The Rees Family

The Final Evaluation

2012-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I get totally anxious when I have to go to see the doctor, the dentist and even the eye doctor. It is not out of the ordinary for me to pass out if there is a needle involved or sometimes even a test (like “which do you see clearer?”-true story). So let me tell you that my anxiousness has continued here in PNG with the Language Evaluations/Test!

Let me set the stage for you. A well-experienced Missionary will grade your language ability through a various set of grammar sentences, have you explain foreign concepts to a national, and a comprehension check. Ok, here I am 5.0 foot Lauren and here comes my Evaluator 6 foot 3 inches, grew up in PNG (so his Pidgin is flawless), and has a successful tribal church plant in the Sepik...Brooks Buser (have you heard of his Dad, Brad Buser???) with a clipboard in hand! Intimidated much? Well as always my heart pounded and I felt a wave of heat rush over me. My language helper Meta thought my nerves were so funny and laughed at me. Of course this was a particularly hot day with NO breeze so I was aware of the sweat that was rolling down my face and back-that is the worst. Brooks sat down and the Test began. First I had to explain my sister’s upcoming visit- how she will get here, what it will feel like to see her, what are we going to do, what I anticipate it will feel like when she leaves. Then i had to explain the Olympics! I barely know how they work and had to ask him some clarity questions because I have never really thought through all the details. I talked about them being this summer and that ice skating was my favorite sport. Come to find out afterward that ice skating is not in the Summer Olympics, oops she doesn’t need to know that! I listened to Meta tell me a story and had to rephrase it back to Brooks. Then the grammar check. Lastly, he had me explain 2 expressions:

“The early bird catches the worm” and “He who laughs last, laughs the loudest”

(Tall man holding Paisley is Brooks)

By the grace of God I was able to translate them literally first and than tell the meaning of the expression. It was funny to try and explain those because I found myself thinking of other idiomatic expressions to try and clarify but that would only make it worse. I realize that English is confusing and doesn’t exactly play by the rules but it is my heart language- the way I think, feel, live, love and laugh in. With that said, I did pass my test and am looking forward to continuing my relationships here with people in their heart language. To encourage, challenge, joke, and love through their language.

Care Packages, Updated

2012-01-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

First of all thank you for everyone who have sent us a package. It always seems to come at the perfect time to encourage our family. It is interesting how exciting and uplifting a package from home can be. The way it smells like america (target, wal-mart, etc.) and makes us feel loved and remembered. It is strange how you can feel so out of the loop over here but through Facebook and email we can stay a little more connected. So thankful for that.

Updated list of things we could use:

MISC

-Baby Wipes

-Anti bacterial hand soap (not the instant sanitizer)

-Children's Benadryl (off brand)

-Lactaid pills (i'm lactose intolerant)

-Cleaning wipes

-Tupperware* all sizes. we have to put EVERYTHING in GOOD quality, air tight tupperware to keep things from bugs.

FOOD (please put food in ziplock bag, so the rats don't smell/eat it)

-*Cereal (any kid friendly)

-Kid Snacks (cheez-it's, granola bars, chex mix, crackers, pretzels, etc.)

-Instant dinners (hamburger/tuna helper, rice/noodle sides, mac n' cheese...)

-Brownie, cookie, funfetti cake mix, pancake mix

-salad dressing mix (italian, fiesta ranch, etc)

-chocolate chips, toffee, pecans, walnuts, etc. (for baking)

-Drink mix (kool aid, lemonade, tea, etc.)

-Mayonnaise (in plastic jar, regular or light)

FUN

-Kids/Family board games

-Cards/Stationary

-Jar Candles (citrus & tropical fruity stuff)

-Crafts for the kids

-DVD's (used is great, too:Wonder Pets, Fresh Beat Band, My Friends Tigger & Pooh, anything really…. movie or TV series for us)

****Pictures of your family! We would love to show the kids who you are and to pray for you as a family.****

Please send to: Justin & Lauren Rees

P.O. Box 625

Wewak, ESP 531

Papua New Guinea

First PNG Christmas

2012-01-06T14:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning we woke up to a beautiful rainy day! it was cooler than most days and stayed that way all day. It was a great way to start the morning; praising God for Him being that personal to give us some "winter" weather.

The kids woke up, we prayed as a family and then went to check out the tree. It was pretty fun since the kids really had no idea what was about to happen. I had ordered the kid's presents on amazon and had them sent over with a friend in october. And my mom sent some gifts over too.

As for Justin's gift it was 2 gatorade's, a 3.5 oz bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos, and a twix bar that i found in Goroka when Pax and I were seeing the Doctor. Things are different but it was fun to start our own traditions. Like cinnamon rolls fro breakfast and spending the whole day as a family, playing (dressing up! thanx grandma)and watching movies.

It was completely relaxing and we got to Skype with both sides of the family. No complains and looking forward to our next Christmas in the tribe!

Here is our friend who dressed up as Father Christmas for a local church.

Who would have thought...

2011-11-27T04:47:00.000-08:00

Well our time in the tribe was amazing. God taught us more than we could have imagined through the Yembi Church and the Missionaries who have been there in the tribe for 8 years. I remember how nervous we were going into the tribe thinking “what if God shows us we can’t do it?”. Being on the other side I do think God showed us we can’t apart from Him and it encouraged our hearts to know that we are in this for Him and that is it! Now we have plenty to think about and pray through as we are planning to allocate to a tribe in the near future.

