Cameron Chronicles

Rest, Relaxation, & Riley's Farm

2010-10-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

Let's just say, life has been quite busy since Tuesday, June 15th, the day Riley was born. Jud & I have not gotten much down time. With the school year in full swing now, Kate (Riley's babysitter) working out great, and Riley growing like a weed, Jud & I took a four-day weekend this past weekend to get a break from everything and celebrate our anniversary. We decided to simply stay home, relax, take naps with Riley, and declutter our minds so we could hear God. Adjusting to parenthood has been quite the change. It is so much fun and there truly is no better calling. God truly blessed the four days.....here it was in a nutshell.

Thursday we simply stayed in our PJs, played with Riley, did pretty much nothing while it rained outside. Our minds only began to slow down and stop thinking about work...

Then Friday Auntie Caitlin had the day off and drove up to get some needed time with Riley. We went out to lunch, walked to our local village and market, made tacos, and watched The Office with a little rocky road for dessert. It was very relaxing...

Saturday, Jud & I took Riley on a little road trip. We drove out to Yucaipa to check out this little place called Riley's Farm (ironically). =) It's an apple orchard where you can pick your own apples, berries, etc. Super fun for young kids! Riley's not quite old enough yet to enjoy it....=) We hope to go back sometime when she's a little older. Nonetheless, it was fun spending the time together, just the 3 of us, and the fresh apple cider was delicious!

It was quite cold and windy, but we still managed to hike up to their pumpkin patch...

When we got home Riley and I made daddy peanut butter cookies. Riley loves facing outward in that Baby Bjorn! She'll walk around the house with me and even go down to the laundry room with me. =)

Here's Riley enjoying the end of our 4-day weekend just relaxing on our guest bed practicing sitting up...=) She just had her 4 month shots last week and the doctor said she's off the charts for her height. She grew another 2 1/2 inches!! Crazy.....she's growing so fast!

The Lord gave Jud & I good quality time and conversation this weekend. I'm so thankful we were able to get the time off work to grow in our marriage and spend time with Riley together. Now we're both feeling a little more renewed and energized to tackle the routine of work and parenting again. =) Praise the Lord!! He is Good!

Like A Child...

2010-08-24T15:20:00.000-07:00

Jesus says in Mark 10:15, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all."

Today I started to cry as I was overwhelmed by how much God loves me. I was changing Riley's diaper on her changing table when she just laid still and stared into my eyes. I began to say to her over and over how much I loved her. "I love you Riley...I love you so much. I love you more than you know. Don't you ever forget how much I love you." Then it hit me. What if I looked into God's face like this and let him tell me those very words: "I love you Jessica...I love you so much. I love you more than you know. Don't you ever forget how much I love you." Wow! Tears of joy streamed down my face onto Riley as she smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen. It was a priceless moment with her and with God.

I don't like feeling unprepared, being humiliated, being wrong, feeling exposed, making mistakes, or feeling intimidated. But, I have to remember that this life is not about being perfect or feeling comfortable. It's about knowing the God who is perfect and letting Him comfort us and strengthen us when we're uncomfortable. It's about not being afraid because we know how much He loves us and taking comfort in that fact...taking refuge in Him.

Being one that enjoys perfection and fights the need to be in control of things, it has been challenging having a child. Being a mom for the first time is not something one can be fully prepared for nor ever perfect at. This transition into motherhood has definitely taken my heart and my emotions out of my comfort zone...in a good way. In all my 27 years of life never have I been so amazed by God's beauty and blessings while at the same time being so humbled and forced to let go and trust Him. I cannot fully know Riley nor perfectly keep up with her constant changing. Only God can. She is His. He has simply loaned her to us to bless us and have us become more like His Son through parenting her.

Seeing Riley look into my eyes and find comfort in my arms as her mommy I see as the perfect picture of how we ought to be with God. I imagine God longs for us to go limp in His arms like an infant does because they know how much they are loved.

Like a child....
I want to let God hold me.
Like a child....
I want to trust that He hears my needs.
Like a child...
I want to look into His eyes.
Like a child...
I want to trust in His love.
Like a child...
I want to not be afraid.

I want to know and love God...
Like a child.

Birthday Operation

2010-08-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

So, my friend Val turned 30 this past weekend, but better yet, I got to help her boyfriend put on a surprise "Birthday Operation." Her boyfriend Andrew is in the military and lives out of state. He was unable to be here for her birthday, so since the two of them met in a mine field training class, he organized an "operation" for her to mine for her birthday gift. Here are some pics from the successful operation. It was so much fun to be there!

He shipped her his uniform that he wore in Iraq. He also got her name put on it along with his. How amazing is that!Val had to make her own mining probe out of a wire hanger. Here she is tediously probing through the sand looking for her buried gift.

15 minutes later...

She eventually found her gift using proper probing technique and all. Her gift was a web cam for her and Andrew to skype while he's in Afghanistan starting in April.

"Happy Birthday, Val!" "What an incredible man you have in your life!"

Riley's Visitors!

2010-07-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

These first 3 weeks of Riley's life, she has been blessed with love from all of the following...especially her amazing grandmothers that came to help me in the beginning. Thank you moms, I truly am grateful for your help in that time! I love you both.

Riley meeting my sis, Aunt Jenni, on Skype, all the way from Spain! I can't wait for them to meet in person very soon!

Bill (Jennie's husband) at PHS when I went to clean out my dance room with the help of Karin.

Jennie holding Riley for the first time...

Riley enjoying the sweet sound of Carolyn's voice...

Chattin' it up with Grandma Cathy on 4th of July weekend

Visiting with Auntie Kellie...loving quality time with her...

Being held by Gramps (my dad)...something special to watch!

Cousin Daniel visiting and meeting Riley for the first time...

The original Hill House girls rejoice together in little Riley!! Thanks for coming out girls!

Thank you for all your support and love!! Jud and I really appreciate it. We look forward to those of you that haven't met Riley yet to meet her in the upcoming weeks! Mama needs intervals of down time to make up her sleep. How exhausting but thrilling it is to have a newborn. Quite the amazing adventure!

It's A Girl!

2010-06-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

Meet RILEY CATHLEEN CAMERON

Born: June 15th, 2010 8 lbs. 11.5 oz / 21 1/2 inches

Beautiful miracle from God...

How blessed we are to have her as our daughter...

I love being a mommy...it is the most incredible feeling...there's nothing like it!

This is Riley 4 days old....she loves her bouncer already...

Riley's first car ride...just leaving the hospital on our way home as a family of THREE!Smiling (well, she just had gas) =)
Here we are right after the c-section meeting our little daughter for the first time...
Me bonding with Riley in the hospital...she is so beautiful...I'm in love with her already!
The t-shirt says it all...
Riley's favorite spot other than the breast of course right now...=)

Awaiting God's Gift...

2010-05-31T16:54:00.000-07:00

So....thanks to all your generosity through the baby showers and simply out of the kindness of your hearts, we are pretty much set and waiting for the little one God has made inside of me to arrive...! Here are some pics of our "mini nursery." Its actually kind of fun. The other night, Jud & I fell asleep with Olly at the end of our bed and our new little turtle light night light on. We felt like kids again and when the baby's sleeping in his/her bassinet....we will all be together sleeping soundly as a family. =) I can't wait!

Here's the changing table which is full of clothes and blankets already!

Baby Cameron already has more stuffed animals than I did and he/she is still in the womb!

