Picture Time!

The following pictures were taken during a weekend visit to Daniel and Kendra's. We finally took the plunge and scheduled this event, enjoying the added bonus of an awe-inspiring Christmas concert at Grace Community Church. It is always wonderful to go visit Daniel and Kendra, and this weekend was extra-special. With late night visits, photography, Christmas concerts, and joy of having babies around, how can you go wrong? :-)

Merry Christmas to each one of you!

~The Parish Family


P.S. We finally got a taste of what is was like to take pictures with a large family. :-P With wiggling, tiredness, Jacob's enormous pants, (we had to get the only size they had) and a zillion people all trying to get the little ones to smile, we were grateful when the process was complete.

"That's the most strictly feminine utterance I ever heard," said Mr. Minturn with a short laugh.


" Thank-you," retorted Leslie, " The compliment is high, but I accept it. I ask nothing better at the hands of fate than to be the most feminine of women."

~ "Michael O'Halloran" by Gene Stratton Porter


I just love that! :-)

New Babies!

When we left on our trip back East, we had a sweet young lady named Carol take care of our animals. On accident one day, our dogs were able to get our chickens, and all that was left when Carol discovered them was a few survivors and a whole bunch of feathers. When we returned home Carol delivered to us a box of 25 baby chickens to replace our murdered flock. Thanks to Carol, we were able to enjoy baby chicks again! :-)

"The Magic of Ordinary Days"

God has graciously provided us with a new horse! Sam and Jeremy have begun a new relationship that has been great to watch. Cowboy is thrilled to have a pasture mate. :-)

Petting the horses at Mrs. Castang's ( my horsemanship mentor) ranch.

Simon shows his enthusiasm for our almost daily chore . . . mopping the kitchen floor! ;-)

The girlies pose for a quick photo in their jean jumpers.

Who's this boy smiling so nicely? Why, it's our Jacobi! ;-) Otherwise known as "Mr. Snap"

A peek into everyday life here at the Parish Ranch. Lilly waiting patiently in her high chair, Jeremy doing school on the kitchen table, Jayni getting up from her school to ask Mom a question, and Mom fixing a meal in the kitchen. :-)

Big brothers and little sisters; an unbeatable combination. Max and Lilly, Aaron and Julia Telian.

Jacob's first haircut! Buzzzz!

Dancing to our after-dinner praise music. :-)

Wrestling with Daddy

Lots of coloring

Mom's New "Do"!

Mom took the plunge today and came back from a town a new woman! :-) We all love her new hair, and I couldn't resist the urge to grab the camera and take some pictures!

Bikin' High

The boys have enjoyed racing their bikes over a homemade jump they've set up. My jaw dropped at the air they caught. ;-) Go boys go!

Here's our little "Jacobi" with his equipment on, biking with the big boys. :-)

Sunday

Gals in the kitchen preparing the yummy Sunday lunch.



Mom and Mrs. Thomas enjoying a dramatic conversation.




Melanie Thomas




The Ladies


The Gents

The Mothers :-)




No evening is complete without laughter and song.

I heartily enjoyed the company of these submitted, womanhood embracing,God loving and fearing young women. Praise the Lord for His work in raising up princesses for His glory!

Hello, Saint Louis!

"We made it!" says an overjoyed Jaelynn, who was delighted to be out of her carseat. After two days of driving, we finally drove into Saint Louis. Walking into the beautiful hotel where the 2006 National United Church and Home Conference was to be held, we marveled at the graceful interior. We had decided to attend this conference during our trip, and were looking forward to it! It was the last event before flying back home to California. Bedragled from travel, we entered our room to find the most inviting beds we had seen the entire trip. Kendra and I flew into them, turned on the relaxation CD that was provided and I felt like I was sleeping on an enormous, billowy cloud. Lovely!

The main conference room . . . the "Crystal Ballroom" What I would've given for a twirl in there! :-)


After a few hours of needed downtime, we all received our nifty binders and nametags and headed down for some supper. While in the resturant, which, by the way, was named after Max, ;-) we met some fellow conference goers. Stopping by the registration booth, we had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Zes,
Serven, and Erber ladies. Our anticipated weekend had begun!



Taking a break for some helicopter rides. :-)



Conference notes

The Klaty's were also on a "Round the USA" trip, and had decided to attend the conference also. They made the conference extra special for us. We hadn't seen them for a while, and it was great to catch up, and fellowship with our 'family'. :-) We love you Klaty's!
Here is a close-up of Mr. Chase Klaty.


Takin' a stroll out and about Saint Louis.

After the last session of the conference, we headed out to the town to find a place to fill our hungry tummys. On the way, we met up with the family of a young lady I had just met a few minutes before in the Crystal Ballroom, the Thomas family. We continued on to have supper at a Mexican resturant, who was overwhelmed by our numbers. ;-) After our meal, we all trooped back to the hotel, chatting a hundred miles an hour! We had a blast getting to know the Thomas family, and talked with them into the wee hours of the morning. :-)

The Mom's enjoyed some chattin' time.

The conference finished up with an intense, life changing message from Doug Phillips. Onward Christian soldiers!!!