Happy 2014

Happy New Year!  2014 is already here!  Our countdown here in California has already begun!  Wishing it wasn't so....

Ramirez . ZANE . Napod

Our families have truly bonded over these 3 years here in California.... the RAMIREZ NAPOD ZANE kids will always be a bond that we'll cherish always!  I have loved watching these kids grow... can't wait to see how GOD will guide and use them in the future!  So proud of each of these kids!

1st sabbath of the month... Oceanside Youth Praise Team

ALEC ZANE & KYLE NAPOD, roomie's up at PUC (Pacific Union College) are home for the holidays... it's so great to have everyone back together again!

our little Monkey Mia climbing the tree behind all the big kids!  Love it!

... Road trip (of the heart)

The road to a friend's house is never long. -Danish Proverb


Our family ROAD TRIP up North to Sacramento, CA was an important one for our little Mia to  demonstrate that "friendships" aren't measured by distance... it is measured by the heart.  FOREVER FRIENDS will always be close in heart, no matter where we go!  So the road is NEVER too long!  It's a hard concept to teach or follow for a 6 year old... but definitely worth a try.

 

Okinawa here we come....

Three years in California went entirely too fast!  With a quick phone call to his detailer... we are now "penciled" in to move to Okinawa, Japan this summer - August 2014.  We're heading back to an island.  

Last night, we had a family meeting and discussed the possibility of moving once again.  Tears from our little Mia broke my heart as she sobbed saying, "... but I'll miss my friends Marley & Jessica"... these were her two friends that helped her transition from Guam to Cali life.  Her first two friends from Adventureland Christian Pre-School.

Moving is never easy... but knowing this could be our last adventure abroad... and embracing our family time together once again before Morgan heads off to college makes this move a little bit easier (for me).  Living overseas has it's advantages... there are always an adjustment period - but I am confident that my kids will lean on each other and come out of this stronger and more confident!

As long as we're together as a family.... anything is possible!

LOST TIME

We moved to California and "Hit the deck running", as Dale would say!  So much has happened... so much time has passed... it's hard to even know where to start... or in this case... where to start-over!   All I know is... I'm working my way back to the blog.   Best way to start anything is to just start.  The timeline will have a BIG gap (did not blog all of 2012 and half of 2013... oops!!!) - but I'll just plug in some photos and try my best to make up for lost time!   Thankfully documentation on my facebook will help me to "remember".

As you can see - the kids have grown BIG TIME!  We are approaching the end of our 2nd year here in California and without hesitation the kids have already voiced their opinions about moving.... "We don't want to move!"  They love it here.  I'm still not sure how Dale ever left beautiful (and perfect weather) San Diego... and have already forgotten those hot/muggy Guam days!  Although, Guam will always have a special place in our hearts!!!  I'm happy to say, "We have adjusted to life on the West Coast!"  

So before I go forward.... LETS LOOK BACK and try to remember when we first arrived in California....

2013 FIRST DAY of the NEW YEAR

It's the first day of the 2013 year and our family went out to visit a friend who just had surgery... eat lunch at our favorite Chinese Restaurant - CHINS and then stopped by San Marcos Civic Center to capture a few photos on this beautiful Southern California Day!  How incredibly blessed we are to have a day to spend together! 

LOVE THESE FACES!

So much sweetness....

With each passing year - I see how independent my children are becoming... 

DADDY DALE with our growing kids

Dani & Cam

18 years married this year... 21 years together!

Mia loves kindergarten

Dani - 6th grade

Morgan - Freshman (9th grade)

Ryan - 7th grade

SO BLESSED!!

Aren't they just beautiful?  Hahahaha!

Our little CAM fits right into this crazy crew!

 

 

 

 

... still looking back!

Everyone that left the island told us they missed it and part of me knew I would but I'm really surprised how much I am truly missing the lifestyle of GUAM and the easy going, no rushing, laid back ways.  We've been in California for 3 1/2 months now and part of me is still "looking back".  

These photos were taken by the amazing Brynja on our last full night on GUAM.  So thankful that the rain stopped long enough for us to capture our time and truly enjoy the island, the way I was hoping to - one last time! 

Mia still asks on a daily basis, "mommy, tell me again why did we move away from GUAM?  I want to go back now!"  Sweet girl... I wish we could... just one last time!  The last year flew by with Dale away on his deployment... it would be nice to have had one last year to enjoy it with him there.  I'm so thankful for our time and making such wonderful memories... some that will truly last a lifetime!

Mommy & her beautiful girls

Daddy & his growing boys

LOVE THESE KIDS!

BROTHERS

SISTERS

DANI

MO

MIA

RY

DALE & DOT