Bapa Time!

Zachary got lots of Bapa time this weekend as Dad Ortlund came in town for the CTS board meetings and celebration for the groundbreaking of the new academic building on campus.

We can't wait to have unlimited Bapa and Mayme time this summer when we live with them!!

Steriods Anyone?

This was a morning we will never forget!

Every morning around 8am a few moms can usually be found gathering in the courtyard with kids in tow to head out walking. However, this morning when Zachary and I emerged from our apartment we found that all of the Atherton moms were up and ready to go.

Meanwhile, I have been taking steroids for an inexplicable full body itching problem. I didn't realize it at the time, but they were affecting me.

So just imagine (and for those of you who know me well, you'll have a better idea of what this was like) . . . early morning hours, friends, exercise, steroids, cameras, the ability to shoot videos with my camera, and shameless attempts to get the kids' attention as pictures are being snapped!

JEHU '07

The Champs!

Click here to see more pictures from the annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament where, after 5 years of competing, Dane's team finally brought home the gold. Dane even played with his left hand swollen from a bee sting. This year was especially fun as Gavin, Dane's brother, was in the tournament as well. (Can you see them in the picture above?)

Peek-a-boo Around Atherton

An Afternoon at the Park

Does this person look familiar?

People often ask Dane and me who Zachary looks like. My response has always been, "He looked like Dane when he was born, but then he chubbed up and so now he looks like me."

Well, I just found this picture of me when I was a baby and I think I finally have sufficient evidence to put this question to rest.

Eight Months Today

Zachary has had quite a month! Here are a few highlights for you.

He is now eating . . .

• Sweet Potatoes
• Avocados
• Peas
• Squash
• Rice Cereal
• Oatmeal
• Chicken

He can now . . .

• Sit up on his own
• Clap
• Play Peek-a-boo
• Raise his arms in response the the question "How big is Zachary?"
• Stick his feet in his mouth
• Roll across the room in the blink of an eye
• Try out every inch of his crib before settling on one spot to sleep in
• Spontaneously break out in hives (ok, maybe it has to do with something Mommy ate)

Please visit this link to see more pictures of Zachary from this month.

To Wheaton We Go

It's official!! We've decided to go to Wheaton for Dane's next (and last!) degree. He'll be doing a PhD in New Testament. As you can see, Zachary is super excited and ready to go!


This was a very difficult decision. We were expecting to going overseas and had begun giving away our possessions when we received news that Dane had been accepted to Wheaton's program about a week ago. We had set Wednesday as our ultimatum for making a decision, and we were going to call and accept at Wheaton that day despite having a few other tempting options. But we received a remarkable confirmation that very morning that we were making the right decision, which was just the affirmation we needed.

Right now we are quite puzzled at the Lord’s kindness, which is really getting out of hand, having now stretched to even greater depths of undeserved blessing. Thank you to those of you who prayed us through this difficult decision. Doubtless that is the reason for the settled peace we both feel that God is leading in this.

More Happenings This Week . . .

Zachary had another outbreak of hives. I have no idea what the cause is this time. It had to be something that I ate. Maybe chocolate?? Poor guy! The hives were on his face and then spread to his leg and arm on the same side. He has had a few spots since then, but (with the help of Benadryl) the hives have been under control. Fortunately they don't seem to bother him.

See my 2 bottom teeth??

Did you know I can sit up now?

My "I'm so proud of myself" face

Hey, I'm actually pretty good at this!

Snuggling with my first girlfriend

AND I've started clapping (sorry no picture).

What an eventful week!