Behind. Somehow I got just a tad bit behind in blogging. As in...an entire year behind. I tried to catch up over the summer...when school was out. I tried to catch up in the fall...when school started again. I tried to catch up over each birthday and major life happening...but in the end another calendar month would go by and I would still be behind.
There was a part of me tempted to be done...maybe blogging is over rated. Maybe it was only for a season...when the kids were young and social media had yet to be introduced.
But then as I went through old blog posts...ten years of blog posts...reminiscing through pages of the Jimenez family history ...I knew that someday my kids would be glad for the fact that I continued on.
We celebrated Amy's thirteenth birthday. It was a big day. She became a teenager.
We started a new church out here in Mint Hill at the beginning of the year. It was not an easy decision...and one that was much prayed over. But in an effort to live and serve and worship in our community we started attending Arlington Baptist Church which is about a mile down the road.
We slowly started to get to know different families at the church. It is smaller than our last church and so it was a bit easier to meet people. The big kids had an opportunity to meet more of the kids in the youth group during DNOW. A weekend spent here in Charlotte but at a local venue and then spending the night at hosted homes. There was worship, teaching, a magic show, a comedian and a service project...a very FULL weekend.
The transition to a new church was not been the easiest on the big kids. They both had some amazing friends at our previous church. But we were proud of them for trying...for putting themselves out there...and meeting new people. They went on Wednesday night to youth group and discipleship on Sunday evenings where each of them have a mentor.
Hailey turned SEVEN this month! We thought about different ways to celebrate and she really did not have any requests except...pigs. Yes...pigs...she wanted a pig cake. Hm. Well, I am not one that attempts these grand baking challenges. But my friend, Angela, has made all of Hailey's birthday cakes up until now. And a pig cake? (or cupcakes?) No problem!
Rather than trying to catch up one blog post at a time...I'm just going to do one epic 2018 post and then declare that 2018 is done.
And to be honest...it does seem that it went about as fast as going from one blog post to the next.
It flew.
JANUARY
I got a phone call from my cousin that she had fallen and tore her ACL and miniscus. This meant surgery for her and a trip up to Asheville for nurse Celia.
Unfortunately, it was right in the middle of the biggest snow storm we had had in a long time. Thankfully, God kept her safe in the surgery and us safe on the way home!
It was some very thick snow...perfect for sledding and snowmen. We had a little winter wonderland for that day...and had fun enjoying every minute of it!!
Zana before surgery
The scary blizzard drive home.
Best sledding snow!
Jackson and Hailey's attempt at a snowman.
Amy in Narnia ;)
We celebrated Amy's thirteenth birthday. It was a big day. She became a teenager.
So to make it special we went up to Asheville to celebrate with Aunt Judy at the Biltmore.
It was a beautiful day and I think it's safe to say...she had a blast!
Being that thirteen was such a special day...we asked several family members and friends to send a special message to Amy. I put them together to make a special book for her. So many messages of encouragement and love that I hope and pray Amy will treasure for a long time to come!!
On our way to the Biltmore...but first...Starbucks!
A quick hello to Z who was still recovering.
Beautiful Aunt Judy.
Beautiful Amy.
Beautiful Biltmore.
We went to a fancy lunch @ the Stable Cafe.
Fruit Pizza in lieu of cake.
Her special messages book.
FEBRUARY
At the beginning of the year, several friends got together to hash out what it would look like if we started a homeschool coop. Ideas flew around the table and we all decided to adopt a month and make it our own. Rather than make it a formal - educational coop...we wanted it to be something fun. Something the kids would look forward to each week! I took the first month - and as the Winter Olympics are about to start - that became our theme for the month.
The first week was the epic torch marathon and lighting. Jason made the torch for the kids...and it was fantastic.
I split them into different countries and spent the rest of the month competing with different games.
It was a BLAST!!! Who knew coop could be so fun!
Molly Dorminy, Gabriel Fisher, Amy and Jackson - coming up with their team flag.
Cris Pepper, Mack Dorminy, Ashlyn Fisher & Ruby Dorminy coming up with their flag.
Mateo Pepper, Ella Daley, Tyler and Hailey coming up with their flag.
Torch lighting run
China won GOLD
Germany won Silver
Brazil won Bronze
We started a new church out here in Mint Hill at the beginning of the year. It was not an easy decision...and one that was much prayed over. But in an effort to live and serve and worship in our community we started attending Arlington Baptist Church which is about a mile down the road.
We slowly started to get to know different families at the church. It is smaller than our last church and so it was a bit easier to meet people. The big kids had an opportunity to meet more of the kids in the youth group during DNOW. A weekend spent here in Charlotte but at a local venue and then spending the night at hosted homes. There was worship, teaching, a magic show, a comedian and a service project...a very FULL weekend.
The transition to a new church was not been the easiest on the big kids. They both had some amazing friends at our previous church. But we were proud of them for trying...for putting themselves out there...and meeting new people. They went on Wednesday night to youth group and discipleship on Sunday evenings where each of them have a mentor.
MARCH
Spring sports. There was a brief intermission of the taxi driving to all sports activities...but in March - it all started back up again. Hailey played soccer. Amy played soccer. Jackson played tackle football.
Tyler made sure to remind us that he wasn't allowed to play until he was in middle school. And I think he might've reminded us several times during the season.
They all three had AMAZING teams - fabulous coaches - and won the entire season long! While it is a lot of work to get all three to their corresponding fields, games, etc...it was a lot of fun!
Spring sports = lots of games in the rain!
