Playing in the backyard...and getting into trouble

Mason loves to play outside. The first thing he asks for when he wakes up is "juice pease" and then "side, side" (Meaning outside) He loves to play in mom's plants despite my warnings. And he loves to play in his little pool. He seems to learn new words everyday now. We really have to watch what we say, he will repeat EVERYTHING. This week Kevin is away at high camp, so it's just mason and mommy. Luckily we have family visiting from Texas and that has kept him distracted from the fact that Kevin is away. My younger cousin Amy (or "Eemee" as mason refers to her) has become his new best friend. We've also started to prepare him for his new baby brother/sister's arrival. Mason loves to give the baby hugs and kisses. And he is very eager to hold his new baby cousin Jeremy. It will be intersting to see how he reacts when our new arrival steals some of his attention. Hopefully he will love him/her anyways:) Hope all are doing well, God bless,

janey

Almond blossom time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One of the benefits of being here in Modesto is the Awesome weather. Mason is lucky to play outside almost every day of the year. It's February now and I'm getting anxious for the almond blossoms. I haven't gotten to see them in a few years. I'm excited for Mason to witness them as well. I think he will want to smell the trees everyday:) He loves smelling flowers. It has been an exciting yet challenging winter for us. Having a toddler is a new thing for kevin and I. We felt we were just getting used to having a baby - and then he decides to grow up. We're learning everyday about the type of parents we are becoming and that has been eye opening for both of us. I pray for patience most days and that God will help us in raising our little boy the right way. It would be so much easier if he always did what we wanted him too, but i guess that would be pretty boring as well! Kevin has started coaching the girls vasrity soccer team and is liking that. It keeps him busy most of the week. I am working overtime at the hospital - and wishing i didn't have too. Hopefully things will slow down at work when winter is over. We are definitely looking forward to spring and seing G & G Tameling and Aunt Kerry!

God bless
janey

Chicago Christmas 2008

The second half of Christmas break was spent back in Chicago, once we ended up there after a grueling trip. (Thank you Mom and Dad for picking us up) Our time in Chicago was spent catching up with all the people that we had missed (when not opening Mason's many presents.)
For those that we did not get to see or those that we did not get to see very much, we are sorry but we looking to future gatherings.



Four generations on skates.

Sadly, Janey had to leave after only a few days to work the night of the 31st. She is a trooper. Mason and I stayed a few more days and had a blast skating on the ice. We have missed the snow in California, but after a few days of below freezing temperatures and scraping the frost off the cars in the morning, we have come to appreciate the mellow winters at our new home. We continue to adjust to that and the many nuances of living in a new community. Some days have been hard for us but the people that we have come in contact with here have been a blessing. It has been wonderful for our family to be together more because we aren't as busy as we had been. God continues to show Himself and His will for our lives. We pray that we continue to walk closely with him and allow him to lead us.

Dillon, Mason's best bud, gives him a ride on the ice.

Mason giving "Mimi" kisses on the webcam. Kind of weird, but we work with what we've got.

The Christmas season was a refreshing time for the Tamelings. We spent the first week of Christmas break in California. Many of the Winters were in town and we spent alot of time catching up. Grandma Winters was very happy to see everyone and she, like everyone else, was enthralled with Mason.

We spent the night of the 23rd with the Dyk side of the family. There were so many little boys (and girl) running around that it was hard to keep track of them all. Mason ended up getting a soccer ball that he loved, but got served some humble pie when Matthew taught him how to share. All the boys ended the night by dancing with the various musical Christmas characters at the house.