November 2010 - Photo Slideshow

Enjoy this slideshow that I finally put up from our photo shoot with my good friend, Marta - http://www.martamariephotography.com. These photos were taken in November 2010.

Hunter Year-in-Review Slideshow

Summerfest Success!

Summerfest was a huge success this year, and Jacob, Madeline, and Lauren had a wonderful time! Summerfest is our church's vacation Bible school that runs each June for three evenings. With over 80 activities, 500 volunteers, and 600 children ages 4-14, Summerfest is the biggest outreach event our church puts on each year.

I was able to lead a group of three girls, including Madeline. We were the "Power Girls" and had a blast petting animals, riding the train and ponies, jumping in the bounce house, listening to Bible stories (Thanks Miss Jenny!), doing crafts, and of course, eating popsicles!!!

Jacob was in the "big room" this year, which meant he participated with all the kids together in the big worship room complete with the band and crazy antics happening on stage.

Here's an awesome 3+ minute YouTube video of the event to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJgtfmserGk If you pause the video at 3:20 minutes, you see a fireman shooting his hose and Jacob in the background with a Batman-painted face mask on. His buddy Cristiano is the one shooting the hose.

This verse was our theme for Summerfest this year. Our worship pastors wrote a great song that we sang each night and know by heart now:

"Let us run with perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith." Hebrews 12:1-2

New House

For those of you who don't have our new address yet, here it is: 27 Madison Court, Roseville, CA 95678. Our phone is still the same 916-772-6026.

I've added some photos of our new home along with some of our new furniture found on Craig's List. I have to admit, I'm nearly a CL junkie, buying and selling stuff in my spare time. It's fun and nice to connect with people this way!

We're settling in nicely and have had lots of family visitors including both sets of grandparents.

Enjoy the slideshow!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lhunterLHPR/NewHouse?feat=directlink

Baby #4 is a . . . .

We found out yesterday that our fourth child, due in late August, is a GIRL!!! We are all very excited, but Madeline is most excited of us all. She can't wait to be a big sister to a baby girl :-) So the count is 2 boys, 2 girls--we're tied!!!

The baby is healthy and strong and wouldn't stop moving during the ultrasound. She's fiesty!

On another note, we are moving this coming weekend. We are staying in Roseville, just doubling our living space. The house is wonderful, on a court, has lots of trees, in a great neighborhood. We are excited to make it our new home.

This is a quick blog post--I'm still packing boxes, which seems to be a never-ending process!!! More updates later--Madeline's 4th birthday is April 8, so I'll be sure to post some pics of her upcoming princess tea party.

Love,
All of us

The Hunter Family Expands!

Roseville, CA - February 23, 2009--In a downturn economy when most businesses, nonprofits, and even schools are downsizing, the Hunter Family has chosen to expand their organization to include another valuable asset to our ever-expanding operation. Coming this August, we will be welcoming our fourth baby into our family with much love and joy.

"I'm so grateful to have made it through the first 13 weeks of this pregnancy, as I was sick from morning 'till night; now, I feel wonderful and look forward to feeling the baby move and grow daily," comments Lauren.

Jacob (6 years) hopes for another boy so that "boys can dominate the Hunter Home." Madeline (almost 4 years) really, really wants a girl so that "we can have the same number of girls as boys." Bradley (18 months) doesn't have a preference as long as he has a ball in his hands at all times.

Says husband and father, John, "We are so blessed and are looking forward to the arrival of this new little one. Please pray for this child's health and safety."

For additional thoughts, or comments, please feel free to post comments here on the Roseville Hunters Blog, or by email lauren@laurenhunter.net or by phone, 916-772-6026.

All the Hunters send you love and well wishes.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." Ephesians 1:3

Merry Christmas!

This year, we find ourselves reflecting back on 2008 and counting our many blessings. We are extremely grateful for family and friends and hope this greeting finds you in peace this Christmas season. This year was monumental in small ways; not much changed, but watching our children grow and develop brings great joy, each and every day.

While being the world’s best dad and husband (Lauren’s writing the letter,) John continues to teach history at Oakmont High School in Roseville, and is currently the JV Boys Basketball coach (click on the link to read a few recent articles on John’s team.) This season has been busy thus far and has brought with it challenges as well as rewards. He has a great team and is enjoying a successful preseason. John loves spending time kicking the soccer ball with Jacob, dancing with Madeline, and tickling Bradley.

I enjoy being a mom to Jacob, Madeline, and Bradley most of all, and have also continued doing freelance public relations consulting from home. In July, I launched a blog, http://churchtechtoday.com/ to discuss the use of technology to spread the Gospel and assist churches. This is my market niche, and so it’s been fun entering the blogging world (albeit more work.) I also sing at church from time to time, as well as help out in Jacob’s classroom once a month.