Amy was NOT a fan of me taking pictures.
WOM Strikers win the championship!!
Pastor Mike & Tyler cheering Amy on!
Annabelle Fisher - Amy - and Coach Alexandra Fisher
Jackson and Coach Pablo
Coach Matt and Hailey
Number ONE!
All three championship winners with their medals!
APRIL
Easter was on April 1st this year. The pastor at the church we have been attending encouraged everyone to choose something they could fast from for lent. Our family chose sugar. And it was a very LONG season of lent. But it was good for our family to think...truly stop and think about all the Lord went through to purchase our salvation.
We celebrated the day before Easter at the Fisher's house with a HUGE egg hunt. It was fun...but how much fun can you really have when it's SUGAR FREE!! ;)
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Ready for the big egg hunt!
Still looking...
and looking!
Hailey taking a break and just "looking" at her candy...not eating it!
I won the adult egg hunt!
Our church had a sunrise service and then a pancake breakfast to follow. It was a beautiful, CHILLY, morning!
It was VERY bright after the sun rose...
We tried hard to keep our eyes open for one quick shot...but just couldn't do it!
Hailey turned SEVEN this month! We thought about different ways to celebrate and she really did not have any requests except...pigs. Yes...pigs...she wanted a pig cake. Hm. Well, I am not one that attempts these grand baking challenges. But my friend, Angela, has made all of Hailey's birthday cakes up until now. And a pig cake? (or cupcakes?) No problem!
We took her out for pizza and the Fishers surprised her and popped out and started singing Happy Birthday! Afterwards, we all went to see Tyler's friend, Stephen in Shrek the Musical.
Surprise!!!
Angela and Hailey with her piggy cupcakes.
Ashlyn, Gabriel, Alexandra, & Annabelle Fisher
Stephen Gott as Shrek
Birthday Girl Hailey
This month in coop, Sara Pepper has been doing different countries and serving FOOD from all around the world. She ALSO made Hailey another piggy cake!
While my parents were here, we headed to our favorite beach - Topsail. For Christmas, we had gotten several giftcards to different places in Wilmington - and we were able to take my parents along with us. It was a fun week - with gorgeous weather - long walks on the beach - beautiful sunsets - lots of ice cream - and so many special memories!
Florence Day 3:
The next day we took the bullet train from Rome to Florence. It was a fast train - but not so fast that you couldn't see picturesque scenery flying by.
Even though Jason is technically working...we enjoy being together as a family during his off time. We took the kids into downtown Manitou to have fun at the penny arcades.
SEPTEMBER
Every year we head up to SkyTop Orchard in the fall...in time to get some nice juicy apples.
This year we went with our friends, the Peppers. It was a beautiful day...not too hot with the clouds covering the sky. We weren't able to get Pink Ladies - they weren't in season yet...but we did manage to get quite a few pounds of delicious apples!
Cousins a bit awkward at first...they haven't seen each other all that often growing up...
Tyler got the job at Chick Fil A!!! He spent a few weeks in training - learning material -watching videos - and then taking a test. He passed the test and then spent another few weeks shadow training.
Then it was finally time to work on his own...and he has done an amazing job! It has definitely been an adjustment for him...trading in free time for hard work and a paycheck. Another rung on the ladder of growing up for Tyler!
Sara with Hailey and her piggy cake.
Right around this time every year we are about done with school. But we tried to put in our dues and finish strong.
Hailey with "Buttercup" - her dog that was rescued off the street by a good Samaritan!
Jackson hoping that his martian antennae will help him in his reading.
I haven't been out to the mill as consistently as I would like -
but when I do I'm thankful to serve with these ladies!
My parents came for a visit and timed it perfectly to attend the girls spring choir concert!
The girls have worked very hard...they had several friends that came and heard them perform.
Amy with Ruby and Molly Dorminy
While my parents were here, we headed to our favorite beach - Topsail. For Christmas, we had gotten several giftcards to different places in Wilmington - and we were able to take my parents along with us. It was a fun week - with gorgeous weather - long walks on the beach - beautiful sunsets - lots of ice cream - and so many special memories!
Shocker: my father, Garry Brunenkant, is drinking COFFEE!!!
Albeit it is candy coffee.
MAY
May was a BUSY month for us. A few weeks back I was looking up some ticket prices for my mom who was trying to put together a trip for the big kids as a surprise for their birthdays. I happened to run across some crazy inexpensive tickets to Italy. Rome has always been a bucket list destination for Jason - he's always wanted to see the Parthenon and the Mamertinum prison as well as Italy itself. I decided to tentatively start pricing out a trip for Jason and I to go...before I even breathed a word of it to him. Once I had figured that we could use bonus points to fly to NYC and then fly super cheap to Rome...stay in rental places rather than hotels...take public transportation rather than rent a car...it was a hard offer to turn down and we started to making some plans.
With my parents here already, my mom extended her ticket and graciously agreed to keep the kids and play taxi driver to their many activities.
And then we left!!!
Our itinerary was:
NYC We had a LONG layover in New York and decided that we could spend the day walking around and seeing as many sites as we could cram in.
Jason spent most of our trip just like this...camera in hand - ready to capture the shot.
Given that we were on our way to Italy...we had to try the pizza in NY first!
It was a long day walking around...taking the subway here there and everywhere and then finally getting on the plane that would take us first to Heathrow and then onto Roma!
