Pati

Almost Halloween

2009-10-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

Wow where has the time gone? It seems like since I started FB I never bother with my blog.

Zander and Naomi are both attending school. Zander is in kindergarten and loving it. We had a parent teach conference and his teacher, Mrs. Higgins, says that he is a great student. I was a little concerned that he wouldn't be such a good student.

Naomi started pre-k and she also enjoys it. She goes M-W-F. I got a note from her teacher, Mrs. Stacy, that she was being passive aggressive. Other than that she has done really well. I never dreamed that I would get a not from HER teacher. I guess that just goes to show you never really know.

I stink!

2009-06-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't noticed, I really stink at keeping up with this page.

In my defense since the last post on April 19, the following has transpired:

Closed on our house in Pflugerville.

Naomi had first ballet recital.

In-laws, Wanda, Charles and Delilah, came for a visit.

Moved into our new home.

Traveled to Ky and In for almost 2 weeks.

Had a sinus and ear infection.

Totally redid front flower bed.

Washer and dryer delivered today! Yaayyy!

I am sure that there are other very important and time consuming events that have happened since then, also. I am just a little brain fried right now. Pics will follow-I promise.

Naomi Charis is 4!

2009-04-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is going to be 4 tomorrow! It is "our" special day. It seems like yesterday that I was only dreaming of her, and now I have already had four awesome years with her. She is so kind and considerate of everyone around her. Naomi has the cutest personality and is so slow to anger. Her sense of humor is quirky like her dads. She is truly a pleasant, gentle, gift from God. Our lives are enriched by her presence. I love her with all my heart and can't believe that God has blessed me with such a special birthday gift.

Easter Church

2009-04-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

My beautiful babies at church on Easter. I can't wait until they both truly understand what the resurection and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us really is all about. They have both asked Jesus to live in thier hearts, but it is hard to grasp the reality of it (even for us adults). I hope that you are living in awareness of Jesus' love and devotion for us this season.

Easter Bunny

2009-04-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Zander and Naomi opening thier baskets from the Easter Bunny!

New Naomi

2009-03-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

Well, where do I even begin. All of a sudden we have a new Naomi! She was a mild and quiet child; now she is a very opinionated, very dramatic, very funny little girl. She will wear nothing with white on it-I mean no stripe, no polka dot, not even a random bunny rabbit. This morning she ate mayonnaise on her blueberry waffle (really ate it, not just asked for it then left it alone). I am not sure what to make of all of this.

We got her hair cut this afternoon. I must admit she is the cutest little thing I have ever seen in my life!

This is a picture of her, Zander and Eian acting like giants. If you ever wondered what giants do. . . now you have it. :o)

My Baby is 5!

2009-03-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it, but Zander is 5 years old. It seems like we waited an eternity for him to get here and now the time is flying by. He is such a smart little boy. I love all the things that he comes up with. His reasoning skills are unbelievable and unbelievably funny sometimes. He knows God so intimately. His smile always makes my day. I am so blessed that God gave him to me and it is a joy to watch him grow. I am trying so hard to enjoy each moment of my time with him!

Napier Life

2009-03-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Wes had to make a whirlwind trip! He flew to Nashville last night, went to the factory this morning, flew to Houston, went to the factory there, and is now on his way home!

The kids and I had a 3 hour nap today.

We have been shopping for a house. We couldn't resist since the interest rates were so low. It seems like God is saying "not now." Every house we like or have made an offer on is either under contract or we get out bid! Oh, well. Looks like God has something else in store for us.

Our realtor has a team of realtors and processors. We have known her since 2003. She is looking for more document processors and is pro stay-at-home moms. I am thinking of applying. Zander will be in school in the fall and Naomi prefers to play alone and doesn't need as much of my attention. It's an idea anyway.

We are still active in the Apartment Life ministry as a CARES Team. We seem to have the hang of it now. It is an easy ministry ...when we let God do the work. We will continue as CARES Team until September at least. Then we will reevaluate.

God is blessing us!
NAPIER LIFE IS GOOD!

(can't blog without photos:o)

Krehbiel's Miracles are here!

2009-03-02T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Krehbiel's 4 children from Ethiopa are finally here. They arrived in Nashville Saturday night. You can read the whole story at http://www.adoptingmiracles.net/. This is such an awesome God story!

