The Playground Project

Over the last couple of months, we have been challenged (from messages at church, God’s word, and His Spirit) to give more of ourselves…whether it be our time, our money, or our possessions. Our prayer and desire is that our family would have eyes to see those in need and to be moved by God to meet their needs. After handful of conversations and brainstorming together, we think God provided a simple and tangible way to teach our kids how to give of themselves and meet a need…a project that we could work together on as a family.

With my sister, Pam, and her family (the McCormicks) living in Haiti and investing in the Haitian people, we asked Pam if there were any specific needs needed to be met. After talking with my sister, she immediately thought of the children in the community and identified a desire to build a park and playground in their community! In the center of their town, the kids currently gather to play in a “grass” area with the playground equipment consisting of a swing set with no swings and one rusted, sharp, and hold-filled slide. While the McCormicks and their organization are working so hard to solve the basic problems of poverty in their town, we figured this could be a small way to directly reach out to the children in the community. A park could provide so much joy to the children in Haiti…it could be a central gathering area for the kids to play, a place to build community, and much more. Pam and I were so excited about this opportunity.

At dinner one night we shared the idea with Laekin and Micah. Since we visited Haiti in 2010 and had a chance to play at the “park” in the McCormick’s community, they quickly understood and agreed that the children in that community could use a new park. We started talking about ways to save and raise money for this project. Laekin said, “I have 3 dollars in my piggy bank we can send to Haiti!” Soon after that, we spent a few hours going through ALL of their toys and filled up 5 boxes of toys to sell in an upcoming garage sale (along with a lemonade stand the kids want to set-up). Since this idea has been bouncing around our house, it has led to conversations about people in need, conversations about other needs of the Haitians, conversations about homeless people that we see on the street corners and digging in trash cans for food, and conversations about the what can we do to help. We see God moving in the hearts of our kids and it is so exciting. One night before bed Laekin looked at me and said, “Mom do you really, really want the people in Haiti to have food to eat every day? I said, “Yes I really do, why?” She responded “Because I really do too.”

We are looking forward to seeing how God continues to move us to action. When we visit Haiti again soon, it will be exciting for our kids to see the progress of the park and to be reminded of the ways that they gave their money, possessions, and time for the benefit of others. 

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:17, 18)

(Stay tuned for more info on how you can get involved too!)

Brynn's home birth

Incredible birth photos taken by the very talented Lindsey Kliewer!

(The expanded birth story)
When I got pregnant with Brynn I knew that I wanted to have her at home. Laekin was born in a hospital and Micah was born at a birth center, both very good experiences and both were delivered by my amazing midwife BJ Snell. But now I was ready and felt confident to experience birth in the comfort of our home. Throughout my pregnancy with Brynn I thought, imagined, dreamed, and prayed for this birth experience. I looked so forward to this birth experience (not the pain...but), the process, wondering what my story would be.

My "due date" of December 2nd came and went, not to my surprise since Laekin and Micah both came after too. That weekend I wanted things to get going but tried to remain patient. Thus we went on a 3 mile walk on Saturday which gave me many contractions, I mopped the floors, and on Sunday I went for a 1 mile walk. I continued to have contractions on and off throughout the day, but no labor yet. On Monday evening things seemed to be picking up a little bit more, but I did not want to get my hopes up. That night before bed, Laekin asked me "Mommy when is your baby going to come?" After the kids were in bed, Jeremy and I had spent a little more time picking/cleaning up the house. By about 10pm I was ready for bed.

Around 1:30am a nice contraction woke me up. I decided to go back to bed and was woken up by another contraction at 2:00am. I got up and knew I was in labor now. I woke Jeremy up and I started shaking uncontrollably, which also happened with my labors with Laekin and Micah. That moment where you know labor is starting and there is no turning back...a sense of anxiety, excitement, and nervousness. Jeremy sat with me on the bed and helped me breath and regain control. I called my midwife BJ and told her that it might be early in my labor but I needed her now! Thankfully she is just minutes from my house and came over right away. I also texted my sister in Haiti and let her know that my labor had started. She had just gotten up as it was 5:30am in Haiti. It was comforting knowing that she knew I was in labor and was praying for me. BJ arrived and checked me and I was already 5cm which was very encouraging. During this time our birth assistant, Birgitte, and birth photographer, Lindsey Kliewer showed up as well. Their calming presence was such a great support to me.

Throughout the next few hours I just tried to stay as relaxed and comfortable as I could. I moved around and changed postitions more in this birth than my other 2. I sat on the birth ball, stood, swayed, and used the tub during this time. I was aware around 5am that this birth was going to be slower than Micah's 3.5 hour labor. I was grateful for this as it felt more manageable and I had more breaks in between contractions. Jeremy remained by my side with each contraction, supporting me, encouraging me, and praying for me. He is quite the pro now!

