Is fall really almost over??

This fall has really gone by too fast. We had a great time with Grandma Tameling in October. We visited a pumpkin patch, went trick or treating, and overall mason was very spoiled. It's hard to believe its been over 4 mos that we've lived here in CA. Mason is growing every day, we were just at the doctor's office today and he's gained 2 lbs since august. He's starting to say more words which is a big relief. The grunting and pointing will not be missed by anyone around here. Looking forward to seeing friends/family in Chicago in a little over a month.

Just like daddy

Mason loves to play outside. Anytime we put our shoes on, he runs to the back door because he knows that means we're going outside and he doesn't want to miss out. He is becoming more and more like his daddy every day. Not only does EVERYONE say 'he looks just like Kevin', but his expressions and personality also reflect daddy a lot as well. Here's a few pictures of mason and daddy this saturday. (It was mason's idea to get his lawn mower and help daddy out:)

Turbo turtle

Mason loves his new turbo turtle (thanks G&G Tameling:) So we thought we'd share some pics of him trying out his new riding toy.

The more things seem to change - the more they stay the same

Ahhhhhh.... there's nothing like a good run through the almond trees durring harvest time. Today felt to me like I was at home again as I ran that familiar path in the orchard. Kevin said when we first moved in that he was still getting used to our new home. But for me, things were a little different, I was already used to this home. In fact, I grew up in this home! But it will take awhile before the 3 of us feel like we are at home here as a family. Kevin has finished his first week at RC and things went well. He now has a better idea of what his year will look like and some of the challenges that he will face. God is starting to show us very slowly some of the reasons why he has called us back to Ripon. Hopefully he will continue to show us the grace to carry out his will.
(to the right, kevin on his first day of school)

Happy birthday to you

My little baby is now 1 year old. It's hard to believe the first year has gone by already. Mason had his final birthday celebration on Sunday. We had a fun party - balloons, banners, birthday cupcakes and presents. However, I have to say, it was the golf clubs gift that definitely stole the show. Mason is constantly carrying one of those clubs with him wherever he goes. His slide was also a pretty big hit. We spent about an hour going up and down. It's amazing to me how exciting it is for him to do the same thing over and over and over. God has definitely blessed us with our little guy. I continually thank him for what he's given us and how he has brought us to the very place we are right now.

What's new with the Tamelings

The way a Math teacher thinks.....

7 - awesome days spent in MI with family

5 - nights we have slept in our new house

3 - days until school starts for Kevin

1 - the number of job offers Janey has had

1 - how old mason will be tomorrow!

2 - number of shots mason has to get at his check-up on monday:(

102 - the degrees here, yuck!

Hello's and Goodbye's

This post is a little later than I had hoped. But better late than never:) Idaho was just as fun as we had hoped - with a few obstacles we had not hoped for. We made it to Yellowstone on the 4th of July and it was so good to be reunited with family. We spent the afternoon/evening catching up and exchanging many hugs. It was fun to watch mason tag along with his cousins who were a year or two older than him. He tried to do everything they did - so cute:) Saturday we went to Yellowstone. We saw some bears, bison, and even a moose. Unfortunately, Mason had developed a cough on our trip and it was only getting worse. We could tell his throat was hurting him more each day and he also had a fever. On Sunday morning we took him to the closest ER ( 1 hour away). We arrived back at the resort 3 hours later with some antibiotics and a diagnosis of bronchitis. The next day he was feeling much better already and so were mommy and daddy since we finally got a good night of sleep.

Monday morning we said our good-byes and headed home. It was Tuesday morning when we woke up to a phone call saying Grandpa Dyk had gone to heaven that night. In a way, our prayers had been aswered. Dealing with death is never easy, but my Grandpa's death was more of a celebration for us. He often quoted John 3:16 to anyone who would come to visit.... "that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" And I know my grandpa is singing with the angels right now.

On the road again

Saying good-bye was just as hard as we had expected it to be. But our journey continues on and God has brought us to some beautiful places the past 2 days. We stayed the first night of our trip with Pat and Jess. It was so good to see our friends and catch up with them. Then bright and early the next morning we started off to the Badlands. What an awesome park. It has been refreshing to see God's handiwork so close and personal. We stayed the night in the park and today we visited Mt. Rushmore and Crazy horse. Mason has been a trooper in the car. It's sometimes a struggle to get him tied in again once we let him get out and stretch his legs, but he usually settles in pretty quickly. He's learned some new games in the car, but hide and seek with his monkey is definitely his favorite! Tomorow we'll arrive in Yellowstone, we are so so so excited to be in one place for a few days and for mason to meet all his new cousins. God bless!

At least someone is enjoying the boxes and chaos of the move

Outward Bound

Things are starting to become real as I type this and look at the mountain of boxes in our living room (most of which are still empty, by the way). We've started saying our good-byes and had a few farewell parties. Thanks Rudi and Steph for hosting. The party was a blast and the band was awesome. Keep us updated on the future of 'The Band'. Friday holds another party for Young Lifers old and new. We will definitely miss our friends here. It's great to reflect on how God has blessed Kevin and me through all the relationships we have begun in Chicago. And even though we're moving, I feel confident in saying those closest to us will stay close. I'm getting good at bribing people into visiting us in California. "We'll take you anywhere you want to go in CA if you visit" "We have 2 extra bedrooms" "I have 2 single and cute sisters i can introduce you to." Sorry girls, i hope you don't mind:)

As bitter as the good-byes have been, I hope the hellos are just as sweet when we arrive in Modesto. And I know that in all of this, God is good.

Soon-to-be Californians

So here it is - the tameling family blog. With the upcoming move, we thought it would be a great way to stay in touch with our favorite family and friends in chicago. So visit this site frequently, we'd love to hear from you guys and we know you want to see pictures of mason. I promise to post often.