ROME
By the time we arrived in Rome we were EXHAUSTED. We had been awake for over 24 hours...I had lost almost all of my toiletries in the Heathrow airport...we took a train from the Roma airport to the main subway terminal...then a subway to the stop...then walked ten minutes...and then once we arrived Ms. Paola...our hostess, asked if we could possibly come back in an hour.
So after another hour of walking around...we finally were home for the night.
Our Roma homa!
We stayed in a little basement apartment that was super tiny but perfect for us.
Rome Day 1:
We had booked a walking tour of the Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum. It was a LONG day of walking...about eight hours. We met at the Vatican City and toured all around there first. Then we took a subway to the Colosseum and met up with our tour guide there.
You can see all of the little flags of the different tour guides...and of course everyone is wearing headphones!
There is so much to take in all at once in the Vatican.
It is said that if you only spent 1 minute looking at each painting it would take you 4 years to complete it all. We did not have four years - so we saw what we could!
The Expulsion of Helidorus from the Temple
The School of Athens by Raphael
This was our favorite painting...mainly because of all of the philosophers and artists represented and because of the stories that were told about this piece. It was fascinating!
Raphael Rooms
St Peter's Basilica
St Peter's Basilica Dome
The Pieta by Michelangelo
Peter's Statue in the Basilica.
Everyone that comes here rubs his foot for good luck.
Peter's Baldachin - his burial place.
We had a great tour guide for the Vatican. We learned that tourism in Italy is no joke.
It is very serious. Our tour guide had her master's in history and was very passionate about all that she shared!
No Pope sightings today...oh well!
Fountain of St. Peter's Square
All of the water fountains outside in Rome are drinking water.
Our very first pizza in Italy @ Bonci Pizzarium.
Before we headed into the Colosseum, we just HAD to get a cappuccino and a tiramisu with gelato on top.
AMAZING!!!
Our Colosseum tour guide was fantastic. Turns out - he had a PhD in archaeology.
He had been responsible for some of the most recent finds in the Roman ruins.
Right as we started touring, it started raining.
At first it was just a tiny bit...but we ended up having to cut the tour short because it was coming down in buckets.
The Temple of Antonius and Faustina
House of Vestals
Most everyone left and headed to someplace dry. Jason and I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity...so wet or dry...we wanted to SOAK it all in!!
After being soaked to the bone - we headed home to get cleaned up and dry off!
Then we went to a little restaurant around the corner from our house - Jerome's.
Rome Day 2:
We did not have any set schedule for this day. Just to walk around and explore Roma. We had several landmarks on our our list...but we had the entire day to peruse and traverse on our own.
This became a sort of ritual for us - a cappuccino and a crema to start the day.
So good!!
The Trevi Fountain
Villa Borghese Gardens
Jason with Thomas Aquinas
At the very top of Rome looking out across the horizon...beautiful.
Pinocchio is HUGE in Rome.
This was an amazing place to eat for lunch. Meats - cheeses - olives -spreads - it was more than we could finish!!
The Pantheon
Jason's favorite!!
It is impossible to capture the scope of this building...built over eighteen hundred years ago!!
A choir came in and just started spontaneously singing...it was ethereal.
The Spanish Steps
We looked ALL around for the Mamertine prison. We kept refreshing our map because we had "reached our destination" but we couldn't find it. And then...we turned around...and there it was.
There is a small museum you can walk through that traces the history of the prison.
This is thought to be the place that Peter and Paul were in prison while in Rome.
The next day we took the bullet train from Rome to Florence. It was a fast train - but not so fast that you couldn't see picturesque scenery flying by.
Loaded up with our backpacks and ready to go!
Florence is significantly smaller than Rome - so we were able to walk most of the time while we were there. There is also a great bus system and once we figured it out - and VALIDATED our tickets - we were good. The first day we made our way to our house - dropped our bags - and were then went back out to explore.
The panoramic view from the top of the Piazzale Michelangelo.
It was a bit of a hike to get up there but we could see Florence and surrounding Tuscany.
Jason and David
View of the Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno river
with the Duomo showing in the distance and the bell tower.
The Duomo.
There were so many little cars...Jason wanted a picture next to it show how small it was.
Before we left on our trip to Italy,
Jason watched a show on PBS that showcased the gelato place, Vivoli.
We HAD to try it out and see if it lived up to the hype on TV.
It was AMAZING!!!
We went back to Vivoli probably five or six times in the few days that we stayed in Florence.
And of all the gelato we had in Italy - Vivoli was the absolute BEST!
Sunset on our walk home.
Tuscany Day 4:
Planning our trip we went back and forth about renting a car. We were a little nervous about being able to figure out where we were going (especially given the fact that we both get carsick) and where we would park. But on the flip side - we knew that there were certain towns that we wouldn't be able to get to by train. Thankfully, once you get to Florence - you are in Tuscany. We were able to book a full day bus tour of the countryside. First town we visited was Sienna.
The Piazzo del Campo
Duomo de Siena
The architecture and art in this duomo was unlike any other cathedral we saw in Italy.
We walked around the Piazza del Campo and found the BEST deli on the corner.
This was just the beginning of a VERY long day of walking...Jason took advantage of the break.
Back on the bus driving through the Tuscany countryside.
We ate lunch at a wine estate in Chianti.
We were given a tour of the vineyard and the farm before lunch.
Gorgeous!
This was our place setting...I think in total they served about five different wines.
Our view from the table.
View of San Gimignano the Town of Fine Towers in the distance...where we headed to next.
Piazza della Cisterna
San Gimignano
One of San Gimignano's claim to fame is their gelato shop Gelateria Dondoli.