Here are some highlights and interestingthings I learned about life in the jungle.

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT…

-The jungle sounds like the city at night? Every night when I would get ready to go to bed I would hear the jungle come to life- and it is loud! I never knew that birds could make sounds like beeping and ring tones, sirens and horns. You know the sound on a school playground swing set, the one of the squeaky chain when a kid is swinging? Well yeah, that was out there. It was my favorite however at the same time the most terrible sound over and over! But they were all such familiar sounds that I found myself wondering, which came first: The technology that I know to be author of those sounds or the wildlife?

-Cockroaches Fly! Every night we would turn off all the lights except in the room we were in to conserve power since it is all solar/battery run. So whenever we would enter a new room and turn on the lights cockroaches would scatter into the cabinets, closets and anywhere to escape the light. It was gross but one night when I turned on the light I must have freaked one of them out because it totally came flying at me and landed on my shirt!!!! The only thing worst than that is when one runs UP your leg. (Know that from personal experience too)

-A Crocodile would be on my Table. Some tribalpeople caught a baby crocodile and we thought it would be fun to show the kids and take pictures with it. So Justin went and grabbed it from our friends and he put it on the table for the kids to find! It’s mouth and back legs were tied and the kids played with it like it was a dangerous as a kitten. (I think Justin wore it out before the kids got to it)

-I would miss my “city” ants. You all know my struggle with the ants. Tribal ants are just that- tribal! I thought my ants were bad but these took things to a whole new level! They were literally everywhere: on my tooth brush, in the bed, in the refrigerator, in the oven and even on the clothesline, so I would hang up my “clean” laundry when I took them down they had ants all over them! They were always ahead of my and knew that they could make me break (which happen once)! One night at dinner Paisley was praying “ Jesus thank you Brooks and Nina(the missionary couple in the tribe with us),For Oma and Pa. Thank you for food and cups. Thank you for salt and thank you for all the ants that came to our house.” She was just naming items she saw on the table and it cracked me up. I guess God wants me to change my perspective on the ants and pray for my enemies…

-The Meat Bink. Pax is still attached to his binky and the tribe did not understand his affection for it but figured out an alternative to his binky. There is a bird called a Cassowary that they hunt and eat. Someone gave some meat to us to try and it was so tough and has this smell that makes you want to run away that we passed on it. But one time when we were hanging out in the village someone offered this Cassowary to pax and he loved it. It was so tough that he chewed on that thing for about 3 hours! And threw it away because we could handle the smell of it on him anymore. So we declared it the MEAT BINK. (Here's a pix of a cassowary egg-kinda looks like a dinosaur egg)

- I lived out The Jungle Cruise. As I was paddling a dug out canoe with some tribal ladies on the Sepik River through “shortcuts”, it reminded me of the Jungle cruise ride at Disneyland. There was a beautiful canopy of trees over my head, parrots flying in the air, ducks randomly around a bend or two. Tree branches were sticking out of the water and were gently bob up and down just like the mechanical ones do in the ride! As we were on this adventure I asked the ladies if there were any crocodiles in the waters we were going through and they said yes, like it was obvious. I am thankful to report that in MY jungle cruise (PNG style) I did NOT see a crocodile. All that to say, it’s really incredible how well Disneyland has replicated a true jungle experience AND I can say that my time spent at Disneyland has helped prepare me for the jungle!

Thanks for reading and would love to hear your feedback!

2 More Days!

2011-09-27T03:06:00.000-07:00

Well the count down has started, 2 more days till we are Tribal Bound.

Part of our ministry here has been discipleship with the local kids and youth in our neighborhood. Every week we load up a bus and take them to play soccer! It's great relationship building and language time as a family. Anyway, we went to the beach to play and guess who woke up the next morning with 58 sand flea bites on their arms alone!!!! ME. No one else got one bite- and we had 30 people with us! Oh man, i can not even explain how much these bad boys itch, so i won't. But they last for 4 days IF you don't scratch them, if you do- you are in for it-they spread! (Oh the thought makes me itch) So this experience has freaked me out that i am going to be eaten up in Yembi (that's the tribe). And Ruben (our language helper) told us to be ready for the leeches! I was like no way, but come to find out there really are leeches all over the jungle.

Tonight we found out that Yembi's air strip is flooded. We are going to fly into a neighboring tribe and then take a 3 hour boat ride up to Yembi...at peak malaria time! I am looking at it as an opportunity to get this malaria thing out of the way, then focus on orientation. So watch for my malaria post...

Paisley is growing up! (Funny story: Ruben called Paisley "Princess" one day and she turned to us and said with total excitement "how did he know?"...got to love these moments.)

Tribe or DIE?

2011-09-23T03:29:00.000-07:00

Well we are into our 7th week here and it's been intense, let me fill you in.

About a week ago a missionary family from in a tribal work (Tim and Courtney Shontere) asked us if we would consider a house swap with them for 7 weeks. Justin and I would be required to go to a tribal location for 7 weeks to see the realities of church planting in a tribal context, finish up our national language study (this particular tribe is bilingual and all speak Tok Pisin) and to see if this is a ministry that we CAN do or not. This "Bush Orientation" typically takes place after you have been here in PNG for about 3-5 monthes...we have been here 2 months the day we will fly into the tribe!!

