joe. joy. noelle.

New Life

2011-04-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hooray!!!!! Our little Sophie is here!! I have wept, sung praises, and laughed with joy over this gift from our Father. Below is a prayer update Joe sent out the day Sophie was born....

Dear Friends-

I woke up at about 4:15am this morning (April 5th) and Joy said, "Honey, I think we need to get to the hospital." So, off we went. And a few hours later, into the world Sophia Jane came. Thank you, Lord!

She was born via C-Section at 10:15am. She weighed 7 lbs and 1 oz. and was 19 inches long.

My wife is a hero and God is so good!

Please thank the Lord for this new life with us!

Thankful,

Joe, Joy, Noelle, and Sophia

Joy was ready to say goodbye to being pregnant and hello to Sophia Jane.

Sophia was 10 minutes old at the time of this picture. We do not take life for granted. What a gift!

God knew what He was doing, didn't He? Two beauties...

Noelle was ecstatic to meet her new sister! I was ecstatic to introduce them.

Our daughters have two amazing Grandmas and here they both are. Noelle Ruth was named for my mother and Sophia Jane is named for Joy's. What godly women and we are so thankful for them both! May Sophia trust in Jesus someday and walk with Him all her days. Father, let it be so!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Noey's first gingerbread house...so proud!

M&Ms keep mysteriously disappearing...hmmm....

Festive events = lots of time spent primping...

Joe took me to see "The Nutcracker"
What a man I have!

A Christmas party in LA = fun dancing in a special dress

Quality 'Train' time with good friends. Emilee destroyed us all!

Dan and Emilee's son Jack won Noey's heart.

Paul came to visit!!!

Joe glues and glues and glues as our Nativity pieces just can't quite stand up to a 2 year old who's IN LOVE with the story and person of Baby Jesus

My little bookworm loves her spot by the tree

Making cookies with best friend Silas.

Sweet Dreams

2010-12-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

After a day with only a very small nap for a very small girl, I was a little discouraged to hear singing coming from her room rather than snoring when I put her to bed. But it did quiet down, and my heart melted at this sight I came across as I crept down the hallway to go to bed last night.

the blitz

2010-11-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

These last three weeks have been full, unique, and very special. Joe flew to South Africa for two weeks to participate in a conference there, and Noelle and I traveled to Colorado to be with family and friends while our 'prince' was gone. We reunited in California for five days, and we leave today for 10 more days of travel, conferences, and meetings. Whew! What could have been a very difficult season, has been so full of blessings thus far. God has given all three of us safety, health, joy in our hearts, and great memories. Thank you Lord for the family, friends (old and new), and experiences you've given us these weeks!

Below is a quick highlight of some of them. More to come later...

Joe reuniting with our good friend LuLu

Joe's table at the conference

We spent a day at the zoo with my good friend Liz and her kiddos

We toured a Fort Collins' pumpkin patch with Viv and Freesia

Mickey Mouse has captured the heart of all three girls!

A month of firsts...Noey loved carving her first pumpkin with Grandpa T. And she felt so beautiful and giddy as she trick-or-treated for the very first time!

Yum

2010-10-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Riley's Farm was not only fun, it inspired Emilee and I to make homemade caramel apples. This recipe is sinful and decadent, and definetely worth repeating. I got a little involved chatting and didn't measure the brown sugar accurately...not the best idea. Made for some VERY chewy caramel. So measure carefully, but enjoy!

Caramel-Dipped Apples

1 1-pound box dark brown sugar
16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup dark corn syrup
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon robust-flavored (dark) molasses
1/4 teaspoon salt

12 chopsticks
12 medium apples
Assorted decorations (such as chopped nuts, dried apricots and dried cranberries, toffee bits, mini M&M's and candy sprinkles) Melted dark, milk and/or white chocolates

Combine first 8 ingredients in heavy 2 1/2-quart saucepan (about 3 inches deep). Stir with wooden spatula or spoon over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves (no crystals are felt when caramel is rubbed between fingers), occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush, about 15 minutes.

Attach clip-on candy thermometer to side of pan. Increase heat to medium-high; cook caramel at rolling boil until thermometer registers 236°F, stirring constantly but slowly with clean wooden spatula and occasionally brushing down sides of pan with wet pastry brush, about 12 minutes. Pour caramel into metal bowl (do not scrape pan). Submerge thermometer bulb in caramel; cool, without stirring, to 200°F, about 20 minutes.

While caramel cools, line 2 baking sheets with foil; butter foil. Push 1 chopstick into stem end of each apple. Set up decorations and melted chocolates.

Holding chopstick, dip 1 apple into 200°F caramel, submerging all but very top of apple. Lift apple out, allowing excess caramel to drip back into bowl. Turn apple caramel side up and hold for several seconds to help set caramel around apple. Place coated apple on prepared foil. Repeat with remaining apples and caramel, spacing apples apart (caramel will pool on foil). If caramel becomes too thick to dip into, add 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream and briefly whisk caramel in bowl over low heat to thin.