Yes, we are still here.

2009-02-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know that it has been FOREVER since I blogged. I have absolutely no excuses. I will do better. . . promise. We have been doing well. We have battled several colds, viruses, and sinus infections, but we are all feeling well at the moment.

I went to the doctor with Naomi yesterday. She had put a piece of a snail shell in her nostril. You may ask why she would do such a thing. We ask the same thing and still have not came up with an answer, besides the "kids do strange things."

Here is a picture of the kids asleep in our bed. We put them in thier beds each night and somehow they end up in ours. I am sure that we could put a stop to it, but who would want to? They look like cute little puppies all snuggled up together.

Christmas

2008-12-28T16:52:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! We stayed at home with the kids.
The cars were definitely the hightlight for the kids.
God has blessed us beyond measure this year!

Naomi's Recital

2008-12-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture from Naomi's recital at her dance studio. Everyone brought cookies to share and invited family and friends. Naomi performed beautifully!

Decorating

2008-11-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

We are decorating for Christmas this weekend. We realized that our huge tree would not fit in our apartment the way it fit in our house. The Christmas tree is on our balcony! I must admit it turned out very nicely.

Here are few pictures of the process. I will try to put the completed picture on later.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksging. We had turkey dinner with our bible study group on Sunday. Then we had turkey dinner with our community on Monday evening. By Thursday we were a little burned out on turkey, so we had a roast instead. Wes cooked while the kids and I played outside.

We have so much to be thankful for. It is a little overwhelming to count our blessings. We hope you are experiencing the same from our God. May you have a year filled with many things to be thankful for.

We're back in TX

2008-11-07T15:07:00.000-08:00

We are back in TX. The kids and I arrived home at 8:30pm Wednesday night and Wes followed shortly behind at 11:00pm. We are glad to be home and getting settled back in. Wes is suffering from jet lag terribly. China is 14 hours ahead, so he has had some adjusting to his internal clock. Please let us know if you have any suggestions on how to combat jet lag.

Here are a few last pictures of Fall in the NE Georgia mountains.

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Batman Zander and Fairy Princess Naomi had a lot of fun Friday night. It was a nice day but it was really cold after dark.

Aunt Delilah (Wes' sister) made it in from Ky just in time to join us.

Making cupcakes with Mammaw

2008-10-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

More Georgia Photos

2008-10-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Jack-o-lanterns at Mammaw and Pappaw Scalf's

2008-10-28T12:15:00.001-07:00

Austin's Birthday Party

2008-10-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

We went to a fall festival with the Barron's when we were at Austin's birthday party. Zander and Naomi got to play games, bounce, and ride horses. They had a lot of fun. Austin was not as interested; he fell asleep.

But he later woke up to open presents and have cake!
(Zander took this picture)

REAL Fall!

2008-10-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

We went for a walk today with Pappaw. The air was crisp. We actually had to have jackets! NE Georgia mountains are gorgeous right now. The leaves are so many different colors. God is such a creative artist. We are glad to be here; hoping we are a blessing to Mammaw and Pappaw.

Fire Safety Week

2008-10-09T19:24:00.000-07:00

We had Round Rock Fire Dept come out and talk to the kids about fire safety. They had a great time. The firemen let them get in the fire truck and pretend they were driving. There was several kids that attended that heard the "Stop, drop and roll" for the first time. Way cool!

HCBCPf Women's Retreat

2008-10-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Me and E

I went to a women's retreat this past weekend. It was a great time of refreshing and soul cleansing for me. Dawn and I roomed together again this year we were in the same room and same beds as last year (randomly assigned). My friend Erika and I took a little break. We ate at the famous burger place Storms http://stormsrestaurants.com/. There was a craft fair in Marble Falls. I LOVE craft fairs. We looked around for a while and had lots of fun.

Trip

2008-10-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

It looks like Wes is going to China to certify some manufacturing facilities. The kids and I will probably go stay with Wes' mom in NE Georgia. I'll keep blogging, but I think we'll be gone about 3 weeks. We will have some volunteers helping out with our CARES duties while we are away.