This bassinet is just waiting to rock and carry God's little miracle. For now, Mr. Bear & Monkey are holding the fort down. =)

Olly's Coping...

2010-04-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

Let's just say...Olly's a little depressed about the lack of attention he might receive once little baby Cameron comes around...=) All our talk of the baby has led him to this....
Fortunately though, he's starting to turn around and make the best of it. He's decided to sleep with me on all my naps and appears to love my body pillow as much as I do! =)

Trip to Colorado!

2010-02-15T11:52:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Val, I got to finally visit Kath & Dana in Fort Collins CO this last weekend. It was so refreshing to hang out with them and see the beauty in Colorado. We went to a game night, played some trivia with Kath's coworker Carrie, and ate good food. I enjoyed getting to meet their friends, see their home, and go to their church. Thanks again guys for having me!

Saturday morning we had Keith & Sarah over for a pancake breakfast. Thanks again Dana for making those! It was so good to see you Wernsings! Its been way too long.

Kath took me around Fort Collins a little and here's the reservoir nearby frozen over. Isn't that stunning?!

As we drove by where Kathy works, she showed me one of the things that always makes her day....the prairie dogs in the field across the street!

Unfortunately Jud couldn't come with me to Colorado, so I brought a bit back for him to enjoy! He's wearing his new Fat Tire t-shirt and holding the two new beers I got from the Fort Collins New Belgium Brewery. He was very excited!

I came home to some surprises too! Jud's cousin Kim sent us a big package with not only her breast pump she's giving to us, but tons of cute little baby clothes....so fun!! Thank you so much Kim!

Baby in Idaho!

2010-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

So, here's the latest of our baby! We are officially 20 weeks now! Due date is still June 14th! You can see the baby's eyes, cute nose, it's amazing! We even got to see the baby playing with its fingers and yawning at the same time....unforgettable! Now, I can't wait to meet our little one. I've also started to feel the baby moving around inside me.

After the excitement of that doctor's visit, we traveled to McCall, Idaho for my cousin Brandy's wedding. This is Jud & I at the airport waiting to meet up with my grandparents. Unfortunately, this is the last you see of Jud because he got sooooo sick when we were there. We had to take him to the ER the night of the wedding to get him hydrated on an IV. It was scary, but in every moment I got to see God with us. Praise God, he's doing much better and we made it home safely.
This is Jenni and I at the wedding. I was able to go to the ceremony and a little of the reception.
It was the most stunning wedding I've ever been too....the ceremony was outside and it was snowing!! Absolutely magical. Yes, that is real behind me, its not a background. =) I took this pic for Jud. I missed having him at the wedding. =(
Here we are before flying home. This was Jud's first and only moment of enjoying the gorgeous scenery outside. Here, he had just walked outside to get to the car. But, I really wanted a pregnant picture together in the snow. =) Poor guy. We hope to go back some day to enjoy the beauty there in Idaho....together.

Holiday Happenings!

2010-01-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, as a teacher, you know, I get two weeks off. It has been such a great break. I'm feeling much better now being in the 2nd trimester with much more energy. I redecorated our bedroom to give us a new relaxing haven before the baby comes. We visited both families for Christmas, I got to see Amy & the girls, and I got some girl time with my mom and sister as we went maternity clothes shopping. Just last night, Jud & I celebrated New Year's Eve at Heather & Ben's wedding in San Pedro. Here are some great pics from this past holiday time. Happy New Year!!

Jud's family opening the t-shirts we made them for when the baby comes!

After opening presents at the Cameron household

Emily (5 1/2) & Alithea (15 months) Downing

Mom & Daughter...couldn't look more alike

Me visiting them while they were down in Long Beach (Amy's also 5 months pregnant here with their 3rd girl on the way...she's due exactly 1 month before us!)

Christmas in Riverside after Christmas Eve service

Jud & I at 16 weeks officially! Our first profile pic!

The t-shirts we made for my family for when baby Cameron comes!

What I will look like at 7 months...I'm wearing that velcro tummy at the maternity store =)

Hill House Reunion!

2009-12-17T01:51:00.001-08:00

So, as Kath mentioned on her blog...we couldn't have asked for a better time together! The five of us girls who lived together originally in Hill House in college, all met up in Nashville to celebrate Carolyn's birthday and to reunite after a few years of not living together. Its amazing how so much has happened in each of lives since then, but like Kath said, we were able to pick up right where we left off. Laughing together, simply talking as girls on the couches, praying for each other as a "family," and crying together was deeply refreshing for my soul. I truly miss having those times more frequently. Here's a few pics from our trip!

Birthday Season!

2009-10-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hey guys...just wanted to share with you some pics from our birthday dinners we had recently. Jud & I got to go out to CPK for my birthday which was a treat after these months of lean times. Honestly, that was a great mojito. Then, thanks to Kath's suggestion, we got a free Cold Stone because it was my birthday. You should all do that on your birthday! Just go online and print out the coupon. We also got to hang out at the cabin with my parents. They took us out to dinner to an amazing steakhouse for dinner. Thanks again mom and dad!

For Jud's we went to the famous Gus' BBQ Restaurant here in Pasadena. We had never been there, but driven by it many of times. Sunset magazine actually listed it in the Top 10 Best BBQ on the west coast! And wow.....honestly, it was the best food I have EVER, I mean EVER, had! I'm kind of bummed for what ever other food we have now, the next time we go out, because the bar has now been raised. =)

Balboa Park & Family

2009-08-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I performed with the company at Balboa Park at the Casa Del Prado Theatre. The performances went great and it was fun having Karin, Caitlin, and Kellie there to watch. They had yet to see Benita Bike DanceArt Company perform. We stayed down in San Diego for the weekend to spend time with the fam and celebrate Caitlin's 27th birthday! Last night we drove back and went to our friend's Teya and Jesse's house in Van Nuys for a birthday dinner. It was also Teya's 27th birthday...she dances in Benita's company and they're a lot of fun to hang out with. She cooked amazing lasagna and a chocolate torte for dessert.

We took a visit to the Yogurt Mill in San Diego...honestly better than Golden Spoon if you can imagine! P.S. This is just the 'child' size...can you believe it?!

Tiff & I at Teya's birthday dinner last night...good food and good friends!

In Love with Hip-Hop...

2009-08-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

In Maine, I fell in love with a new style of dance...hip-hop. I registered for this class with the original intent of learning some new moves to bring back to my hip-hop loving students. But unexpectedly I fell in love with the style myself. I hadn't taken an actual hip-hop class in probably 10 years. Jennifer Archibald is a new emerging, very talented, dancer and choreographer in New York. She is who taught this class. This is a clip of her and one of her company members dancing some of her repertory she taught us. Her style is unique as you can see...she fuses hip-hop intricacies with contemporary modern movements. She does have her own company called Arch Dance Company. You can check them out at: www.jenniferarchibald.com

Bates You Tube

2009-08-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, you can check out this you tube video to hear what the festival was all about that I just got home from. Its a great 8-minute documentary and there's even a quick glimpse of me doing hip-hop in the first minute or so. The video does a great job explaining what Bates is all about!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtO4AaM1we0&feature=PlayList&p=2CB50EC1FF160E57&index=0&playnext=1

Meet Bates!