Chill apples on sheets until caramel is partially set, about 15 minutes. Lift 1 apple from foil. Using hand, press pooled caramel around apple; return to foil. Repeat with remaining apples.

Firmly press decorations into caramel; return each apple to foil. Or dip caramel-coated apples into melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in nuts or candy. Or drizzle melted chocolate over caramel-coated apples and sprinkle with decorations. Chill until decorations are set, about 1 hour. Cover; chill up to 1 week.

Bon Appétit
October 1999

An apple a day

2010-10-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

Who knew you could pick apples in Southern California?? Deciding to ignore the heat and participate in some serious fall festivities, we headed to the hills with our friends the Cooks in search of the juiciest apple. Riley's Farm did not disappoint. Granted, it was quirky. Half was themed "Colonial" and half "Revolutionary"so there were costumed employees, complete with blacksmith, white-haired judges, soldiers, and peasants. There were mock rile shootings, trials, and farming. After growing up in Virginia, it seemed very "Jamestown-esque" or "Williamsburg-y", only tiny and very random. But the apples were begging us to pick them, and we found them to be truly scrumptious. And who doesn't enjoy a good rile line-up now and then?

Sweet Love

2010-10-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

Wedding weekend in the Maschhoff household! My beloved sister-in-law Kristine traded in her last name for a really great guy last Saturday. We are thrilled to have Michael Eller join the fam.

While it was unseasonably HOT last weekend in Southern California, the festivities were endless and the wedding timeless. Joe was honored to perform the wedding ceremony for Kristine and Michael, and did awesome. I wondered whether the tears would flow, but he remained composed and gave an inspiring charge to both those in attendance, as well as Michael and Kristine. Noelle was pleased to be asked to be a flower girl at the ceremony, but this flower wilted under the pressure. Tears DID flow, and she instead made a very beautiful niece on a church pew.

Micheal and Kristine's reception took place in a vintage car museum...so cool. We loved the street tacos, the champagne bar, the 'shake your booty' music that we didn't recognize (it was a humbling moment in realizing my age), how they smeared cake on each other's faces, the gorgeous table settings, and most of all... Michael and Kristine Eller!

Here's to Michael and Kristine....may your love deepen and grow, may your marriage be filled with blessings, and may you more acutely know and experience the depths of your Savior as you live this new life united as one. We love you!

The flower girl and a precious niece and nephew

The Bride and Groom

The Kiss! (I like Lee's thumbs-up of approval)

Presented to you for the first time....Mr. and Mrs. Michael Eller

The post cake-smashing make-up smooch!

Drum Circle

2010-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

And this is what makes a crazy uncle GREAT!

Beach Day

2010-08-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Hooray for family! We are LOVING having the Davis' with us this week! Kristi, Jens, Viv, and Freesia endured a 26-hour road trip (through the night and with a fever-ed child), to join us in California this week. We spent two days at the beach, so fun. The weather was pleasant, but not real warm (75 degrees). Jens braved the wind and cold Pacific waters and spent lots of time in the waves. Vivian and Freesia also enjoyed splashing around. Noelle, their warm-blooded cousin, felt the weather was not quite up to par to be one with the sea.

Two princesses

Noelle loved 'helping Freesia' at the beach, and exploring with Daddy

Does it get any cuter??

Vivian was a real beach bum. She loved swimming, digging, and examining the tide pools.

The daddies and girls with a baby crab

Beef to the Bourguignon

2010-08-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

Yum. Perhaps it's because it's approaching dinner time. Perhaps it's the wine I'm sipping. Perhaps it's because I miss Amy...and Paris. Or perhaps it's because it's just soooo delicious. But I am CRAVING some scrumptious 'beouf bourguignon' (that's beef bourguignon for those of us from the U. S. of A.). Joe treated me to this delicious dish on my birthday in Paris, at a lovely street side bistro. Words cannot describe.

Later my sister Amy (a.k.a. Julia Childs) prepared me her version of this traditional dish.

Masterpiece!!

Seeing as I don't plan on spending several hours making dinner tonight, and we are a LONG plane flight from that lovely bistro, I suppose I'll have to cover this craving with another. Chocolate anyone??

Dallas Zoo

2010-07-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

After visiting good friends, and making some new ones in Dallas, TX this past weekend, we enjoyed a trip to the Dallas Zoo. We were warned that this zoo wasn't perhaps the greatest in the country, but we found that for a two-year-old's second trip ever to the zoo, it was perfect! This zoo recently put a lot of time and money into their African exhibit and we loved getting up close and personal with many of the animals.

Feeding the giraffe his "salad" was Noelle's personal highlight.

She spent a long time studying the cheetah.

May she never get this close to another lion.... at least without some VERY thick glass in between.

Despite the 95 degrees and 100% humidity we had a great day!