So why would we go so early? Let me share-

When we were approached, it came as an opportunity for the Church their in the tribe to:

1. Get to take us on as their responsibility to take on culture events, help us learn Tok Pisisn, and pretty much orient us to life in the bush.

2. So that this missionary family could work on translation of the new testament. He is hoping to translate what he has left of Revelation, 1 & 2 Corinthians, in 7 weeks of "focus" time out of the tribe. He will bring out his translation helper from the tribe with him to help.

Seriously- what would you do with an offer like that? We felt like we would do whatever we can to get God's Word in their heart language- even if it means we are going to a tribe a little early!

The sweet part about Bush Orientation is that they have you go into tribe post-Gospel so that we can ask tons of questions about their perspective on how the missionaries strategies were effective in communicating Christ and where there were obstacles. It is a unique opportunity and we ask that you would pray with us to take advantage of this time. (And that we won't die- just kidding, it is totally safe for people who do this all the time- but we aren't "those" people yet!)

***This is Ruban (Pax calls him Ruby), our main language helper.

After having our totally intimadating language check, we found out that we are actually in a great place, language-wise to go. So that eased my heart until i heard this....

-Justin will be going on serval all night hunting excursions with the men.

-We will be going on hikes

-Some of these "trails" will be through swamps that will sink in over our children's heads!!

-Dug Out Canoe rides (which is SO COOL) but over rivers with crocodiles in them!(probably sharks too, if google/shark week is correct)

-This tribe is one that does have malaria mosquitos

-Tons of bugs. Like they told us that our legs will be COVERED in bugs when we are out in the evening, yea!

- Not only that but some of the mosquitos "feel like a syringe".

So you see why I wrote Tribe or DIE!

We have all the responsibilities as a tribal missionary does:

Keeping the solar panels and gel batteries maintained, Sak Saking (which is the process of how they get their main food staple from a tree), Canoeing, Gardening with the people, Building relationships, Helping the Church grow and like meal planning for a month- what you don't plan for you don't have. So today I am working on the grocery list and cooking up some meals to freeze for those "OMG it's dinner time" moments.

I am definitely excited but nervous. Oh yeah another reality check- no Facebook, just emails. We hope to figure out a way to send a least one picture of us out at some point so you guys can see what we are doing.

Language Learning....

2011-09-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying language learning is a process. And I am one of those people, come to find out, that likes to gets things done quickly. If i'm hungry go pick up some Del Taco or Chick Fil-a, if i ask someone to do something and they don't do it at that moment- i do it. Hmm... as i write that out it seems that i lack patience...i'll pray about that. Anyway, language learning takes TIME! I haven't found short cuts or tricks to figure this thing out. But I have found this: you have to put in the time, effort, PATIENCE, humility and find someone to help you through it AND be able to laugh when they laugh AT you.

I have good days and bad learning Tok Pisin but all the same I am learning. Justin has made some good friends in the neighborhood and we have been having them come over one at a time to help us. I also have a woman named Meta come to the house once a week for a couple hours to help me with language and around the house. Today i taught Meta how to make tortillas and i almost spoke Pisin the whole time! (like a little little kid-but hey i'll take it!) This is a picture of the heart shaped tortilla Meta made for Pais. Pax like her too, he calls her "ma"!

We do take the bus into "town" once or twice a week as a family which is a great time to practice our limited vocabulary. And the kids like it-everyone here loves our kids. They spoil them! Paisley has 3 Meri Blouses (Mu Mu's) that ladies from around town have made for her and given to her. People love to give them bananas and candy, too!

***Pray for us to be learn this language quick!

"That is why we are here!"

2011-09-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

The first couple weeks we were here there was a Translation Workshop at the base we live on. We got to meet a bunch of tribal church planters from all the areas New Tribes works in Papua New Guinea. The workshop was talking about translation for the Literacy course (in the tribe) as well as translation of the Bible and Bible lessons. The sweet part was that the missionaries brought with them their main language helper from the tribe. So we got to see the relationships that were built between these co-workers and most evident, friends.

One evening the whole base got together to have a potluck. Our family was eating and saw 2 tribal men starting to sit by themselves. I was easily able to sway them to join us and we made room. As we ate and talked (with very simple words and lots of body language since we didn't know much Tok Pisin at all) one of the tribal men said to us" The fellowship we are enjoying here now, is like a preview for what it will be like for all of us in heaven". (This was translated from one tribal guy to the other who knew more tok pisin and english.)

I was totally overwhelmed. I wasn't expecting to be so humbled and reminded of why decided to go to PNG anyway. It wasn't for adventure or challenge; to have an "experience" or see the world. It is all to bring His children back into right standing with Him, so that one day we can all be together praising God forever and ever. That is why we are here. I am thankful to have been motivated from the start by a tribal man to stay focused on the goal!

This is Paul. The one who did the Translating at the table. Paisley loved him. He was missing his kids back in the tribe and decided to love on ours in the mean time!

Care Package List

2011-08-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you guys have asked what kind of stuff we would like if some one were to send a package. Anything of course would be appreciated but some things are more "practical" then others. Here is a list i put together with some things i thought of over the MONTH!