2009-08-14T14:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the day after I returned home, Jud and I took a walk and found this new little friend. She warmed up to us quickly, but we decided to leave her on the brick retaining wall to see if she was still there when we came by again on our way back. And sure enough...she was! We're still not sure if she belongs to anyone, so we're keeping our eye out for signs. But, if no one claims her, for the mean time, we are holding onto her. Surprisingly, her and Olly are getting along. They were both playing with their rafia this morning. So, appropriately, we have named this new little cat, Bates! She looks a little mean, but she is a sweetie...

Last of Bates!

2009-08-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm home from Maine and recovering from the fun-filled, physically, and mentally exhausting festival. It was such a thrill to go with Heather and become closer as friends throughout the 3 weeks. This is us the festival finale show on Saturday. Below, are some pictures of me performing in a dance piece Kesha created while we were there as well as some pictures of just us having fun.

Here are most of us Teacher Fellows that received scholarships to be there from all over the country. From left to right, there's Sinnamon, Heather, me, Kevin, Kesha, Kim, Amy, Jesmin, and Chi.

Here's all of us in the hip-hop class. Jennifer Archibald is an emerging artist and choreographer from New York and she taught the class. I have now a new found love for hip-hop fused with modern dance. If I ever get a chance to visit New York again, I will definitely be taking her class!

Here are the girls at our usual spot in the dining hall where we spent every amazing meal. Did I mention that Bates College has the title of "Best Dining Hall Food in the Country"?! The food was fresh and amazingly delicious! It is weird coming back home after not cooking for 3 weeks.

This is us girls at the last dance party of the festival. DJ Niles played music for us and we grooved to favorites of the 90's! Doesn't that make us feel old...=)

This is us in our modern class with Michael Foley. I'm there in the back with cut off gray sweats.

Same thing in this pic of us in hip-hop class...

Kesha created a piece for the Young Choreograher Show on Saturday. The faculty adjudicated the concert, meaning they gave about 10 minutes of feedback to Kesha on her choreography. This is me, Vicki, and Kesha performing there.

Her piece was about body image. It was a great experience and really fun to perform.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to go to this festival. It is great to be home though...it was hard being away from Jud for that long. I'm looking into a teacher's festival for next summer that's only one week long. =) I met some unforgettable dancers and choreographers including BB Miller and Robert Battle. It was an amazing networking experience for tools as a teacher and for future performing opportunities. Praise God for it all! Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Atlantic vs. Pacific

2009-08-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got to see the Atlantic ocean for the first time! Now, it doesn't look much different from the Pacific, but the water is much colder and really foamy when it reaches shore...kinda strange. =) The beach, in my opinion though, is more beautiful than the west coast ones because of the greenery. The festival had an organized beach day that took us to Reid State Park about an hour away from where we are in Lewiston. There were trees, grass, rocks and picnic benches just before you walked on the sand. They had a snack bar with lobster rolls and french fries with cinnamon and sugar on them. It was amazing weather for the beach...we all layed out and attempted to go in the water but only made it in ankle deep.

Getting in Contact

2009-07-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

The festival has been quite the experience thus far! Physically and mentally exhausting in a good way. Every night there's something going on. The first pic is of us girls at the dance party from last Friday night where our live musicians from dance class played live. It was pretty incredible having their talents accompanying our groovin'. The other pic is from a 'Contact Jam' that took place a couple nights ago. A Contact Jam is when a bunch of dancers get together to simply improvising by making contact with their bodies creating new moves. We didn't actually participate but we hung out and I played with my camera trying to catch cool moments. Needless to say, I can't believe my time here is already half way over, and I will definitely have some processing to do when I get home.

Dancing in Maine!

2009-07-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

So, here we are in Maine at the Bates Dance Festival. We are having such a blast! We've been here for six days now but feels like weeks. We take four classes a day, two technique and two academic. One of my classes is a "Teacher Toolkit" class which is so helpful exchanging teaching principles and practices with other high school dance educators just like me.

These are just a few of the girls we've met and gotten close to. [Heather, Amy (from Texas), me, Keisha (from New Orleans), and Sinnamon (from Long Beach)]

The festival is on the beautiful campus of Bates College. This is the adorable New England home we get to stay in these 3 weeks. It is just across the street from where we're dancing. It is so peaceful and relaxing.

It definitely is more humid out here than CA but not bad at all. The weather has actually been beautiful, with rain a couple days, but also blue skies and cool temperatures for the summer. The campus also has such beautiful brick buildings all throughout. Speaking of...

This building I passed by yesterday while walking to one of my classes. This is for you Dana! I couldn't believe it...how ironic! =) So, just know, that yes, Dana, there is a building named after you on a college campus in Maine of all places.

Looking Back...

2009-07-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

Hey guys. I loved how Carolyn posted all that God has done when she looked back over her last year. So, I took her advice to do the same. No wonder God tells us all throughout Scripture, over and over again, to REMEMBER! Remembering His faithfulness, taking the time to reflect...I wonder how much it would increase our faith and our joy if we did that more often?! So, here's in a nutshell, Jud & I's last year:

Made the big move from Long Beach to Pasadena
Got our first "real" pet, Olly!
I experienced bike riding to work for 6 months
God provided an amazing doctrinally-sound church at Calvary Bible Church
I started dancing professionally again, auditioning and joining Benita Bike DanceArt Co.
With the company, I got to travel to and perform in Kentucky
God provided the money to visit Jud's family for a week in Wisconsin
My grandpa Tures went home with the Lord on January 1st
Jud was laid off from his job with Fastenal
We experienced 6 months of unemployment...lean times...but God was faithful to us! The blessing was that during that time, Jud got time outdoors, hiking almost daily in Eaton Canyon and also took classes becoming a certified docent (nature teacher) there.
We lost Olly for 6 weeks
Some times of pain & illness with Jud having two herniated discs, a torn meniscus, and me getting shingles.
The Tures family had a wonderful, much needed, family reunion and memorial for my grandpa, aunt Robin, and uncle Dennis.
I put on my first full production with my students, our Spring Dance Concert 2009!
We got Olly back!
God provided an amazing job for Jud at Felikian's Carpet One, stable, enjoyable, and close to home!
Jess completed her first year of BTSA (a 2-year teacher's program required before becoming tenured)
And now Jess is going to Maine for 3 weeks to dance on a dance educator scholarship!

As you can see, flipping through our year at a glance, it is amazing how much can happen in just 1 year. But, it is also so encouraging to see that there are always going to be challenging times and lean times, but after that comes blessing! All praise and glory be to God for it all! I hope you find encouragement when you look back and reflect as well.

"...always giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father..." Ephesians 5:20

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Weekend Away before Maine

2009-07-13T12:48:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was Jud's weekend off and our last weekend together before I leave for Maine to attend this year's Bates Dance Festival. All praise to God, I received a full scholarship to attend this 3 week festival as a high school dance educator. I get to take dance classes all day every weekday I'm there! I'm really looking forward to it. Plus, I get to go with my friend Heather who received the same scholarship and was the one who told me to apply in the first place.

We are so blessed to have the cabin in our family and the freedom to get away up there when we need it or just long for peace and quiet. It was so peaceful up there, especially when the ski slopes across the street are empty, covered with grass instead of snow. The only things you hear are the chirping of the birds and the mountain bikers riding up and down the hill. We got to sleep in, make pancakes for breakfast, turn our minds off while channel surfing, watched the movie "Traitor" (which we highly recommend), walked a bit around the village, spent way too much for the delivery of a medium Domino's pizza, and got to bond as a married couple away from our life here in Pasadena.

