A MERRY CHRISTMAS KICK-OFF

Tis the season!! Let the decorating, baking, partay-ing begin!! The best part so far is that we are doing a series at Mosaic called "Beyond Ourselves". Great to remember to reach out to those less fortunate all around us and around the world this season. Enjoy the tunes! :)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Before this blog becomes all Christmas-y, we wanted to wish all of you a very very Happy Thanksgiving! We have all been through a LOT this year (can I hear an "amen!"), but we all made it through and have, more than ever before, so very much to be greatful for! God is so good to us all! Today, even though we are having a ton of people over and the tables have yet to be set, the silver yet to be polished (I couldn't bring myself to use paper stuff), and more people are calling JUST this morning to let us know "in advance" they've decided to join us, I want to just take a moment and say thanks for each and every one of the incredible people God has placed in our lives. I also want to thank God for all of the moments He alone has gotten us through, all the strains that only He could have handled, and shocked us with how overwhelmingly He came through for us. And thanks to all of you, who have loved us, cared for us, showered us with your finances, time, resources and most of all your friendship.

May this next year be the best year of all our lives - may we believe for more than we have ever thought possible, and may we be ever more thankful for each step along the way. You know my favorite saying "The Best Is Yet To Come"!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Love For Marilyn and Linda

For those of you who don't already know, this past week Todd and I lost both his mom Marilyn and her sister Linda. Marilyn passed away last Sunday unexpectedly and then late Tuesday night, after she came into Todd's hometown for Marilyn's funeral, Aunt Linda became brokenhearted over loosing Marilyn. She had a hard time leaving the visitation, and stayed two hours. After going back to her hotel, she passed away. So, we had two funerals in three days.

My mother-in-law was a gem. She showed me a motherly kindness like no other. Even through all of her illnesses and months spent in the hospital, she was a fighter and a go-getter, and I was completely convinced she'd outlive all of us! Her husband and her children were her life. I am married to a man who knows he can do anything thanks to her influence. She never let any limitation define her, and always not only yearned for more in life but went after it. I am blessed and so very thankful to have known her.

Aunt Linda was a hoot and-a-half! We would IM on Facebook or talk on the phone, both of us with a wine glass in hand and tons of laughter on both ends. She loved her extended family, and most of all her sister, like no other. They competed with each other and absolutely cracked each other up. Looking back now, it completely makes sense, however painful, that she would follow her to Heaven! What I think was amazing was last Sunday morning. After we got the call about Todd's mom, our first call was to Aunt Linda. She was brokenhearted, but ended up telling me that she had peace because she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt where Marilyn was and how she got there. It was completely unprompted, and I am so thankful that those were our last words. I have no doubt that Marilyn was shocked to see her and probably rolled her eyes at her for following her there! And even though her grief here became too much to bear, she was certain of where she was going and that gives me great happiness. Heaven is a little bit more real tonight.


Everyone is doing pretty good, I think now that we are home we will be able to get off auto pilot and let things sink in. Please pray of course for Todd, for Mack and Rhonda, Todd's dad and sister, along with Aunt Linda's family - her husband Troy, and kids Alisha and Bruce, and their families. Please also pray for Grandmother Louise, who lost 2 of 3 daugthers in 2 days, Aunt Barbara, the only daughter left, and Uncle Jeff and their families.

We are so thankful that they both knew the Lord! And oh, how much we loved them!

Marilyn

Aunt Linda

From left to right: Uncle Jeff, Aunt Barbara, Grandmother, Aunt Linda and Todd's mom Marilyn

Nichole Greene

One of the gals who was in high school when I was on staff passed away this morning of cancer. She leaves behind a great guy and four kids (I believe all under 6 years old). She fought this disease for a really really long time. We know she's rocking and rolling now, but wanted to share this in case you would like to join me in praying for her husband Norm and their four kids. Pray that in the weeks, months and years to come God blesses them amazingly because He loves them so much. Thank you! For more info - you can go to her blog, located on my list to the right - "Please Pray for Nichole"

Thanksgiving - Starting Off With A Bang!