-Stain Remover Stick (not pen)
-Baby Wipes
-Cleaning wipes
-Instant rice sides, noodles, dinner packs (like hamburger helper- ish)," home style mac and cheese"
-rice ( jasmine, arborio, etc )

-cookie, brownie,cake, muffin mix
-salad dressing mix
-chocolate chips, toffee, pecans, walnuts, etc. (for baking)
-Cereal
-Drink mix (juice is $8 here!!! ex: kool aid, crystal light, etc)
-Mayonaise (in plastic jar, regular or light)
-Paper towels
-Kids sunscreen (50+)
-Off Bug Repellant
-Crafts for the kids
-Toys for the kids
-DVD's (used would be great, too: happy feet, the little mermaid, beauty & the beast, mickey mouse clubhouse, Blues Clues, anything really…. and maybe a movie for us? we haven't seen anything since Wolverine: X man, so we are behind the times!)
-Tupperware**** all sizes. we have to put EVERYTHING in GOOD quality, air tight tupperware to keep things from bugs. even the dollar store shoebox ones are good for putting our clothes in.
-Pillows (they mold)
-Kids/Family board games (we have none so anything works, used is good or check yard sales) --Cards/Stationary-i enjoying writing notes to people
-Jar Candles (the power goes out all the time and i only have 2 small candles. i love citrus smells, tropical fruity stuff)
-Body soap bars
-Anti bacterial hand soap
-Magazines- don't judge me but i love me some People and US Weekly, etc. I'm from California, it's part of my heritage!
-Paper plates- you have seen the pictures of my daily dishes, it would mix things up. ****Pictures of your family! We would love to show the kids who you are and to pray for you as a family.***

Hopefully that list gives you an idea of some things that would be helpful. Thank you for thinking of us. It makes our family feel like we are still connected even when we are in the furthest place possible from you. (isn't that crazy-the exact opposite side of the world)

The best way to send things are with the international Flat Rate box. Be sure you document what is in the box on the customs form.

Our New Home Address is:

PO Box 625

Wewak E.S.P. 531

Papua New Guinea

Things They Don't Tell You

2011-08-18T03:27:00.000-07:00

1. What the smell of mold is like- and that you will be living in and around it. It is the worst smell, it makes me gag! There is one closet and bathroom that smell like mold so bad, i hold my breath when i go in them.

2. That you will never stop washing dishes throughout the day. (thanks to the scratch cooking)

3. The "PNG Missionary Tan Lines"- at first you think, she's living on an island and will have the most amazing tan...Well that is partly true. What you don't realize is that i have a dress code to follow (because of culture here) and i am not allowed to show my knees or wear thin straps, so you end up with a somewhat tank unitard looking tan line. Not so cute, i feel like a guy with white legs and tan calves.

4. Fruit and Veggies are different. Of course the varieties are we are on the opposite side of the world. I didn't know that fresh produce will go bad the next day here- Paisley helped me figure that out when there were worm coming from the bananas we had bought the day before. I love preservatives and miss them.

5. You must wear shoes at ALL times, even in your house. One night i was heading to bed and stepped right onto a gecko and killed it. Gross. (geckos are all over the place. The kids love to see them running all over the house at night.)

6. At beaches there are things called Sand Fleas (which i got and they itched like crazy for 4 days) and Sea Lice.

7. Power (electricity) is a privilege. Rolling power keeps you on your toes, teaches you to be creative and flexible.

8. Laundry cannot be done once a week. Learned that the hard way, i was hanging up clothes on the lines forever and then it started to rain when i finished!

9. Your clothes smell sour after you wash them and hang them out to dry.

10. Men hold hands- like interlock hands as they talk with each other. It's a sign of friendship. It happened to justin when we were at a market in town. The security guard was telling him that he would help justin learn Tok Pisin and when i turned around the man was holding His hand....Justin was like "uh, what do i do?!". i wish i would have been bold enough to snap a picture! (**husband and wives are to never hold hands, kiss or be affectionate in public. So it is weird to see guys holding guys hands and girls holding girls)

(***i tried for the past 3 days to upload pictures, sorry they wouldn't work. maybe next time)

Missionary Life 101 (pt. 2)

2011-08-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

Food. One thing i mastered this week was the art of making bread! It was quite intimidating at first and i had heard so many horror stories. But thanks to my Kitchen Aid, it was a cinch!

There were a couple things i did learn after i made and ATE that beautiful bread...you ALWAYS have to sift your flour. Here are the worms that were found in the flour after i found that out! Yuck!!!! Oh man, living in a 3rd world country...someone needs to write a manual about how tocook- because it was the ants first, which i embraced but the worms are crossing a line.

I also have learned how much time goes into "scratch" cooking. I do enjoy cooking so it has been fun but man the dishes that go with it are never ending. My kitchen always has dishes in it and the worst part is you can't leave them for thenext day because A) you need to use them again to make breakfast B) the ants and friends will be on them in the morning and C) the sink is pretty shallow, so they don't all fit!

Lastly, the inflation on food is ridiculously high. Here is what we got on our first trip to the market (21 items): all for $115.00!!!