Fireworks in Big Bear!

2009-07-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

For 4th of July, we headed up to the cabin to see fireworks by the lake and mostly to see the family. It was so great to spend time with Jenni and her boyfriend Gabe. They are really fun to hang out with. We've been wanting to get to know them better as a couple and its amazing how much God can multiply an evening together. We not only ate dinner together, the four of us, but then watched fireworks with Jenni's friends and my parents at the park near Big Bear Lake. Then, back at the cabin, we stayed up late playing dominoes. Sunday morning we left early to not only get back for Jud to work but to take Jenni & Gabe to the airport. It worked out great though because we got the 3 hour car ride together and that was a lot of fun!

Back to the Sierras!

2009-06-25T08:37:00.001-07:00

Last weekend before Jud started his job, we went camping in the Sierras with his family.

We went fishing in the creek next to our campsite. That was a first for me; I've only fished in lakes before.

Jud & I hiked half way around this lake to find the perfect little spot. We crossed a stream, snow, and lots of bushes. It was amazing, we could see the fish right below us in the clear water before we caught them.

We caught 5 fish total (Jud 3, Me 2) mostly rainbow trout, but also a couple brown trout

Here's Kellie, Caitlin, Riley (Jud's cousin) and Dennis (Riley's boyfriend) just outside the lake. Isn't the snow in the background beautiful!

We had beautiful weather the entire time except for the high winds during the night. It did drop down to 35 degrees the last night. I slept with 3 layers + my mittens and scarf all while sleeping in a severe weather sleeping bag. Let's just say they weren't the best nights of sleep but it sure was fun being in a tent again and hearing the roaring creek next to our campsite.

This is Karin & Bob's dog Mookie. She started to shiver from being cold, so we thought we'd help her out a little by giving her Kellie's hooded sweatshirt. Is that not the most hilarious thing?!

God Never Fails Us (even in the "lean" times)

2009-06-22T22:38:00.000-07:00

So.....as many of you know, God has had Jud and I on this amazing journey for the past 6 months. We have been trusting God, waiting on God, praying earnestly for God to provide a job for Jud. At first, we saw it as a time for Jud to find the "perfect" job for himself. But, as time went on, we realized that we needed to leave this up to God solely and let Him choose for us. Our faith was strengthened when we saw God come through every time at the end of each month. We saw Him provide in ways we'll remember hopefully always. He never failed us!

Last week, Jud was called into a 2nd interview for a sales position at this business. And before we knew it...God had provided a job! (And in this economy, we were thankful for any job). But, God does not just settle for something, He chooses the best for our holiness and growth in becoming more Christ-like. There are so many amazing blessings about this job: it is not only a full-time permanent position, but it is owned by a wonderful family, the business has been rooted in Pasadena for over 30 years, it is only 3 miles from home (we feel so blessed to both now work in the same city we live in), and it provides the variety and people interaction that Jud was wired for by God. Jud's first day on the job was today and he loved it! There will be lots of intense training for the next 3 months learning all the details to the carpet and flooring the company sells, but Jud loves learning new things and is great with interacting with people. He has already clicked with Andre who's training him and they even made a few sales today already! I am so proud of Jud for persevering in these past 6 months, trusting in the Lord no matter what. We praise God for knowing what we need when we need it, for providing when we least expect it, and for giving us His best when we don't deserve it. We know this job was from the Lord. Please pray that we would continue to praise Him and thank Him, remembering His faithfulness toward us. May we live our lives and work at our jobs FOR HIM, and HIM ALONE. All glory be to God!

Family & Friends

2009-06-09T21:43:00.000-07:00

With the busiest time of the school year done and 6 days officially until summer starts, Jud & I have had more time to see family and friends. Jenni came down from Berkeley after her finals and she got to go church with us, go to our favorite Pasadena hole-in-the-wall Mexican food restaurant, and then her and I laid out by the pool to talk about boys. That was really special. I don't ever get a few hours just to talk with my sis. I miss her a lot.

Last weekend we went over to Nick & Rachael's house for a BBQ and finally got to meet their new son, Caden, as well as Marc & Esther's new daughter, Avery. They were absolutely adorable. Abie & Aaron were also there and they was great fun getting to know them better as a married couple.

First Show a Success!

2009-05-31T00:03:00.001-07:00

Well, our first Spring Dance Concert for Pasadena High School was a huge success! It was such a thrill to put on, but man, was it a lot of work! I am secretly relieved its over so I can spend time with my husband now without fighting the urge to work on something for the show. The details definitely consumed my mind for the past two months.

God definitely blessed it though! We had sold almost 500 tickets ahead of time which I was thrilled with. Our auditorium seats over 2,400...its pretty large. But to our surprise, more than half of it filled up the night of our show last Friday! We couldn't believe it. There was an energy in the audience that has not been seen in years apparently at the school. Now, with my stage manager going to the hospital and having to take over calling all the show's cues 5 days before the show, I was juggling quite a bit at once. I had help from parents and students, but this definitely couldn't have gone as well as it did without the Lord! He was present the whole way, even when I didn't acknowledge Him. I praise Him for the success of our show. The students were amazing! So many of them had never even performed on stage before. Although I made some mistakes that night with some cues and not making some acknowledgments that took me a few days to forgive myself, in the end, I was so proud of my students and the history we made that night for PHS! Praise God for it all! May He continue to bless the program that He so distinctly and unexpectedly called me to 3 years ago.

God's creativity...

2009-04-24T20:24:00.000-07:00

For the past few months Jud has been taking classes at Eaton Canyon Nature Center right behind our apartment which has been great for him. As you can guess Jud has definitely been missing the ocean since we've moved to Pasadena, but he now has the Angeles Crest Mountains which he's been hiking almost everyday now. Last week he officially graduated from his docent class is allowed to volunteer as a trail guide taking kids on field trips throughout the canyon! I am so proud and excited for Jud, as those of you that know him well, know that it is outside that he feels most alive.

To add to God's creativity to this season of our lives, my family on my dad's side reunited last weekend to celebrate my Grandpa's life and come together to support one another in this time. I was excited and hesitant about seeing relatives I hadn't seen in 12 years! I thought it was going to be awkward and a bit fake. But, God surprised me! (as He usually does!) It was the most amazing time. I related with my cousins like I never have before. We talked and talked. We talked about God's sovereignty and how good He is in His timing of taking not only our grandpa home with the Lord, but their mom as well this year. I got to meet their adorable children for the first time. One of my favorite moments of the time was listening to my grandma share how her and grandpa met and how he had to ask her three times before she said yes to marrying her. I think it was healing for her to share all those memories with us. Praise be to God for bringing us all together and giving us the hope we have in eternal life with knowing Christ!

Here we are with my grandma Tures...she's hanging in there, holding on to the hope that grandpa is in heaven enjoying the presence of our Lord!

It was so good to see my sis and our cousin Dustin!

Here are my three cousins: Nannette, Janette, & Danette with Danette's little girl Emma.

This is a stepping stone that we all took part in decorating for my grandma to take back home with her in memory of my grandpa. That was really special to do.

Our trip to the state of cheese curds!

2009-04-12T20:32:00.001-07:00

So, here we are in Plymouth, Wisconsin with Jud's grandparents, Doris & Flare. They so graciously flew us out to spend time with the family for my spring break!

