Sanchez Family Blog

Rain, rain, go away...come again another day

2012-01-18T15:59:00.000-08:00

Our backyard

December Highlights

2012-01-11T19:19:00.001-08:00

Making Gingerbread houses

Christmas in Spokane

Christmas in California with the cousins

Galen and Hannah's wedding in Seattle

Must-read book

2011-12-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

I just got done reading a great book, Kisses from Katie. It is about a young woman who, after graduating from high school, leaves her comfortable upper middle class life in America to go to Uganda. She started by serving at an orphanage. And then God opened doors for her to start her own ministry there. She spends her time loving orphans, feeding and educating the poor and caring for the sick. At age 22, she has adopted 13 children...A young woman living by faith...A young woman living out the gospel.

Emily and Ashley meet Santa

2011-12-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

What do you see when you look at this picture? The untrained eye might merely see a couple of Asian kids with jolly old Saint Nick. However, the more discerning will see not just a festive picture, but a historic event in the making...the first time ever captured on camera...Sanchez children with Santa Claus. Times are changing, I guess. They always say you loosen up with your younger children. Hopefully all is not lost.

Cade gets baptized!

2011-12-07T19:08:00.001-08:00

Roland had the privilege of baptizing Cade last month. My parents were able to come and share in the special occasion. How thankful we are for the work God is doing in his heart!

Sampling of Emily and Ashley's Progress

2011-11-30T10:38:00.001-08:00

Wrestling season has started again

2011-11-27T21:41:00.001-08:00

Our new home!

2011-08-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

After nearly six months of living on Looney Lane, we've purchased a house of our own. It's in a great neighborhood, in a quiet cul-de-sac. It is about 4 miles from the church. We'll be moving in at the end of September. We're so excited to settle into our own place.

A visit to Spokane

2011-08-18T21:17:00.000-07:00

In July, we made a trip back "home" to Spokane. (Though my dear husband gently reminds that Albany is now our home, I still refer to Spokane as "home".) We had a wonderful visit with family and dear friends. Emily and Ashley loved spending time with grandma and grandpa. The big kids enjoyed hanging out with their friends and cousins. They were also able to go to camp with Faith Bible Church. As a bonus, we sold our house that week. (Praise God for answered prayer!)

It was a great week. I was reminded of all the many reasons I love that place-family, dear friends and a great church.

Riverfront Park

Manito Park

Portland Zoo

2011-06-19T21:23:00.001-07:00

What do you do in Oregon when you plan a trip to the zoo, but it's raining? Judging by all the cars in the zoo parking lot, I guess you just go ahead with your plans. I was sure that we would be the only people crazy enough to wander through the zoo all day in the rain. But much to my surprise the parking lot was packed. Families piled out of their cars, put on raincoats, rain boots, plastic ponchos and opened up brightly colored umbrellas. I guess when you get 40 inches of rain a year, you don't let a little water keep you at home.

A garden

2011-05-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

When we moved in to the house this spring, the owner, Don, offered to put in a raised garden bed for us. I was initially hesitant to have him go to all the trouble since we didn't know how long we'd be here. But, since summer is fast approaching and it doesn't look like our house is selling soon, he went ahead and put it in yesterday. The kids and I didn't waste any time getting it planted. We planted tomatoes, onions, zucchini, jalapenos, basil and cilantro. It's our first garden and we're all so excited about it. : )

c

Sunset on the Farm

2011-05-29T07:30:00.000-07:00

Birds

2011-05-14T16:06:00.001-07:00

Lately, Emily and Ashley have been crazy about anything that has to do with birds. They've found many nests around the property. They've found empty eggshells on the ground. But their biggest desire has been to see baby birds hatch from eggs. Well, this week their wish came true. The eggs we have been watching hatched. It was the highlight of their week!

This Momentary Marriage

2011-05-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

I started reading This Momentary Marriage by John Piper. A great, thought-provoking book. (As though Piper writes anything light!)

"...ultimately, marriage is the display of God. It displays the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his people to the world in a way that no other event or institution does. Marriage, therefore, is not mainly about being in love. It’s mainly about telling the truth with our lives. And staying married is not about staying in love. It is about keeping covenant and putting the glory of Christ’s covenant-keeping love on display."

2011-05-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

You know you're from the city when...
your husband asks you to get a picture of him on the riding lawn mower!

The sheep are here

2011-04-25T12:35:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, 120 sheep were brought to graze in the field next to and in back of our house. They will stay for about a month,until the grass (that is about a foot tall right now) is eaten down. They also brought a llama. The llama protects the sheep from predators, like coyotes. We love watching the sheep from our windows. I can watch them while I'm washing dishes and Cade has a great view from his upstairs bedroom window. We're loving the country...

Silver Falls State Park

2011-04-21T20:44:00.001-07:00

This past weekend our friends, the Kuhns, came down to visit from Spokane. We had a great time. We went to Silver Falls State Park near Salem, a beautiful canyon with 10 waterfalls. We hiked to four of them. We were able to walk behind these two falls. We got quite wet in the process.

Another new country experience

2011-04-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

This morning we heard a plane flying very low over the house. Went outside and realized it was a crop duster fertilizing the fields across the street. It was very fun to watch. After it sprayed a row, it flew over the house to turn around. It flew so low, each time it looked like it was going to hit the power lines and the house.

Installation Service

2011-04-10T14:27:00.001-07:00

I've been meaning to post these pictures for a couple weeks...

March 20 was the official day that Roland became the teaching pastor at Grace Bible Fellowship. It was a very special installation service. John and Martha Smith came down from Spokane and John preached from 2 Timothy 4:1-5 - a charge to both the congregation and to Roland. Larry and Marilyn Klock came down, as well as five men that have served in children's ministry with us for many years. So thankful for these men who have played such an important role in our lives and ministry...

