark said that this visit had a huge impact & profound affect on him. God is so kind to have enabled the Vanselous family to connect with their sponsored child after a decade of correspondence & care!

Update on emails sent from the Philippines… we’ve been made aware that the entire island is on wireless internet and that email/internet connection can sometimes be intermittent. While on this trip, each team-member was assigned approx 2 timeslots that they could email home using Lynn’s laptop. If the email connection is down during the time of the slot (same applies to phone connections & pre-arranged phone calls), they will do their best to make it up. If not, then this is another opportunity for all of us to grow in “holding all things in an open hand” and surrendering to God’s Sovereignty! If this has happened to you, like it has to us, let’s all be encouraged together… “Many are the plans in a mans/woman’s heart, but it is God’s purposes that prevail” Proverbs 16:9.

Blessings are abounding!…we are aware of a number of specific needs of the people or pastors there that were noticed by different E-Team members, who then reached out and met the need. What a blessing they are to the people there. The church body there has been so deeply touched by the care and affection of the Team.

A team picture has been taken and further details on that will be in the next update. See attached picture. Thanks!

For His Glory,

MIRANDA FUNK

BAYRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

.....God is at work there! Pray for last few days and a safe trip home.

Philippines prayer requests

2007-09-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Jose is off to the Philippines tonight for his first experience of a missions trip! A group of men from various Sovereign Grace churches are going there to build a church. Lord willing he will be back in 10 days. I will miss my hubby, but am so excited that he has this opportunity! A family from our church graciously funded this trip for Jose. What a blessing.
He began his journey this afternoon with a short flight from a small airport in Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles. It took the same amount of time for me to drive home as it did for him to fly to LA. He's now waiting in LA for his flight to Guam and then he'll fly to Manila, Philippines and from there he'll go on a short flight to Tagbilaran, Philippines (his final destination). In LA he's meeting up with many of the men going; he's the only one from our church on the trip. If everything goes according to the schedule he will arrive in the Tagbilaran airport at 0930 on Saturday, September 15th - so basically he skips Friday. It's a long flight, but he's been on longer.
Anyways, here's some prayer requests:
* Pray for the team leader, Lynn Baird and the construction project manager, Brian Funk as they administrate all that goes on.
* Pray for the construction work : for God's protection on each member of the team as they labor in hot, tropical weather - that they would be kept safe from harm, injury and sickness. Pray for work to proceed well and that weather would not delay progress. Pray for unity of the team-members as they serve and interact with the local folks - that they'd emulate Christ's humility for His glory.
* Pray for the Philippine pastors and members of the church : that God's Spirit would be upon them and they would be freshly encouraged, for faith and boldness to share the gospel, for the gospel to go forth in the community (favor and open hearts), for God to work as they worship and the Word is preached
- Pastors: Fernando Impang, Johnny Saddam, and Jelon Billion
* Pray for the E-Team members and their families : Praise God for his provision for each member to go! Pray for safety as they travel and peace for the time away from family and work; for each person to be encouraged to grow in humility and pursuing God with more passion, to build God's Kingdom through their serving and to be filled with joy, glorifying the Lord.

Thanks in advance for any and all prayers! I know God is hearing and will answer! I hope to give some updates, if not I hope Jose can post about his experience when he comes back.

Our Church

2007-09-08T14:50:00.001-07:00

We're excited for all that God is doing and has in store for Grace Church. Our church is being constructed and furbished by all volunteers right now. People of this local body have given up time in their busy lives to tear down, put up dry wall, paint, install sprinklers and much more for months. The process for getting a building, loan and conditional use permit has been long. God has again and again shown His faithfulness and kindness to us in the midst. Thank you Lord for a facility that we can use 24/7 to proclaim your gospel, worship you and fellowship with others. Our church has a new website! Check it out - http://www.gracechurchsd.org/. Also our Senior Pastor, Mark Lauterbach has a blog - http://mrlauterbach.typepad.com/

Pray that God would draw people from the Rancho Bernardo community to come to our grand opening and hear the gospel. Pray that we would continue to trust God as the building gets finished and all sorts of details need to come together. Pray for the pastors to be refreshed as they have labored hours over this process. Most of all pray that God would be glorified as we occupy this new facility!

Our Home

2007-09-07T13:04:00.001-07:00

As I promised a while back, here's some pictures of the condo we live in. We're grateful God provided this place for us! It could use some renovating in the future, but we're leaving as is for right now. We live in a community of condos that has two pools,lots of grassy areas and sidewalks for everyone.
Views of the front

A lovely tree
The side of our condo by our bedroom.

Our back patio
The car port
The entrance by the car port into the kitchen.
Our kitchen

The living room

More living room and hallway
Bathroom, which is right of the hallway and attaches to our bedroom

Our bedroom

The guest room - we welcome you, our friends and family to come and stay with us!

Here's the office, where I now sit and blog

That completes the quick tour of our place. We're excited for more visitors. Mom (Hamelink) will be coming in October! Any other takers?

Torrey Pines

2007-09-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Sunday we were introduced to some neat trails right along the ocean in Torrey Pines. Jose and some guys from our home group had planned an overnight camping trip, however there were thunderstorms in that area so plans changed. They decided to take a little hike in Torrey Pines after getting a quick bite to eat after church. They kindly invited me along. The past couple weeks have been unusually hot for San Diego (90-100's) - I say unusual because anything that's not comfortable here is unusual when it comes to weather. We enjoyed cooling off in the ocean half way through the hike. It was a beautiful day.

Thankfully yesterday it cooled off back to the normal 70-80 degree weather with a nice breeze. Before Jose headed to work we took a walk on another path in Torrey Pines State Park. God's creation is beautiful and I'm so glad He allows us to enjoy it!

Last night we went over to Jeff and Kathy's home for dinner. They are a couple that just moved from New York to Escondido, CA so that Jeff can attend Westminster Seminary (http://www.wscal.edu/). They came from the Sovereign Grace Church there and now are coming to Grace Church. We then went to the Seminary for a welcoming of new students. All the faculty and students introduced themselves. Jose introduced us because he's taking Greek II and Ministry of the Word this fall. Greek II started today - no break in Greek. He just finished the first class on Tuesday. We are planning for Jose to go full time next year! We are continuing to pray for God's will.

Cute Kid

2007-09-05T16:23:00.000-07:00

Last week Jose and I had the privilege to play mommy and daddy for Joshua Fowler as Keith and Kristin went on a get away to New York. We had lots of fun caring for Josh. I took tons of pictures (which didn't get deleted -yeah). He's just so cute! People say that babysitting kids is good birth control...that's usually not the case for me though. I love kids and babysitting just proves it more :) Kids always have their moments of disobedience, grumpiness, crankiness and various moods as they grow. But adults aren't any better - we've just learned to express it differently. Jose and I stayed at the Fowler's home (Wednesday night to Friday night), which is a few minutes walking distance from our home. Praise God Josh stayed on his usual schedule. Kristin did a very thorough job of writing down everything we'd need to know about his schedule, where things are, what we do when and if he wakes up in the middle of the night, etc. I did get to experience Josh waking up in the middle of the night, it seemed like he was teething. I gave him a bottle and a teething tablet, and rocked him back to sleep - this took about 2 hours. Joshua is a happy ten month old most of the time. It took him longer to get used to Jose, so we have some pictures of him crying while Jose's holding him. He definitely had a period of clinging to me. We had a blast taking him to the zoo. I also got to take him over to a friend's house while we had lunch together. Since I've been in San Diego I really haven't babysat much, so I really enjoyed having Josh for a few days. I miss watching the Mstowski's (although now they're older now and don't need a babysitter) and other kids in MD! Jose and I look forward to when we have a little one of our own :)