Missionary Life 101 (pt. 1)

2011-08-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

I have lived in Papua New Guinea for 12 days now. It is a great place and i am adjusting to our new season of life here. While we were in training we knew that PNG would be hot and humid, the people were going to smell different, food would be different, etc. And i embraced it, thinking that the Lord would challenge us beyond our own strength, and intimately bless us with other things. I was thinking if i am going to go there than hopefully He will let me have curly hair (from the intense humidity) and not have ants/gnats, because i will deal with flies and HUGE spiders...that sounds doable and like a vary fair deal. But nope. ANTS. They are so the new plague.

I know you are thinking, just spray some windex (which you can't get) and clean you counters clean. Oh no! These are 3rd world ants have no restrictions. They are everywhere: the counters, the flour, sugar, rice, the dishes in the sink, the dishes in the cupboard, the trash, shower, closet, walls, desk, table, even ants in your underpants!!! Yeah you have to put your underwear in a tupperware! that is the stuff they don't tell you in training folks! At first i tired to kill them and keep them out. But these ants are one step ahead of me. So i have learned to live WITH the ants. We stay out of each others main routes but we are always here together.

Tonight at dinner Paisley said "Mom there's a bee in my rice!" i said " it's just an ant, it's ok" So there you have it. We have been initiated onto the mission field.

Visit with Grammi

2010-10-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

Paisley's Pedicure

Fun at the splash park

The Kids

2010-10-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Curly HAir

He's on the move!!

Working on her jungle skills.

Sharing my favorite park activity with Pais, swinging!
(especially the tire swing)

(Halloween preview)

They love hiding in here together.

Outside fun...

2010-09-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Jake and Ally got engaged!!!(jake lives with us too)

trampoline time!

The weable's (the family we live with)

New Prayer Card Photo Session!!

2010-09-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

Some Highlights

2010-09-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Pax's new "cheese" face

"rocking out" with one of our room mates Jake

Our 5 year anniversary

playing with my glasses

Pax & I went to Cali, for a wedding...

2010-08-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

My nephew, Noah

Grandma

I got to see our neighbors from Missouri!
Hanne, Lucy, Eliza, & Walter
And was there to have In & Out with them for the first time!!!

Tina Grandma & Grandpa

My SWEET friend Tricia

Kael Andrews!

Auntie Neesh

Justin's sisters

Jen, Phillip, Timmy, Pax, Jer, Lily, & Katie

Pax meeting baby Olivia

Robbie!

Grammi, Johnny, and Chavonne

The newest addition, Corrine

Grammi and Lily

Dallas Zoo with the Weables

2010-08-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

more missouri..

2010-08-11T15:23:00.000-07:00

This kelsey: we lived with them in Missouri

Saying bye to Roots(the youth group); the girls,

the boys.

Saying Goodbye in missouri...looks easier than it was.

2010-07-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

Life in Missouri, after school...

2010-07-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

"burrito" Paisley,

went to a wedding,

finding tiny turtles, (with grandma)

double swing...

(i LOVE this picture)

picking "straw-be-berries"

Aunti Sammy's Visit

2010-06-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sam made bread for the first time...

We forgot to take a picture of the finished product; it was delicious, we made pizza rolls!

She caught this turtle!!

we played at the park.

swam in a kiddie pool.

I love you Sammy, thanks for coming!

My fun kids

2010-05-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

Crawfish Boil

2010-05-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is everyone's favorite picture!
The video is hilarious...

2010-05-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's getting hot!

Same outfit

2010-05-10T08:25:00.001-07:00

Here's Paisley...

And here's Paxdin...

We have matching kids! One boy version and one girl!

Playing with "Bubby"

2010-05-10T08:00:00.001-07:00

It's so sweet to see the kids playing together. They make each other laugh and Pax loves his sister!!

Easter Dinner

2010-04-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

At Panara on the way home from Chicago!

A quick shop in the city

2010-04-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

(This picture is for Robbie.)

Come to find out Pax is a city boy. He had a blast in downtown Chicago. He was laughing and smiling the whole time we were there (us too).

Trip to Chicago

2010-04-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Candace's mom, Cheryl, put together an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. They had so much fun- it was cute to see Paisley get the concept and even more fun when she realized there was candy inside!

Miss Lucy

and Mattie

Pax Rolled Over....

My Happy Boy

Candace and Pax

The Breakfast Club (paisley,brice,lucy,& mattie)

Paxdin's first food

2010-04-02T08:46:00.000-07:00

A break from travel!

2010-04-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Starting to teething(?)

Dress up in heels!

Tea party

He looks like his daddy!

Quick trip to Texas...

2010-04-02T08:25:00.000-07:00

We went to Texas to see some familiar faces and see the church. Awesome trip and we stayed with the Weables. This is Macey and Jaycie- who Paisley loves dearly!(us too!)

They are feeling all the traveling!

Vintage Youth Retreat

2010-04-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

We have been doing a lot of traveling! This was the kick off to our travels: Branson, MO with our youth group for a retreat. It was so fun and everyone had a great time. It was so neat to see the high school kids love on our kids...and Candace!

Lauren doing a flip on the barn swing,

Justin swinging,

Paisley watching in the foam pit.

Paisley was the last clue in a scavenger hunt-this the winning team!