Green

2010-03-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Thanks to the desire, research, and spunk of our good friends Brandon and Kristin, we got to enjoy a real Irish treat this St. Patty's Day.

Corned beef, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and some good ol' black and tans.

Ay laddie... it's a tradition worth repeatin'.

Post-dinner ice cream and fountain fun...

February Fun

2010-02-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Princess Night at Chick-Fil-A. Carriage rides, LOTS of princess dresses, and free food.

2 weeks of rain...which meant snow for the mountains out our window.

80 degree weather and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

A fire burns in my heart...and my hearth

2010-02-18T16:29:00.000-08:00

My wonderful husband put in a gas fireplace for us this month. We love it! Noelle and I spend every morning there...she with her milk, me with my coffee, and both of us with our Bibles. It is treasured time every day. We awoke on Valentine's Day and found not only our burning fire, but two beautiful bouquets. What a man!

It's true...flowers melt a girl's heart...

What a difference a year makes...

2009-08-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Noey with her animal - Summer 2008

Noey with her animal - Summer 2009

Noelle in the Minneapolis Airport - August 2008

Noelle in the Minneapolis Airport - August 2009

Highlights from April...

2009-05-28T10:26:00.001-07:00

Noelle turned ONE! Joe and I count this one of the best years of our lives. We LOVE having a one-year old, and she LOVED her chocolate cake...

A 16th birthday visit! We got to spend several wonderful days with Amy and best friend Alyssa...

Noellle's First Easter!

A ski trip with the Coniglio Family! So fun!

Surf and Sand

2009-03-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

There's a first time for everything, and this month Noelle visited the ocean. After thoroughly covering every orifice of her white body with triple layers of SPF 50, we made our way to the water front. Her eyes widened with each crashing wave and watched with delight as the water rushed up to cover her toes.

Then we headed to the sand! Her roly-poly legs, toes, and fingers loved wiggling around in it.

We soon learned of her perseverance, and taste for, well, sand! As she began to bring the first fistful up to her mouth, Joe suggested just letting her be. "She'll see that it's gross," he assured me. As handfuls three and four made their way into her mouth and as she continued to smile and laugh we realized we have a little adventurer, who just doesn't mind some grit! (Note the permanent place her pacifier held the rest of the time on the beach)

A future in surfing or professional sand castle building perhaps?

Good Friend, Good Times, Good Food

2009-03-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Joe traveled earlier this month, and surprised me with a visit from a best friend! Sara arrived after a LONG travel day from Michigan. Ahhh...it was like a back rub for my heart. There is nothing like a longtime friend! We spent the week sleeping late (well...as late as Noelle would allow me), shopping, visiting LA and Santa Monica, getting pedicures (see picture from previous blog) and enjoying long conversations on the couch. Our grand finale was a brunch at my favorite restaurant. Yummy! Mimosas, crab legs, and elaborately decorated desserts abounded.

Thank you God for this special friend, a husband who takes care of me even while away, a baby girl who loves all things girly, and for the memories you allowed us this week! I am humbled by your generosity Lord.

When in California...

2009-03-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

I mean, a mommy and daughter have to bond, right??!

Loving My Aunties!

2009-02-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

Thanks Auntie Melissa and Pamela for the trendy duds! I especially love how the leggings show off my curves. Hee! Don't you just want to squeeze me??

Noelle's First Christmas

2009-01-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Well...it's officially been 2009 for 15 days, but I am going to reflect on Noey's first Christmas none the less. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with both sides of the family. Noelle loved the wrapping paper, ribbons, and all the hugs and kisses she received. Joe and I loved all the helping hands, a couple of legitimate dates, and thinking of how miraculous it is that Jesus arrived in the form of a babe.

For Nothing is Impossible

2008-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

"For nothing will be impossible with God. And Mary said, "I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:37-38

Every December, as I read the Christmas story in Luke, I find myself savoring these verses. Mary had just been told that she, a virgin, would 1)conceive a child, and 2)that this child would be the son of GOD! Wow! Talk about impossible! But the truth that lies in this verse is so profound, so deep, so hope-giving....NOTHING is impossible with God.

All throughout my life I've had struggles with my own "impossibles". Would I ever meet a man I'd want to marry...and have him like me? Will my bills always be met? Would hard relationships be reconciled? Could those deep hurts and patterns in my life be healed and forgotten?

Over and over again God has continued to answer: "I can do it, believe me", "I can do it, look to me", "I can do it, follow me!"

Just last year at this time I sat in our quaint one-bedroom apartment, with a baby in my belly, wondering how we'd EVER be able to afford to rent a two-bedroom in West LA. I felt God asking me to trust Him, to believe Him to work something glorious. And here I sit today, in the most beautiful four-bedroom home...which we attained by miraculous measures! Praise God!