Apparently, it has one best gelato in the world several years in a row.
So of course, we needed to try it and compare it to Vivoli.
And...Vivoli still WON - hands down!
We walked all around San Gimignano and then it was back on the bus to go to...
Pisa
The best part about Pisa was walking around watching everyone trying to take funny pictures of the leaning tower!
Crazy man.
We did not have much time in Pisa - so we were content to walk around, take some pictures and then haggle for the best price in the open market.
Jason did his best shopping there!
After Pisa, we got back on the bus and started the long journey home. It was an incredible day - with so many different sites to see - and in total we walked 11 MILES!!! (That was why we stopped at Vivoli on our way home - we deserved it! :)
Florence Day 5:
Giorgio Vasari's frescoes of the Last Judgment
We climbed to the top of Brunelleschi's cupola.
463 steps.
Round and round and round we went till we reached the top.
The view from the top of the dome was incredible.
Giotto's Bell Tower
Our reward for climbing all of those steps!
I wish I had taken a picture of where we ate lunch - Trattoria Mario.
We were told to be in line before it opened at noon because it fills up quickly.
We arrived at ten minutes to noon - and it was already full.
The wait list was thirty minutes - and it was well worth the wait.
It was the BEST meal we had in Italy.
After walking all morning, we grabbed a blanket from our house and settled in next to the river to spend the afternoon just soaking up Italy.
Venice Day 6 & 7:
A little look into the bullet train ride to Venice.
Our little apartment in Venice.
We had heard from a friend that Suso was the place to try for gelato.
But we STILL thought Vivoli was the best!
The water taxis were extremely expensive so we spent most of our tine in Venice walking.
We did have to take breaks for cappuccinos!
Saint Mark's Basilica in Piazzo San Marco
So crazy to be back here after almost twenty years!!!
There were so many pigeons flying around San Marcos...and we could hear tour guides warning people to be careful if they had food in their hand.
Sure enough, a woman bought a slice of pizza and a swarm of pigeons came down and stole it right out of her hands!!
St Mark's Clocktower
My Italia Model
We originally bought this jacket for Tyler - but it got cold and Jason had to "try it out".
We ended up getting Jason one just like it but in white!
Caffe del Doge
Oh my goodness...this place was AMAZING!!!
We wanted to try EVERYTHING!
We wanted to get up and visit this cafe one last time before we left Venice but it was closed :(
We saw this guy perform several times while in Venice.
He was so talented!
This was right outside of the place we stayed.
You can see the bell tower in the background.
Venice has over 100 bell towers!
Il Redentore
On our way back to the train station.
Our last day was spent taking the train to Rome - and then getting up super early to take the plane to Spain - then to New York - and finally HOME!
We had such an amazing time together exploring Italy...in total we walked 80 miles in eight days!
But we were so glad to be home and see our kiddos!!!
We got back and it was time for MINT HILL MADNESS!
Our church walked in the parade to pass out water and candy to everyone along the way.
It was a little soggy but we had plenty of smiles and plenty of candy!
Jackson, Kailey, Hailey, and Abby
Noah and Tyler passing out candy.
Hailey and Sydney.
Now that school is finished for the year, I have had more time to go out and minister out at the abortion clinic.
Jackson and Hailey join me most of the time and occasionally Tyler comes too.
The pro-aborts have made it increasingly more difficult to be heard over their ranting. And it can be very discouraging. But we know the Lord is drawing hearts to Himself...no matter what the opposition is.
This couple had an amazing story of God relentlessly pursuing them. They came aboard the mobile ultrasound unit and chose life for their sweet little one.
I am so thankful to serve alongside of such amazing godly warriors!
Lisa, Chrissy, myself , & Scott
JUNE
We were back in Charlotte for only a week or so before we headed out of town again to Miami. One of our students, from when Jason was a youth pastor, was getting married - so off we went - traveling again! We were so thankful to be a part of this wedding. The Miles have been friends of ours for a very long time - their kids were in our youth group - their parents served with us in the youth group - and they have supported us in the ministry from the very beginning. We love their family and we were blessed to be there for Drew's special day!
Back on the plane - again!
Jason blessing the couple.
Drew + Bella
Parents of the groom - Diana & Mike Miles
My sweet Desnee.
We had a very FULL summer...and unfortunately for Buster, our dog, he was going to be shipped from house to house while we were gone. We decided that it was a better idea to let him go and stay at Grandma Fran's in Illinois for the entire summer. I was driving up to Camp Nathanael in KY - so on our way there - we dropped off Buster and then headed to camp. (Well, we headed to camp after driving BACK to Paducah to pick up my wallet that I left in the bathroom at Burger King!!!) THEN it was on to Camp Nathanael!!! The Fisher joined us for the week and Angela and I were assigned to work in the kitchen while the kids were campers. We weren't super excited about this assignment at first - but we ended up having a blast - as well as being exhausted every night as we crawled into bed!! The younger two were not old enough to be campers yet - but they did get to go to Kids Klub everyday - they went creek stomping, horseback riding, swimming, and made crafts. We ALL had a blast @ Camp Nathanael!
The whole gang!
Alexandra, Annabelle, Gabriel & Ashlyn Fisher
Sophie & Darcy Howard
Jimenez Kids
Tyler played A LOT of basketball...and get A LOT of injuries!
This was just a few days after some major oral surgery. He was supposed to "take it easy" this week.
But that is next to impossible for this kid!
TONS of food making going on that week.
We tried to make some baked treats for the weeks ahead to help out the kitchen crew.