Friends

2008-09-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

We spend a lot of time out on the playground talking to our neighbors. The playground is at the center of the community, so it is a natural gathering place even for those that don't have kids. There are lots of kids too. Naomi and Zander have made a lot of friends.

Fall is in the Air

2008-09-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

. . .or at least on porches! :o)

Our Trip to the Park

2008-09-21T19:07:00.000-07:00

We visited a local park and did some exploring. It has been beautiful here in TX. The weather has been in the 70's during the early afternoon. I think Zander and Naomi will be coutry kids yet.

Naomi's Scarlet Fever

2008-09-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Naomi has looked like an alien since Thursday. She has a rash over most of her body. Scarlet fever sounds very serious, but as it turns out it is a strep virus with a rash.

Zander's gi

2008-09-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Zander is attending karate every Tuesday and Thursday. Wes usually takes him so it is some good Daddy and Zander time. He is doing very well and learning a lot. I guess he'll be the next Chuck Norris. :o)

Zander's New School

2008-09-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

There has been a change in plans and Zander will actually be going to school tomorrow. He is very excited. He will be attending a local preschool. We went and took a tour today. I know he will be fine, but I am not so sure about Mama. The thirteen years that we waited for God to give us Zander were long and slow. But the last four years have flown by. I love being a mom and I am a little sad that he is actually going to "school." That means he is not my little baby anymore. I keep telling myself that it going to be good for him, it is only three days a week, and for heaven's sake it is only preschool.

Little Break

2008-09-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Zander, Naomi, and I were supposed to be travelling last week. We were going to be visiting family in Kentucky and Georgia. However, a busy schedule and a flare up with my FMS encouraged us to cancel our trip. So Wes took the week off and we had a little break.

We went to Dallas on Monday and stayed in the Great Wolf Lodge http://www.GreatWolf.com/Grapevine. The kids had so much fun! Above you can see them howling. Zander was fearless, riding everything that he could. Naomi was a little more reserved sticking to the little kid areas. Wes and I actually played and had a great time too.

We then stayed in a hotel that has an indoor pool, and hot tub. We stayed there and relaxed a couple of days. Then on Thursday we went to the Meideval Times http://www.medievaltimes.com/. That was a lot of fun too. Our prince even gave Naomi a flower.

We had lots of fun and refreshing, now we are trying to get back on track after our time off.

New Babysitter

2008-08-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Angie and Baby Austin have been babysitting Zander and Naomi for a couple of weeks now. Starting this week they will consistently be keeping them on Tuesday's, Thursdays, and then Friday evenings for Mama and Daddy's date night.

We love the Barrons and are so glad that God brought them into our lives. Our kitchens share a wall, so we are very close! I get to just walk Zander and Naomi around to her door to drop them off.

Zander and Naomi Love being with Angie, Doc, and Baby Austin. They talk about them all the time. To Zander and Naomi it is like God created every person in their lives just for them.

The End of the Dorothy and Diane Era

2008-08-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Zander and Naomi have been going over to Dorothy and Diane's house since shortly after we back here to TX almost 2 years ago. When we started our ministry in Round Rock we moved farther away from them. It now takes me about 20-30 minutes to get to their house.

Our neighbors (they actually share a wall with us) Doc and Angie have agreed that Angie can handle the two at her house for a couple of days a week. This will save a lot of time and gas money, but we all are a little sad that we won't see the Gatlin's a couple times a week.

The kids love Doc and Angie, but especially baby Austin. Hopefully the transition will go smoothly, as Zander and Naomi are both very emotional beings.

So today we say goodbye to this Dorothy and Diane era of our lives, but who knows what's to come.

My Dancing Princess

2008-08-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Naomi will start dance lessons on September the 8th. She is definitely the cutest little dancer I have ever seen. We took these pictures this morning when she was trying on her gear.

Jewelry Class

2008-08-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Megan Wiseman taught a jewelry class at the clubhouse. We all made a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. We had so much fun. We all designed our own pieces (with a little help from Megan). She is also going to teach another class in September.

