My husband the chef

Lately Michael has been cooking more at home, I'm not sure if he realizes just how much of the cooking he does for our family... and shhh... don't tell him because I really enjoy kicking back with the kids while he creates in the kitchen.

I think the reason why he loves it so much is because he is an artist through and through. Everything he makes is very creative and original. He mixes spices, italian with indian, experiments with frying onions and garlic verses roasting them. He makes everything with a zing and an edge. He doesn't follow the traditional rules of cooking, if you know him personally you would understand that this goes hand in hand with his personality.

I will admit that there are times when I am watching him that I groan inwardly, dreading that his new idea will be a disaster and I will be forced to eat something awful or go hungry. Thankfully that has never happened, in fact, his meals are some of the best I've ever eaten!

Last night we cooked together. My part was opening a can of corn and sticking it in the microwave, and putting frozen potatoes in the oven. He made the meat! It was fun to watch him, and it was fun to eat it! And of course to drink we had ice cold coke, perfected in the freezer!

If you want Michael to cook for you , let us know and we will have you over for dinner!

Letting kids be kids

Last night we took the kids to Lake Calahoun beach to play in the sand and water.
It was Gabriella's first time going in the USA and Caleb's first time ever post belly days.
I brought their bathingsuits, but left them in the car thinking that they wouldn't even put their feet in the cold lake.

They were cautious at first staying far from the water, but slowly they ventured and danced along the edge, exclaiming in loud squeals, and "oh it's cold Mama!"

Bella was the brave one, she went further and further in, splashing, and laughing. Her hair was a mess, she had boogers on her face, and her dress was getting more and more soaked. However she was the cutest, and most endearing I've seen her yet! She was so happy, and so delighted, and her excitement was so infectious. She was very proud of her self when she discovered that if she laid down on her belly she could 'swim'. "I'm swimming Mommy. I'm swimming!" This is coming from the kid that clutches our necks for dear life, her nails digging into our flesh, when we take her to our apartment's pool.

Eventually Caleb toddled in after his beloved ball. He wasn't a fan of falling down, having water splash into his face. But even still he was a good sport, smiling and shivering at the same time.

His lips were blue and his diaper was soggy and hanging down to his knees. I couldn't help but hug and kiss him over and over again. He is just too stinkin loveable.

After the beach we went to a park and ate fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and beans. The kids were having a ball! And Michael and were loving ever second of their fun. We spent the rest of the evening playing on the swings, climbing the equipment, and picking wild flowers. Our drive home was relaxing and quiet, we four were tired and happy.

At home, we put the kids into their p.j.'s without a bath, and put them to bed. It makes me smile to know that they didn't care if they still had sand stuck to them, they were just content after a fun night to slip in their comfy beds and drift off to sleep.

God's Gift

Michael and I were married June 7th, 2004, at Phalen Park, in St. Paul,, MN. It was a beautiful evening wedding. At 8:30pm I walked across the field to my best friend, my love, and now my ever faithful husband.

Like most brides I would say that the details of my wedding day all blur together, and they create a dream like image in my mind. It was almost surreal meeting Michael to take our pictures earlier that morning; we were alone, and I can remember the silence around us as he embraced me, and whispered, "Wow, Cari!, Wow! You are beautiful!" I especially loved Michael's kisses that day, they were a sweet reminder among all the business that after it all we were going to become one. Committed to serving our Lord, and each other, forever.

There is one memory out of many that clearly stands out. In a quiet moment, I remember realizing that God was pleased with Michael and I. He was proud of his children, and I was thankful that it isn't by our own strength or will, but His , that all things are possible.

Four years later, happier, and more in love than before, I am still very thankful that it is God that leads Michael and me. It is by His strength that we celebrate the happy milestones in our marriage, and it is His strength that gets us through the harder times.

Everytime I hear a violin playing, I picture Michael and I on our wedding night running together, as husband and wife, as darkness was settling, and the soft glow of candles were illuminating our path. We were laughing, and filled with so much joy and peace. I believe that God's wedding gift to us is His joy and peace that still illuminates our marriage.

One weekend amongst many

There are certain days, hours, and moments in one's life that seem to take hold of you and remain forever. This weekend was one of those that will always stay with Michael and I.

We didn't do anything out of the ordinary, we didn't spend alot of money, and we didn't really venture far.

No, we simply enjoyed each others company. Being silly with the kids, making late night dinners, dreaming about our future outside on the balcony, piling into the car for a spontaneous drive, dancing in the kitchen to John Meyer, recieving messy chocolate kisses from Bella, walking to the grocery store, the four of us snuggling in bed early in the morning, all had the necessary ingredients for relaxation and a great weekend.

I want to say thank you to Michael, Gabriella, and Caleb for imprinting yourselves on my heart. I love you guys!

Princess Bella

This morning as I was playing dress up with my little girl, I was blown away with her beauty. She was having a ball trying on crowns, skirts, and scarfs. It wasn't hard to imagine her as a young woman as she danced infront of the mior and my camera. When did she grow up so quickly? She is so poised, her features so striking. But even more beautiful is her innocent purity, her vulnerability, and her trust in my admiration and love for her.
"Mama, am I a princess? " she asked.
"Yes baby, you sure are" I caught my breath as she smiled so brightly, so proud of herself.
I pray that she will always feel so beautiful, so lovely, as she really is.
May God protect her from the lies Satan wants her to believe in ,that sadly so many girls believe, that they aren't pretty enough, smart enough or wanted. My prayer is that she will always know how precious she is to her savior. How he delights in her. May she always stand confident before the world, knowing God created her perfectly.

Big Steps

Today we had our first two meetings to plan our future as full time missionaries. WOW! I wonder if I will look back at this day as a turning point for our family. It was a little bit surreal sitting in the mission office talking seriously about our long term vision.

It has been months since we realized our hearts were in Brazil and we began praying about where in Brazil to go, who to go with, what to do. But in hindsight I know that this season of planning is really so short. There is just so many decisions to make and so many things to organize.

I pray that we will really lean on God during this time. That we will seek His wisdom even in the smallest of details.

The begining...

Last night marks the first step in our journey to Brasil. We finally contacted Bethany International and told them of our decision to go to Brasil next May. The future seems open and exciting! But so many details remain foggy... what will we be doing, where will we live, who will support us...the planning seems unendless!
Next Tuesday we will have our first official meeting with the director of the mission. Now how are we going to out in words about the incredible pull God has on our lives? Will they understand our vision, our calling? God has spoken so loudly and clearly to our family. We have no other option but to start walking in obedience. May God direct our steps, may we walk in His will.