This is us out to lunch by Lake Michigan.

We played lots of the game Sequence as well as Continental Rummy.

Then, we went up north to visit Jud's cousins Kim & Ted. This is their daughter Anie. She is absolutely adorable.

Anie had to show us her clam she kept in her sand box...that's when we played "Monster & Jaguar" (Jud was the monster and I had to help her protect the Jaguar from getting eaten) =)

We also got some great quality time in Madison with Uncle Bob & Aunt Kristi. This is Anie's little brother Jack. Isn't he so cute?!

Our night out on the town for Wisconsin Friday night Fish Fry and cheese curds. Kristi, Bob, & Ian took us to the Old Fashion restaurant for our last night in Madison, WI.

We are so thankful that God provided the time and finances for us to go on this trip. We had such a wonderful time! Thank you so much Grandma & Grandpa Fred, Kristi & Bob, and Kim & Ted for having us in your homes and spending the quality time with us that you did. We love you guys so much and Happy Easter!

Olly's BACK!! (aka "Mr.Betsy")

2009-03-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! You'd never believe what happened two nights ago. After being gone for 6 weeks and eventually settling with the fact that he wasn't coming back, we got a phone call from a woman across the street that has had him for the past 2 weeks! We couldn't believe he'd survived this long. That means that he somehow survived these neighborhoods for about 4 weeks on his own, and Olly's not the bravest of cats. We think it was his caution that saved him. Especially being mostly white in color, he must have hidden himself pretty well from the coyotes. He also miraculously crossed the busy street of Washington Blvd. in front of our apt and reached the porch of the lovely woman that returned him.

We weren't sure if he'd remember us or our home, but sure enough, within 30 minutes after bringing him home, he found his litter box, his favorite place on the couch, and was immediately up on the table again while we played cards. And yes, he still spoons with me at night with his head right on my pillow. It is such a special little blessing to have Olly back home with us. I still can't believe he's alive!

The "Mr.Betsy" name was the lady's name for him when she had him. Because of Olly's beautiful markings and sweet face, she thought he was a girl. So, she named him Betsy and then when the Humane Society told her he was a boy, she called him Mr. Betsy. =) Olly's definitely lost weight since he's been gone and is a little bit dirtier than before, surviving all the dirt and rain we had for those couple weeks straight. In the picture Olly is playing with his new homecoming toy we bought him. =) So good to have him back!

Trip to Kentucky!

2009-03-02T21:35:00.001-08:00

This is the company of women that I dance with in Benita Bike's DanceArt Company (from left to right): Laurie, Tiff, Teya, Kim, and myself. We were invited to Louisville, KY to teach and perform for middle school students plus the surrounding community. This pic was takin' after performing in a classroom for a small class of 6th graders and the director of the county's arts center treating us to lunch.

This next picture is from our second day in KY when we performing on a small piece of marley floor they put down for us in their gym to perform for all the school's 8th graders. The unique thing about our company and Benita's vision is to educate the audience about modern dance as we perform. So, she talks in between each of our pieces (to allow us to change of course) but to ultimately interact with the audience and allow them to share their reactions from the previous piece.

The pic below is of us performing for 6th graders on their little stage in their gymnasium. It was funny because they initially wanted to have the stage closed off with a curtain and a small group of students with us on stage while two classes played dodge ball for P.E. But, we insisted that the P.E. simply join the audience and watch us dance instead. It worked out, the teacher was flexible, and we got to reach a lot more kids that way.

This is me on stage during our tech rehearsal doing my solo to "Jimmy Crack Corn" in our dance titled "A Few American Songs." Teya's knee has been bothering her so I was asked to learn her solo before we took this trip. It has a lot of jumping in it, so I'm enjoying it. Plus, its a joyful solo, so I get to smile.

Below is the beautiful space we got to perform in for our Saturday's full evening length performance. This is Oldham County's Arts Center stage, but it used to be a church (obvious by the pews still there). It was pretty cool with its unusually shaped stage, high ceiling, and audience seated at different angles.

If you wanna see more pics from our incredibly fun trip, you can click on the link below.
We did go out to a Kentucky bar Saturday night after our show and danced the night away until 2:00am. Mind you, Benita was picking us up at 5:45am for our flight home. =) I'm still catching up on my sleep.

Link

Answers Already...

2009-01-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your prayers!

To my surprise, our family IS getting together. In fact, in a few weekends we're all getting together (including extended family I haven't seen in 15-20 years) at my parent's house in Riverside. And beyond that, we are having a memorial service at the church up the street that my parents have been going to which is in walking distance. So, pretty exciting. There is much potential for some healing and reconnection to take place throughout the Tures Family. Praise God for that!

Also, I spoke with my Grandma on Sunday and it was such a joy to hear from her personally how God has shown Himself to her. First of all, my grandma told me she has been praying all year that God would take grandpa home to heaven before the new year. And guess what...(its just like God)...grandpa went home with the Lord New Year's Eve! Isn't that just awesome. I think God loves to just show off sometimes. =) He is so perfect in all that He does.

My grandma also described to me what a beautiful moment it was to have her hand on her husband's chest when his heart took its last beat here on earth. She had never imagined or asked if that was possible; she simply wished to be there in his last moments. She thanks God so much for being able to share that very last moment with him (having been married over 60 years). What an incredible love God built in their marriage.

Thank you for your prayers.

Prayer Requests...

2009-01-01T16:01:00.001-08:00

My grandpa, Marvin D. Tures, passed away last night at 2:00am over New Year's Eve. He is home with the Lord now and we rejoice in that, but I have a few prayer requests.

Please pray:
1. For my grandma, for not only comfort and peace from God but also the courage for her to leave her place and possessions if necessary. It is not the healthiest situation for her to be out there in 29 Palms alone.
2. For wisdom for my parents in how to help at this time. Unfortunately, this is the 3rd death on my dad's side this year and our family has yet to come together to share in these hard times. Pray that if its God's Will for us to come together, either for a simple gathering or an actual service, that God would provide the means to do that.
3. For the entire Tures family to find hope in the reality of heaven for those who know and confess Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. And if they do not yet know the Lord personally, that they would make that life-changing decision now.

I praise God for making it possible for us to spend eternity with Him where there is no pain or fear. Grandpa is no longer in pain and discomfort but enjoying the presence of the Lord now.

Thank you for praying for the Tures family,
Jess & Jud

Our Three Praises to God!

2008-12-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

We praise God for:

1. Providing a church for us to call home.
2. Benita Bike DanceArt Company for Jess to dance with.
3. The PEF grant Jess just received for the PHS dance program.