Fun moments

2010-03-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

Making pancakes with Daddy- while making a "surprised" face

Paisley making a "chilly" face

Rocking with "Paxi"

California in Jan

2010-02-24T09:34:00.000-08:00

PLaying at Home

2010-02-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

Tea Party with Mattie

Paisley Turned 2

2010-02-24T09:00:00.000-08:00

We made it out for dinner, kinda. She was in the worst mood ever...when we got home she had a fever of 100.8 and turned out to have an ear infection. But the food was so yummy- it was a hubachi grill!

Mike, Paisley and Justin (Paisley loves mike-she named one of her baby's after him)

The Simon boys

Candace and Abbey

Grandma came out for Paisley's Birthday weekend! The best present of all!

Sweet Faces...

2010-02-01T09:52:00.000-08:00

We can't decide if he's Justin or Lauren? He definitely looks like Paisley, but more "manly".

a little update...

2010-01-31T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here is Pax doing the "buddah"...

Pax (like Pais) is doing "stand, stand" at 7 weeks old

Paisley is such a little girl. She has a strong personality and is learning to share mom and dad. Pax is growing like crazy! i can't believe he's 2 months old! He is such a sweet baby and is starting to coo and smile all the time.

Time with Grandma

2009-12-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

Lots of fun> Paisley and my mom made cookies, cupcakes, painted nails, read books, etc. She sure does love Grandma; but ended up letting Pax have SOME time with her too!

Hugs & Kisses

2009-12-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

Paisley loves to give Paxdin LOTS of love. She is always giving him hugs and kisses, telling him "no cry", and putting the binky in his mouth!

Pais and Pax-Sister and Brother

2009-11-27T19:53:00.001-08:00

They already love each other a ton. We are so blessed!

We're Going Home!

2009-11-27T19:43:00.000-08:00

Lauren is so amazing... 24 hours start to finish, and we are headed home!

The Rees Family!

2009-11-27T19:40:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of all of us with Paxdin Jonze!

A Thanksgiving Turkey... for sure!

2009-11-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Paxdin Jonze arrived Nov. 26th at 12:38 pm 6lbs. 8oz. and 22.5 in.
He is awesome! What a great THANKSGIVING. One we'll never forget!
Here are some of his first pictures:

She's growing up!

2009-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

A guy from our church is working on his photography portfolio and asked if he could take some pictures of Paisley. He took these at church just real quick...and they are so sweet. We are hoping we can have him take some family pictures when Pax gets here. Isn't he talented?

2009-11-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

We have been freezing the past couple of weeks. It got into the 40's and even the 30's at night here in Missouri, BUT you never know what will happen tomorrow. It was a beautiful 75 degree day and the kids loved it! (and so did we)

BABY SHOWER

2009-11-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Our church threw me and another lady a joint baby shower. It was very sweet. We enjoyed a yummy Soup and Salad lunch together, opened presents, and then had these delicious cupcakes! These pictures are from sunday- i am 38 weeks and 2 days pregnant! Now that we have had the shower we will just wait on baby Pax's arrival!!

Playing with Daddy's hat

2009-11-09T20:18:00.001-08:00

I LOVE THESE PICTURES!

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-09T19:59:00.001-08:00

Paisley's first "Trick or Treating"...

She chose to eat a Twix bar and she loved it. We even have a video of her dancing while she's eating it! It was really fun and we love seeing her BIG personality!

Mattie, Paisley, and Lucy-Pretty Princesses

Getting a heart painted on her face.

We had a great time. Paisley was a ballerina princess. She loved dressing up and she was adorable!

My Happy Birthday

2009-10-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

I am now 24! We went to Bass Pro Shop to show Paisley the fish and turtles there (she LOVES sea life). Justin thought it was so fun to have her pet all the taxidermy animals, as you can see! After we picked uncle Johnny up from the airport we came home to have cake with some friends. Justin and i also had a date night where we went out to dinner and saw Fame. It was a great birthday and the time is passing quickly- next month Pax will be here!

New Interests...

2009-10-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

We made Paisley her first tent,

she has taken an interest in hair and make-up (i was doing some friend's hair & make-up for a 40's theme event-fun stuff!), *Justin says she has my ears!!

she loves to draw and purple is her favorite color,

AND as any girl she likes shoes and playing dress up.
(Also we have recently seen that she has a binky problem we need to work on.)

Dad and Sam's Visit

2009-10-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

My little Sister, Samantha and Dad came to visit. It was the most beautiful weekend here in Roach, Mo. We got to spend time outside each day-which is Paisley's favorite thing to do. Lots of swinging, canoeing, and we even got to go mini-golfing!

I love my Daddy

2009-10-06T18:17:00.000-07:00

Rocker Chick

2009-09-14T19:57:00.000-07:00

Eliza pushed Pailsey...

Paisley pushed Eliza!

She looked so cute in this outfit- i had to take some pictures!

First Oreo...won't be the last

2009-09-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough week(end). We have been home sick for our long weekend! It started with Justin, Paisley and i got the most mild version tuesday. Justin has still not recovered but me and Paisley are feeling much better. So as you can imagine, keeping Paisley trapped in the house for 4 days has been a challenge. This is her watching her friends playing outside... SO we decided that she could use a "pick me up" for being such a good sport.

Her first Oreo! Dad's Favorite and he showed her how to eat it...