Weekend away

2007-08-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Let me begin this with a little lesson I learned. Jose and I went up north to Irvine, CA for the weekend to attend a wedding. I was anticipating lots of great photo opportunities. Our camera doesn't work anymore, so I really wanted to get a new camera. Before we left we bought a new camera. We excitedly took several pictures at the beach and the wedding. Well, considering the camera is new and there are many options to choose from, all the pictures were deleted by mistake. At least now we know how it happened. Unfortunately this happened twice (once before the reception and then afterwards). God was revealing my heart to me by showing me that I had made a camera and pictures into an idol. I had wanted it too much. Anything we want too much quickly becomes an idol. There are many other things to be sad about than losing pictures...how trivial! Thank you Lord for reminding me not to hold onto silly possessions and put them before you. Thank you for cameras, pictures and memories which will quickly fade away.
Jose and I left Saturday afternoon and checked into our hotel (a Marriott Courtyard) in Irvine, then headed straight for the beach. It was a lovely afternoon and we both enjoyed the cute beach town. Our pastor told Jose earlier this week of a new church (Sovereign Grace) in Irvine that meets Saturday nights. We were able to go and were greeted very warmly. You can tell it's at its beginnings, especially by the effort everyone makes to welcome you. Lynn Baird spoke on Ephesians 6:10-17, an excellent message to stand firm. Reality is that we are fighting a spiritual battle which derives from our own sinful hearts. Secondly, the important truth is that we are strengthened by the Lord. We are to allow ourselves to receive God's strength. And lastly, this struggle is lifelong. We don't have to go after the devil; Satan is coming to us. We need to stand firm ready to resist. God has already won for us through Jesus Christ! We are standing in His victory everyday! It was very encouraging. In September Jose will be going on an E-team to the Philippines with Lynn Baird, so it was great to meet him.
Sunday, August 5, Alex and Karen Sanchez got married! Their wedding didn't start until 4 pm, so Jose and I took the time to go to the beach and hang out. Alex is a former Marine, who was in the same unit as Jose when they deployed to Iraq. Karen is a high school teacher and coaches swim team. They are a wonderful couple and it's neat to see how God brought them together. Their wedding was a testimony of His grace in their lives. The wedding ceremony was outside at a chapel made just for weddings. It was beautiful (sorry no pictures). Their reception was at a community center - set up lovely. At our table there was a lady there who Jose reminisced with about 1/5 Marines, stationed at Camp Pendleton. She has a business that serves Marines and their families in a variety of ways. She had been a part of the welcome home party when Jose got back from Iraq and knew the people in his unit. We were blessed to be able to come to the wedding and take the weekend to spend together!
Life here at home has been busy for Jose as he is taking a Greek class at Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido. Here's some pictures of him studying last night.

I continue to work 3 nights a week. I'm planning to talk to my boss about switching to working days. Nights are great for a more quiet atmosphere at work, although it does wear on the body. Then Jose and I could be together almost every night.

There have been three families that I've prayed for and have been on my heart. Please check out their blogs and pray for them. Two families recently lost a child to different forms of cancer. A young man my age is recovering slowly from a car accident. These families are in other Sovereign Grace churches. Here's the link about the Davis family, which tells Micah's story, http://www.lukecinda.blogspot.com/.
Here's the link to the Haughery's family, which tells Alivia's story,
http://www.aliviarachelhaughery32005.blogspot.com. Here's the link that tells Ian's story, http://www.prayforian.blogspot.com. All these families have gone and are going through serious trials. They have remained steadfast in their trust in the Lord and been an amazing example of God's grace at work. Please join in praying.

Also, we would love your prayer for God's wisdom and direction. We are leaning towards Jose getting out of the Marines in 2008 and going full time to Seminary. We are excited whichever direction God takes us.

Happy early Birthday to Sarah Megorden! I treasure Sarah's friendship. We've known each other since 3rd grade and God has allowed us to remain friends all these years. Hopefully she'll come and visit soon :)

Visit to MD

2007-07-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

This trip to Maryland involved a 5 year high school class reunion, a wedding, adventures with friends and time with my mom and brother. Jose was unable to come because he's busy with his annual training at work. I took the red-eye flight and arrived Saturday morning. My mom and I had a lovely morning and afternoon in Alexandria, VA. We enjoyed a farmer's market, a little boat ride and lunch at the Chart House.

Saturday evening I spent time with my high school classmates. I went to Covenant Life School and my graduating class only consisted of 14 people. So it wasn't too difficult for some of the girls to throw it together. The homeschoolers who took part time classes were also included. We went to Hard Times restaurant in Germantown. There was a pretty good turnout. More than half of our class is now married, Anna and her husband now have a baby (not able to come), and Meg and Jon are expecting. I wonder what will happen in another 5 years. As you can see most of my pictures are just of the girls.

Meg sure is a cute pregnant lady!
We ate dinner while catching up on each other's lives. Then some of us attempted to play pool (I have no skill in this area).

The girls in this photos include Rose Simpson, Sarah Megorden,Kristie Speelman, Caitlin Woodrow, me and Sarah Simmons.

Sunday, July 15th was a fun filled day. First of all that's my friend Rose's birthday :) I went out to eat breakfast with my bro and mom before church. After the service there was a going away party for the Loftness family, who will be going to serve at the Solid Rock church in College Park, MD. Covenant Life had a big picnic outside for everyone to enjoy. Then my mom and I went to get gifts for Alex & Ruth before their wedding. Alex and Ruth were in my singles care group before I got married. I really respect them for the way they honored their parents throughout their whole relationship. It was a great joy to witness their marriage and I can't wait for what God will do through them! The ceremony was at Covenant Life with a light reception afterwards. It was lovely, Alex wrote the piece of music Ruth walked down to. Ruth chose a gorgeous dress and she looked amazing! The dinner reception was at the Golden Bull. It was fun to cling the glasses and see Alex and Ruth passionately kiss - the moment they've waited for so long has come. Some other highlights include the toast Ruth's dad gave (hilarious, yet honoring), the dancing, and Ruth & Alex smashing the cake in each other's faces (it's fun). The pictures I took didn't turn out that well, but here's a few.

Jess and Mike Somerville both were in the wedding. They are expecting a baby in November!

Here comes the happy couple, Mr.and Mrs. Goodling!
Wedding cake smashing!

Alex & Ruth make a fast break through the bubbles to the limo awaiting. They are honeymooning in Jamaica!

Monday was spent with some of my closest friends, Rose, Sarah and Caitlin. We enjoyed a fun adventure of tubing in the Potomac River. Sarah made us all paranoid before going by telling us the details on an article she read about how dirty the Potomac River is. The bacteria count is high, so basically it's like swimming in feces. So Caitlin wrapped up some cuts with tape (which only soaked up the water), Rose had some band aids on (which quickly fell off) and well I risked it with my little cuts and Sarah was the control. We all made it back alive and uninfected (hopefully). We had gone tubing two years ago for Rose's bachelorette at the same place. After getting all clean, we headed to Annapolis for some good food. We ate at Pusser's located on the bay, which is where the girls took me last year for my bachelorette. We all ate the coconut shrimp, because it's so scrumptious.
Caitlin and I managed to fit some gelato in after dinner. I was blessed to spend quality time with my dear friends! Hopefully they will come to visit here within the next year.