My contractions continued to increase in intensity. Around 6:30am BJ checked me and I was 9 cm! Again I was so relieved but so nervous too... knowing that this was going to be the final stretch and most intense and hardest part for me. I layed down on my bed with Jeremy behind me, and BJ and Birgitte surrounding me. I think God knew I needed these next 30 minutes to build up my confidence for the finish! My contractions were a tad less intense and they spaced out to 5-6 minutes apart. I tried to relax and let my body do the work it needed to do. I could really feel Brynn beginning to move and position down into my pelvis... the most intense feeling ever! During these 30 minutes I had to have someones hand at all times. Between Jeremy, BJ, and Birgitte, I squeezed the heck out of their hands during each contraction. This really helped me as I could do something while trying to relax the rest of my body. Then a little after 7am I knew I needed to get up, maybe the doula/birth assistant in me knowing that I needed to change positions. I had to pee so bad but I knew I would probably have a bunch of contractions on the way to the bathroom. I got up and the intensity continued to increase. I used the bathroom, slammed my hand on the wall a few times, and used a few choice words. As I came out of the bathroom BJ was standing right there to give me the continued support I needed as I gave her "the look" (as I have several times in labor). The look of utter desperation, help me, rescue me, i can't do this, when will it end....She offered to break my water so I could have this baby to which I agreed! I walked back to my bed and stood and within minutes my water broke on its own....at 7:30am. Brynn was coming... I gave a couple wimpy pushes trying to avoid the pressure to which quickly I reminded myself that the pressure will not go away until this baby girl is out. I regained my confidence and really pushed and baby Brynn was born at 7:38am. I got in bed and my little precious slimy naked baby girl was placed on my chest. There is nothing like those moments after birth... It is the best feeling on earth. Sweet relief, complete joy, the MIRACLE of birth. What an amazing birth, surrounded by God's grace, my family, and my incredible supportive birth team. I am so humbled and grateful to God to have the opportunity to experience this process a 3rd time.

Mother's Day Tea at Preschool

Laekin's preschool continues to amaze me and go WAY beyond my expectations! We are so grateful for her unique school experience and look forward to another year!

For Mother's Day the kids went all out (with the help of their teacher). For a week or more they were preparing for this special tea. They would make "surprises" during school that they would give to their moms at the tea. Laekin was so excited for this day at school and couldn't wait to get dressed up. When I arrived at school she had a vase with hand picked flowers for me. The tables were prepared with place settings, a lace tablecloth, and a handmade place mat with a picture of something they enjoy doing with their mom. The kids had spent the morning (before all the moms arrived) making a cake and salad for us. As we sat down, our child served us tea, salad, and later cake. Whatever we needed, they were ready to serve. So sweet. After lunch, the kids had all prepared and practiced 4 or 5 songs that they sang all together. After the songs, Laekin gave me a beautiful plate that she made and a keychain. She was so excited about giving me the gifts she made. We ended the class with dancing!

This was definitely a celebration that I will remember and cherish. Laekin made it so special and my heart was overflowing with love and joy!


Laekin making a cake!


All the moms had special tea hats to wear.... made by our children.


Waiting to give me her gifts.

San Diego Botanical Gardens

My friend and I took our kids to the San Diego Botanical Gardens on the 1st Tuesday of the month (which is free). It was a beautiful day and we all had a great time. We saw lots of pretty flowers and trees, played in a tree house, played in the little stream, had lunch, and ended the day on the grass with an ice cream treat!

My boy

This little guy has stolen my heart lately. The word that comes to my mind lately when I think of Micah is "intuition" defined as "understanding without apparent effort". These last couple of months have brought great highs and lows as I experienced pregnancy and miscarriage. Six days before I even took a pregnancy test Micah at the breakfast table looked at me and said "You have a baby in your tummy." Regardless if it was going to be true or not I just received it as God's little gift in sending me peace. Micah told me this 3 times before we even told them that I was pregnant! The day that I miscarried I sat quietly on the couch as tears streamed down my face. Micah grabbed his blanket, crawled up on the couch, layed his head in my lap and just sat with me. His intuition lately has amazed me and has bonded us. He can be such a love and he never gives up a chance to cuddle with his mama.

Almost there...

I am a proud sister! My brother is less than 2 weeks away from graduating from the LAPD Academy. We went to LA last week to see him get his badge. He has been in the Academy for the past 6 months. He has been through so much these past months and I am so excited for him and his upcoming graduation! We love you Nick!

These two

I remind myself daily to continue to take it all in-to let these memories sink deep. I love watching these two. They share their best and worst moments with each other. They know how to make each other really happy and they know how to make each other really mad.

Lately one of the best things is to listen and watch their interaction with each other when I am in the kitchen preparing meals. Their imaginations are at work and they are always coming up with something new. Their latest ones have been reading together, pushing their strollers to "Disneyland", being construction workers and going around the house fixing things, dance parties, playing catch, and being Native Americans and playing their instruments.

They continue to love sharing a room and know nothing different. I love overhearing them and their little conversations from their beds at night after we close their door. I pray that they would grow in their love for each other and continue to be best buds and playmates!

Playing at Papa's firestation with the hoses.