Our first and greatest praise is for God's provision of a church! Jud & I visited about four churches in the area over the past three months and became quite frustrated. We were having a hard time finding a church that put its primary focus on the Scriptures and Jesus Christ. However, through prayer and waiting on God...He faithfully provided and led us to Calvary Bible Church in Burbank. We are so excited about their focus on the Bible and their contagious love of Jesus Christ. We are meeting more and more people each week and I am so enjoying the woman's bible study I just got involved in. We are studying the book of Joshua now and are on to Judges next! Jud & I also go to the Young Marrieds group on Sundays. The following picture is from the Young Marrieds Christmas Party we went to last Saturday night. It was a white elephant gift exchange...notice the IV stand, puppets, and other random gifts. It was absolutely outrageous. Although Jud did walk away with a real set of bagpipes from Ireland that someone brought and had no use for...how appropriate for the Camerons! =)

Secondly, I've been wanting to share that God provided the most unexpected opportunity for me to perform again. I'm having so much fun with it. A friend of mine texted me one morning recently and asked if I'd be interested in dancing with this dance company as a part time dancer. I prayed, I tried out, and they asked me to join. It is much different from the last company I danced with...it only consists of five female dancers and the movement is more classical modern and conservative. The girls are so great and I'm being challenged as a dancer again. I love it. Plus, it inspires me in my teaching and gives me an outlet to relieve my own stress as well as reminds me of the love I have for dancing. We practice in Studio City and perform locally. The uniqueness of this company is that its focus is on educating the local community about modern dance by exposing them to it for free! The company has so many sponsors/donors that all but one of our performances are free to the public and we perform almost twice a month. It amazes me how God had this planned when He led me to say no to becoming the school's dance team advisor and to say no to doing my master's right now. Hmmm.....I see now that He had this planned. =)

Lastly, speaking of God's plans...He also had plans for me to put on our very first Spring Dance Concert this year for the high school dance program. I have dreamed of doing this since I was hired three years ago, but never did I think this was the year to do it. But, as I began this year, He definitely starting laying things in place for it. Literally overnight, a couple months ago, the joy and excitement just came for putting on a full show. The ideas flooded my mind, the energy to fundraise came, the excitement from the students came, the resources started falling in my lap. It all started with the $2,000.00 grant I applied for in November. I applied for this same grant last year but did not receive it. However, with the help of my teaching mentor, we rewrote my proposal with a clear vision and plan and by God's grace, I got it! I couldn't believe it. The money is to purchase a safe marley dance floor for the kids to perform on, costumes for the show, and a practice curtain in the dance room. Since then, I have met some key people in the Pasadena area and district connected with the arts that have shown a great interest in supporting what I'm doing. It is soooo exciting, encouraging, and overwhelming all at the same time. All to say, I praise God for opening the doors to do what I love and have always dreamed of. May God be glorified through the whole process.

I not only wanted to share these praises with you guys, but also ask for prayer. Yesterday Jud got laid off from his job. We know God is faithful and will provide as always. Please pray with us for God to be glorified through us in this time as we wait on Him and seek His will.

We love you guys and thanks for sharing in our lives.

Bark...Bark...

2008-12-09T17:48:00.001-08:00

So, here we are, April and I, for our annual baking of peppermint bark! For the past three years we've gotten together, ordered pizza, and spent hours melting chocolate and stirring in crushed peppermint. And family, yes, you will be getting some, don't worry. =) Our new flavors this year besides the original, were dark chocolate with espresso, and milk chocolate with heath crunch. If you want an easy recipe for making something that looks pretty and tastes good for the holidays...this is the one! Let me know if you want it!

The Tures/Cameron Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Yep...you read that right! Both of our families spent Thanksgiving together at the cabin in Big Bear. It was so much fun. We are definitely blessed for being able to do that. I think my dad found a new friend in Bob. They seemed to have hit it off, hangin' outside talking, and shooting their pellet guns out back. (Well, Kellie did join them...and shhhh...she's the one that hit the bull's eye). =) Jud and I introduced them to the Moonridge Zoo and took them down to the village where we all walked, window shopped, and enjoyed the Black Friday buzz of Big Bear. It was absolutely beautiful weather the entire weekend. Mostly in the 50's and below freezing at night; great for mittens and scarves, but yet still sunglasses with the sun out.

Every one brought up amazing dishes to contribute to our combined tradition-filled meal. We also had fun taking family pictures of each other for our Christmas cards. The Cameron's headed back to San Diego Friday night and the five of us headed to 29 Palms on Saturday to visit my grandparents. It was a joy giving my grandpa a blanket I had made, to help make him comfortable in these last days of his. We're all waiting patiently, praying for the Lord to take Him home. He wants to be with the Lord so bad. I praise God for allowing us to see him on one of his good days. He actually recognized us and was able to say "I love you too" back. That, I will remember always.

We have so much to be thankful for! I pray that we continue to be thankful, praising God for our families, our friends, our spouses, our children, our health, and most of all...the gift of salvation, through Jesus.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed time with your family or friends!

P.S. Kellie's sandwich is now known as "the" Thanksgiving Sandwich! (mash potatoes included...) =) Oh yeah...and if you were wondering...that is Pumpkin Cheesecake next to the Red Vines. =)

Celebrating Carolyn in CA!

2008-11-23T00:49:00.000-08:00

So, all of us from Hill House (the old crew and the new one) celebrated Carolyn's birthday with HER in person....yes, she came into town yesterday from Nashville, TN. It was so great to see her! We first hung out at the house, catching up on our lives, and then after eating a chocolate tart the girls bought, we were off to the movies...we saw the Disney movie, Bolt. It was hilarious. Simple girls night out...and special to be with Carolyn again. I definitely miss her! So, here of some pics of our dear Carolyn Miller.

Olly's New Spots...

2008-11-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

Olly has his quirks like any pet, but his are adorable. His two new favorite spots are at the top of the couch in the evening and then yes, right next to me, his head on my pillow right next to mine. It is too cute. He is the cuddliest cat I've known. It definitely doesn't beat cuddling with my husband, but Olly is great comfort when Jud is out of town for business training.

Stepping Foot on "Sacred" Ground...

2008-11-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, Abie Curry (now Abie Bacon) and her now husband, Aaron, held their SoCal Reception at no better place than Abie's work...the Rose Bowl! So, you might be guessing, what is the "sacred" ground? well, despite the rain, Abie took us out on the field so we could walk on the grass in the Rose Bowl stadium, which I learned that night is the oldest football stadium in our country! Pretty cool, huh?! Then, the other "sacred" ground we got the privilege of walking on was into the UCLA football players' locker room. I knew my dad would be jealous, the big UCLA fan that he is. =) After spending a few minutes in the locker room, taking in the aura of it, an alarm started to sound....you should've seen the look on our eyes....and I was with Don Allen! We thought we were little kids caught in trouble, but needless to say, it wasn't our fault, it was the smoke alarm set off by the smoke machine in the room where the reception was going on. =)
That was a memory I will remember for a while though.

WILMAAAAAAA!!

2008-11-01T06:38:00.001-07:00

So, here I am as Wilma Flintstone for Halloween. It was a lot of fun. Nice and cool, easy to move in, and hard to miss me with the orange wig. In fact, some of my students said I should dye my hair that color! Ah! The other comments I got were, "Oh, I thought you were a student Mrs. Cameron..." and "Is your husband dressed as Fred Flintstone?" I thought that was cute. That would've been fun, but unfortunately Party City did not have that one. Well, all to say, this ones a keeper, along with my lion costume from last year. I only need two more good ones before I can start rotating them every four years! =) Hope you all had a great Halloween!! Love, Wilma

Go Bears!

2008-10-26T22:42:00.001-07:00

If you hadn't heard, the Cal Bears beat the UCLA Bears in football this last weekend! We got to be there live for the game. Jud & I flew up to Berkeley (thanks to my parents' anniversary gift of the plane flights) to see Jenni's half-time show she charted (or choreographed). It was so great to be there! I miss her so much. We spent Saturday on Berkeley's beautiful campus, sweated like we never have before sitting at the top row of the stadium for the game, heard my sister's name announced throughout the stadium before the half-time show, and then saw where my sister lives off campus. We got great time with my parents, laughing and talking, as we camped last night about 30 minutes from campus at Arthur Chabot Campgrounds. It was a lot of fun! We then got up this morning, Jenni drove us near the airport, and we had breakfast together before flying back home. I'm so proud of my sister...she is doing so great up north at Berkeley! Hope you enjoy these pics.