So I am sitting here in disbelief that it is November SECOND and that summer may really be winding down. Notice I did not say "over" :) I mean it IS 86 degrees today, so I'm allowed to be in denial. I also cannot believe that Halloween is over! BUT! If we already have to be the holiday season, I'm glad that God has decided to kick it off with a bang!

As you guys know, we are in the middle of our adoption paperwork, counting our pennies (actually, wondering where they all went), praying about ways to raise money while I am still looking for a job, etc etc. Well, low and behold... someone read our blog and a check turned up in the mail last week - THAT COVERS OUR HOMESTUDY!! Can you believe it?? God is sooo faithful!! YAY FOR US!! Truly, to those people.. and you know who you are... thank you. Even more thank you's. And what I want everyone to take away from this - God REALLY DOES take care of us and provide!! In the most unexpected ways! So don't give up... no matter what you see around you or how you feel. Don't EVER give up!!

So on to the Thanksgiving countdown!! :)

Countdown to Halloween!!

In case you live under a rock or haven't known me very long, Halloween is one of my two favorite holidays!! So even though so many of us are going through a LOT of stuff right now, I thought this blog layout and the new tunes set would put a smile on all of your faces :)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN COUNTDOWN!

Sort Of An Adoption Update

Ok, this is the honest blog posting for the day - I'm sitting here with THE binder, the one our agency gave us with all the mounds of paperwork to fill out, and I am having the hardest time opening it and getting started! We have been through so much since we got home from Texas 3 weeks ago, and it seems like filling out this binder and moving forward with our adoption is a long way off. I won't go into why I feel this wall between me and the binder, but it's all financial. (no idea who reads this, so keeping it vague on purpose haha) But such a silly reason to put off our future and our children, but the wall has felt huge and FEELS like it's not coming down anytime soon. But I know that's not true, and I know God wants me to press forward... just need your prayers to help me plug through it, inspite of how I feel! I'm posting this because I know there are those of you who felt the same way - so PLEASE post a note reminding me how it all works out! :) You know I know it does, but dang, those feelings can be overwhelming!! Thanks!!

Twenty-Four Little Hours.....

When you've had a year where you haven't really celebrated your birthdays, your anniversary, Valentine's Day, etc etc etc, and money is constantly on your mind, 24 little hours away in beautiful Santa Barbara is even more wonderful! Now, combo that thought with this one - getting to stay at a $600/night hotel for $200!! Yep, I knew there was a reason I signed up to receive those emails from Bacara! We hadn't been there since our wedding night. And this little trip was PURE bliss! If you ever, ever, ever get a chance to go there - even just for dinner - you need to go! (and sign up at bacararesort.com to get the deal I got!!) And go on a Sunday night - look at that picture of me in the pool - I had it all to mysel!! It was overcast while we were there, but who cares?? Our house was 102! Here are some pics, enjoy!

yep, that's me in the middle - that little dot - and this pool was huge! all mine :)

view from our room - yes, that IS the ocean out there.... kinda a marine layer going on....

we loved our patio :)

Home from Dallas!

We got home late last night from Dallas and our meeting/orientation with the adoption agency. It went fantastically!!! They were simply amazing. We were sooo tired, got 3 hours sleep the night before (probably all the nervousness....and Todd's busted snoring machine haha). We also had a little episode of us not being on the same page walking through the door, which turned out to be just nervousness from being burned by other agencies before. I gotta say, for those of you contemplating adoption or wondering if differences between you and your spouse are going to be an issue, just PRAY! Amazing things happened that day and by the end of it we were not only on the same page but writing a check for the paperwork binder! So we are on our way! And you should be encouraged that it always works out the way it's supposed to. During the day we met with other really wonderful adoptive parents, some beautiful and amazing birth moms (who are the strongest and most honest chicks I've ever met!) and saw all that the agency strives to do. We had always had reservations with other agencies and would always ask ourselves "why the heck do they make it so hard??" Not with this one! They take care of absolutely everything!

We feel like a huge, huge weight is lifted off of our shoulders and we are finally on the right road! YIPPIE!! To be honest, we are still a bit nervous about the money side of it, but as always happens God is gracious and surrounds us with people who remind us that that part of it is just such a tiny detail when you are on the right road! So here's to a great year ahead!! Bring it on!!