We worked about ten hours a day and walked about four miles (all in the kitchen!)
Every free period - the kids lined up to play Nine Square.
Amy's beautiful camp paining!
Creek-stomping!
Jackson with Mr. Jim - trying to spell "lightening" :0
Hailey with Mr. John
Annabelle and the kids helping us make a MILLION cookies!
Amy in the basketball tournament.
Tyler in the basketball tournament.
The twins!
Miranda & Mishela.
Amy about to take off on the relay!
There she goes!
Tyler and Gabriel about to run the relay.
There he goes.
Amy wins the three-legged race!
Miranda let these two play on the blue team for the week.
Ashlyn Fisher, Sophie Howard, Mishela (their counselor) Amy, & Darcy Howard
Matt - Tyler's team leader
Don - Tyler's counselor
Green Megs - #1
The gang - getting ready to load up and head home!
The week we got home from camp - VBS started at our church. The big kids helped during the week - Tyler did the games and Amy helped with crafts. I bounced around and helped with Bible and then leading a small group. I didn't get any pictures during the week...too busy keeping up with the kids!
Jason was asked to teach at my Uncle Tim's missions conference. They had come out earlier this year to find the perfect spot to host it. They settled on The Cove in Asheville and it was the PERFECT spot. Over one hundred missionaries came from all over the world for a weekend of encouragement and renewal. We were blessed to hear the many stories of how God is moving through these amazing warriors all over the world. My uncle started this ministry and had done such an incredible job loving these people.
Uncle Tim recognized for over forty years of ministry.
Ed & Katie Tafflinger
Uncle Tim giving the benediction
Loved having this time with Uncle Tim & Aunt Mary!
Jason was home for less than a day and then flew out to Summit @ Lancaster Bible College...while I got the big kids ready for their missions trip in New York City! They had been planning this trip and praying over it...and had been blessed by family and friends that had supported them. It was a great trip for them. Stretched them in ways that only a missions trip can. And allowed them to see a different culture (yes, NYC has it's own culture) and how others respond to the Gospel message.
We are so thankful for the leaders on this trip. Tyler and Amy were playing soccer on the asphalt with the neighborhood kids...and they both took a spill. Thankfully those amazing leaders took great care of those two crazy kids.
And keeping them safe in NYC...riding the subway...walking along the busy streets...not an easy feat...but we are so thankful for all of the leaders that went along.
3:00 am drop off at the church...bleary eyed but excited for the trip ahead
If they were going to be in NYC without parents...I'm glad they had each other!
Kim Williams, Amy, and Tassie Ferguson.
Annabelle Fisher and Amy.
Praying in Central Park.
Getting Italian ice after picking up trash in the Bronx
Those of us left at home tried to make the most of it!
We played some games with Uncle Jeremy!
Dressed up as cows for FREE chicken.
And helped picked out some style for my upcoming California trip.
While the big kids were still on one side of the States - Jason and I flew in opposite directions to the other side of the states. Jason flew out to Colorado to teach at a youth conference. And I flew out to California for a few days. He was flying to meet me there after his time in Colorado. Before he got there I spent a day with my dear friend Mandy. Mandy and I have been friends since high school and we moved to Charlotte with our families around the same time. Since then life has been a crazy ride for her and her kids...but now they are in Arizona so I don't get to see her very often. But we had 24 hours to talk...and talk...and talk...and talk. Uninterrupted and without having to "hang up" right in the middle of our conversation. It was such a great time! We stayed near Laguna Beach and spent our time walking along the beach and eating and just enjoying our time together!
After that I spent the evening with my Grandmother and family in Riverside. It was a short visit...but long enough to get spoiled and loved on and soak up some special memories.
Jason flew in the next evening and was scheduled to teach at a church in Riverside. Kindred Community Church lived up to it's name in every way. It was such a blessing to spend the weekend with believers that are so intentional to live life on point and in true Christian community. From the moment we met the first pastor on staff until the weekend wrapped up...we were treated with such love and grace by this body of believers. Jason did an amazing job teaching and I loved being able to watch him in action.
Grabbing some In N Out on one of our breaks.
Stepping our toes in the Pacific Ocean.
Jason indulged me and took me to Downtown Disney on our way out of California.
It wasn't quite like going to the parks...but it was still fun.
Jason's parents came for a visit mid-July and we had a FABULOUS time hanging out with them. We tried not to pack our days too full...most of the time we spent at the house playing games or just hanging out. We did want to take them to one of our favorite Carolina places - Hanging Rock. It was a perfect summer day for some hiking, swimming, picnicking and fishing.
We celebrated Jackson's NINTH birthday while the grandparents were here! We also had the Pepper family over to enjoy dinner and yummy strawberry shortcakes.
AUGUST
The first week of August we loaded up the van to take a LONG road-trip out to Colorado for Jason to spend two weeks speaking at Summit. It has become a summer family tradition to join him for one of the sessions. We stopped in Illinois to spend some time with Grandma Fran before heading to Kansas...and then onto Manitou.
Here we go!!
Stopping for lunch along the way and left the umbrella in the car! :)
Visiting Rochman Memorial park in Illinois.
This park was built for a young boy who passed away.
He loved castles and dragons - and so that is what this park is built around.
We HAD to try the BBQ in Kansas...
it was SO good!!