This is where the band plays for the fans on their campus steps before then marching up to the stadium...

This is the band out on the field during the halftime show!

Jenni's second from the left of the pic, closest to us...

Are YOU ready for Halloween?!!

2008-10-19T23:20:00.001-07:00

We all know that clowns are not Jud's favorite...but, you'll never believe it, that IS Jud in the store of Party City as we stood in line for my Halloween costume today. For me this year it is...Wilma Flinstone (that's right, the whole orange wig and all). =) There will be pictures to come!

We found our new "Fish Tale"!

2008-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

So, Jud and I had this favorite place to go to for happy hour called Fish Tale in Long Beach. They had the best calamari, clam chowder, and drinks for an amazingly cheap price. But, we found our new 'Fish Tale' in Pasadena...its called the Dina House! Wednesday night we went out to dinner and a movie on our official anniversary night. They had amazingly fresh sushi, delicious spinach soup, calamari, and drinks. It was so much fun! Just wanted to share a couple pics of our time. We also went to see Eagle Eye at the theater. If you haven't seen it, its a good one! Good plot and great chase scenes.

Jud's Birthday Hike!

2008-10-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Eaton Canyon's Waterfall we hiked to...

Our group hiking...

Sibling love...

Nick and Jud

Alayne & Val

Jess & Mom

Singing to the Birthday Boy, celebrating the Big '30'!

Ed's Playhouse

2008-10-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

Our 2nd wedding anniversary is coming up on the 15th, so this last weekend we took off to Julian (a little mountain town just outside of San Diego) to get quality time together and celebrate. Ed's Playhouse was the name of the adorable cottage we stayed in for two nights. It was so much fun! It had an old fashion wood burning furnace, pedestal sink, and a Balinese bed, even with fresh coffee and muffins for the mornings. It even had a private deck for us to enjoy. We were just one block walking distance from the main street of shops and restaurants. I love Julian's quaintness and history all throughout its buildings and shops. In our last picture and last night there, we ate the best Italian food ever at Romano's Dodge House. We also enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet with retired soldiers at the American Legion up the street. That was random and fun. And of course, we picked up some of our favorite homemade candles, potpourri, and bars of soaps for our home. Lastly, much to our surprise, it was Octoberfest up there, so we enjoyed bratwurst, beans, and homemade potato salad next to a live band as kids got their faces painted and balloons made by the clown (Jud didn't watch that of course). God really blessed our weekend and multiplied our time there. What amazing design God put into marriage...we look forward to the next many years of marriage God has planned for us!

Weekend in SD!

2008-09-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

A Margarita Birthday Celebration at Casa de Pico Mexican Restaurant

We visited Summers Past, an adorable nursery in San Diego...

A bridge and pond that Jud and I would like to build one day

Just one of the many beautiful flowers at Summers Past

A Cheesecake Birthday!

2008-09-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the best friend ever (that's Val) took us out to the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday (and my favorite dessert of course)! From the surprise cute orange bag she disguised as her own until I figured out it was mine to the Red Vines inside and then a yummy dinner, not to mention with loads of fresh parmesan...all in all it was a great night, as you can see in these pictures! Oh, by the way, if you want to know more about our fun night out, check out Val's blog!

Now that's flexibility!

2008-09-14T07:41:00.001-07:00

Now, that's impressive, wouldn't you say?! As a dance teacher, I hope my students can do a strattle as good as Olly's by the end of this year...!

A little fun captured!

2008-09-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

I just remembered we had this fun video we took when my old camera was new out front of my parent's house on their driveway. I forget why we were out front, but Jud and I some how wound up in a "Championship Handstand Contest," hosted by my sister Jenni! =) Check it out. Back from our dating days...what a fun guy I fell in love with and had the privilege of marrying.

Alligator anyone?!

2008-09-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Okay, so my parents treated us to dinner at the Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamunga (if any of you have heard of it). We had never been there and this place is massive! It is basically the world's largest outdoor store...if you can imagine how Jud was feelin! =) It was a lot of fun. I just had to share a few pics because we ate alligator for the first time, visited the gun room, dressed in camoflauge, and played laser shooting. If you ever have a chance to go, its 4x the size of Costco, it has two stories, and a full fish restaurant inside. It's pretty much awesome!!

Last Getaway before the School Year Started...!

2008-09-03T22:39:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day Weekend, Jud and I went up to my parents' cabin in Big Bear. As you can see, it was a "little" too windy to throw out our lines and catch any fish. Unfortunately we'll just have to fish next time, however we enjoyed the beauty so much up there. We walked along the side of the lake instead. It was the perfect temperature all weekend. We wore sweatshirts for the first time all summer (now living in Pasadena). We slept in, made french toast for breakfast, read books, and watched two great movies we had not yet seen and now highly recommend: Music & Lyrics, and The Dreamer. They are both excellent! Now, I'm off to go get my stuff together for my first day of school with the students tomorrow! Ah!! =) Love you all and miss you!

Olly's Latest Fascinations...

2008-08-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

His favorite new spot is out on the balcony, guarding us as he stares off any dog that he can...

Today, as I was creating lesson plans for the new school year, apparently he likes watching the papers come out of the printer and then tries to catch them by slamming his paw down to stop them...too cute!

Olly is definitely settling in, no longer hiding under the bed, but constantly under our feet wanting to be held or cuddled with. We absolutely adore him. What a great addition to our family he has become. And yes...he gets along fairly well with the rats...but they keep their space!

Road Trip to Tuscon, Arizona!

2008-08-19T13:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so maybe we copied Kathy and Dana. We went to a wedding this past weekend too! Jud and I drove out with my parents to Tucson to see my cousin Dustin get married to a wonderful woman named Rachel. I absolutely adore her. I wish we lived closer to them so we could hang out more as couples. God definitely united a great team this past Saturday. They will bring Him much glory I am convinced. It was a joy to be able to be there as well as travel with my parents. We shared long hours in the car, 109 degree weather in Phoenix, and late night laughs in the hotel room watching the Olympics after the wedding. Thanks mom and dad for such a wonderful weekend! Congratulations to Dustin and Rachel! We love you both.

Us with Dustin and Rachel at the reception

My parents after the ceremony...don't they look great!

My cousin Matthew (Dustin's brother) with his little girl Hallie

Girls Week in Idaho!

2008-08-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

So here is a slide show of pictures for you to check out and get a glimpse of my time in Idaho. My mom's side of the family started a tradition last summer to have a "Girls Week" at my Aunt Carol's ranch where they raise alpacas (an animal similar to llamas but different). Last year I was unable to go, but this year was a must! It was definitely a trip I didn't even know I needed. It was personally unforgettable from discovering a new passion for kayaking through white water rapids, to learning how to knit, paint watercolors, and how to live on a ranch in Craigmont, Idaho! It was an adventure I will never forget and already can't wait to return next summer with the guys!

Pictures of trip: http://picasaweb.google.com/judrcam/GirlsWeekAtIdahoAlpacaRanch

Meet Olly!