Kindergarten, Soccer, and Legos. Jacob started kindergarten in early August at the quaint rural public school about two miles from our home. We pass cows, goats, and even Shetland ponies on our way to drop him off. He has a wonderful teacher, great friends at school, and seems to love every minute of it. Jacob played on the Roseville Youth Soccer Club team for 6-7 year olds with his good buddy, Alec, and had a fun season. The won a few, lost a few, tied a few, and had a great time in the process. Jacob scored one goal during the season and he said it was “the best day of his life.” J He turned six on November 17. A highlight of turning six has been venturing into the world of small Legos. Now his most favorite toy, Legos are everywhere, on every surface. They are masterful creations of artistic excellence (we’re not biased or anything) that seem to have taken over the house.

Princesses, Barbies, and Taylor Swift. At three and three quarters years old, Madeline loves Disney princess anything, Barbie movies (her favorite is “Barbie in the Twelve Dancing Princesses,”) the color pink, and country musician Taylor Swift. Madeline loves to put on Taylor’s new CD and dance around the living room. She is extremely sweet and loving toward her family and friends, full of energy and personality, and is a real girly girl. We have tea parties daily, play ice cream shop, go for bike rides around the block (we stop about 20 times to pick the yellow “flowers” from neighbors’ yards), and perhaps her favorite thing to do is to help mommy with anything and everything.

Jumping, Throwing, and Outside Fun. Bradley is 16 months old and has his own fun-loving personality. He loves to dance like Madeline, just started jumping (he loves to do seat drops in his crib), throws anything and everything all the time (blocks, trains, food, balls, shoes), and loves to be outside more than anything else. He is full of energy, very snuggly and sweet, and has a killer smile and hug.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Fall Family Slideshow

Kids had a great evening at the Dry Creek Elementary School Fall Festival; played games, ate cotton candy, won prizes, had faces painted.

Kindergarten's Monkey Crow (with our Daddy's old shoes on). The monkey is their class mascot, FYI.

Had a blast with the kids at the school Fall Festival. Kids fell asleep with glow bracelets around their wrists.

Madeline, Jacob, and classmate Avery in picture.

Now it's off to bed for me!

Madeline Struts Her Stuff at Dance Camp

On Saturday, I took Madeline to her first ever Oakmont High Drillers Dance Camp for little girls. She and her friends Autumn and Faith had a BLAST! They practiced a routine to a Hannah Montana song for THREE HOURS. It was a riot to watch. First, she didin't really know what to do, but by the end, she was a pro! The "big girls" were great at helping all the kids learn the moves. Here's a video near the end of the camp after Madeline felt very confident about her moves :-) She's the cutie in pink and purple. Sorry the video quality is bad, I took it with my phone (digital camera bit the dust). But never fear, I bought a new camera over the weekend!

Betsy is Engaged!!!

My good friend, Betsy Brandenburg, just got engaged to her sweetie, Brian on Sunday on Saddle Mountain in Oregon (they live in Portland). We are so happy for you both! Betsy has been one of my best friends since we were about 19 years old and in college. She was my maid of honor at my wedding and is dear to me in so many ways.

Besty, we love you and are so excited for you and Brian to begin this new chapter in both of your lives!

Jacob's First Soccer Game

Jacob played his first Roseville Youth Soccer League game this past Saturday for his team, "The Sonics." We were so proud of him! He really chased the ball quite well, listened to his coached, helped his teammates, and even had lots of fun. He's playing on the 6/7 year old team in order to be with his buddy, Alec, so the kids are just a little older than him (he'll be 6 in November). He has practices Thursday and Friday evenings and games on Saturday mornings. It's been a lot of activity to get used to on top of starting kindergarten, but he seems to have boundless energy.

In the video, Jacob wears jersey #17. You might have to watch it a couple of times to see him clearly. I do have better footage, but by the time I retrieve it from the big video camera, he might be playing high school soccer :-) I'll post more as the season goes on.

Just as an aside, the mom screaming at the top of her lungs for "Jacob" in the video is not, in fact, me. There is another Jacob on his team and his mom cheers loud enough for the both of us.

Bradley Turns One!

Bradley turned one year old on August 23! We had a nice family party here at home, and enjoyed watching Brad eat nearly an entire cupcake on his own and play with his new gifts. It was a nice day/weekend of reflection as we all thought about what a blessing he has been in our lives and how we've made it through the first year of his life. I always get a little choked up thinking about my baby leaving the "baby" stage and becomming a toddler. It always seems to to go way too fast.

Brad has been walking since 11 months, and can now nearly keep up with Jacob and Madeline. The "big kids" love taking care of their little bro and enjoy playing games like "fetch" and "hide the toy" with him. It's wonderful watching everyone grow together and learn to love one another more each day. We are blessed.

Mommy's First Day in Kindergarten

I had the joy of working in Jacob's kindergarten classroom today. What fun! I was really excited and a tiny bit nervous. I had worked in his preschool classroom the year before last, and that was fun as well.

After my first day, here are just a few of my observations:

1) I should not be allowed to go near the copy machine.

2) Elementary teachers never get to sit down, or eat, or go to the bathroom.