Feliz Cumpleaños

2008-08-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

When we first moved to Colonial Grand, we met a lady named Maria. She has 2 kids, Reina and Ricky, and was keeping her nephew also. We had began to develop a friendship when she moved out of the apartment complex and into a house. I thought I had lost contact with her because I hadn't heard from her in a couple of months. Last Sunday I was walking home from bible study and Maria came up to me and invited us to Reina's birthday party. We attended the party on Saturday. We had so much fun. There was 2 huge piñatas, a lot of food, yummy cakes and tons of candy. Zander and Naomi had a blast!

Wonder Woman

2008-08-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

We had the pleasure of keeping Trey, Jonathan, and Princess, the 2 adopted and 1 foster child of our neighbor Nichole. Over the summer, single mom, Nichole has had her 2 adopted children and 3 other foster children. She is amazing to me! She sacrifices herself for the betterment of the children that God brings into her life. I am so blessed that God allows me to be part of these peoples lives. Here is a picture of Naomi playing with Princess. They were quick friends.

2008-08-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well, we started practicing homeschooling this week. Zander won't go to Kindergarten until next year but we are working on being able to concentrate, sitting still, being quiet, obeying the teacher, etc. Naomi is also enjoying participating. I must admit that she is better at doing school than Zander is. Here is a picture of them having quiet learning time on their blankets. We will officially start a routine in September.

The Krehbiel Family

2008-08-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

We met John and Beth at the apartment community where we live. John lives here for work and his family lives (mostly) in Franklin, TN. They have 3 adult children and 2 adopted kids. They are now looking to adopt 2 more from Ethiopia. Thier family is awesome! Please read thier story at http://www.adoptingmiracles.net/.

Beyond Our Expectations

2008-08-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today, the Spanish speaking congregation started meeting at our church. About 50 people were expected. . .about 150 turned out.

Also, God brought 3 new people out to small group bible study that Wes leads at our apartment community.

A Hispanic lady (that is teaching herself English), that we had been building a relationship with, had moved out of the apartment complex. This evening as I left the bible study she came up to me and asked us to come to a birthday party on Saturday.

God never ceases to amaze me, the way that He works out the intricate details of our lives and answers our prayers beyond our imaginations.

CARDBOARD TESTIMONIES

2008-08-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

At church a couple of weeks ago, as a part of the sermon, Wes and I participated in the service at the end as a visual. To watch it just click on the link below, and then click on "cardboard testimonies" at the bottom of the page. You may want to get a tissue. . .some of them kinda make you cry.

http://www.hcbcpf.com/sermon/a-voice-in-the-attic/

Rock Stars

2008-07-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here are Rock Stars Doc, Austin, Zander and Naomi. Angie took this picture while Zander and Naomi were hanging out at their house Friday night.

Zander and Naomi would like to be Doc and Angie's kids. They run and hide and then cry when I come to pick them up.

HCBC GO TX Trip

2008-07-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Teens from Hill Country Bible Church Pflugerville were here at the community this week doing service projects (i.e. picking up trash, handing out popsicles at the pool, puting flyers on all 422 apartment doors for our school supply drive) and hanging out. Eleven teens and three young adult leaders, were serving in the area this week and joined us at Colonial Grand to serve our residents. It was great to have the team partnering with us!

Family Pictures

2008-07-24T15:11:00.000-07:00

We had our family pictures taken while Wes' mom and dad were here. If you would like to take a look, visit http://www.rachelparkhurst.com/ under "Clients" the password is napier.

John and Kelsey's Visit

2008-07-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Our freinds, John and Kelsey, visited from Nashville. We had a great time catching up, playing Wii, and eating at Chuy's. The kids were excited to see them. Now our guest room is "John and Kelsey's room." They are planning a missionary trip in the fall and then who knows maybe they'll end up here. We can only hope and pray!

Mommaw and Papa are here!

2008-07-14T20:29:00.001-07:00

Mommaw Wanda and Papa Charles (Wes' mom and stepdad) are visiting from Dahlonega, GA. We have been really enjoying visiting with them and loving on them. Zander and Naomi will be sad to see them go on Wednesday.

Yeahhh God!

2008-07-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

At the bible club this evening a young man from the community accepted the gift that Jesus provided us by dying on the cross! We are so excited! God is awesome the way that He allows us to participate in His divine plan!

Siblings Enjoying a Shake Together

2008-07-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

We took a moment just to enjoy each other's company. We are having a blast, but sometimes we must get refueled. Especially if it includes handspun chocolate shakes.