The Best Is Yet To Come!

Adoption Update!

Well, we fly to Texas next Thursday Sept 17th for our formal interview and orientation with The Gladney Foundation! After that it is the filling out of the paperwork, homestudy and waiting period.... which will hopefully be SHORT :) Thanks to those of you who have been asking what you can pray for. We have a ton of requests, but most importantly (and you know, again, humbling...) is the financial one! We still have quite a lot of cash to raise, and are not sure how this will affect the process. Gladney does not have a payment plan, so we will find out next week how this affects our timeline. We totally know God will provide, but hey, why not put it out there! We will keep you posted on how it all goes. Thanks to the garage sale and all of your help, we do have enough for the home study, which is huge. So thank you all!!

More Pics from Todd's Latest Landscape Project

Shameless Plug - He IS for hire!! :)

Celeb Sighting of the Day

Blair Underwood, of Sex and the City, Law & Order and 5,000 other things, at Carney's Chili Dogs in Studio City. He was being good and having their Thai Chicken Wrap. Not that I was watching him. I was not being good, and picking up chili burgers for me and some friends.... who will shall go nameless because they are on diets :) (Hey, I can out myself as a big ol' cheater, but not them...)

One of Todd's Latest Projects

Todd just finished this design and install job and so I had to brag on him a bit - Enjoy the pics!! And (drumroll...) pass him on to all your friends who have landscaping needs! :)

Overall shot - living room on left, columns behind that are the 20-foot long bar/grill

one of the many new backyard spaces - outdoor living room

Close up of outdoor living room - I don't have one of the bar, but I will find it!

Hello, I'm Todd Vann, Landscape Architect :)

Happy Belated Birthday Spot!!

Well, well.... lookie what happens when I'm thinking about children and not pets.... I actually forgot Spot the Turtle's first birthday. Me. it was in June. And now you can all laugh :) But I wanted to show pics on how much she's grown in a year! Oh and Happy Birthday to Emmitt and Scout while we're at it. They turn 8 and 7 this month, respectively. Just call it Birthday Month at the Vann Zoo!! But honestly, can you believe Emmitt and Scout are that old already? WHAT THE?? And I have no idea how old Peetie the beta fish is, so you will be spared that picture.

Spot - June 2008

Spot - August 2009

Scout - 7 years old this month

Emmitt - 8 years old this month

Kettlebells!

One of my favorite (cough, cough) benefits of the fertility drugs was the 40 lbs I gained in the process. YAY. So I've been looking around for a trainer and discovered Kettlebells! My friend Nikki and I meet with Audrey the trainer twice a week and work out with these iron "bells" that combine cardio with weight training and core work. I am SOOOORRREEEE!! But also so jazzed. I get bored easily with workouts and this keeps me going! Wanted to share her info, in case you live in town and are looking for something that is interesting, different and a ton of fun!! Here is her website:

http://www.sportzalkettlebells.com/

And here's a picture of the kettlebell - it comes in different weights

Try lifting that above your head. You would be sore too!!

TheWorldRace.org and our friend Birkleigh!

Our friend Birkleigh has just left to go on a trip for 11 months that takes her literally around the world to people who need everything, especially their basic, daily needs met. She is still in need of support, so if you want to check out what she is doing, go to this website: www.BirkleighForeman.TheWorldrace.org

It's a huge thing for her to literally stop her very fun, very busy life for an entire year to go help people she has never met. She is FULL of life (and a total Berkeley hippie wanna be like me, hence her name haha) and I know she will make a huge impact on everyone around her - so check out her story!!

Celebrity D-Listers, Part Deux

So I thought when we started blogging again about celebrities, we just may have an actual STAR sighting... ok, so he WAS a big star in the 80's, and I'm sure a very nice man. This week's star sighting is.... (drumroll please.....)