2008-08-10T18:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I just returned back from an incredible week trip in Craigmont, Idaho, but before I share any pictures of that trip, you must meet the new addition to our family. We just adopted a cat from the Pasadena Humane Society yesterday and he's quickly adapting to our home. He is 7 years old but unique in that he's extremely playful and loves to be rubbed, brushed, and played with. We love his personality already on top of his in incredible markings. Olly has the most gorgeous sea green colored eyes. As you can see, he wants to be right where you are, whether that's in the middle of a gin rummy game or by the keyboard while Jud is playing his video game.

Home Sweet Home...

2008-07-31T14:17:00.001-07:00

So, here is our home as settled as its gonna get for now! It's definitely starting to feel more like home every day that passes. God has truly blessed us with a great place and filling it with His peace. Hope you all can come and visit sometime. You are welcome anytime!

Falling In Love with Pasadena...

2008-07-23T15:36:00.001-07:00

Well, we made it! Saturday was quite the long day with five hours of loading up the U-Haul, a nice lunch at Islands, and then five more hours unloading (not to mention there's no elevator here, so yes, stairs it was!). But, God was so faithful! Thanks to Karin & Bob's endless help that whole weekend and the surprise help from Alayne & Scott, I don't think we could've done it in one day. Although Val was one-armed, she was a huge help! Also, just when the sun was about to set and everyone was exhausted, my friend and colleague Jennie, along with her husband, came over to help us unload the last of our furniture up the stairs. That was such a blessing! Plus, they are a couple I've been excited to get to know better living now only three blocks from them. So, their help motivated us to the finish line!

Thanks to my wonderful husband, who loves having our home organized, clean, and a refuge...we are practically unpacked and situated already, only 4 days later! So, here our the 'before' pictures taken on Saturday after everyone left for the evening. The 'after' pictures are coming. I want to first hang our pictures before I blog those. We are also looking to get a TV as well as a cat in the next week or two. (I want to be able to watch the Olympics and we're excited to have a pet bigger than our rats or beta).

God is so Good! The first night we were here, He led us to a great Italian restaurant in walking distance on our street that reminds us so much of our favorite in Long Beach, The Garden Cafe. The next morning, a woman at Starbucks led us to a family diner called Fox's that makes all home-made food. It was delicious! When any of you come to hang out, we'll have to take you to one of these two new-found places. We love the feel of Pasadena already, we've already taken two nightly dips in our pool to cool off from the heat, and just signed up for a gym membership at Phoenix Fitness Center which is also in walking distance! We better be careful, or driving the 10 minutes to Target might start to feel like our old commutes. =)

Thanks for all your prayers through this journey of ours in moving from Long Beach. We look forward to sharing more of Pasadena with you as time goes on!

Game Night #1 (Build Your Own Pizza!)

2008-07-17T05:46:00.001-07:00

This is our first official Game Night, and our last night of having friends over to our place in Long Beach. As you can tell, we had a little fun. Jud joined us ladies here for a game of Taboo where the 'Bomb Digitty' group became unbeatable for 'Salt n' Peppa.' Well, there's always next time. We'll have to have a rematch in Pasadena soon! 'Bomb Digitty'....watch out! I have to say there are two very important friends to me that I wish were there last night...Carolyn and Kathy. We miss you both and it wasn't the same party without you!

3 Days To Go!

2008-07-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

If this doesn't say we're moving, then what does?...sitting on the couch and being surrounded by boxes, wanting to have a bagel with a friend but the toaster already being packed, drinking orange juice out of a coffee mug, and adding a can of diced tomatoes to the rice cooker because the casserole dishes are packed. Well, we definitely are moving. Thanks to all of you who've contributed boxes over the past few weeks, all of you who've prayed for us in this transition, and Karin & Kellie who came up last Friday and packed up almost 30 boxes, we are officially off to Pasadena this Saturday morning! I am really looking forward to the adventure, this new chapter of our marriage. I'm excited to ride bikes together around town finding new favorite places all over again. I'm looking forward to living close to our jobs which will change our lives drastically. Instead of Jud getting home from work just in enough time to eat dinner and then go to bed to do it all over again the next day, we'll actually have time to watch a movie together (on a week night) or have people over! We are excited to check out a couple churches near our new place, possibly in walking distance, so please pray for God to direct us in that and that we would get connected quickly. Well, just wanted to keep you all updated. I love how people are hoppin' on the 'blog train'...more of you should hop on! It's a lot of fun.

Rats' First "Bath"...

2008-07-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this because, how cute is that? If you haven't met our most recent pet rats, meet Monty! Isn't he adorable? According to the textbook, rats never need to be bathed. They do a great job cleaning themselves and each other. However, we were told that it doesn't hurt to wipe them down with a wet cloth every once in a while, so here Jud is washing Monty for the first time...!

The Shirey Wedding...

2008-07-06T09:22:00.001-07:00

In the words of the best man, Nick Seedorf, "Jud makes that pink tie look tough!" Doesn't he look handsome?! So, here we are at Ian & Candice's wedding at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach. The wedding was beautiful with a steel drummer and an unforgettable 9-year-old's speech to the bride and groom. Congratulations to Ian & Candice! We will miss living in Stoneybrook near you.

I finally made it!

2008-07-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Yay! I finally reached the finish line. I completed my credential. It's been a long but rewarding two years of writing papers after getting home from work. Although it was challenging to go to school while teaching full-time, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything! It was a hands-on experience that I needed and learned so much from. I am so thankful for God's help through it all and for the opportunity to do it through National University. Great preparation for teaching! So, here Jud & I are celebrating at El Torito, so I could have my favorite...a good 'ole blended margarita with salt on the rim!

God chose a place for us!

2008-07-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

We are excited to say that we are moving to Pasadena in two weeks! Jud and I have been on this long journey for almost five months wondering where we would move to. We knew we needed to move up closer to our jobs but it was challenging to know where. It's been hard to see our friends Adam & Amy and Carolyn move away this past week. And now, we're moving. We are definitely are sad about leaving Long Beach, a city that has become so dear to us with college, meeting each other, our favorite date spots, and our wedding location at El Dorado. We have so many memories here and it's hard to leave a place that it so familiar and "home" to us. But, God IS good and He has been reminding us of His righteousness and how those who trust Him will be blessed. So, as God revealed our next apartment for us this morning, we are excited but sad all at the same time. However God leads, could you pray for us through this transition? Thank you for all of you who have prayed for us in finding a place....praise God!! It was definitely all Him today. It was definitely worth waiting on Him as we've had to. A verse of David's we've held onto these past couple weeks is Psalm 25:12, which says, "Who is the man that fears the Lord? He will instruct him in the way he should choose." So we took a step back and decided to let God choose where we should live. And this is his choice! So, may He give us hearts to believe Him in His decision and trust Him for this next season that is unknown and hard to visualize. May God be glorified!

Inspired by Last Weekend

2008-07-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

So, as our dear friend, Carolyn Miller headed off to Nashville last weekend to pursue song-writing, she said to us..."we all need to have blogs, so we can stay updated on each other's lives." That same day, our dear friends, The Downings (Adam, Amy, & Emily) moved up to Rocklin, CA to help plant a new church with a pastor from Bethany. We miss all of you guys so much, already! So, here's to you all, inspired by you all moving last weekend...we don't want to lose touch or stop being involved in the adventures God writes for you! Moral of the story...if you don't have a blog yet, create one...like we just did!