We love our time at Summit. The little kids spend most of their days roaming the "hotel" (where Summit is located) playing foosball...nertz...or learning new magic tricks from the students. The big kids are seasoned in Summit life and have their favorite speakers. They spent their mornings sitting in on sessions and their afternoons playing basketball...going into town...or hiking. This trip we did a lot of HIKING! We explored Red Rock, went up the Incline, hiked the falls of Helen Hunt and burned off all of our custard that we indulged in almost daily.
This summer, my friend Angela Fisher, joined us for a few days. We introduced her to all of our favorite spots...and made her earn her custard treat by hiking Red Rock and the Incline.
No trip to Colorado would be complete without a quick visit to see Whit at Focus on the Family. We love seeing all of our favorite characters and splurging on a yummy Wom-Fam-Choc-Sod!!
Jason spent his days teaching the students...hanging out with them during free time...answering all of their questions...listening to their stories...and making them feel loved. He is so good at getting past common barriers these kids bring with them to Summit. Many of them were coerced into coming by their parents and bring quite the chip on their shoulders with them. Cynics in the making that are secretly hoping that someone will actually listen to their doubts and their questions instead of brushing them off. And that is where Jason shines. Patiently and respectfully taking the time to actually listen. This session brought many hurting students - God used Jason to speak unwavering truth and love over them. It was amazing to watch the Holy Spirit truly at work among them.
Worship night @ Summit.
Adams vs Jimenez
Even though Jason is technically working...we enjoy being together as a family during his off time. We took the kids into downtown Manitou to have fun at the penny arcades.
One of our friends from Charlotte had just moved to Colorado Springs the week we were there. She had taken a new job as a school teacher and had two days to set up her classroom before school started. I called her up to see if there was anything we could do to help...and the very next afternoon found us at Wildflower Elementary. It was fun for us...and we honestly did not do that much work...but for Samantha...it was an answer to prayer and not at all a coincidence!
Our trip wrapped up...we headed home...picking up Buster from Grandma Fran's along the way.
Once home, it was time to start school and say goodbye to all of the summertime shenanigans!
Every year we head up to SkyTop Orchard in the fall...in time to get some nice juicy apples.
This year we went with our friends, the Peppers. It was a beautiful day...not too hot with the clouds covering the sky. We weren't able to get Pink Ladies - they weren't in season yet...but we did manage to get quite a few pounds of delicious apples!
Jackson thinks he's right at five feet...hm...
And Tyler thinks he is right at six feet...
Fresh apples = fresh apple pies!
We watched the news a bit obsessively towards the end of August and the beginning of September. A hurricane was brewing and headed our way. We checked the weather channels...we filled the bathtubs...we gathered up all of the flashlights and candles...stocked up on canned food...searched high and low throughout the city for propane (to no avail) and then hunkered down and waited. And waited. And waited some more. It was one of the slowest moving hurricanes ever. Sadly that caused considerable more damage in it's path. But a blessing for us. By the time it finally moved across our town it had been downgraded and only sent whipping rain and significant gusts of wind. We lost power for over a day but other than that we were safe. Praise the Lord!
A tree went down right across the power line which caused our power to go out.
Puzzle making and painting by candlelight.
Amy trying to crochet in the dark.
There was a bit of some "fake" news during the hurricane.
Tyler and Jason did their own version of the hurricane coverage.
Hailey pretending to be a weather-forecaster.
Jason was asked to help perform a very special wedding in mid-September.
Derek + Darla.
We have known Derek for quite awhile and watched this romance unfold. It has not been easy for this couple and they have already had to weather several storms that have only served to deepen their commitment to each other and to the Lord. It was a blessing to be a part of their special day.
Uncle Jeremy was in the wedding - one of Derek's best friends.
Darla's family owns a car museum full of old antique cars.
This was the one they drove off in after the wedding!
Having fun at the reception!
When Amy turned thirteen (back in January) my parents gifted her a "destination-unknown" trip. They were still in the process of finalizing the destination and all of the details that went along with it. Once they decided on the where - California - they had to decide on the when. Since Jason was heading out to California to teach at a conference in September they decided to plan the trip around that same time. Tyler and Heaven (their cousin from Oregon) were included in the trip. The big kids flew out to California with Jason and met up with my parents and Heaven for a week of fun and memory making. I received a FEW pictures of the trip...and in each one they looked like they were having a fantastic time!
Jason took them to In N Out as soon as they landed...and then handed them off to my parents to start their adventure!
Cousins a bit awkward at first...they haven't seen each other all that often growing up...
but it didn't take long for them to hit it off and have a great time with each other!
Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta - where my brother and his wife went to school.
On their way to Knotts Berry Farm!
Jason went to pick them up and spent the last evening all together.
The little kids and I tried to stay busy while they were gone.
Fall sports started once again...and this time all FOUR were playing soccer. Thankfully, Tyler and Amy had practice at the same time and at the same place. Jackson and Hailey also played on the same league together but had different teams. They each played so well this season and grew in their skills. Tyler and Jackson haven't played soccer in quite awhile - so it was an adjustment for them not to use their hands like football! But several of Tyler's friends were playing and asked him to join the league. It was a small team - in age and in size - so Tyler ended up playing hard every single game!
Fall season = lots of rainy games!
Thankful for friends that bring umbrellas!
Amy was able to join most of the same players she had in the spring. It was a hard season for them but they found their "groove" as it went on. There are several seniors that played their last season...Amy will definitely miss them but she was so glad she was able to play with them one last time!
Jackson played with his friend, Drew Howard. Their team had not played together before...and it took awhile for them to mesh as a team. But they ended up going to the finals and won second place in the league.