She even drank the milk...

And was disappointed at how quickly it was gone!

**And Yes Paisley is so in her"big girl" underwear!!!

Tire Swing

2009-09-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

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Paisley is following after me, with her love for swinging. I always loved the tire swings and she is also a fan. I can't believe how big she's getting!

She loves to dress up!

2009-09-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

I have been going through Paisley's out grown clothes lately and she's had a lot of fun playing dress up. She found her mittens and thought they were the best thing ever- too bad last winter she wouldn't keep them on. I guess that's how it always seems to go. And her baby headband. She is so into bows- has to wear one to look "pretty" to go to school everyday. Oh the joy clothes can bring to a girl- even the smallest one! Her penguin costume from last Halloween still fits and is very fun to play in too! Of course the more jewelry the better as you can see- now she has found where mamma's necklaces are and she is into it- i should take a picture!

Loves to read

2009-08-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

This video cracks us up- we can watch it over and over. I bet you know why she loves to read this story, she can say "NO" and it's acceptable. She's so funny.

The Dallas World Aquarium

2009-08-24T20:15:00.000-07:00

Over the summer my mom came to visit (aka"G") and we took Paisley to the Dallas Aquarium. It is so fun and we had a great time watching Paisley see everything. But of coarse her favorite part of the whole thing was the tanks with fish in them. I could have taken her to see the fish at Petco and she would have been equally as impressed! (which i have so done) She got to feed a baby tucan a blueberry, see otters, penguins, and a three toed sloth! It was so nice to have G there with us.

Baby Shower*

2009-07-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

One of my friends is such a talented baker! She made this super cute and delicious cake for us to enjoy. And she made the cookies for "goodie" bags. It was very intimate- 6 friends went out for Pasta to celebrate :Paxdin

Paisley

2009-07-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

We have started the potty training journey- it's going really well and she loves to flush the toilet. Here's some of her moments the past week.

Water Baby*

2009-07-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, she really did enjoy the boat- not so much the life vest. She wanted to swim in the lake- but she went tubing instead!

Happy Fourth of July with the Hood's

2009-07-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

We got to spend a long weekend with our good friends The Hood Family. It was nice and warm in Houston. Paisley loved pushing around their latest addition, Nate in his "car. We already miss them!

Working on the BIKE

2009-07-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

We didn't even know that Paisley was a mechanic. At our stay with the Weable Family we found out that she was into Motor Cross Bikes. Kevin taught her to change the oil and she loved every minute if it!

California in May

2009-07-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

Paisley had a great time seeing all her family-

She LOVES her grandma and uncle Johnny!!!

Bikini Baby!!

2009-05-16T19:40:00.000-07:00

We have had a few hot days to play at the lake. Justin is having fun trying new flips off the rope swing. And i guess Paisley's bathing suit is a little big!

Mother's Day

2009-05-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

My mom came out Mother's Day weekend because Paisley was having some trouble breathing. We had to give her breathing treatments every 6 hours and still have to (for 3 more days). My mom was such a help and got up with her during the night, so we could get some rest. Thanks mom!

Been Busy!!

2009-05-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

Paisley loves her CHICKENS! She likes to pretend feed them, pet them, and talk with to them. She's very adventurous. Climbing is one of her favorite things to do- so we have to keep our eyes on her.

Paisley's Party*

2009-02-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Our Sweet Princess... is ONE

Sharing with Oliver

She was eating it one lick at a time...

untill her uncle David helped her get into it!

Baby and Mama

Always in the mood for a bath!

Lots of gifts...

Baby Joey

Paisley Turns ONE

2009-02-22T19:45:00.001-08:00

Wow! That went so fast. We got to spend Paisley's first Birthday in California with ALL the family! It was a great time- here are a few pictures from her birthDAY. And we finished the night off with some Sushi and they sang to her and she tasted green tea ice cream- which she liked. ( i think it tastes like lotion!)

2009-02-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

Paisley is just starting to play dress up. She puts necklaces on her head like a headress and wears them around the house everyday. She likes to look in the mirror; and this morning she was in her shoe drawer pulling out these rain boots and was trying to figure out how to get them on. This was her outfit choice for the morning!

This is Noah- our neighbor, he's almost 11 months. They like to play together and het to at the nursery everyday!

Writing Style 101

2009-02-07T07:21:00.000-08:00

We have come to find out that Paisley writes right handed and already knows how to hold a pen!

She's got the hang of it...

2009-01-29T20:14:00.000-08:00

Yes she is wearing a necklace- she loves them. She is 100% girly

She's Walking!

2009-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Jan 13th, after an 8 1/2 hour car ride to get to our new "home", Paisley decided she was ready to walk! My baby is turning into a little girl. It is so fun for us to watch her- as you can see she loves to walk. She thinks it's the coolest thing ever, and it makes her laugh!

Time at the park

2009-01-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

Who knew it would turn into such a perfect photo opportunity. We got a new camera for Christmas! Paisley loves to swing- it was her first time in a baby swing, i think she liked it, but swinging with her mama is always the best*

Some fun moments

2009-01-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Break in California

2009-01-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

Paisley's first Christmas was fun. We were very excited to share it with our families and let them spend time with her. She is in such a fun stage- learning a ton everyday. She was able to pick up some bad habits pretty quick from all her grandparents, aunties, and uncles spoiling her! It takes alot of work to try and correct that, come to find out!