On Tuesday my mom and I were together all day. We spent the afternoon swimming with our friends Maureen, Julie, Kristen and Michael Mstowski. I babysat the kids many times before I moved. They are like family and include us in their celebrations and make their home open to us.
My mom, brother and I spent the evening in DC. We ate dinner at Clyde's. I ate seafood everyday I was in MD (it's a good thing I love it).
We went to a National's baseball game at RFK stadium. They played the Astros and unfortunately lost. The Nationals had an exciting home run in the beginning.

You can keep my mom and brother in your prayers for God to provide jobs. I know the Lord has something better for both of them, and pray God would lead them to new jobs soon.
I love my mommy! Thanks mom for having me and making this time special. I hope it's not too long until we see each other again.
Wednesday my mom and I dropped by the Robb's to say hello. Rachel is in Europe with the MC Scholars, so I didn't get to see her. Then Mom and I had lunch together before she drove me to Dulles airport. Now I'm home just relaxing. I work tomorrow night and Jose is still gone training. Praise God for the fun times!

Jose is 30

2007-07-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my hubby! We celebrated his birthday throughout the weekend. Friday night we enjoyed a lovely dinner at Ruth Chris Steakhouse downtown San Diego - thanks to my mom who gave us a gift card there for our anniversary. We sat outside and were able to see the sun go down over the water. Look at the yummy dessert that Jose was given. We were blessed to spend this time together! It was fun dressing up for each other and having a date night.

Saturday I attempted to surprise Jose. Surprises are hard to pull off with Jose. He knew something was going to happen so he went with the flow. He served at our new church building during the morning hours with a group of men who are learning to put up the sprinkler system. Afterwards he went out to lunch with one of the guys from our homegroup. This definitely raised his suspicions because this guy (Cody) doesn't do that sort of thing. I had asked his wife if he was going to be serving at the church that Saturday and if maybe they could go out to eat afterwards, like a last minute "hey, you want to get some lunch?" or something. Well, it so happens that Cody asked Jose almost a week before if he wanted to go out for lunch on Saturday and Cody wasn't going to be serving at the church then. So Jose mentioned how weird it was that Cody would ask him out to lunch and I couldn't really keep a serious face. Anyways, while Jose was occupied I was out with a lady, Kristen, from our homegroup getting food from Costco and running other errands. When Jose came home I could tell he was almost peering around the corner waiting for people to pop out...but the surprise was still yet to come.
I told Jose that we would be going out to eat an early dinner at a place called Jakes located right by the water in Del Mar beach. We talked a while ago how it would be nice to try out one of the places near there. The party started around 4 pm located on a nice grassy area right above the ocean. The Kitabjian family came early to save a spot and set up the pop-up tent, tables and food, as well as the Fowlers who brought some decorations over. I'm so thankful for the last minute help I got to pull this party off. Anyways, Jose and I drove to Del Mar and while parking Jose saw Cody's work truck, confirming what was going on in his mind. So, we walked together down to the area where everyone was waiting. Jose wasn't really surprised, but it was fun to attempt. It was more of how long it could go without him figuring it out. At one point Jose said, "you know something is going on when Cody asks you on a date". I was so grateful for all the people who came to bless Jose! We ate together and fellowshipped with friends. It was cloudy and cool, yet the kids still got wet and sandy. The sky had beautiful streams of light as the sun started to set. I hope this time was special for my love! I want Jose to know how much I and others love him and to celebrate the 30 years of live God's given to him.

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Jose's dad and brother, Matt were able to be there too. They had just drove across the country the last few days. Now Jose and Matt are in San Francisco to see the All Star game. This is a childhood dream they both have had. Matt graciously bought them tickets to go and they've been looking forward to this time.

Yesterday, July 8th was Jose's actual birthday. He went a little early to church to serve on the hospitality team. I went and got us something from The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for breakfast to bring back to him at church. Recently we discovered how much better tasting the ice blended coffees are than Starbucks frappuccinos, plus they have so many more tea options, but they are a little more expensive. Anyways, after church we made some yummy hamburgers at home on the grill. Matt was able to join us. Later we went over to the Fowler's home where we ate this yummy cake from Cold Stone Creamery (picture copied from website). Jose has been wanting this cake pretty much since his last birthday. So I promised I'd get it for him a while ago. Yeah, that wasn't a surprise either. I will have to sharpen my surprise skills. Hopefully I'll have many years to practice. It's been fun thinking of ways to bless Jose. We spent the rest of his birthday at homegroup. Then he came home and got ready for his trip.

Move, NA and visit

2007-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ever since the end of May it seems we've been pretty busy. We still have a few more boxes to unpack in our condo, which hopefully will be done today. I thank God for His provision for this condo near to our friends. We found out that two other couples from the church live close by. One couple is Jason and Allegra Farr who moved from Maryland this past week. I had heard rumors in the past they were coming out this way and now they're here. It's the slow migration from Covenant Life Church. Anyone else want to join? Becca and Andree?

NEW ATTITUDE FUN

New Attitude definitely blessed and refreshed both of us. The messages were focused on discernment (you can download them for free off of the NA website). I need to hear them again, how quickly I forget the important truths! C.J. Mahaney gave the last sermon on "Take it Back" meaning how we can apply what we've learned. He recommended taking one bit of Scripture to apply to one area of our lives at a time because we are simple people. I chose to renew truth to discern by studying and memorizing Scripture more consistently. I have a long ways to go still in applying that. Most of the messages didn't end with a long list of how to apply, but instead challenged the way we think about things. Jose was privileged to lead a small group at the conference and we enjoyed the fellowship from believers around the country. We also were able to hang out with our MD friends, who I miss :)

My Dad, Casey and brother David came out here to San Diego at the beginning of June. Dad and Casey survived the Rock n' Roll Marathon - I'm still working my way up to one of those. David stayed with us for a week. Jose had a class learning about FEMA in LA during the last few days of my brother's visit, so David and I hung out here. We went to the zoo, Old Town, and the beach. It was great to have him here. Maybe someday he'll move here too.

This past week we've been working. Praise God for the continual grace he gives me at work. I am feeling more competent and confident in what I'm doing. I really like how my hospital has a mentor and charge nurse on the floor all the time, so I can always have a resource. I've been "on my own" now for two weeks. I'm not really alone, but I don't have a preceptor following my every step and double checking every thing I do. I am enjoying the job more, maybe I'll stay with cardiac care for a while.
This weekend we had some fun going to the San Diego county fair in Del Mar. We enjoy walking around, seeing the vendors and exhibits, plus eating the deadly food. Jeff,a guy staying here for the summer to study at UCSD, spent Saturday night with us and watched Oceans 12 with us. Sunday after church we went out to eat with Jess, Dave and Jeff. We were able to spend the evening with Jose's dad to celebrate Father's Day. That's a brief synapse of what we've been up to. Hopefully soon I'll post pictures of where we live now.

Our Apartment in Canyon Hills

2007-05-24T14:25:00.003-07:00

We're moving out of this tomorrow! It's been a great year living here! We will miss the view and nearby trails. We're excited for our own condo...pictures coming soon.

HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY to us!!

2007-05-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Two days ago Jose and I celebrated our first anniversary together! We ask God for many more years to celebrate our union together. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful first year of marriage. Jose and I were recounting God's grace to us this past year and all the fun memories we've made with each other. We have seen His grace in our lives as we work out conflicts with each other - they have become fewer and don't take as long to resolve. I'm so grateful that the Lord brought us together and that I am privileged to experience life with Jose everyday! Jose has been the biggest means of encouragement to me and he seeks to lead me in godliness. He consistenlty serves me and looks out for my interests. I have seen growth in my husband as he is learning to trust in God for the future in regards to his career. He desires to follow what God has planned for us. It's hard to imagine what life would be like without my hubby...it hurts to think about it. I love being able to fall asleep and wake up next to the one I love (although now that I'm working nights it's not every night and we miss that). Thanks honey for asking me to marry you and being the bestest husband everest! I love you!! Marriage is a beautiful thing when lived out as God intended.