3) Never underestimate the ability your kindergartener has to sit still - they sit still for LONG periods of time in class and do just fine.

4) It's important to remember how to do the hoky poky, search for bugs, and play duck duck goose!

I loved seeing my boy Jacob playing with his friends, listening to his teachers, and doing quite well! Now I'm off to staple some kindergarten coloring booklets together and make playdough in the microwave.

Lastly, hats off to the four kindergarten teachers at Dry Creek Elementary School - they are awesome!!!

Today was Jacob's first day of Kindergarten at Dry Creek Elementary School. I can't believe this day is finally here. It seems like only yesterday, we welcomed him into the world. You'll be proud of me that I didn't cry too much, but I haven't picked him up yet . . . so there's still a chance that I could loose it.

We are so proud of our Jacob; his is confident, well-adjusted, loving, sweet, but not afraid to stand up for himself. He was so excited today, hardly nervous at all. Meanwhile, my stomach was in knots for the last two days: Will he be alright? Did I pack enough snack? Will he make new friends? Will he like his teacher?

Despite my normal mommy fears, God has reminded me that none of us are out of his control. Jacob actually reminded me this morning that God knew all of us before we were even born, and that He loves us so much and can see everything, everywhere. I guess I was the one that needed the pep talk :-) That's our Jacob.

Atta Boy!

I love the mountains!

Over the Fourth of July weekend, we took a short family vacation near Lake Tahoe in Genoa, Nevada at David Walley's Resort and Hot Spring. As we drove aroud Lake Tahoe (hoping to swim in the lake) we couldn't find parking, so we stopped and had a picnic at Spooner Lake instead. The kids had a great time chasing lizards, chipmunks, and Blue Jays. We took a mini hike to the lake, getting really dirty along the way (dry dirt trail), but had a fun little lunch even though we didn't get to the big lake (Tahoe) on this trip. Perhaps next time.

At the resort, we swam every day and soaked up the sun. We met cousins Mike and Danielle Henderson for dinner at Old Red's 395 in Carson City and had a good relaxing time.

Jacob's Rainbow

I've enjoyed seeing Jacob grow to love coloring and drawing pictures in the past year. He didn't always love doing artwork, but now, he takes pride in drawing a beautiful rainbow (see left) or coloring pictures to go along with our daily Bible lesson. He's such a people-pleaser, and loves to make things for everyone.

Currently he's obsessed with making paper airplanes for all his friends, which means we have dozens of paper airplanes all over the house. Who knew paper could be so entertaining? Children are so creative, it often blows me away.

Jacob is preparing to start kindergarten in August, and so we're already getting a bit weepy and thinking back to when he was just a little baby. Wasn't that long ago :-)

Grammy's Visit

Grammy Henderson (Lauren's Mom) just visited us for the week and left this past Tuesday. We had a great time, unfortunately, we have all gone 20 rounds with the stomach flu. We sent Grammy home a little sick, but she made it. We enjoyed having her visit; the kids loved playing games and just hanging out with their Grammy. We are looking forward to our visit to Texas this July when we'll get to swim in their pool and relax in the Texas sun. (PS--Sorry the video is sideways, I can't figure out how to turn it.)

Madeline Turns 3

So our darling Madeline turned 3 years old on April 8. We had a lovely little party at a nearby park with Grandma & Grandpa Hunter, Uncle Josh and a few of her friends. Everything had to be pink. Pink table cloths, pink napkins. And yes, so got lots of pink presents. It's always amazing to me how we don't really push girly pink things, yet she inherently wants pink. I think some little girls are just born with pink on the brain.

In this picture, you can see she loves the dress up jewelry she received. She had lots of fun dressing up and playing princess. In addition, we've spent the last month potty training, and she is now diaper-free. Mommy is overjoyed. Our Madeline is like a cat, whereas Jacob is like a dog. Madeline wants you on her terms, when she wishes to snuggle or wants you to color or play. Jacob wants lovin' any old time and prefers constant companionship. I guess that's somewhat stereotypical, but that's just the way it is.

As for Bradley, he's crawling at full-speed. He's 8 months old and can't wait to be a "big kid." His favorite place to crawl is into the big kids' room, up onto Madeline's mattress. He is so happy there and prefers their toys to his "baby" toys. Go figure.

Well, that's just a brief update! Love, All of Us

Bradley @ 6 Months Old Slideshow

We can hardly believe that Baby Bradley is now 6 months old! He's grown so fast and the time has been flying. He continues to be such a sweet heart. He rarely cries, smiles and coos at anyone and everyone, and loves his big sister and brother. Well, he tolerates Madeline and adores Jacob, to be completely honest. Guess that's about right. We are melding well as a family of five. It's quite chaotic at times, as you would imagine, but all turns out well in the end (that is, when everyone's in bed asleep). I survived a long basketball season with John gone most of the time. Fortunately, his team had a great season this year, so it was fun to haul the kiddos to games and witness the excitement.

I know my updates are few and far between--that's just life! God is faithful and keeps us going, moving, loving, and living for Him each and every day.