Hailey played for Coach Matt again this season. It was not a winning season like the spring...in fact, they lost every single one of their games. But they had fun...and they played hard.
Hailey and Jackson's games were right next the Donut House. Most Saturdays found us perusing their offerings before heading to the fields!
It was a wet and cold season...but at least he was able to see most of their games!
OCTOBER
Towards the end of September, Jason and I began to pray through another decision about church. We had been at Arlington for nine months. We had met quite a few people and we were thankful for the pastors and staff that had ministered to us. But we were missing "home". We prayed about returning to Carmel...and through several "random" happenings (is anything random or coincidental with the Lord?) we truly felt the Lord leading us back. The kids were overjoyed to be back with their friends...and beyond that...we were excited about the opportunities to serve and to have our kids be invested in. To be honest...it is easy at times to take for granted what is always right in front of you. To see areas of struggle or imperfection because the blessings have become mundane. To become comfortable in your environment that you forget to be thankful. Our nine months away had been a good reminder to us of the importance of the body of Christ and living in true community and fellowship with others.
Once we were back, the little two wasted no time in signing up for the First Step class. They both had asked to be baptized and this class was required in order for baptism. The class was taught by Sean Lee - the children's ministry director. It was bittersweet...we love Sean and I have been incredibly blessed by being able to serve under her leadership. We found out shortly after we returned that Sean would be retiring the following month and moving to Washington DC. We were so thankful to have this last time with her investing and loving on our kiddos!
Sean teaching the class...Hailey being used as an illustration :-)
First Step Class
Jae & Sean Lee
The Gang - Leah Kilcoin, Janice Mumpower, Sean Lee, and Bethany Baker
One evening in October, the little kids and I came home from soccer practice to an empty house. We had been singing along to the Greatest Showman soundtrack on the way home...and so we decided to have a little lipsync battle. Jackson vs Hailey...
Most of October sped past in a flurry of sports...school...Jason travelling...getting settled back at Carmel...and picking up from ANOTHER hurricane.
Thankful for these two...especially when Jason is travelling. They help out around the house..keep an eye out on the younger two...all while making everyone laugh!
Hailey lost one tooth...and then another...just in time to sing All I Want for Christmas...
Tyler got all dressed up to apply for a job at Chick-Fil-A. He knew several people that worked there already...and thankfully they put in a good word for him!
For coop this month, we went and visited Mark Gott in the courthouse uptown. He gave us a tour and talked about the different trials he has each week. The kids came away with two very important lessons - debt is dumb and drugs are bad! Mark pointed out that most of the cases in the courthouse come from one of those two.
The kids and I served at Merry Oaks Elementary for a movie night. They were very diligent regulating the pizza - chips - and candy. :-)
NOVEMBER
We headed up to Asheville to celebrate Zana's birthday with her. She took us to one of her favorite restaurants and then treated us to an afternoon at Well-Played...a board game cafe. It was stocked floor to ceiling with every game imaginable. They also had a menu to treat all of our sugar cravings! So we picked out a few games...sipped on hot cocoa...munched on M&M's and had a super fun afternoon!
Playing Ticket to Ride.
Deciphering Code Names.
Jackson thought this sign in the bathroom was hilarious.
When we decided to go back to Carmel, we thought it wise for Tyler and Amy to get involved in as many small group opportunities as possible. We hoped that it would help them transition back with their friends. They went to NAV - which is a small group Bible study on Sunday nights and Tyler has also served on the leadership team on Wednesday nights doing the backstage crew. He also went on the highschool winter retreat - The Pause. The Pause is a media, devices, gaming - free weekend. An opportunity for the students to take a pause in the hustle and bustle of life and study the Word and fellowship together. Tyler had a great time!
Amy happy to have Tyler home!
The day before Thanksgiving, we headed to Uptown's Camp North End for some family pictures. This was a different location for us...a bit edgy but so much fun! Our friend, Katie, did a great job capturing some good shots of our crazy family. Jason wanted to make sure we all brought our hoodies so we could take a "gangsta" shot at the end. That turned out to be our favorite and graced the front of our Christmas card this year!
Thanksgiving was spent with our family - Zana, my cousin, and Jeremy, Jason's brother. We spent most of the day prepping for the big meal - although the turkey was left to the boys to take over. They have no had a tradition of deep-frying the turkey - and it turned out SO good! It was a great day celebrating all the many wonderful blessings we have to be thankful for. Looking back over this year and recounting the many ways God has provided for us. Feeling blessed.
Jackson helped make the biscuits and gravy for breakfast.
Tyler helping with the mashed potatoes.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We broke all of our "normal" rules about Black Friday - and headed out to go shopping on Thanksgiving night!!! But we did score some amazing deals!
We celebrated Tyler's 15th BIRTHDAY!!! He wanted to keep it low key so we had his friends the Peppers and the Fishers over for dinner. We played a couple of lively rounds of Blank Slate with them and Tyler proudly showed off his Adidas birthday presents. We are so thankful for Tyler and how God is growing him into such an amazing young man! We are definitely feeling the amount of time shorten with each passing year...and we are grateful he is at home at least for a little while longer!
Amy was finally old enough this year to join us at Operation Christmas Child! We had a whole gang of us that night which made the packing super fun and the night fly by! The kids took turns doing different jobs that night and we hooped and hollered every time aisle 21 finished a box!
Amy and Ella Daley
Amy LOVED being the scanner!
Mark being...Mark :)
The best packing team EVER!
Then it was finally time to work on his own...and he has done an amazing job! It has definitely been an adjustment for him...trading in free time for hard work and a paycheck. Another rung on the ladder of growing up for Tyler!