Matthew 19: 4 - 6

4 He answered, "Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh'? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate."

So, we had to celebrate this joyous occassion and made it a goal to have gelato together. At this time a year ago we were in Aruba on our honeymoon. We're still in the honeymoon phase of marriage for the most part :) After church we went out to eat at the Olive Garden, where we went down memory lane together. Later we went to La Jolla where we enjoyed delicious gelato and the beautiful ocean.

We rejoice in all that God has provided for us! We are buying a condo here in San Diego just a few miles away from the apartment we're renting. This has been a busy time for us. Over the past month we've been renovating the Carlsbad condo, where Dad Jimenez lives. Over the weekend a family rented the Carlsbad condo for vacation - this is the first time we've done that and hope for more opportunities. So if any of you want to stay there, let us know. Right now we're in the process of packing the apartment and have a good headway on that thanks to our dear friends Keith and Kristin! We're moving into our new home this Friday. How exciting that we bought our first place together and we will be alble to walk to Fowler's home!! Please pray for God's grace in the business of life between work and moving. I work tonight and then will have off for about a week. Jose and I are leaving Saturday for New Attitude in Louisville, KY. When we get some more time I will post before/after pictures of the Carlsbad condo, our apartment that we're moving out of, and our condo we're moving into - that way those of you far away can get a taste of us here. Hasn't God been so good?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2007-05-14T10:03:00.001-07:00

We just want to say that we love and appreciate our mothers, stepmoms, and grandmothers! Thanks for all the ways you have served us. The Lord esteems motherhood and compares the comfort He gives His people to the comfort a mother brings to her children in Isaiah 66:12-13 "For thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse, you shall be carried upon her hip, and bounced upon her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.'" Thanks Momma Hamelink for the ways you model Proverbs 31:26 - "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." and verse 30 -"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." Mom I have received many words of wisdom from you and patience as you have taught me. Thanks for fearing God and serving others daily!

Yesterday, we were able to spend time with Jose's dad's side of the family at Uncle Bernie's house. It was great to get to know them all better. We enjoyed a cookout with almost all of the Jimenez uncles, aunts, cousins and kids running around. Our friend Johnny March joined the family - it was great, the family loved him (a white boy dressed preppy with a bunch of Mexicans). Unfortunately, I didn't bring the camera to capture the family event.

Wonderful Visitors

2007-04-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

It was such a blessing to have both my mom and Grandma come visit us here in sunny San Diego during Easter time! I will cherish the memories we made together. Easter Sunday we went to church and then enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Chart House (as you can tell from previous blogs it's one of our favorite places to eat, the restaurant is right by the ocean, has great service and food). While they were here we saw many beautiful flowers and enjoyed the fresh air while taking several little visits to places including the Carlsbad flower fields, dinner cruise on the San Diego harbor, Welk resort, Wild Animal Park, and Del Mar beach. I thought I was on vacation! While Jose and I worked Mom and Grandma enjoyed sitting out in the sun by our apartment's pool area. My mom cooked a couple of times for me and had dinner ready after a long day at work. I loved having them around on my days off of work, especially while Jose was working one weekend. The day they left I was already missing their company. Thanks mom for taking your spring break to come visit and bringing Grandma along too!

Below are pictures of us at the flower fields in Carlsbad, we took a tractor ride throughout the fields, for more imformation check out the website http://visit.theflowerfields.com/.

Here also are pictures of our trip to the Welk Resort and Wild Animal Park. My Grandma is a listener to the Lawrence Welk show and had heard of the resort, so this was a highlight of the trip for her. We ate lunch at the restaurant there before heading to the Wild Animal Park.

More pictures of our adventures will be up on the side for your viewing soon. There are more details I could add, as you know I can make these blogs lengthy. I hope it won't be long until I'm able to spend more time with my family...I do miss them since I'm on the other side of the country. I thank God for the time we had together.

Lord, Thank you for reminding me of my need for you.

2007-04-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today I was relaxing at Starbucks while sipping on a frappachino. I had my notebook with me and I began to write down all of these things I have been trying to do recently.... Read the bible daily, get to know my wife more, learning about Quickbooks and accounting, understanding how filing federal taxes works, attempting to learn about designing websites, thinking about turning our home into a vacation home, learning to read the bible in Greek, studying for a systematic theology class, working out and running, checking my fantasy baseball team, going to homegroup, couples bible study and one other bible study, analyzing my finances, eating healthier, praying more, working with the Navigators ministry team, desiring to be on vacation, looking forward to retiring, thinking about encouraging others more, reading more christian books, upgrading the condo, thinking about how to make it through seminary, thinking about how the Marine Corps needs christian insiders to share Christ with them, hoping to have children, desiring to learn how to be a communications leader for FEMA in case of local disasters, figuring everything out on my own, serving on the hospitality ministry at church....the list can go on and on. I want so much to be in control of my life. Being in control means I have a say on what goes on and gives me a sense of power and authority. I have attempted to solve every possible problem I have. I have constantly pushed and tried to be everything for everyone. I have been trying to be my own god. All of these things that I do and think about everyday do nothing. All of these things and thoughts are taking my worship away from God; I am stealing His glory for myself. I am not trusting Him with everything all the time. I have said in my heart that I will try to be my own god and as a result I have lost all joy. I have lost my joy because i have put my hope in something that is not able to provide; that something is myself. SURE....I did think that I was joyful when I was hoping in myself and everything was going right, but God has changed all that and now my joy in myself is being realized as a false sense of joy.

"Lord I pray that you would help me to trust you for everything. Help me to not put my trust in anyone or anything. Allow me to draw close to you so that I may experience TRUE joy. Keep me from thinking and acting as if I am in control. Lord, remind me of your Son's sacrifice for me and that I need nothing else. Remind me that every attempt I make at being in control is me denying you and your gift of Christ. Make my priorities to glorify you through communicating with you, communicating you to others, loving my wife and any children you might bless us with and loving my church which you ultimately sacrificed for. Lord, I am nothing but a man, please take over my life."

Jose

Saturday Fun

2007-04-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a beautiful Saturday with Jose's dad and grandparents going out to breakfast and to the Wild Animal Park. Our fun time included going on a ride around the park that lasted about 20 minutes, seeing the elephant show (our second time), going to the enclosed butterfly garden and mostly just spending time with the family. It was neat to see Jose's grandparent's reaction to seeing some of the animals that they haven't seen before up close. If anyone wants to come with us to the Wild Animal Park let us know.
Afterwards we went to Keith and Kristin Fowler's to hang out and watch the final four basketball games. Well, neither of the teams we wanted to win made it. I helped Jose fill out his bracket - and my guessing skills failed. Keith just had knee surgery for a torn ACL, so he's in pain and will be hanging out at home for some time. I'm thankful for the time to spend with friends, especially since work has somewhat removed me from some activities.
Today I took a telemetry test to become certified, which is needed for my job position. I didn't do as well as I wanted, however the teacher told me I didn't fail. I read the EKG strips correctly, but hadn't fully memorized the emergency protocols. So I will be writing down from memory the protocols and giving them to her, which is better than taking the test a second time. God is good and is helping me learn. I'm a slow learner so I have to remember to be patient with myself.
Hope you all have a wonderful day!

