Beautiful Blessings

This week started out with me visiting my cousin Emi...I love her to death and seriously grab any moment I can with her. On Monday, Sammi, Zack, Aunt Deeds and I took Emi to the pool! She would NOT stop saying "Pool!" the whole time we were there. Emi had a smile pasted on her face pretty much the whole time we were there. Then on Tuesday Mom and I went to hang out with Bekka and her for a little and of course that was filled with her trying to beg for our food. ;)

Every time I look at the picture of Sammi, Emi and I (above), I get teary eyed seeing such a joyful smile on that little girls face. God has shown me through her how to let go and love the life God has given me, and no matter what my circumstance to praise Jesus with all that I am.

Emi is a bundle of joy and laughter and I pray that God might draw her to Himself everyday.

M&N~

Some of the Best Days

God is an incredibly kind God to give me a brother like Jared. Last week my brother got hired at Scorpion Design located in Valencia. Which means he has moved to Palmdale and will be able to be closer to his girlfriend and her family. I'm so excited for this new chapter in my brother's life and I'm so happy for Bitsy to have her man literally next door. It will be such a growing experience for the both of them and I'm looking forward to what God has in store for the both of them!

I have to be honest and say, that I'm going to miss my brother...A LOT. I've had to deal with lots through this week in trying to figure out how I feel about all of this. Like I said before I'm super excited for Jared and I know he's worked hard to get to this point in his life. 

As you can see Jared's and my relationship has been full of silliness and joy. I think being goofy was our medicine for having to deal with divorced parents at such a young age. Jared stepped in and protected me and was basically another caretaker for me. :) I'm constantly blessed by his genuine love and care for others...and especially my husband. God has gifted me with a husband and a brother who consider each other best friends and would literally do anything for each other. 

I cannot put into words how much Jared means to Mark and I. The night that Jared told Mark and I that he got the job, we hung up and started crying. It was so bittersweet. We were going to miss our brother and best friend...but were in awe of Christ for His abundant blessings on Jared.

Looking up at the picture with Jared and us girls is amazing...you see so much LOVE in that one shot. He has been there for not only Mark and I, but for his cousins as well. Bekka, Heather and Sammi ADORE Jared and always will. :) 

Through the past years I've seen God grow Jared in leaps and bounds and it's incredible to see Christ's fruit in Jared's life. He is truly one of my favorite people to be with and the best brother in the world.

M&N~

She Won...

Last week, Mark and I decided to head to Elsinore to finally give Mark's Grandma her birthday present! We brought a nice lunch and played a fun game of scrabble. Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of us at "The Cheesecake Factory". We each got a slice of cheesecake and enjoyed it thoroughly! 

I'm so thankful to be apart of the Johnson family, and to call Martha my grandma. She is truly one of the most joyful and contented women I've ever met. She really loves the life God has chosen for her, and voices often that even though it's hard, she sees God's abundant goodness in her life. :) What a blessing!

M&N~

What a sight to see

M&N~

Celebrating Bekka

Although it may seem like it was Emi's birthday, it was such a blessing being able to celebrate Bekka's birthday with the family. :) It was super special just relaxing and laughing with the people we love.

One of the pictures above shows Bekka filming a message for our cousin, Aliese, who is away at school. We all miss her and are looking forward to whenever we can see her next! 

I'm so very thankful for Bekka and her love and dedication to Christ. What a blessing it is to see her joy in Him through different aspects of her life! From family and friends to Disney and beauty products...the list goes on. I truly believe she is able to receive "little tastes of heaven" through the things she loves. It's great to know someone who sees God's creativity and love through what seem to be "normal" things. I'm thankful to have Bekka as a cousin, sister and close friend. :)

M & N~