Great Adventure

2008-07-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

The first day of BYBC started yesterday. It was raining, but we still had 12 kids in attendance. They had a lot of fun of course, but they also had some great questions about God and creation. Our teen team lead, Bethany, did a great job during the presentation time. The team was great at helping to keep the focus on God.

Power Kickbox Orthordontist

2008-07-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

Can't imagine why this place in Round Rock is out of business can you?

Rock Band

2008-07-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

The kids have been having a blast playing Wii Rock Band! Chris, Jill, and family even joined at the clubhouse one evening after Bicycle Safety Class.

New Bikes

2008-07-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Daddy got Naomi and Zander new 2 wheelers. They think they are big stuff now!

Ready, Set, Play!

2008-07-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

We took several of the residents to Ready, Set, Play!, an indoor inflatable place. We had tons of fun and the teens were a great help with the little ones!

Round Rock Express Baseball Game

2008-07-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

We attended the RR Express game with about 25 other residents from our community. We had a lot of fun. We had to leave early. The game went into a couple extra innings and the kids were turning into pumpkins. :o)

Cousin Kyle's Graduation in San Antonio

2008-07-03T09:53:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since I have updated. We have been BUSY!

Zander, Naomi, and I went down to San Antonio for my cousin Kyles graduation from Army medic school. Zander got a new girlfriend, Hannah, while we were there. That evening, Wes asked him what her name was, he said he didn't know but she was pretty. Wes asked if he was going to marry her, Zander said no he was going to marry Ainsley Brunson, which is a freind of his from church. Kyle, his girlfriend, Samantha, her cousing Hannah and grandma Rita, had lunch with us and then headed back to Kentucky. We all had a lot of fun!

Judge Roy Moore

2008-06-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

Judge Moore was sued by the ACLU for displaying the Ten Commandments in his courtroom foyer. He has been stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip his right to practice law in Alabama! The judge's poem sums it up quite well.

America the beautiful,

or so you used to be.

Land of the Pilgrims' pride;

I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,

Abortion on demand,

Oh, sweet land of liberty;

your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly

poisoned by cocaine

choosing to indulge their lusts,

when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,

our Nation turns away

From the teaching of God's love

and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,

how callous we have grown.

When earth is but His footstool,

and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government

that's rotting at the core,

Appointing Godless Judges;

who throw reason out the door,

Too soft to place a killer

in a well deserved tomb,

But brave enough to kill a baby

before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,

that our land's a moral slum?

How much longer will He wait

before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,

from Whom we cannot hide?

What then is left for us to do,

but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,

will humbly turn and pray;

Seek His holy face

and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;

and forgive us of our sins,

He'll heal our sickly land

and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,

If you don't - then you will see,

A sad but Holy God

withdraw His hand from Thee.

~~Judge Roy Moore~~

Mysterious Pictures

2008-06-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

Before we left for Lake LBJ, I couldn't find my nice compact Casio camera. Well Zander "found" it today. These mysterious pictures above were now on it. :o)

Residents Visit to HCBCPF

2008-06-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Doc, Angie, and their baby boy Austin joined us at church on Sunday. Sandy Marshall als0 visited. We are so excited to see how God is assimilating the people at Colonial Grand at Round Rock into His body of believers. Below is an email we received from a couple from Brazil that we met on the playground.

Wes, Pati, Zander, and Naomi
Hi..
We get your email, I am sorry
I didn’t answer before, but last weekend we had a compromise,
but this weekend we want to know the church, thanks for the invite us

God bless you
Gilson & Eliana and John

Lake LBJ Retreat

2008-06-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Wes, the kids, and I have been here at Lake LBJ since last night. We have had so much fun. It is nice to take a little break. We have been swimming in the lake, swimming in the pool, swimming in the pool, then swimming in the lake. . .well we have been swimming. The kids are very appreciative of all of our attention. We drove up to Llano today to eat some good ol' Texas BBQ. It was so good. Wes and the kids caught 5 fish from the boat dock this afternoon. It kept Z's attention for a little bit and then he was back to swimming. N was so tired she just wanted to go back to the condo. They both stayed up until almost 1am and then they were up at 7am. We get to stay here until Wednesday.