Corbin Bernsen! AKA, LA Law fame, that fab show in the 80's-90's that was a precursor to so many other shows we have today. For the record, he was in Menchi's, our local frozen yogurt shop, the other night when I was sampling their newest flavor, fat-free Devil's Food Cake.. YUM!!! Unfortunately, no picture of that!! :)

Latest Celebrity Sighting

...just for those of you who are keeping track :) Eddie Murphy on Ventura Blvd in a brand new, seemingly extra-long black convertible Rolls Royce Phantom. And a little tip: when he rolls, stay out of his way!

Another Round of C-Lister Sightings

It's been a while since we posted any star sightings (we've been a little distracted...) so before I forget, it's been a Desperate Housewives (semi-) stars sightings week.

First there was Laurie Metcalf - you know, Roseanne's sister from Roseanne. Like we all watched that. Anyhoo, she also had a string of apperances on Desperate Housewives as a jealous wife who ends up shooting her husband and self in a market. Kinda funny to see her IN a market. Arguing with her son on what to get for dinner.

Then it was Brenda Strong, who plays Mary Alice Young, the original suicide and voice-over girl. She was in Trader Joe's telling her son that his dad (who was on the phone) was not happy with him. Oh eavesdropper that I am.....

Poor women, of course I see them both when they are in the middle of family arguements... see they ARE just like us! :)

I'm sure there were more sightings in the past month, but like I said we've been distracted.... will now resume regular programming!

Happy Birthday Enzo!!

Our friends James and Dunia had Enzo's 1st Birthday Party yesterday in Los Feliz. It was such a blast! Couldn't resist posting some pics of him from the shin dig!

Dunia and Enzo

Before....

And after :)

Yet Another Update :)

We just wanted you to know that, thanks in part to everyone's generosity, we were able to pay for a preliminary application to one of the best and oldest adoption agencies in the country! We have also applied to a state agency to start the foster-to-adopt process - paperwork's in the mail today! Who knows what road will work out, but we are just thrilled to be ON a road! :)

Other than this, our summer has been a little quiet, but will be picking up soon. I also could not be happier about that! HAHAHA This girl does not like to sit still :) So make sure you include me in your beach days, day trips, etc hahaha


Thanks again to everyone for all your support, we are so excited to see what God will do!!

The Garage Sale Fundraiser Results!

Well, we did it!! Thanks to all of your prayers, items, monetary donations, physical help and support, we have raised enough so far to start towards our adoption efforts! Thank you SO MUCH to all who have given any of the above. It's so exciting to watch God work. I have already seen Him work in things beyond just the sale results themselves... via Facebook we had quite the mix of people show up to help - people who come from very different parts of our lives, so to see them all intermingle was amazing. People who we have had a hard time getting to open up about their lives were open with other people who they had just met while standing in the front yard keeping an eye on things. Old co-workers of mine reconnecting. We are so very thankful for all of it!

I have to tell you the most interesting part of this weekend, beyond the amazing sales results (and if you are on the lookout for furniture or office equipment/printers, etc, let us know... we still have things left!). But the MOST interesting part had nothing to do with the physical sale.

Let me back up.... our small group at Mosaic has been spending the summer looking at the issues of poverty. It has been a very honest, and sometimes conflicting, look at what is going on in the world around us and what our part should be. People have a lot of interesting (and challenging) opinions. We looked at Africa and other parts of the world through Bono's ONE program and then realized we here in Los Angeles have had the world come to us - so before we fix Africa, we should take a look around and see what needs lie at our back door.

Last week one of the girls in our group was really asking God to show her who she should reach out to. She was on her way to Walgreen's and saw a homeless man with a cart sitting in the parking lot. She told God He seriously could not mean to reach out to HIM! She wasn't sure what to say, if it was safe, etc. So she went home. The next day she had to go back to Walgreens and there was the man again.. this time without a cart or any possessions. She knew she had to say something. Turns out he had gone for a job interview and someone had stolen everything he had. She asked him all the standard questions and knew God wanted her to invite him to our small group. Well, last week he actually showed up!! Imagine our little group's shock - one that she had invited him and two that he came! We weren't sure what to think. Was this good, was this bad? Were we going to be taken or have to call the cops? (for some people the jury is still out...). Long story later - Robert shared his story, and begged us to help him find work. He had been an accountant and various circumstances had put him on the street. We realized we could help him - and if it turned out we were being played, then so be it, we were going to do what God had put in front of us!