And Mary? Well Mary was on the front-end of the most awesome and perfect miracle of all time, with no ability to see into the future. She had only the truth told her by an angel...for nothing is impossible with God. And she believed! She laid down everything and let God do to her and with her whatever He pleased. What humility! What trust! So beautiful.

Lord, I long for a heart like Mary's. You are the God of the impossible. May it be done to me as you please!

As we decorate our beautiful tree, hang lights, shop for presents, loudly sing our favorite Christmas carols, and enjoy delicious treats, I'm so thankful for the most cherished part of all...His birth. God sending his only Son to save us! Each December as I plod through the book of Luke in the Bible, I eagerly anticipate reading and remembering how Jesus came, lived, died and rose again to save us.

I'll be there soon, but for today, I'm observant of Mary's attitude...and prompted to follow her example. Will you help me Lord?

A Tooth!

2008-11-25T15:08:00.000-08:00

Ah Ha! Those nights of tears, the endless drooling, and the rubbing of gums have finally paid off. Noelle popped out her first tooth on Friday! She is, however, still very private when it comes to her gums. We tried to snap a pic to show off her pearly white, but ended up with these. Alas, you'll just have to blindly celebrate with us...

Sweet like candy

2008-11-01T14:42:00.000-07:00

Our sweet little bunny. She was ready for bed by 6:45....but I bet she still enjoyed her first Halloween.

shrieks and giggles

2008-10-02T18:48:00.000-07:00

like music to our ears....

generations

2008-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

"...future generations will be told about the Lord" Psalm 22:30

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." Psalm 145:13

What an thought-provoking experience to birth, mother, and love future generations by mothering my tiny Noelle. My future generations will, Lord willing, be birthed through my Noey. Joe and I have been given the weighty responsibility to love, guide, and set the stage for our future generations. What will we leave them? I long to leave a legacy of loving the Lord our God with all our hearts, soul, mind, and strength, and loving others more than ourselves. What does it look like to pass this on to a five-month old? As I sat rocking in a dark room tonight, holding Noelle to my body and feeding her for the seventh time today, stroking her soft head, and whispering a prayer over her, I thought, this is it. This is the beginning.

God speaks often and boldly regarding his protection, blessing, provision, and fulfillment of promises for generations after a family lives righteously. Lord, might I live in a manner that will someday bless my great-great-great grandchildren!

This summer we were able to introduce Noelle to her great-grandparents. They held our baby and prayed a blessing over her. Tears streamed down my face as I imagined the Lord's joy at this prayer. Marilyn and Ray Riihilouma gave their lives to the Savior and gave their lives to blessing others many, many years ago. Their lives forever marked my mother's. My mother's mine. And mine, I pray, Noey's. I hope to someday sit, hold, and pray a blessing over my great-granddaughter. I hope to see the joy of the Lord on her parents' (my grandchildren) faces. I hope their mother, my Noey, will be living boldly with a heart for her Savior and a heart for people.

"There is no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 4

Times flies when you're changing diapers, and feeding, and bathing, and......

2008-09-25T20:06:00.001-07:00

When did it happen? When did my baby go from this....

to this....

I kissed Noey goodnight a few moments ago and realized...I've never experienced such joy as watching my little one change, grow, and develop daily. It's like slowly unwrapping the best present of all. Thank you Lord for this blossoming life!

Not So Sleepless In Seattle

2008-09-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Last week Joe traveled to Seattle for some meetings. Noelle and I flew to meet him and spend a couple days with some of our co-workers there. I was nervous about traveling alone with Noey...driving to and parking our car in LA, flying out of LAX, and being the sole comforter should she have a mid-flight melt down. And what would I do if I had to sit next to some weird man and needed to nurse??!! (smile). Having already 'survived' sleeping alone at home the night before...no murderers arrived with Joe gone (hee!), I knew who to turn to as I drove off that morning. I prayed to our big God that he would be our "man", our protector, and my companion today. He answered!! I don't know if I've ever had such a smooth travel as I did that day. I found the long-term parking with ease, had to pay no extra for my baggage, flew through security, ended up with whole row to myself on the flight, and Noey slept the whole time. Praise God!

Once in Seattle, we had fun taking in all the sights. Seattle was everything I imagined it to be...beautiful, cool, misty, and grey. I loved the rolling hills, the water that surrounded the city, and especially the Pike Place Market! Pike Place Market is home to the very first Starbucks, many eccentric shops and restaurants, and the fish market. The fish market was truly a sight to see. Scruffy-looking men in plastic aprons hollered, cheered, and threw fish around. Crowds gathered to watch these men work, and people would buy seafood just to see their routine.

Sometimes the customers would even get into the act.

Every now and then, the men would surprise the newcomers in the crowd by throwing a giant fish at them! I shrieked the first time this happened...and then realized the giant fish was a fish pillow. Hee! It was still sick, however, as it was covered with fish juice from the floor. ugh!

Noey, was not so impressed with all the antics. In fact, she would cry every time they started up their chant. Not cut out for life as a sea fisherman I guess...