We Graduated!!

2009-01-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

We have just graduated from New Tribes Bible Institute- we studied for 2 years and Justin finished with honors! Right after the ceramony we headed to Texas- to start our "break".

Paisley did awesome in the car- she pretty much slept. The first day we did 13 hours and the next day 7 hours! But once we arrived she made some new friends!

We were there for 4 days and then we were off to California for Christmas!

2008-11-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

She loved thanksgiving dinner.

And when it was time for a nap

she slept...

and slept...

and slept!

Whinne the Pooh

2008-11-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

Paisley saw this huge Whinne the Pooh in october and she went crazy over it-like if she saw a picture of it she would start smiling and than whining, i know she's such a girl. So we finally were able to get it for her. Here are some pictures of her and the bear!

Here's the video of us getting it for her at the store

Our Visit with Crystal and David!

2008-11-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

My older sister, Crystal and her husband, David came to visit. Paisley loved playing with them and showing them all her tricks. And as you can see she great at unpacking- and looking for presents from Grandma! She also did alot of talking to her baby cousin (Crystal's 20 wks), "gay gay" was her name for him.

She's got the best laugh!

2008-11-24T06:48:00.000-08:00

Fall came and went! Today we are suppose to get 3 inches of snow!

Time with my Aunti Sammy!

2008-11-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

We have had lots of vistors! It's been fun to see family and the time has flown by we only have 12 more days of school and than we're off to Texas! Maybe i should start packing?!

Happy Halloween

2008-11-04T19:08:00.000-08:00

Paisley's 1st halloween was fun. She was the cutest penguin ever! I pretty much made her wear her costume all day- to get coffee, mail, everywhere.

We have been busy!

2008-11-04T18:29:00.000-08:00

We went to a local apple orchard who lets new tribes student come and pick as many apples as we can handle for free! It was really fun- Justin and i had never seen apple trees before and getting to pick fruit was fun. But it was freezing!

Here are some cute pictures of Paisley!

I Love My Uncle Johnny!

2008-10-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

She's Everywhere

2008-10-24T15:26:00.001-07:00

Fitness baby

2008-10-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Paisley does squats everyday and this particular day she chose to do some Grande piles in 2nd position. She 's pretty silly but definitely serious about her fitness!!

Visiting with Grandma

2008-10-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

This is my new toy from Grandma and I love it!

We went to the zoo for my birthday. It was a beautiful day and Paisley had a blast. It was fun to watch her take it all in. This picture with the pony is her pointing to his nose. Grandma had so much fun with her- Paisley remembered her and wanted to show off all her tricks. We had never seen that side of Paisley but it was cute.

Learning how to "Shake it"

2008-10-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Pailsey loves this song and she's got to move it!!

Senior Retreat in Jersey Shore, PA

2008-09-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights from our Senior Retreat:

It was a beautiful place- as you can see in the first 2 pix. Pasiley loved having Mike to entertain her in the car, they became quite fond of eachother. Justin is giving Pasiley her first encounter with Crawdad's. Lastly we went on a 7 mile hike at the state park- it was full of waterfalls and had a lake at the top. I think we are still sore from it!

We had an awesome time- we took a class there called intro to tribal church planting. It gave us a more detailed look at the mission ahead of us. We were in class for 4 hours each day, discussing culture and language, the 7 phases on a tribal church plant, and the different roles there are in and out of the states. It was so encouraging and challenging, and are excited to get the the MTC in jan.

Baby teeth*

2008-09-27T18:11:00.000-07:00

We finally got a good picture of her 2 baby teeth

She's on the move...

2008-09-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

Paisley has mastered the crawling, sitting up, pulling up on everything, and is working on standing. So life is busy now. And there is lots of falling with this new territory too. I can't believe how fast she's growing, and i'm loving every moment with her. Enjoy the video- and a glimpse into our life right now>getting into evrything in her grasp.

Ears Pierced!

2008-09-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

She was so good. Well of course she cried and every time the lady who did it came by

her she panicked! But she did get a sucker and loved it!

Paisley's first labor day!!

2008-09-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

We had quite the exciting day. First we went to the park and fed the ducks, than Paisley had her first taste of ice cream and a frozen banana! She loved it and she's always excited to see animals.So the day was going great and than Justin decided it was time for Paisley to get her ears pierced! I think i was more nervous than anyone, but she did great and she looks adorable!

We ended the day with some time outside with the president of the school and his wife. And to top it off she had her first bubble bath! It was a fun day!

Fun at the playground with Auntie Chrissy!!

2008-08-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is the "backyard" at school. We go out here every day and do some reading while Paisley watches all the kids play! Oh and she loves the swings. This week she loves to dance and watch us (Me, justin, chrissy, and johnny) dance- to hip hop. We call them dance parties... Chrissy always makes her smile. She loves her Auntie!! *Her favorite jam of the month is Flo-rider's "Low"!! She's so cute.

2008-08-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

Paisley is growing like crazy and loving daycare. She's very active and learning more and more each day. We are loving the time we spend with her even though school is very busy. We are now in our last semester here in Jackson with plans to go to the 2nd phase of trianing in january.