So that's where the garage sale comes in - we had a few really nice, almost new Brooks Bros shirts given to us. They fit Robert perfectly, as did a sportsjacket we were given! Todd and I had a featherbed (you know. from when Todd almost kicked the bucket because I forgot he was allergic to down....) so we gave it to him along with some other items to help fill his cart. Two CEO's in our group are going to teach him job interviewing skills and we are working on finding him a place to live. The Wallgreen's manager is letting him keep his nicer interview clothes in the employee break room so they don't get dirty. He came back last night and talked about how encouraged he was and how he could not put down the Bible we gave him.

So yeah the jury might still be out, but it felt amazing to be able to step into a real, live homeless person's life and make such a difference! What I love is that we are taking what we are learning seriously and watching it transform someone's life. So for all of you who gave us those shirts, other clothing items especially, thank you!! I'm excited to see what God does next!! Oh yeah, and we get to start the adoption process!! :)

The Countdown

We are officially on the countdown! Tomorrow-Thursday are set up days.... and we need your prayers, we are both getting sick! I'm wolfing down all the vitamins and herbs I can find.... if you guys could just pray we sleep well and get better, we'd really appreciate it!

God = Wild One!

So yesterday I was in a bad place. I had something on Ebay that was about to run out of time and was nowhere near what I thought it would sell for. I was not feeling well, very nervous and bummed out. I had even had 5 emails when I put it up for sale 5 days before asking me to take it off so they could buy it offline. Someone even offered me a LOT of money for it. But of couse I did the right thing and did not go against Ebay rules. So you can imagine what I was feeling like when it had 20 minutes left and was still at $55. Now $55 is no stick-in-the-eye, and I so started acting like my OLD self, pondering "just be thankful, just be thankful...maybe this is garage sale thing is a bad idea, blah blah blah". See, I've had a dollar figure in mind that I have asked God for every day since we came up with this fundraising idea. It is beyond pie-in-the-sky, but I figured it's what we need to cover costs, so that's what I needed to ask for! So for something to sell for $55 was just not sitting well with me.

So there I sat....at 5 minutes left it was up a little, but no where near what I had thought it would be at. Four minutes left...I called Sandy to get her to watch it with me. Three minutes left... no change. One minute left... ok I wanted to throw up. I felt like when I was waiting for that call from the doctor to find out if we were pregnant or not. 30 seconds left - No change. I kept refreshing the page, refresh, refresh, refresh. 10 seconds left.... refresh, refresh, refresh.

ALL OF THE SUDDEN!! The number jumped to more than double what I had been offered for it to take it offline, by the same person!! It sold for 4 TIMES as much as I even wanted it to or thought it could!! ALL IN LESS THAN TEN SECONDS!!

I started screaming! Sandy asked "what?", refreshed her computer and started screaming too! And I was reminded - THAT is who God is. We get tired, we get discouraged, we wonder if He is behind us at all or if we are just complete morons trying to figure out what we are supposed to do to fulfill our dreams, and HE goes wild on us!! I love it. I had to share it. I hope it encourages you to ask for things from Him beyond ANYTHING you could ever dream or imagine. This is what that verse is talking about - not just heavenly needs, but needs of this earth!

YAY GOD!

Just Call Us Sanford & Son!

Lookie what has happened to our house! This is all thanks to all of you who have donated, we are officially changing the name of our house to Sanford & Son, Valley Edition :) Of course we will still take more!

Remember: June 26-27 - let us know if you have more to donate before that - and then we need you all to come BUY the stuff! :)

First we filled the garage with your stuff....

...then we realized we had to start loading the house....notice Emmitt's tail! He was freaking out because he loves laying on that rug. Too bad dog!

We now have two huge couches, a curio cabinet, three chairs and an oversized ottoman in the den!

The back driveway is looking like an appliance meet-and-greet...

and this is what we picked up today! (Thank you Tracy!!!)