Home again, home again, jiggity-jig

2008-08-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since updating this blog...and for good reason...we spent most of the month of August traveling for work, family, weddings, and such. God was so gracious with our travels. Noey transitioned GREAT, we found safety whereever we went, and we come home feeling full of life from all of our visits with friends and family.

Here are a few highlights from the first leg of our trip in Colorado:

Time with Auntie Amy in Colorado. Noey had her first real-live laugh watching Amy jump on the trampoline.

Visiting with Uncle Paul for the very first time. I think she was digging his new haircut!

Cousin Vivian was so beautiful and so much fun! Noey wants to be just like her! We did a "twinsies" photo shoot. It started out okay...
And ended up in tears...

I had a lunch with some of my best friends and their kiddos. What a great looking bunch!

Let's Go Dodgers, Let's Go

2008-08-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our good friend, Mike, who treated us to Saturday night's Dodger game. Noey's first major league appearance! After our successful night at a minor league baseball game, we were pretty confident Noey would do just fine and wondered if she might even make the big screen in her cute pink Dodger's cap.

After one MAJOR diaper blowout (we had to throw the outfit away!) and fighting LA traffic, we arrived at the game. Ahhhh...the smell of hotdogs and garlic fries, excited kids running around, the thump of the latest 'Jock Jams' cd, the abundance of Dodger apparel, and seeing people from every neighborhood in the greater LA area coming together...what fun!

Mike had purchased us tickets in the infamous "bleacher" area. Fans here have the True Blue. Cheers are started here. Fights are picked with any opposing team's fan. Every now and then cheers with obscenities are shouted towards the opposing team (to which my mommy-glare always came out!) These "bleacher" fans pride themselves on being the loudest and most vigilant. We had a underestimated just how loud the cheering would be. After a few startling moments for sweet Noey, she seemed to be adjusting just fine. That ended with the home run hit by LA's new sweetheart, Manny Ramirez. The stadium erupted and as I watched all the children seated around us putting their hands to their ears. I also watched Noey's lower lip pop out, her face scrunch up, and her lungs fill. She had had enough. Poor baby, she cried into my neck as I tried to reason with her that this was simply a glorious moment and this is what good fans do. Maybe that will sink in next time. :)

But we, like every new parent, were learning the art of improvising. I tucked Noey on my lap in such a way that a burp cloth was snuggled up against one of her ears, and my hands covered her other ear whenever the cheering voices rose. She loved it! She could watch the crowd with none of the noise. Noey and I smiled our way through the rest of the game! I think she is an LA fan at heart...

kinda corny

2008-07-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Redlands Farmers Market is no ordinary place... Booths line the streets, overflowing with fresh produce, nuts, salsas, honey, bread, flowers, lotions, makeups, tupperware, and tube socks. Yes, tube socks. We found booths for every political party, social cause, and religious ideal. Musicians performed, kittens and puppies were sold, and Gothic teenagers lined the streets.

Mom, Amy, Kristin, Noelle, and I hadn't walked around long before we spotted the treat we had to have... fresh roasted giant corn on the cob smothered in whatever spices suited your tastes.

Yummy! So we ate our cobs as gracefully as we could, bought some delicious produce, and attempted to keep cool in the sweltering heat.

We are the Champions, my friends....

2008-07-24T10:35:00.001-07:00

I knew my baby sister was talented, I knew she took being the keeper for her club team quite seriously, I knew she had skillz... but I still was anxious as she and her team headed into the championship game this last Monday. The two teams were neck and neck the entire game, but when the whistle blew, Amy's team WON 1-0. Amy's team, United Mayhem, traveled from Colorado this past weekend to compete in an invitational tournament here in San Diego, California. Her entire team played well, and Amy delivered three shutout games...allowing only one goal during the entire tournament. What can I say...she got game!

Splish Splash

2008-07-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well...it's official. We've got a future Olympic swimmer on our hands! Noelle was made for the water! She's been enjoying the pool most every day during these "dog days" of summer. She loves her sweet shades, her new swim top, and watching her diaper grow to unbelievable sizes as it fills up with water. But I must say...she mostly loves that Grandma and Grandpa got in with her!

Cute Baby = Free Stuff

2008-07-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh....the Inland Empire Sixty-Sixers! Joe, Noey, and I joined the locals in cheering on the Dodger's A Team last night. They played the Modesto Nuts (yes, Nuts) and what a game it was. The players were young, the country music was blasting, and the mascot Bernie was the star of the show.

Joe and I practiced the art of bartering for goods with your baby. As the mascot looked for the most enthusiastic fan to win a free pizza, we simply lifted Noey high above our heads. Two winks and a slobbery smile later, we were gripping the esteemed prize. We enjoyed every bite of that cheesy reward, despite complaints for our neighboring fans that Noey hadn't let out one good cheer.