His first day in uniform.
I waited about a week or so before visiting him at work...
and yes, he was more than a little embarrassed!
He has had several shift with his good friend, Stephen Gott. Hopefully these two stay outta trouble!
DECEMBER
Tyler took drivers ed back in November and he could have take his permit test as soon as he turned fifteen. But with working and Thanksgiving...he didn't have much time to study. So finally, about a week after his birthday we headed down the DMV for him to take his test. While we were sitting there we overheard several men that had gone before Tyler to take the test. Each of them failed. This did not bode well for Tyler - he was pretty nervous.
In order to pass, you cannot get more than five wrong.
Tyler got FIVE wrong.
Phew.
He passed!
And even though it was wet and rainy, I let him drive to our next stop.
He did great...and has been driving quite a bit since that day.
We are ALL counting down the days when there is ONE more driver in the house!
Once Jackson and Hailey finished their First Step class we scheduled with the church a Sunday that they would be baptized. They each had a particular pastor they wanted to baptize them - Jackson wanted Pastor Alex and Hailey asked for Pastor Patrick. And they both wanted to wait until the first Sunday in December when Mrs. Sean would be home for a visit. She has played such a big part in their spiritual growth...we were glad that she made it a point to be there for this big day.
We had a time of prayer before the baptisms.
Mrs Sean Lee with the kiddos.
Their friends wanted to come back and give them some love.
Lexi Kennedy, Ellie, Lillie and Evie McCrory
Pastor Patrick McCrory & Pastor Alex Kennedy
We had the kids friends and their families over for brunch to celebrate their big day!
What a glorious day...what a glorious way...to proclaim to their brothers and sisters in Christ that Jesus has saved them!
Coop this month has been at Sara Pepper's house. She is an amazing artist and very creative. She had each of the kids sketch and then paint a different Christmas character. Once they were finished...they poked holes through the canvas and strung lights in the back to shine through. Sara was a very gracious and patient teacher with trying to help nine kids all at the same time! The paintings turned out awesome...and now we have even more Christmas decorations!
The last week of coop we traded in our paintbrushes for ballet slippers...well one of us did. The rest of us just watched! We were able to see Ashlyn Fisher perform in her first Nutcracker ballet as a golden angel. She did SUCH a good job!!! And I honestly think she had the largest group of fans!!
All of us are here for Ashlyn! (The boys look so happy to be at a ballet...don't they?)
We were all excited for Christmas break! We don't take many breaks from school during the year...so when December rolls around we are ready to be done for awhile.
We have spent much of December getting ready for Christmas...decorating...buying gifts for each other...enjoying family time...hanging out at the park...and playing games.
Hailey buying Jackson's Christmas present.
Amy went to a Christmas performance with her friend, Ella.
Last year around this same time, we hosted the Fisher kids for a night of Christmas fun. As it started getting closer to Christmas it was time to plan our (now traditional) night of Jimenisher Christmas!
The weather messed with our plans a bit...as did Tyler's work schedule. But in the end we managed to have a fantastic time. Since Tyler had to work, we started off our adventure at Chick Fil A. Embarrassing Including him in our day! We all made sure to order from him and filled out the review afterward to give him all the props he deserved!!
From there we headed to the Ballantyne Hotel to see Gingerbread lane. Every year the Ballantyne Hotel hosts a contest for amateurs and professionals to enter. Once the competition is over - the gingerbread creations are left on display for everyone to come admire.
We were using our visit as inspiration...trying to get ideas for when we built ours.
After we picked up Tyler from work...ate a quick dinner...then we headed out to see Mary Poppins Returns. It was SO good...and had us singing about tripping the lights fantastically all the way home.
The next day, Jason made snowflake pancakes and the kids paired off into teams for the gingerbread contest. And then the creating began. They each did such a good job! Jason was asked to judge but then passed that onto each of the kids just voting. The winner was - Alexandra and Hailey!!
We had such a great time with them and we are blessed to have such good friends for our kiddos!
Amy and Ashlyn's Winter Wonderland
Annabelle and Jackson's Snoopy House
Gabriel and Tyler's Ice Skating Rink
Alexandra and Hailey's Chapel
My cousin, Zana, came and we had our Christmas with her before she flew out to California. She has a knack for getting everyone EXACTLY what they asked for for Christmas. You can tell by their faces that they were more than a little excited about their presents. This year though...I think we were able to reciprocate and get HER exactly what SHE wanted for Christmas!
Christmas Eve had us up early and out the door. Tyler had to work so we ate breakfast with him there at CFA and then headed on to our annual cinnamon roll drop off. Jason had asked me to keep the kids out of the house for at least a few hours because he was building one of their Christmas presents. As we drove in after the drop off the kids saw their present...a new trampoline!!!
They didn't have too much time to enjoy it before we left for Christmas Eve service...but they managed to get a few jumps in!
Merry Christmas!!
Christmas Day was filled with cinnamon rolls...presents...fun...laughter...games...and marveling in the wonder of Jesus...and all that He has done for us.
2018 is coming to an end. A chapter in our lives that will close and become only memories. We have sat around the table the last few days and talked about all that 2018 was. And we have looked ahead...planning for 2019...praying for what God has in store for us...committing to continual growth in our service to Him...and voicing our overwhelming gratefulness to another year of His blessings.
So that's a wrap.
I'm all caught up.
Hopefully another year will not go by before I post again.
But if so...Merry Christmas...and Happy New Year!
