Merry Christmas...Tis the season to be joyful!

This year our family decided to do things a little different. As many of you know, we as a little family went thru a journey of a year in 2011 and into 2012. We sold our home (praise the Lord!), sold almost all possessions, moved from Arizona and started a new life in San Diego, California. Many times during the later part of 2011 we felt that fear of making ends meet, looking for work, providing for the kids and simply put..putting food on the table. God is merciful and faithful to His Word because we have an awesome family that took us in and friends that believe so much in us that they supported us in many ways..from checking in on us and encouraging us, to praying and even blessing us monetarily. We are steps ahead of where we were that year. God brought David a great job and we moved into an apartment and began to settle in. 
Statistics here in San Diego, California show that 450,000 people are being fed by the Food Banks here locally. The amazing part of this is that they are NOT homeless families but average, median workers like you and I. They work but at the end of the month, just can't make ends meet to put enough food on the table.
How can you help? Well, I decided to partner with the local food bank and create a virtual food drive. It allows you and I to see the "real" need of the food items the bank is low on and you can pick which items and how much OR you can click an item for a monetary donation. At checkout, you'll get all the info you need. How many units, how many people you are helping, and the total.

I am NOT asking for any gifts this year. For my family considering a gift to me, this is all I ask. If you feel led to help, that you'd visit the virtual drive and pick an item or 2 that would help a family in need. If you are not able to give at this time, I ask that you pray. Simply put, this is going on in every city all across the country. You too can make a huge difference, even just with prayer. For friends reading this, maybe you want to find a charitable organization to contribute to. This is a 501(c)3 non profit organization and there for tax deductible. This drive will continue on until January 30, 2013.

We, as a family have much to be thankful for and I am trying to find ways to give, rather than receive. We are still going to bless our kids with gifts from "Santa" but we are also working with them to understand the times we are in and how to be thankful. Hunger can effect anyone! It has no gender or color associated with it. I am taking the kids to a "Fill the Bus" Drive happening soon where they can load up groceries on a bus going to the food bank. This way they can see it in action.

The link for the virtual food drive is below. It is affiliated with:  

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
9850 Distribution Avenue
San Diego, CA 92121
 
Here's to helping end hunger, one family at a time!
 
http://vad.aidmatrix.org/vadxml.cfm?driveid=7412 

Love, from the Means San Diego to You!
 :-)Rita

Election Time 2012

“A person with character makes decisions on principle and values, not on the basis of what is popular or what may feel good.” -Ron Kardashian, 30 Second Solution

With this being said, the election is tomorrow. I have mixed emotions about it all. Although a privilege and an act of obedience according to the bible, it doesn't seem to be the same excitement of years ago. There was a time when the politicians weren't so self-interested; a time when they cared about the American people and their well being. Now, one has to really research through ad campaigns, articles, commercials, online commentaries...just to find out the truth behind the campaigns. And pray!
The last four years have been a tough journey for many Americans. The economy has dropped with a recession in our hands, unemployment has increased and we fight to have the same hope and perseverance we had with past presidents. We were promised change, well I guess there has been change, it just wasn't in the way we had all expected.
Tomorrow we all cast our votes and believe for the best. I can only believe that we will move forward and that God will bless us and bring us out of the situation we find ourselves in. If I didn't believe this, I wouldn't have faith in my Creator. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). I pray you will vote accordingly, vote your hearts, and vote based on biblical principles. And may we all see the hand of the Lord move on our behalf and His grace and mercy never leave us!

 

On the family front, The Chula Vista Means are doing great. David is busy with work, going into his busiest time of year with the holidays. He amazes me with his skill level in audio/media. We are very blessed with the opportunity he has been given in his job. This week, we will be hosting Jason Upton in a worship conference and David gets to tap into his creative side and work with his team. The Conference is called John 15:1, “Revival Cry."  Here is the link for a little about it.

http://www.johnonefiveone.com/.

The kids are doing wonderful. They are growing taller, smarter and funnier everyday. Each one of them are true blessings with their personalities developing more and more uniquely individually. Isabella turned 8yrs on October 31st. She is a beautiful girl inside and out. She is doing very well in school and her report card was all "A's.” Her teacher spoke highly of her in all areas across the board. “Way to Go, Bella Boo!" Isaiah is 4yrs now and all about marvel comics (the good guys) and of course Star Wars. He is my little Jedi, so focused, so much like his daddy. Hard to believe he will be off to Kinder next year. I am so not ready for that! Isaac, well he is quite the family entertainer. He will be 3 on Dec 31st. This love bug is so passionate about everything. And boy does he love his mama. He is very curious, loves to challenge his older brother, and loves to make everyone laugh. As for me, I am busy as a bee with the home day to days. I love to find time to connect with my friends via Facebook. At times, I'm lucky enough to actually make a phone call :-) I do need my devotion time daily and recently (as of today) I started running. The time for me, to clear my mind is worth the pain of running uphill and downhill. I still love reading anything I can get my hands on regarding nutrition and how to be a good mom and wife. I miss my girlfriends and my coffee dates. But I can't complain. I love coffee dates with my best friend, my hubby! He is still my Rock Star and I love him more 8 1/2 yrs later than the day we married.