Later, when game balls were being tossed to fans, we stood and swayed with Noey once again. A player pointed us out and gently lobbed a ball our way. I could get used to these perks!

Balmy breeze, baseball, free stuff, and a night out with my girl and my man. Who could ask for more??

I love my man...

2008-07-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Two years... who knew so much could happen in such a small window of time? I married the man of my dreams, our fairy-tale wedding took place in a castle (which happened to be where we met!), we've traveled to three countries, lived in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and now the Inland Empire, we've traveled the northeast coast and driven the north-western coast of CA. We've spent the night in sketchy roadside inns, deluxe bed and breakfasts, many a friend's spare bedroom, 3-4-and 5-star hotels (we prefer the nice 3's...free breakfast!!), and even a yurt! We've led a summer training program together with students from all over the world, we've been blessed to work alongside each other in the Sunland region among the nation's finest. And now we've started our greatest adventure of all....parenthood! Through it all, I've fallen more deeply in love, and more deeply in awe of this man I've married. He draws me closer to my God and King, he challenges me, cares for me, protects and platforms me. We began the daunting task of dating and growing more and more vulnerable with each other three years ago...all the while clinging to and believing the truths in Ecclesiastes 3. "God makes everything beautiful in his time" and "whatever God does lasts forever, nothing can be taken from it or anything added to it". God's done it, I couldn't have dreamed up or created anything more grand. My life truly has become more beautiful with each passing day. Thank you God, for my wonderful husband.

Here we are...our 2nd anniversary and our first big date away from Noey! We felt like kids on the last day of school! We visited the gorgeous Mission Inn in our new hometown. It was, of course, VERY hot that day, so we've got the IE (Inland Empire) gleam!

Championship Caliber

2008-06-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

We traveled to Orange County this week to cheer on our nephew Josh. He was selected to represent the Mission Viejo All-Stars team and his team made it to the championship game! He may have been the youngest player on the team, but you'd never know it. He assisted with out after out while playing second base...and hit with more power than any nine-year-old I know. The two teams were neck and neck the whole game, but in the end Josh's team won 1-0!!!! As the crowd roared and the boys celebrated... I burst into tears. Hormones of a new mommy??? Nah....just pure joy at a victory well-fought for. :)

Noelle loves her cousin Viv

2008-06-26T17:27:00.001-07:00

Joe, Noelle, and I were able to spontaneously visit Colorado Springs last week! One minute we were working on our new home (more on that later) and the next we were boarded an ExpressJet flight to Colorado. Noey did GREAT for her first-ever flight outside of mommy's belly. Once there, we enjoyed greeting our new Sunland Edge staff, catching up with this summer's Global Student Program at the Glen, and visiting with family. Noey got to meet Grandpa, her cousin Vivian, her Aunts Amy, Kristi, and Pamela, and Uncle Dave for the first time. Wow! What a visit.

We captured these cute shots of Noey and Viv...so precious. The room lit up like paparazzi when these two first laid eyes (and heads on one another).

9 Pounds of Precious Baby

2008-06-26T17:15:00.000-07:00

Wow...one month since my last post....it's amazing how 6 pounds of baby (turned 9 lbs now!) can occupy your time!!! I've grown to LOVE being a mommy and Noelle brings Joe and I joy every day. We love watching her personality emerge. We've got quite the firecracker on our hands we think! She loves people, touch, and seeing the world from her perch high on Daddy's shoulder. Her head and neck look less 'bobble-headish' every day and she scoots around on her back now. She still doesn't know her hands and feet belong to her, that it's unladylike to pass gas in public, and how to say much besides 'coo' in the English language...but I'm sure it won't be long.

Moms' Day

2008-05-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

My first Mothers' Day! I was treated to coos, unintentional smiles, grunts, and LOTS of one-on-one time with Noey while feeding. My husband, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law made a mid-day feast, and Jesus gave a deeper joy to my heart regarding being a mommy. What a great day!

Thank you to my mommy for your years of selflessly pouring out your life. You are an inspiration to me!!!

Thanks Dr. Lee!

2008-05-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

Joe and I stumbled blindly into the world of ob-gyns nine months ago. We prayed for a wise and skilled doctor, and the Lord delivered!

We felt in good hands with Dr. Lee from the first belly measure to the last stitch of my incision.

Now if only she had a sleeping-through-the-night potion...

We Are Family!

2008-05-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

Noelle's only been breathing air for 14 days and she's already been cuddled with, snuggled with, and kissed by much family. What a lucky girl!

We're Home!

2008-05-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Daddy has a new weight-lifting routine now because.....
...we're home! Joe and I are in bliss, in shock, full of joy, full of yawns, and in love with our little girl. We laugh as the pile of baby items in our one bedroom apartment grows every day. From strollers, to Baby Bjorns, to cradles, cribs, bathtubs, diapers, boppy feeding pillows, swings, changing tables...the goods abound!