God All-Sufficient

2007-03-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

I want to start this entry with a prayer written by the Puritans from "The Valley of Vision". Jose and I have been encouraged by the prayers in this book on many occasions. One of my favorites is as follows,

GOD ALL-SUFFICIENT

"O Lord of grace,
The world is before me this day,
and I am weak and fearful,
but I look to thee for strength;
If I venture forth alone I stumble and fall,
but on the Beloved's arms I am firm
as the eternal hills;
If left to the treachery of my heart
I shall shame thy Name,
but if enlightened, guided, upheld by thy Spirit,
I shall bring thee glory.
Be though my arm to support,
my strength to stand,
my light to see,
my feet to run,
my shield to protect,
my sword to repel,
my sun to warm.
To enrich me will not diminish thy fullness;
All thy lovingkindness is in thy Son,
I bring him to thee in the arms of faith,
I urge his saving Name as the One who died for me.
I plead his blood to pay my debts of wrong.
Accept his worthiness for my unworthiness,
his sinlessness for my transgressions,
his purity for my uncleanness,
his sincerity for my guile,
his truth for my deceits,
his meekness for my pride,
his constancy for my backslidings,
his love for my enmity,
his fullness for my emptiness,
his faithfulness for my treachery,
his obedience for my lawlessness,
his glory for my shame,
his devotedness for my waywardness,
his holy life for my unchaste ways,
his righteousness for my dead works,
his death for my life."

I can relate to starting the day feeling somewhat fearful and weak, yet going through the day only by God's strength. What a Savior we have that would die for us and give us all His benefits, when all I've done is deserving of hell!

Nursing proves to be challenging each shift. There are times when I get frustrated because I realize all that I have to get done and yet need the help of my preceptor and time is only running out. Time management is huge and it's a learning process. I hope that you all don't think I'm portraying nursing in a bad light...I really do enjoy it, but realize my weakness in it. I am now caring for 3 patients and the other day I felt as if I was just running around all day and not always doing what I was supposed to. All experienced (or more experienced than I) nurses say it gets better. I believe them - it's just going to take time.
Last week I was able to see an open heart surgery. It was amazing to see what they do! Basically they stop the patient's heart while doing surgery and pump blood and fluids through him/her via tubes and a machine so that life is maintained. It took 5-6 hours to complete the surgery. It's so neat to actually see a live heart beating. I was able to see a lot of the surgery up close, it's one of those once in a lifetime experiences. Now I can better understand what many of my patients have gone through or will go through.
Jose is starting to learn book-keeping for small businesses by QuickBooks and another program. He is excited about doing this because it serves other people, he loves numbers and it can be a source of extra income in the future. He's testing out his skills by helping a guy out who owns a store that sells scrubs (that I have given business to).
We're continuing to pray about the future and where God may lead us, especially in regards to Jose's desire to go to seminary and be a Navy Chaplain. We've been talking to our pastors about whether Sovereign Grace Ministries (http://www.sovereigngraceministries.org/)would be able and willing to ordain Jose to be a Chaplain. It's not an easy answer because no one has ever proposed this idea to SGM before and there is a process they would have to go through. Thankfully God guides our steps and as much as we'd like to know what the future holds, we don't need to right now.
Jose and I are signed up to run the La Jolla half Marathon on April 22. We decided the full marathon would probably be too much at this time because of my work schedule and adjusting to nights, besides the fact we aren't trained for it.
In a little over a week my Mom and Grandma will be coming to visit and I'm thrilled about it! We will have some time to enjoy each other's company in the beautiful California weather.

2007-03-03T18:02:00.001-08:00

The past month

2007-03-03T15:57:00.000-08:00

As you can see it's been a month since we last posted. We had a wonderful time in Denver, CO. Thanks to the Heideman's we had a place to stay! The Heideman family reached out to a lot of midshipmen while Tony taught at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. So, Jose got to know them while he was in school. We were blessed with the time we spent with them. Jose and I were able to drive around and see different areas of CO, including Colorado Springs where we went to see Focus on the Family Ministry, Vail and Breckenridge (popular and expensive ski areas). We went snowboarding once - Jose's very first time. I must say he did very well for a first-timer; we had the help of an instructer, as we took a beginner's class. It had been a few years since I've gone, so the class only helped me learn the proper technique. After all, Sarah Megorden and I attempted to teach ourselves the first couple times - now she's pretty much a pro.
Anyway, we also visited Denver Seminary and even sat in on a class one night. The campus is new and in a great location. What we really like about the seminary is that there is a great Chaplain program (if not the best in the country). Most seminaries don't have anything in particular for military Chaplains, but there is a retired Chaplain who works there and has all sorts of connections. We would very much appreciate your prayers as we consider what God may have for us in the future. We are seriously considering moving to CO after Jose's time with the Marines is up (about a year and a half), so that he can go to seminary and become a Navy Chaplain. Our future is in the Lord's hands and we desire to follow His will wherever that may take us. Denver is looking like a great place to live right now. The housing market is down now, so it's a good time to buy. There's a Sovereign Grace Church right by Denver Seminary. Plus it's beautiful there, with plenty of outdoor stuff to do.
We also were able to spend an evening with one of Jose's friend from the Academy, Jamie. I was able to meet her for the first time. She's the first person who shared the gospel with Jose. I thank God for her and the way she's unashamed to share the gospel. Before I ever met Jose I remember praying for my future husband and that he'd grow in His relationship with God and if he wasn't saved yet that he would be. Jamie simply shared the gospel with Jose while they were on the way to Covenant Life Church (she doesn't really remember).
I will have to post pictures later. We forgot to bring our digital camera and bought a cheap disposible one. We had fun hanging out with friends and checking out CO.
February 12th I started working. The first week was filled with days of orientation. On the first day I went to a hotel to be oriented to all of Scripps Hospitals and clinics. I was at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla the rest of the week being oriented to that specific site, my specific unit and nursing there in general. There are a bunch of new grads going through all this at the same time. They taught us how to use equipment, document, use proper body mechanics for moving patients, computer class, policies, and more.
My first real day as a nurse was on Sunday, February 18th! I work on a cardiac care floor, caring for patients before and after heart surgery and more. I was quite fearful. It was like nursing school again - when I had to go in a patient's room for the very first time. I really hadn't been oriented to the floor and wasn't familiar with anything. It also seems like a long time since I've done any patient care - almost a year. My preceptor helped me through and definitely detected my fear; a few days later she told me I was like "a deer caught in headlights". As the days go on I become a little more comfortable. The hardest part for me is all the paper work and knowing the right way to do things and remembering to do them. Now I sign my name as R. Jimenez, RN. My greatest fear is making a mistake that will have a negative impact on my patients. Because I am human and Rebekah I will make mistakes. Pray for me that I would have peace and joy as I work and do my work diligently and unto the Lord. I'm grateful for my preceptor, who thus far has been very patient with me. I've already experienced a patient who was uncomfortable with new grads and was giving me the 3rd degree. I also had the pleasure of having a wonderful patient that wanted to do everything to cooperate and had a very supportive family. Praise God for both experiences and all the new information I'm learning! It's going to be a long learning process, but God gives me grace each day. This past week I worked 3 twelve hour shifts in a row and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The real test will be when I switch to nights and am on my own! Overall, it's a really great experience for me because it causes me to remember my dependence on the Lord, and stretches me to learn and do new things.
Let me honor and thank my hubby for his love for me in practical ways. After coming home from my first 12 hr shift I found a note and a pan full of lasagna! Jose made lasagna before going to his home group men's meeting. I was so blessed by this and didn't have to worry about making dinner. During this past week, for a couple nights, he has gone to the new building our church will soon be in to help with tearing things down before construction begins. Thanks honey for serving me and the church!
Last Saturday we got to spend time with my dad and his wife Casey while they were in Laguna Beach for a work related trip. We enjoyed walking on the beach, going shopping, and eating good food. Thanks Dad and Casey for treating us! It was great to see them - we haven't spent any time with them since our wedding. We look forward to when they come again for San Diego's Rock n' Roll Marathon in June. I still am contemplating on whether or not to join them in the insanity. Due to having colds, going on trips and starting work I haven't been as consistent with running as I hoped.
Well, this weekend I'm relaxing and Jose is working because it's drill weekend. Yesterday Jose and I were able to spend time together and went for a lovely walk in La Jolla by the beach. My goal is to go to the beach at least once a week - we live in sunny California after all. Hopefully next posting I can put up some pictures. God bless you all.

