Merry Christmas!

 Merry Christmas! As my dad was so good to point out, it was around this same time of year that David's pastor wrote Dad and asked if we needed anything...."Yeah, a son-in-law," came the joking response. While at the time, I might have disowned a certain someone, in the end, it all worked out. So, yes, I guess I can thank my dad for making this a totally different holiday than I've ever had. 

The days leading up to Christmas were a flurry of last minute school projects, hours of choir practice, a school program, church program, cookie party, etc. With just the two of us in the house and my man working night shift, our present days are filled with silence, other than the clanging of pots (I'm liable to bake us out of house and home) and Pandora's company. 

Baby Warner's presence it quite visible now, having reached 21 weeks of life. He/she is all a wiggle and must have been excited about Christmas, like every other girl and boy, allowing Mommy two hours of sleep last night. Nothing like preparation for the future, eh? At least I don't mind baking bread in the wee hours. 

We planned a low-key Christmas, but somehow my man found time to pick up a few gifts. Just the thought of a day with nowhere to go was something to cherish. While family was missed, our technology was busy with calls and messages, making the distance seem shorter. 

J-O-Y was the emphasis in my classroom this month. Jesus, Others, You. Never forget the real reason behind Christmas. It certainly became more real to me this year as I carry our little one. The fact that God could love us so much??? Just think about that for a bit and it'll change your aspect on life and serving Him. 

Autumn Activity

Autumn has arrived. Hayrides, pumpkin picking, steaming apple cider, crisp clear weather, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice latte...wait. Strike that. Different State. While we may enjoy a few cool days, it's still short-sleeve weather, the nearest hayride is 1 1/2 hrs away and as for pumpkin picking? Well, we tried our best. Welcome to a California Pumpkin Patch. Cement overlaid with an orange tarp (festive, huh?), random hay bales and a variety of imported (most likely) pumpkins. Add a couple of inflatable jumping castles and you get the picture. 

What happens when 2 girls from the East Coast marry 2 guys from the West Coast...you compromise and come up with the best option. Did we have fun? You bet! Experience isn't always about what you do, but sometimes who you're with. And we've been blessed with some pretty amazing friends (who just so happen to have an adorable little boy I can be an "auntie" to). 

"M" was a trooper all day and even went home with his very own baby pumpkin. 

By this time next year, I'll be holding our own little one...*Happy thought*

                                                           Love every moment with this guy.

Still a boy at heart. 

It was a fantastic...ending with dinner at Olive Garden (best food ever!) and shopping (suggested by our menfolk...they've been trained good ;) And yes, the pumpkin is still sitting in my kitchen, waiting to be made into all sorts of goodies. 

:: Joy Unspeakable ::

Life has been a whirlwind of activity for our little family. My man & I began teaching just over 2 weeks ago, at our church's school. While the days are full and tiring, we love sharing life's lessons and God's Word with these budding scholars. And working side by side....can it get any better? David has 3rd and 4th all day, while I teach Bible, Penmanship, Science, Spelling, Art and P.E. to 1st and 2nd. They bring me bits of joy each day...

Speaking of joy......

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David and I are thrilled to announce the upcoming arrival of our newest family member! Baby Warner is due to make his/her presence in May 2015. 

Truly, new life is precious and sacred. When you wait for God's perfect choice in a life's mate for you and He grants you a child soon after your commitment is made, what is there not to be joyful in? 

" Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Through tears

Inspired? Overwhelmed? A bit of both? Ever wonder why life's decisions leave you reeling at times? My life these days feels like I'm stuck in a washer, on the spin cycle. Picturesque enough? New position in life (wife..whoot whoot!), new home, new culture (biggy at times), new family, new church (amazing and welcoming), new job (don't even ask...completely out of my league), etc. etc. etc. Oh, and did I mention my brother got married today (Thank you, livestream, for making it not seem that far away and yet so far...chalk it up to blonde reasoning) and my family is heading back to our home in Africa in a couple of weeks? 

Enter attitude check. Personally, I want to focus on what I'm missing out on, where I can't be, who I am unreasonably far from, and such like. But for God. My stability that turns off the spin cycle, wrings out the tears and shows me a bright new life. I've been blessed with an incredible husband. One who not only sees me for who I am, but for who God wants me to be and encourages me to strive for it. I have a new church family that has opened their arms to this newbie and shown Christlike love. A great job opportunity working by my husband, and friends who remind me of God's goodness even through difficulties (you know who you are!). 

Overnight shift is done! One happy Bride. 