We're so grateful for my mom...who flew in from Colorado to help me recover, help Joe and I adjust, and to love on baby Noelle. We've been treated to delicious food, clean rooms, pleasant company, and someone to dance and sing to Noelle.

Joe and I on our first big outing....a walk around the block!

We've had two nights of "reality check" and one night of fairly blissful sleep thus far. Who knew that six pounds could produce such heart-wrenching wails?!!

As I whispered truths to Noey about her Savior King this morning, I was struck again with his promise to be our Faithful God forever, from our first days to our last. He was with us in the womb, as He knit us together, and He remains close, protective, and good throughout our days. "For do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. " (Isaiah 41:10)

Our hospital stay..not quite the Hilton...but close!

2008-05-03T16:27:00.000-07:00

Noelle is here! Joe and I find our hearts enlarging for this sweet little one every time we gaze at her.

Our stay at the hospital felt surreal, a little long, but a lot necessary. Noelle's breathing began to improve the very first day...thank you Jesus! The nurses helped suction some gunk out of her lungs, and she coughed up a good bit too. She came into this world HUNGRY! Yay! We want to see her tummy get nice and fat. She latched on to mommy right away and sucks with fury! We had to supplement with a little formula while at the hospital, in order to satisfy her growling belly. She ended up only losing 2 ounces off her birth weight by the time we left.

I grew increasingly sore and pained as the first three days progressed. Here I am on my very first walk... a big triumph after needing lots of help to just move from bed to toilet to bed. I may have been a bit ambitious, as we decided to walk "the circle" instead of just to the end of the hall and back. The walk ended with pain, nausea, dizziness, and nurse putting wet clothes on my body. Oops!

Joe stayed with me Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night. What a man! He lifted me, tended to me, and helped me do unmentionable things. He cradled Noelle, fed her bottles, and endured medical person after person after person enter and exit our room into the wee hours of the morning. He's a master at changing her diaper, teaching her to burp (as pictured), and singing to and wooing his little princess. She's already drawn to and comforted by her daddy's voice.

Grandma Teten joined us on Wednesday and stayed with me Wednesday night. Noelle loves her Grandma already! She snuggles her head right into Grandma as she's swayed and rocked. I am grateful to have my mom close by...when you don't feel you're on your "A" game, there is nothing more comforting than a mom.

Auntie Kristine visits every day! I look forward to her visits, and I think Noelle does too! Maybe she'll get Kristine's curly hair?!

On Thursday both Noey and I were cleared to leave for home! We thanked our kind nurses and doctors, changed into our comfort clothes, and headed into the real world. Noelle did great her whole ride home...what an adventure we have ahead of us!

Happy Zero Birthday Noelle Ruth Maschhoff!!

2008-04-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

What began at 10pm on Sunday, April 27 culminated at 3:59pm on Monday, April 28 with the arrival of our beautiful Noelle.

Expected: Noelle is healthy and so am I. Our doctors and medical staff were great. Joe and I got to wear some really stylish outfits while in the hospital...hee! There was pain (yikes). I learned to LOVE epidurals. We're blown away with how much we love this little girl already!

Unexpectedly: Joe was NOT a basket-case when it came to the sights/sounds. We delivered via c-section after a long labor. Our two-day hospital stay was extended to four or five.

Thank you, God, for your presence, your miracle, and your goodness. Thank you, friends, for upholding our family in prayer and for sending us your love. We're so excited!!!!!!!!!

Noelle says hello!

It's game-time!

2008-04-27T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well, the hour has come! We can't believe we are actually heading to the hospital with hopes of meeting our precious Noelle sometime tomorrow! I finally packed my bags...it was a bit of a process (poor Joe!), showered, touched and re-set everything in our corner nursery one last time, and am finally ready to make the six-minute drive to Noey's place of birth. I'm sure a large, lovely, downy-soft bed awaits me, with plush linens and a terry-cloth bathrobe. Yeah right!!

Our doc plans on trying some mysterious strategies to help me dilate, and to start pitocin in small amounts right away. Yikes! Wild! Someone pinch me!

We'll be sending text-message updates to our family throughout the night and will update all as soon as we can.

Thank you Jesus for miracles. Please keep Noelle safe, give the doctor's wisdom, and help Joe and I to feel your comforting presence throughout it all. You're faithful...she's your beautiful creation and gift to us. Thank you.

Farmer's Market - L.A. Style!

2008-04-24T21:13:00.000-07:00

As our two-person family days wind down, Joe and I have enjoyed many special moments together. Tonight we dined at one of LA's hot spots for local cuisine and people watching...the Farmer's Market at the Grove. All sorts of ethnic and cultural food stands surround a large semi-outdoors plaza. We feasted on Brazilian BBQ for dinner...garlic chicken and steak....scrumptious! And fine-tuned our French taste for dessert...yummy strawberry/banana crepe and good coffee. As we sat around at various tables and bars, we couldn't help but thank God for this exciting and diverse city in which we live.