Fun times in the East

2007-02-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

We had a full and fun time over in MD and VA. Jose was a groomsman in Brian & Jecholia Gallagher's wedding. They got married on January 13th in the historical town of Abingdon, VA, near to where Jecholia grew up. Both the dress rehearsal and wedding reception were held in the beautiful Martha Washington Inn - find out more at http://www.marthawashingtoninn.com/. It was great to get to know Jecholia better and celebrate in their marriage. The weather during our time in VA was rather warm for this time of year. We were even able to enjoy a run on a nearby trail. Jose and I were very honored to be there and so happy for the new Gallagher family!
Sunday morning after the wedding we started to drive back to MD. Thanks mom for letting us borrow your vehicle! We were able to go to Sovereign Grace Community Church in Roanoke, VA. It was wonderful to be so warmly welcomed and receive free lunch because they had a big pot-luck after the service.

We were able to spend time with my mom, brother and many friends during our visit. Pretty much we had something planned everyday. Mom, Jose and I were able to spend part of a day in Mount Vernon - where George Washington and his family resided. This trip educated us more on the history of the nation, especially the Washington family. Another day we went down to D.C. to see the indoor botanical gardens and then toured the Capitol.

Jose and I were invited out to eat quite a few times and shown hospitality. We enjoyed a dinner out with some of the girls from nursing school and their husbands/fiance. Rose & Jesse had us, Sarah and Caitlin over for dinner and then we ate a delicious dessert at the Melting Pot.
We spent another evening at the Mstowski's house for dinner and fun - my brother David brought over his Nintendo Wii and we all got into it.

One afternoon we spent hanging out with Caitlin playing the "game of last year", Scrabble. We spent another day hanging out at the Robb's house for some tea and then were invited over to dinner before we left town.

Jose and I took a day to go visit Annapolis, where he went to school at the Naval Academy. While we were there it flurried for a little bit - it's nice to enjoy winter for a few days and not a whole season of it. Tim & Jada were able to meet us for lunch at a nearby Irish Pub and then we continued to walk around. We couldn't leave Annapolis without getting gelato. We came back and mom cooked us dinner and then we went over to Mike & Sarah's home where we enjoyed dessert, playing Rummikub, and praying for each other.
January 19th, the day before we left, we were able to go ice skating and have lunch with Rose and Mitch. I love ice skating and took lessons for a couple years (more than 10 years ago), so it was fun to be able to go with my husband. Jose improved as the time went on, from clinging to the wall to skating on his own two feet. As you can tell we kept busy having a good time - I left out a lot of details too...I don't want to bore you all. Thanks to everyone who welcomed us into their homes and left time open in your busy schedules to spend time with us!

Anyways, Jose and I will be off to Colorado in a few days to get in one more trip before I'm bound to my job. This past week Matt, Jose's brother, came to visit and take care of some things before he goes to Germany for 5 months. Hopefully this summer he'll be moving here to CA and will finish up school at Cal State - in Northridge or maybe closer. I'll try to keep you all posted with what the Jimenez family is up to.

Better late than never

2007-01-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Today I just developed our pictures that we took on our honeymoon to Aruba from May 22-June 2. The thing is with Jose's digital camera I barely take pictures with my 35mm camera and hadn't used up the film on the honeymoon. So, feel free to take a look. It's kind of fun to look at pictures of something you did a while ago; these days you get instant gratification with digital cameras. Let me explain this goofy picture of us. Jose is wearing goggles for a good reason...he's serving his new wife by letting her wear his sunglasses, because she didn't own any at the time. We went on a very fun jeep safari trip for a day which consisted of driving through a lot of desert. There was a lot of sand blowing all around us, which caused me to lose one contact. Fun times! Besides being together all the time, one of our favorite things we did in Aruba pretty much every day was eat gelato, oh so good.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-08T10:09:00.000-08:00

Jose and I enjoyed our time celebrating the new year in Yuma, AZ with Jacob, Sarah, and Mark Portaro at Kyle, Leanna and Vivi Buchina's home. We stayed up til 3:30 am playing a card game called "King's row" which took a total of about 5 hours to play. We're not much for staying up late but Jose got a nap in during the afternoon while the rest of us watched "Cars". It was a good time hanging out, eating, and playing games. Mark and Vivi are cute kids that I took pleasure in playing with. Thanks Buchinas for having us over and being so hospitable!

Tuesday, January 2nd was my official last day working at Starbucks! I am a little sad to leave. If you ever want a job for the purpose of giving you something to do and a small pay check then Starbucks is a great place to work. It's fun getting to know the daily customers, smelling the coffee, getting free drinks while working, flexible schedule, a mark out every week, and plus 30% discount. Okay, now it sounds like I'm advertising for them. Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed working there. For now I can enjoy the month long break of not working and the blessing of being able to make visits.

We went to the Wild Animal Park on another beautiful day in San Diego. We walked around and got to watch the elephant show. It's great that we can be outside without freezing in the winter time!

One of our goals (as it is for a lot of people) is to get into shape. We have both put on some pounds (fat not muscle). It shouldn't be automatic that when you get married you gain weight...well I guess we're not getting any younger either. It seems to take more effort than it used to in order to stay in shape. We've been able to go on 3 nice bike rides - Lake Miramar, Mt. Woodson, and Rancho Penasquitos Trails. It definitely left the buttocks sore. We've gone to the gym on base a few times together. Now is probably the time that I should begin training for one of my life goals - to run a marathon. My dad and his wife Casey are running a bunch of races these days and on June 3rd they are coming here to run the San Diego Rockn'roll marathon. I'm thinking of joining them in this crazy endeavor. This would mean serious dedication to running about 5-6 times per week, increasing the mileage every week. I figure it's not going to get any easier as I get any older and that whenever the time comes to have kids that it's not going to happen then. I'll let you know if I sign up to do it - first I want to make sure that I'll be able to have work off for a couple days so that I can recover.

Jose and I will be leaving for Maryland on this Wednesday for 10 days. We'll be going to Brian Gallagher and Jecholia Jessee's wedding in VA. I'm looking forward to seeing my mom, bro and long time friends! I'm sure we'll have lots of pictures and stories to put up when we're back.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Jose and I celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple, although we've spent the previous two Christmas' here in CA. Everyone asks, "What traditions are you going to make?". It's a great question. We have a few, but really it can't be a tradition unless we repeat it a couple years. I think that lots of traditions come when you have children. We put up a tree, some lights on the railing of our little porch, set out the Christmas cards and pictures we received, put stockings by the fire place, walked around "Christmas Card Lane" to see lights, and went to many Christmas parties. No matter what traditions we choose we must remember the reason why we have to celebrate.

Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

Saturday night we had a game night at our home. We ate dinner together and then played mafia. It was a lot of fun to fill our apartment with about 25 people. Maybe we can carry this on and make it a tradition.

Christmas Eve we went to church in the morning and then in the afternoon went to a family's house (The Turbedsky's) from the church. We appreciated having a place to go and be with friends. After we came home, we opened one present from each other - Jose got me a big wooden picture frame with a Scripture on it and I gave Jose a journaling Bible. We ended the night by watching "It's a Wonderful Life"...well part of it because I fell asleep as usual.

On Christmas morning we drove up north to eat breakfast at IHOP with Jose's grandparents, dad, brother, and uncle. Some more family came over to the grandparent's home and we visited with them for a little bit. We stopped by to visit the Nair family on our way home. When we came home we opened our presents (you can see silly pictures we took of each other). Jose then continued to write a paper that he's been working on for a history class he's taking at a seminary, while I made a cheesecake. For dinner we went over the the Fierro's house (family from our church) and had a good time.

The year 2006 is coming to an end! We plan on celebrating the new year with friends in Yuma, Arizona. You ask "what's there?" The Buchina family, a lot of desert and a growing community.
Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Surprises!

2006-12-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

There has been much excitement going on in our lives! Thanks to everyone who has been praying for me to pass the NCLEX and get a nursing job! As you know, I took the test December 6th. Saturday while I was checking the California Board of Registered Nursing web site I typed in my name to check license verification and sure enough my name came up with an active license!! I pretty much screamed and jumped for joy with Jose and my mom right there to celebrate the moment. I passed with only taking 75 questions in about 2 hours. It was funny because I took a break when I was on question number 74 (due to my horrible experience last time) and came back and only had to do one more question. I can't thank those enough who have been encouraging and praying for me for months now. Then this past Thursday I had an interview at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla and was offered the job on the spot. There was one opening left for a new grad on the Telemetry floor (takes care of patients after heart surgery) and I gladly said I'd like the position! God has a reason for everything. In the summer I had an interview for the same exact position and was put on the waiting list and then a spot opened up, but I failed the exam and couldn't take the offer. If the Lord wills me to work there I will start February 12th.

So on with the story about surprises. My birthday was on December 7th and because I was taking the test the day before I asked Jose not to tell me anything regarding celebrating my birthday so that I could stay focused (my mind easily wanders). This gave him an opportunity to surprise me, which is not easy to do. I asked him if I needed to pack anything and he said to pack for us for one night. After coming home from the test I packed a bag. Wednesday afternoon we went to La Jolla to see the sunset and walk around. We picked out a place to eat dinner and then we went to go move our car (since it was only 3 hr parking) and he only moved it over 2 spaces. Logically this didn't make sense to me since we had to walk a bit and thought he'd drive closer to the restaurant. I was not too happy and so he told me to look over there as he pointed to the Bed and Breakfast sign. He surprised me with an overnight stay at a lovely Bed and Breakfast! The room was blue and decorated beautifully. They even gave us chocolate covered strawberries and champagne to celebrate. In the morning we relaxed and then enjoyed being served breakfast there.

The surprises were not over yet. In the afternoon we drove downtown San Diego to walk by the bay, which happens to be near the airport. I have to admit I was pretty suspicious and had a gut feeling about what was going to happen. We walked around by the water for an hour or so. We sat down on the grass by some trees and Jose got a phone call. He pretended it was the car place letting us know we could pick up our other car (which was in the shop). He said we'd be there soon to pick it up. As we got closer to the car I started looking around and I spotted who I was looking for - my mom! I started laughing because she had seen us and started to duck down by the cars. I kept looking for her and she popped up by our car. We gave each other a big hug. I was really happy to see her! They tried so hard to keep it a surprise from me and they did a pretty good job....I just pick up on little things and imagine what might happen. Thanks mom for coming for the weekend to be with me on my birthday! We went from there to have lunch at Sammy's Woodfire Pizza. We ended the day watching "The Nativity".

We had a lot of fun with my mom here. Friday, December 8th we went to the San Diego Zoo. Now I have a pass for myself and one other person until February 2008. So if anyone comes to visit we'll have to go to the Zoo or Wild Animal Park. It was another beautiful day to walk around. During my mom's visit we also went to a Christmas party, ate at the Chart House, went to Church and home group, and found a Christmas tree! My mom bought me a new bike as a graduation/birthday present. I've been wanting one for a while and she decided to bless me with one. We have really cool trails right by where we live that go to the beach and are looking forward to biking there together.

I definitely felt like a queen the whole time. I have been so blessed! Thanks mom and Jose for making this time so special! Thank the Lord for giving me a wonderful husband, mom and friends and allowing me to pass the NCLEX! What a joyous time. This birthday was one of the best if not the best I've ever had. For most of my life I've been in school during my birthday and more often than not have had a major project or exam on or close to my birthday. How wonderful to not have to study right now :) Now it's time to celebrate our Savior's birth!

Please Pray

2006-12-01T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hello friends! It's been a while since we've updated this blog. We've been enjoying life together. Monday, November 20th Jose and I celebrated our 6th month-a-versary. Yes, we are dorks! It's fun to do something special each month. We were able to go to a lovely restaurant by the Ocean, called the Chart House. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset and nice seafood meal. They even brought us a piece of cake with a candle to celebrate our anniversary. It's been a wonderful 6 months being married to Jose. Thanks Jose for loving me so much and asking me to marry you! God has been blessing us and sanctifying us more in marriage.
We hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving! We had Thanksgiving in our home with Jose's dad, two brothers (Matt and David), and his dad's friend. All the guys played a round of golf at Miramar. While Matt was here they played golf 3 times. Meanwhile Carolyn and I cooked, made a trip to the store and waited for the turkey to bake. The turkey turned out pretty well for a first timer. We enjoyed each eating a lot of food and playing games together including an all time favorite - Monopoly.
Today we found out that our lease for the apartment was only for 6 months; all along we thought we signed for a year. Please pray that God would give us wisdom on whether we should buy a place, rent somewhere else, or stay where we are. We'd love it if God would provide a house or condo that is in our price range in the area we live in now.
Also, please pray for me as I retake the NCLEX this Wednesday, December 6th! I am desperate for God's help and ability to pass this! I did have an interview at Children's Hospital and I was not offered a job there. So, I am also going to be in the process of finding a job. There still is a shortage of nurses and plenty of opportunities. God continues to be faithful and will provide for all our needs.

Baby Joshua!

2006-10-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

Joshua Keith Fowler was born on Tuesday, October 24th 2006 at 3:16 a.m. to proud parents, Keith and Kristin! He was 7 lbs 10 oz and 34 cm long. Welcome, Joshua to our world! Kristin persevered through a long labor and a c-section was needed after over 2 hours of pushing. I was able to be with Kristin at Balboa Naval Hospital during the earlier hours of labor on Monday and see the pain in childbearing. Jose and I went to go visit Kristin and baby late Tuesday afternoon. Joshua is a cutie and we were thrilled to see and hold him :) Praise God for a healthy baby and Kristin's recovery! We love you guys and can't wait until we get to babysit!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2006-10-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to express my love and appreciation for my mom. She's be so faithful to care for me my whole life. Thanks Mom for all the ways you encourage me and for sharing the wisdom God has given you with me! Thanks for your friendship :) I miss you and look forward to the next time we come to visit. Happy Birthday (two days ago - October 22nd)!

