Song.

Trust me.  Click this link immediately and get ready to be blessed.  It's my new favorite.

Oceans - Hillsong United.

It takes a sec to load.  Enjoy.

KONY 2012.

MAKE KONY FAMOUS.

Please take some time to watch this important video.

U2.

I went to a U2 concert in Denver 10 years ago.  When we heard they were coming to Seattle, there was no hesitation snatching up some tickets.   Once again, they did not disappoint.

It was one of the most bea-U-tiful days in Seattle which was quite fitting for this amazing song performed with help from Gabrielle Gifford's astronaut husband, Mark Kelly.

Here's the review in the Seattle Times if you're interested.  24 songs in 2 hours of amazingness.  Kinda makes me want to be a groupie & go to the remaining 18 shows on the tour...

U2: best. show. EVER!  

Lenny opened.

"The Claw."

Bono.

I pray it won't be another 10 years before I see U2 next...

How Great Thou Art!

Love THIS performance by Ms. Carrie Underwood...

*Photo taken by Leah Rixmann Photography

This week we are praying without ceasing for my brother-in-law, Jeff Birt.  He has been given grave news by doctors (so, it's fortunate we don't put our hope in doctors...!) We choose to stand firm on our Rock, Jesus Christ, our Lord & Savior.  Please join with us in praying for our dear Jeff.

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— 

   where does my help come from? 
² My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip— 

   he who watches over you will not slumber; 
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel 

   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you— 

   the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, 

   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm— 

   he will watch over your life; 
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going 

   both now and forevermore.

Chocolate + Paris = sigh of complete contentment...

If you have about 7 minutes watch this great clip going behind the scenes of how chocolate is made in Paris.  You won't be disappointed.

Say "NO!" to bottled water.

Please watch this important video.  

Need a chuckle?

Click here.

Nativity.

My buddy Scott posted this on his fb page.  

I loved it!  

Haven't shown it to Lai yet but, I'm excited for her to see it tomorrow.  

She's been singing 'Away in a Manger' for weeks now.  

Please take 4 minutes to watch this darling & fabulous reenactment of the Jesus' birth.  

'It's the most beautiful visual interpretation I've ever seen...'  

(And, who doesn't love a good accent now & then...)

Click here & enjoy!  

It felt good.

Today I ran six miles.  SIX miles without stopping to walk.  Six hardcore miles with hills all over the place.  It felt good.  As I was running I had one hour and five minutes to think.  Since having Axel I realized I haven't been honest about losing my baby weight.  I feel like I just blow-it-off & chalk-it-up to how much the kid eats & then change the subject... But actually, I've worked really hard, REALLY hard.  I've done cross-fit, weights,  runs on my own & runs pushing 50 lbs of kid in the double jogger... I've worked hard.  I don't think anyone will know the excitement that overcame my body when I finished my run today.  I haven't run this well since before the back injury, the back healing, kid #1 & kid #2.  It felt good. I love this video Julia posted.  It did inspire me today.  Maybe it will inspire you too? 

Driver.

My lovely Lai...  A girl that I thought I wanted to be a boy.  Again, I'm so thankful the Lord knew better.  This little energetic, compassionate, love-bug has been our "chauffeur" lately.  Driving us to the zoo, the "go-see" store, grandparents houses, etc.  When we saw this commercial on TV - it almost made us cry... I'm sure this day will be here before we know it.  

Swagger Wagon.

Some people call this their swagger wagon...  

This is ours:  

I promise we really do buy some things for our children but, we also get so many things handed down.  Meils happened to ask me if Laila would like this since the twins weren't using it.  I think my exact answer was, "she's going to pee her pants, she'll be so happy...!" As expected - she loves it and can't wait for Axey to ride in it with her.  Thank you cousins for such a fun toy!   

Our family is complete.

Axel Benjamin 

joined our family April 13th.   

In lieu of a traditional announcement, we put together a slideshow.  
Feel free to watch it below or on YouTube: meet Axel Benj 

*a HUGE thank you to my sister for many of the photos and for helping with the slideshow!