A special portion of God's Word to me these days:

"And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore , nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

:: Bridal Portraits ::

O LORD, thou art my God;

I will exalt thee,

I will praise thy name;

for thou has done wonderful things;

thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God;

we have waited for him, and he will save us:

this is the LORD; we have waited for him,

 we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

::Wedding Prep::

Do Brides ever sleep the night before their wedding??? Packing, long conversations with friends, room guests, imminent goodbyes, etc...all aided in a very short night. The day dawned quickly, but so beautiful. Last minute hemming of the sleeves on my gown, Starbucks from my maid of honor, and off to the church we went. 

My sister, Deanna, {matron of honor} was the hairstylist

Natalie, the makeup artist

4 nieces attended me as flower girls. Such a bright spot in the wedding.

My sister, Dyanna {maid of honor} putting on the veil

Because...

Simply because by this time next week, I'll be Mrs. David Warner <3

:: Engaged :: Part 1

It was nearing 4:00 in the afternoon on 26th of April. A typical Saturday, filled with household projects, major cleaning jobs, etc. As was my normal routine, I grabbed my laptop, the ironing board, a pile of clothes and set to work while waiting for a skype call from a certain someone. Soon the chiming of an incoming call sounded and my man showed up on the screen. We chatted and not long after, Dad popped in the room. Then Mum. No biggie...the family's always around and "interruptions" are numerous. The iron continued to steam away while David began a story. 

A story that dates back 13 years ago. Our family was just starting out on deputation for Africa. While we kids went to summer camp, my folks flew to CA for a week. Insert those dreadful prayer-cards where we all looked like something from the 70's (no offense to those from that era :). A young man from San Francisco picked up a card and tucked it away (though I still think it ought to be burned!). 

The summer of 2005 rolled around and found my dad, brother and I winging our way over the Rockies to San Fran. Senior trip 101. We had a lovely time touring the city, western coastline and ministering in several Baptist churches. During one service in particular, we got up to sing special music and then, without much warning, my Dad and brother stepped back leaving me front and center to share my salvation testimony. I stammered my way through a greeting and then began sharing how the Lord transformed my life (really must blog about that sometime!). Down in front, a young man was paying close attention (though I certainly didn't know that, and am very glad I didn't :) 

Another 5 years passed. Furlough was upon us once again. My amazing grandparents housed us 8 kids while the folks reported in the Bay area. A week on a farm with just your grandparents...Why not? ;) When Dad and Mum returned, Dad took me on a little boat ride out on the murky pond. "Juli, what character qualities are you looking for in a guy?" I really hadn't a clue. "A miniature you?" :) He proceeded to tell me about a young man he'd met out on the West Coast, but waited till I'd spent some alone time in prayer and Bible study before explaining more. Before long, the emails and letters were flying. Awkwardly, yes...hard writing someone you really don't know. The remedy to that was only an plane ticket away. 

We finally met. And spent nigh on a week with each other, at church, over meals, on walks, evenings by the Bay. Didn't take me long to feel completely at ease with this guy. 

Weekend writings

Cozy Saturday morning, cuppa coffee, quiet Bible time...and then the rush began. Neighbors streamed in for a skype chat with family, babysitting duties began (which I thoroughly enjoyed!), chores commenced, old friends surprised us with a visit and so went my day. 

The church sign in town has been stolen multiple times, so Dad's back to painting another one :) 

If this doesn't make you smile, you need help :)

Drew and Joel had to opportunity to teach the Africans a new song.

And when a little girl runs to you with open arms, yelling, "Sissy Juli!", you just have to stop and savor the moment. 

Invites & Delights

“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: 

and he that begetteth a wise child 

shall have joy of him.” 

-Proverbs 23:24

 Such a blessing to see my little siblings reaching out to those around them. On Saturday, Brianna and Josh invited their friends to church. You can imagine the squeals of delight when 3 neighbor kids showed up at church the following morning :)  When was the last time you brought someone to the Lord's House?

Baby Days

On Saturday, I made my first cake for a Baby Shower. According to a 10 yr old, "You're better than Cake Boss!" Thank you, girlie, but if you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to book you in for a brain scan! Far from perfect, but a fun experience.

Note to self...buy a smoothing tool!

In African culture, party-goers throw handfuls of baby powder at the mother-to-be, effectively surprising her. She is then expected to feel each gift, guessing who it's from and what it is. If she's wrong on either account, she's subjected to the choice of punishment the gift giver so deems. Lipstick smeared on the face? Foul tasting food spooned into her mouth? Or perhaps some curdled milk to drink. This is performed with much laughter and a bit of chagrin. She quickly learned to feel each gift verryyy carefully and choose wisely!

Guests then ask her a myriad of questions on her "how to properly take care of a baby", adding helpful tidbits when she's unsure. 

Garages have more than one use...they make the perfect outside, but inside venue for parties/get togethers/etc. 

It was quite a day. And one in which I was quite thankful to be a spectator and not a participant :)