Ahh....these days are so fun. We look foward to our newest addition and sometimes just want to scream we want her here so bad, but we will always cherish the days of Joe and Joy.

Joy Rides and Jazz

2008-04-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

What are friends for?? After being treated to a scrumptious brunch of homemade Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, eggs and bacon...Lindsay and Dave took us out in their latest blessing from above.

Lindsay won a free lease on a mini cooper at a benefit dinner for the private school we both taught at. Kind of a nice change of pace from the Buick, eh Lins?!

We even found out that you CAN fit two girls in the back seat!

After an afternoon of mini-coopering it up, Joe and I got ourselves snazzed up for a night on the town with Kristine. We LOVED listening to some latin jazz at the Jazz Bakery in Culver City, and then sampled heavenly desserts in our favorite BH hotspot...Urth Cafe. Yum!

B-Dizzle and Su-Scrizzle

2008-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

How fun to have our friends Bryce and Susan visit! Bryce and Susan are expecting their third child...and are due one month after us. They lead the Navigator ministry at University of Arizona, are long-time friends of Joe, and prayed for me years before ever meeting me.

Together, we explored Hermosa Beach, shopped for baby items, enjoyed Beverly Hills, and visited our new home. Good people, the Bouchards!

Save the Date

2008-04-15T13:46:00.000-07:00

We saw our doctor for our 37 week appointment today. Noelle looks healthy, although her tummy is still small. We talked labor details, and we set a date! If Noelle doesn't make her grand entrance before, we will enter the hospital on Sunday, April 27 and induce labor on Monday, April 28. Wow...dates! We'll soon have this little one in our arms....

Will she come tonight???

2008-04-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to meet our little Noelle....

Our due date is only three weeks away now...so she could come any time! We received some news at our last doctor's appt. that was not our favorite...but seems more okay to us now. My doc wasn't happy with my belly growth, so she ordered an ultrasound and measured Noelle. Noelle's head and leg size were right on target for her age, but her belly was measuring about two weeks behind. My doc said this is a signal that my placenta is probably starting to age and not transfer nutrients as efficiently. She sent us to an ultrasound specialist so they could look more closely. That doctor confirmed that her belly IS behind, and that this is due to placenta, but watched/listened to the blood flow in/out of the placenta and wasn't overly alarmed. He just said that I need to rest these next weeks and that I shouldn't be allowed to carry Noelle past 39 weeks. He also said I need to get ultrasounds each week to keep an eye on measurements and amniotic fluid levels. .... I'm thankful to God for this technology to help us track her health, and praying that God allow me to begin labor naturally before they would want to induce me or c-section.
Any tips for encouraging labor to start?!

Baby Shower for Noelle

2008-04-08T12:11:00.000-07:00

What a special day! Auntie Kristine, Auntie Erika, and Grandma Maschhoff threw a beautiful shower for Noelle and I. Good friends from around southern California gathered and blessed us immensely.

We enjoyed delicious food, fun games, thought-filled sharing on verses and truths surrounding motherhood, an intimate prayer time, and lots of present-opening!

So many beautiful women!

Thanks, Jesus, for taking care of us!

Our niece...Vivian Joy!

2008-04-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

Our precious niece, Vivian Joy, was born 5 weeks ago to my sister Kristi and brother-in-law Jens. What a ripple of joy this sent among our family! We love her so much already, and look forward to a life-time of watching her grow and develop.

Kristi had a long and difficult labor, but wouldn't trade a moment of it for the gift she receieved at the end.

I got to visit her while Joe was in Nigeria. I loved our sweet moments together.

Back on U.S. Soil!

2008-04-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

It was with mixed emotions that I dropped off Joe at LAX two and a half weeks ago. He had an exciting adventure ahead! He had the privilege of traveling to Nigeria with Mike Jordahl (our US Navigator Collegiate Director). The two of them would be visiting with Nigerian staff, speaking at a student conference, and soaking up whatever they could learn from our friends in Nigeria.

But so far away!! All the 'what ifs" filled my mind and heart. What if the baby came early? What if Joe was injured? What if I never saw him again? What if, what if, what if.... Thanks be to our steadfast God who walked with me through my fears, blessed my week with family and friends in Colorado, kept my husband safe, and glorified His name in Nigeria!

Below is a picture of Joe and Mike with some of the young staff and students at the University of Nigeria.

And now...hooray!...I have my husband back in my sight! He's recovered well from jet-lag and is hitting the ground running with responsibilities here in the Sunland region.

Ode to Big Bellies

2008-04-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Week 35... only 5 weeks to go! Who knew bellies could grow this big? We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby girl, Noelle. Our doc tells us she is fattening up and growing more and more scrunched in there every day. Joy's craving for Golden Grahams cereal has been particularly strong lately.

Thanks to Paul, our token photographer, for his recent belly shots. We'll be sure to recruit you for baby shots before long...