Recently due to the loss of my Tia Elida Lopez, I started a page in hopes to raise $ for the fight against cancer. I hope you’ll visit the page and consider donating.

http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&a=index&id=269675 

I hope to update again soon. Blessings to you and love and hugs from our family to yours!

Nov. 1st Out having cupcakes @ Seaport Village

Headed to Church Nov. 4th

We have beautiful Sunsets in SD

Life by the Bay!

Life by the bay has been great. You can not find better weather than here in Chula Vista, Ca. I recently found out that one of the main reasons it is so expensive to live here, is because Chula Vista has the most consistent weather year round. I didn't know that. No wonder my papa landed here during his time in the Marine Corps and never left :-). Today is a nice and breezy 77, its cloudy but I will take it. As I am writing this new post I am sitting with all the windows open, watching Isaac play on the patio and remembering that not long ago the kids couldn't be outside for long because the temperatures were 114 to 117 degrees! This is a nice change. The sound of the wind chime is a constant reminder that we are far from the dry heat.
It has been a journey for us; we still feel like we are settling into new ground. Although my dad, one of my brothers, sister and brother in law are 5 min away, it has taken some time to re-adjust to new daily routines and making new friends. Most days I really miss good family & friends that we left in Arizona. However, the excitement of a change, a new church and new job for David has been a welcomed blessing. We have recently been to dinner with a couple new families, and they are some pretty amazing folks!
Isabella is on summer break from school. Trying to keep her busy has been a challenge. She is such a smart girl who has a question about most things and although I love her curiosity, it can be a bit much at times..Lol. She goes back to school end of August and is excited not only to see her friends, but to meet her new teacher and enter into 2nd grade. The physical location of the charter school has changed, so we are praying that the great school we loved won't have changed too much.
Isaiah and Isaac are growing so fast! Doesn't seem too long ago when they both were either in a bouncy or learning to walk. (Although, I think Isaac skipped walking and just started running!) They truly are my sweet angels but boy can they keep this mama on her toes. We are currently working on 'sharing.' Oh the joy! ha-ha. Most nights end with me exhausted, picking up the messes of the day, doing laundry, cleaning the kitchen, prepping for the next day and hopefully having my favorite cup of tea, Earl Grey!
Busy doesn't even begin to describe David. He absolutely loves his job (about 6 mo now) as Technical Director at Sonrise. He handles all things Media, Audio and IT related. Recently he did receive his ministerial license! 90% of the duties of his job do not come new to him, however the size of this church-83,000 sq ft, building new teams, music production and being flexible with people is never easy. It is a daily walk with the Holy Spirit and learning to face challenges of the flesh (and die to them ;-)). Thank God for His Mercy and Grace! This week, he has been preparing for VBS (Vacation Bible School). It is safe to say that most days he is working 10-15hr days; mostly for desiring excellence for the church but also because there is a lot to do. I am really proud of the man he has become, the leader he is and the integrity he does his best to uphold. 8 1/2yrs later, I am more in love with him now then ever before! He is learning to heed the little nudges from his wife to take days off. That is new to him and I'm sure not easy. But what is that old saying...The work will still be there tomorrow? Lol!
As for me, I have good days and some...not AS good ;-) Being a stay at home mom is the hardest job I have ever had! Working in the business environment, managing people, meeting marketing deadlines and handling vendors do not hold water to my job now! I have plans to someday soon go back to school. I want to finish up my ministry training for ordination AND my new love, nutrition. I love, LOVE learning about nutrition and have a desire to continue my education for a degree. I recently brushed off the dust in my old video camera skills and started helping in the Media dept under David. Running around working the handheld camera was so much fun. I forgot how much I loved doing this. There is also that side of how intense it is physically, the next morning after a worship concert I couldn't move! Ay-yai-yai~!
As I am nearing another year older (July 24) I have taken a look at my life. Where I have been, where I am and where I would like to be. I am truly blessed. The last couple years have had some setbacks for our family but the trials produced perseverance and a will to work harder. I want to thank our family for being there for us, to listen and to pray. We love you very much! and to our closest and dearest friends...the Taylors, the Donatto's and Brooks, you have been instrumental in speaking life into us and pushing us closer to the Father. Thank you for your gifts of "time." There are no words for the love and support you have shown us. (Thank you for visiting us!!)
Well I think this post turned out to be a lot longer than I expected. We will keep you posted on our "Life by the bay!"
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8

Fun at the beach!

Mom and Mark came for a quick trip to see the kids, have some R&R and bring us a load from our storage in Northern Ca (thank you Lord!). So for a fun little outing, we all went to the Beach! Now you may be thinking to yourself, "the beach in Feb.?" well yes! You can go to the beach pretty much year round in San Diego, CA. One of the many perks of living here :-) Coronado Island has become our short little 10mi getaway when we want a break from the day to day. You would love it! You can just walk around, rent a bicycle, or visit the many little shops along the main street. Below are a few snapshots of us near the water. If you are ever out in Southern Calif, Coronado is a must to visit. And yes you can even find beautiful hotels at very reasonable rates. (check out groupon!)
Well from our little familia to yours, we pray the Lords blessings over you and believe Gods best for you!
Proverbs 3:5-6