Florida Vacation

2006-10-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Rebekah and I just returned from Christopher and Amy McKelvey's wedding in Orlando Florida this past weekend! It was an amazing ceremony and reception! God was so generous to us through his people in Orlando. The Lord provided Rebekah and I with lodging at the Anderson's (Jesse and Dasha, i think that is how you spell it and Jesse's parents Bob and Bonnie). Thank you so much!

Nicevillians,

I was so excited to have the opportunity to have you meet my wife Rebekah. She has been such a godly influenece in my life and I treasure her so much! It was so sweet to get to know you again. I loved speaking with each of you about how God is bringing about His plan in you. Everytime I see you I so desire to come and live among you. Your friendship has not seized the slightest regardless of the large amounts of time I am away. I love that our relationship began grounded in the Gospel and how to this day we can still encourage eachother in our walk with God. Please pray that God will speak clearly to Rebekah and I about where He would have us serve. We love you all so much and we can't wait for an opportunity to come visit.

Bekah's Trip to Maryland

2006-10-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,
I know it's been a while since we've made any updates. October is a busy traveling month for us. This past weekend I was able to make a trip to MD while Jose had a working weekend. I arrived late Thursday night and left early in the morning on Monday. It was a blessing to be able to spend time with my mom and friends. Friday I ate lunch with my mom and the Mstowski ladies and in the afternoon I headed off with my friends Caitlin, Sarah and Rose to go camping for the night. We managed to set up a tent and start a fire (after a couple failed attempts), despite other people's doubts. It was definitely much chillier than San Diego, and required wearing many layers. We had a good time catching up with each other.
Saturday after camping my mom and I went to Georgetown. We walked around and then ate some good lobster at Clyde's.
On Sunday morning I went to Covenant Life Church and was able to see lots of people. Now that I've been gone for almost 5 months, Grace Church seems more like home than Covenant Life, although I'll always feel at home there. I'm grateful God has placed Jose and I in Grace Church for now. After the meeting my mom, brother and I went to our dear friends', the Robbs, house for lunch.
One of the reasons I went to MD was to go to my long time friend, Lauren Minard's (now Rohwer), wedding. I sat there during the ceremony watching as memories began to flood my mind going back to childhood when we used to play dress-up and house and only dream of when we'd get older. Now we're both married women. It's wonderful to see God's faithfulness in our lives of where He's brought us today.
Overall, I had a lovely trip and am grateful I had the opportunity to visit. You can view some pictures of while I was there. This Thursday Jose and I head off for another short trip to Orlando, FL to attend his friend's wedding.
I hope to post some pictures of our apartment soon for those of you who are far away and can't come over. Maybe it'll entice you to come and visit warm San Diego :)
Praise report is that I was called by Children's Hospital for an interview on November 8th! Thanks for the prayers and please continue to ask God for His guidance and blessing for whether or not I get a job there. Also, keep praying that I pass the NCLEX. I'll let you know when I have a test date.
Okay, I think that's it for now. Hope you all are resting in God's grace!

Baby Shower

2006-09-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we were able to host a baby shower for our dear friend Kristin Fowler who is going to have a baby boy soon! Kristin has been a real blessing in my life as I've moved away from my life long friends! Keith and Kristin live less than 5 miles away and we're able to get together with them quite a bit. They've showed us hospitality many times - I stayed there while Jose and I were engaged and Jose had several dinners there before we were married, and now we both come over for fun times. I'm excited for baby Joshua's arrival :) Tonight I'll be going with Kristin to a birthing class - her husband is busy and she asked me to come. You can see some pictures of us girls (and baby Jack and Joshua) having a fun time at the shower.
This past week I've been taking a review class for the NCLEX and studying at Barnes and Noble. Jose is helping me to stick to my study plan. Friday I applied online for Children's Hospital, so please pray that they would call me back for an interview.
Next week Jose and I will be in Dallas getting some training for him to be the Family Readiness Officer (FRO) and me to be the Key Volunteer(KVO) for his unit, which means we'll be a point of contact for families if there is a deployment. I'll let you know how that goes.

Life in General

2006-09-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

Hello Family and Friends!

Jose and I wanted to start this blogger as a way to keep our friends informed about what's going on in our lives, ask for prayer, and communicate with those we can't see often. The married life is going wonderfully! It's almost been 4 months :) We've settled in our apartment here in sunny San Diego and have been keeping busy.
This Sunday we will be starting the new members class at Grace Church. We are excited as we are getting more involved by serving in the hospitality and children's ministry. Our new home group just started this past Sunday and I'm excited for what God has in store for us. It's been fun meeting lots of new people and getting plugged in.
Monday nights we are in a group called CBS (Couples Bible Study) that Jose is helping to lead. The group originally started with Christian couples whose husbands were in the Navy on the same ship. Now only two of the men are still on the ship and the group is more diverse in that way. The group had been more of a social outlet with a commonality in the military but is now changing to focus more on our commonality as Christians to encourage, fellowship, keep each other accountable, and pray for one another. We just started to go through the book "Why Small Groups?" and can see good coming from that already.
Jose and I have been trying to get in shape by running together more regularly. We live by a really cool dirt trail that actually goes to the ocean (although we haven't gone that far yet). Yesterday I was really challenged as we ran close to 8 miles on the base at Miramar. We're hoping to run some races together in the future.
As Jose mentioned earlier, I need prayer to study for the NCLEX test to become a registered nurse. I took a review course earlier this summer and took the test August 11th. I didn't have the best feeling after the test. We waited about 2 weeks for the result and found out I did not pass. God is sovereign and has a good plan for the future! I'm taking the review course a second time starting Monday, Sept. 18th. We're hoping that I can take the NCLEX again sometime in November. I had two different job offers, but obviously was not able to take them due to not passing. I'm going to apply for more jobs starting at Children's Hospital. My desire is to work in Pediatrics and maybe this is why God didn't allow me to pass the first time. I'm enjoying this time now of not working 12 hr shifts. Right now I'm working part time at Starbucks, because it was easy to transfer from MD to here. I've been working the opening shift lately, which is at 4:15 am (bright and early...no actually it's still dark).
Jose is stationed at Miramar and works with reservists. One weekend a month he works as the reserves come in. It's not that bad because the following week he gets Thursday- Sunday off.
God has really blessed us with the job he has now. It's so much better than getting deployed to Iraq again! He's been able to come home for lunch on many afternoons, or sometimes I go there to bring him lunch. He also doesn't usually stay at work that late, so that's another bonus. Praise God!
Well, as you can see I've already written quite a bit :) We'll try to keep this as up to date as possible. Write back and let us know what's going on in your lives!

God has provided!!

2006-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Just to let everyone know, Rebekah and I have been praying about our investment home in Texas. A couple of months ago our renter left the home and we were stuck with another mortgage payment. Well, God has now provided another renter!

Some other things that Rebekah and I have been praying about and need pray about are as follows:

Pray for our family to receive Christ as their savior. We always pray for this. I know that both of our hearts are continually hoping that God will reveal to them their sin, show them His mercy and grace and that they will repent.

Pray for Rebekah as she turns to the books to study for her NCLEX exam. It is the test she has to pass before she can become a nurse. We are thinking sometime in November will be the test.

Please pray for Gods wisdom in discerning my call to be a Navy Chaplain, stay in the Marine Corps or to become a professor of mathematics. I have until July 2008 to be in the Marine Corps so that means lots of time to pray.

Thank you so much!

We love you all!!

Our first Blog Spot

2006-08-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Thanks so much for visiting our site. We hope to have some pictures posted soon.