Clarification about Andy and Kate...

It appears now that Kate's biological dad was killed in the plane crash. She called both men Dad, so we didn't know who died. So, her stepfather is still with her family.

Andy and Kate Anderson...prayer request...

Carrie and I were so blessed to be apart of a couple's small group Bible study that met in Andy and Kate's home in Falls Church. Both Carrie and I regretted leaving VA because we were leaving our "family".

I just found out that late last night Kate's dad was killed in a private plane crash near Stafford Airport. Kate's mom is battling cancer right now and has Hope, a 7 year old daughter, at home. Please be in prayer for Kate's family and for Kate as she is not only struggling with the grief of losing her dad but she is also comforting her mom and sister. Also, Kate and Andy are new parents with their firstborn son arriving a little over a month ago.

I'm sure they will appreciate any prayer and words of encouragement!

Seeing is believing....Janice

Today, I went to get my normal haircut from the stylist that both Carrie and I both go to here in Folsom. An inexpensive haircut from someone who actually listens to what you like and dislike and does what you ask.

Well, she is slightly eccentric... So, today when I went in, she asked if I was ready to try something new and different. I said sure, why not...it's just hair and at the rate mine grows out, I'll be getting another haircut in a matter of weeks anyway.

So, I got blond highlights...

So thankful...

I was meaning to post this on Valentine's Day, but I didn't get around to it. I am so thankful for Joshua. He is truly a blessing, and each day I am reminded how much I love him. Joshua has led me in so many ways, and even though the changes I have had to go through have been rough, they have always been for the best. He helped me through the process of relying solely on Scripture for my doctrinal beliefs, and I know my walk with the Lord is stronger because of it. He encouraged my to take a different job in Virginia even though I went kicking and screaming (not literally, but close!), and I have the job at Morrison Homes, www.morrisonhomes.com, as a result of that encouragement. Although I miss Virginia and our friends and family, I am thankful we are out in California. Those are just a few examples. It is amazing how one person can impact your life so completely. Four years ago, I would never have imagined that I would be where I am now. God knew that I needed Joshua as my husband. Joshua is a great husband, and I love him dearly!

Hannah Elizabeth Holtom has arrived!

Praise the Lord, Matt and Elizabeth Holtom delivered a healthy baby around 11:15 AM today at Fairfax Hospital!

Elizabeth pushed for 2 hours but the baby was coming out sideways so they had to do a C-section. Both mother and baby are doing well.

Introducing the Holtom family's newest addition:

Hannah Elizabeth Holtom (they had a girl! the suspense is over!)
February 13, 2006
6 lbs. 6 oz.20 inches long

Congratulations Matt and Elizabeth and welcome to the world Hannah!

May God bless Matt and Elizabeth as they raise Hannah to have her gaze directed heavenward!

Volleyball time again!!!

My back is finally healing and I am ready to hit the courts. Matt Wolfe from church and his wife Michelle are both really big volleyball players. Yesterday afternoon, Carrie and I went to McKinley Park in downtown Sacramento, set up a court and hit around with Matt and Michelle. I am VERY rusty playing since it has been seriously 5-6 years since I've played doubles last.

I did get a couple of good hits in though and they felt good. I'm excited about possibly playing some more with Matt and Michelle, especially if the Lord blesses us with a home closer to church.

Ah! I am really excited about possibly entering into a couple of grass doubles tournaments this year with Matt potentially. That is if he can stand playing with me! He has been playing consistently for a number of years whereas, I really need to work all of the kinks out of my play.

More later on volleyball!

Friday night with Janice...

Our friend Janice Phillips came over tonight to have dinner and hang out with us. It was so good seeing her and hanging out with her. It has been too long. We enjoyed watching the opening ceremonies of the XX Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. WOW...what an impressive opening! We were all amazed at the finale!

www.nbcolympics.com

Go USA!!!

Movie renting at it's BEST...

Carrie and I signed up for Netflix recently and have been extremely pleased with the service. We can rent as many DVD's as we want per month, watch them as long as we want...all this for only $9.99 per month.

I have found the selection of titles to be worth viewing and although Carrie and I never really watched that many movies, it is certainly cheaper than renting DVD's from Blockbuster.

I highly recommend Netflix.

The Lind's have landed...

Jeremy and Leslie Lind arrived safely in Portland, OR over the weekend. We are very excited about having them join us on the West Coast. Carrie and I have already checked...Southwest Airlines...1 hour 20 min flight...$39 each for a one way ticket. Carrie and I can't wait to visit Jeremy and Leslie, once they settle in, and for them to visit us down here...once we have a place to shelter them. :)

It has been amazing to see the Lord work and provide for their move out to Portland and to really see the Lord's handiwork.

Pet pics...

Just some favorite pics of Harrison and Mozart...

Visit with Daniel and Anu...

Daniel and Anu came back to California for a brief visit and a wedding that they were in today. Carrie and I drove down to my parent's house in Stockton to see Daniel and Anu (back from Syracuse, NY). We had a wonderful time fellowshipping with the newest newlyweds in the Briggs family. Heard excellent reports from Daniel about the progress he is making at Syracuse Law School as well as the fact that he recently applied to the Marshall School of Public Administration. He should heard back from them in the next couple of weeks. If he gains acceptance, he would concurrently receive both his law degree (J.D.) as well as his Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.

Anu is loving her job and they are loving having her as well. Her boss recently praised her in an company wide e-mail stating that they need to hire two more customer service representatives "just like Anu". The Lord is continuing to bless Daniel and Anu in Syracuse although we miss them greatly here in Cali.

Carrie and I got to see my Dad's new school, McNair High School, and the science labs...WOW, Wow, wow!!! Each classroom has their own Spectrophotometer, Gas chromatographs, $$$$ salt water aquariums, gel electrophoresis equipment, etc. I was so envious! :) Plus, Ward's scientific supply company has now packaged labs for each of the different areas. So, my Dad now is able to do mock paternity tests, blood typing, gas chromatographs, etc. with EACH of his classes AND the students are able to perform these labs in groups while in class. I can't even scrounge up enough materials to do one labs in front of my students.

Anyway, it was a great couple of hours spent with my family, laughing and discussing weightier matters. We had some very insightful conversations around China, world economics, and the recent appointment of Justice Alito and Chief Justice Roberts.

Additionally, my Dad and brother learned that SOL meant something other than "S**t Out of Luck". LOL

Carrie wants everyone to know that she does not approve of the last statement.

Surgery update...

Well, Joshua had surgery on Monday to remove a lump from the lower part of his back. He decided to go back to school afterwards and then teach both yesterday and today...in pain. After calling the doctor's office, they told him, belatedly, that he should have taken a day off of work. So, he is taking tomorrow off to rest and hopefully, recuperate. The teachers on his team at school told him to take Friday off as well if he wasn't back to himself at the end of the day on Thursday.

We will know more about the lump in a couple more days when the biopsy results come back.