Sunday afternoons

2011-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday...

This Sunday...

Visitors

2011-03-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Just five short days after we moved in, they arrived. Our first house guests. They came without invitation. They ate our food without permission. They neglected to clean up after themselves. They slept all day and got up just as we were going to bed. They scared our kids. They stubbornly refused to leave when we asked them. In fact, instead of leaving, they brought their friends to visit as well....Mice. Filthy, disgusting little creatures. They leave a trail of poop wherever they've been...in the utensil drawer, on the Tupperware and the cookie sheets. They've eaten the chips, the rice, the pasta....aah!

We killed four in less than 24 hours. It's all out war around here. 10 sticky pads and 12 mouse traps lie in wait in every nook and cranny. Pots, pans, and food are piled high in bins on the kitchen table and chairs....Looks like we'll be eating out for awhile. McDonald's anyone?

Country life

2011-03-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well, thanks to many people from our new church, we got all moved in to our new home last Saturday. And, as predicted, we did need a forklift to get our mattresses up to the second floor. Some of us were skeptical, but it worked, and was quite entertaining. We're just hoping that the forklift is available when we move out of Looney Lane and into a new home. : )

We are slowly adjusting to life in the country. We are all on a bit of a learning curve though. I am learning about pellet stoves, septic tanks, riding lawnmowers, and most importantly how to pronounce the word "creek" (It's pronounced "crick" for all you city folks.). The kids are enjoying it. However, the first day I sent the kids out to play they returned within 10 min. and told me there was nothing to do out there. (Our house is situated on 1000 acres with a creek running through it.) I laughed and promptly sent them back outside and told them to try again...Sure enough the kids have been having a blast and I've been washing lots of muddy clothes!

Life on Looney Lane....

2011-03-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

...begins tomorrow. Our stuff arrives tomorrow and we begin life anew in a farmhouse built in 1865. Today we met with the owner and learned about all the unique characteristics of the house, including many "special" features, such as a stairwell so narrow that our beds and dressers will have to be hoisted up to the second floor with a forklift and brought through an upstairs window...
I look forward to posting those pictures for your viewing enjoyment. Trying to keep a sense of humor through it all...

Leaving Spokane

2011-03-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday, we worshiped for the last time as members of FBC. We hugged dear friends that we have served with for many years. Then, yesterday we said a tearful goodbye to my family, loaded up in our van and left Spokane. Spokane... where we've lived for 18 years, where we grew from a family of 2 to a family of 7...where we were mentored and discipled, where we grew to love the church...

As we left everything we know and have come to love, we felt as if our hearts were breaking... As I was praying for encouragement, The Lord brought a passage of Scripture to mind. Mark 10, "And Peter said, 'Lord, we have left everything to follow you.' And then Jesus said 'Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children for my sake and for the gospel who will not receive many times more in this life and in the age to come, eternal life."

Must-read book

2011-03-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

In between packing boxes and cleaning out closets this month, I read Radical:Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt. It is one of the most challenging books that I have ever read. I have been talking about it so much with Roland and reading him so many excerpts, he's reading it now too. A couple sentences from the book summarize it well..."The American dream radically differs from the call of Jesus and the essence of the gospel...We have in many areas blindly and unknowingly embraced values and ideas that are common in our culture but are antithetical to the gospel Christ taught." ouch.

The book is incredibly thought-provoking and has left me pleading with the Lord to make my life more about His kingdom and less about my comforts and pleasures.
Here are a few excerpts that I've been chewing on:

"The question for us then, is whether we trust in His power. And the problem for us is that in our culture we are tempted at every turn to trust in our own power instead. So the challenge for us is to live in such a way that we are radically dependent on and desperate for the power that only God can provide." (But, I know, in America, we have to make choices that will lead us to that place of dependence...)

"Are we willing to fundamentally alter our understanding of Christianity from a luxury-liner approach that seeks more comforts in this world to a troop carrier approach that forsakes comforts in the world to accomplish an eternally significant task and achieve an eternally satisfying reward?"

"Though you and I find ourselves surrounded by the lure of temporary pleasures, we must fasten our affections on the one who promises eternal treasure that will never spoil or fade. If our lives are going to count on this earth, we must start by concentrating on heaven. For then, and only then, will you and I be free to take radical risk, knowing that what awaits us is radical reward."

Moving

2011-02-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Our move to Oregon is quickly approaching. We are moving to Albany for Roland to pastor a church there called Grace Bible Fellowship. It has been a long process of working with that church. Roland applied 14 months ago and was told that he was one of the top candidates last summer. Since that time there have been many interviews, phone calls, trips, sermons, etc. Though we have come to truly love many people there, our hearts are very sad to leave our family, friends and church.

Our house has been on the market for a few weeks. We've had a number of showings and positive feedback, but it looks like we will be moving before it is sold.

Citizens!

2011-01-13T20:56:00.000-08:00

Meet America's two newest citizens...One would think that since we adopted them, they would automatically become citizens, but no such luck. (That would be too easy.) There were forms to fill out, copies of legal records to be made, money to be paid, three trips down to the federal courthouse,... But it's done. The final adoption "thing". yeah!

Family update

2010-11-10T09:38:00.000-08:00

Emily and Ashley are doing well with their cochlear implants. They got their second ear activated last week. They like them a lot and always want them on. They enjoy making sounds-tapping their spoons on their plates, lifting the toilet seat up and letting it fall, stomping on the floor...They make a noise and then smile and say, "I hear that."

Roland and I had a great time celebrating our 20th anniversary with a week in Hawaii. We went to the Big Island, to Kona. We hiked to a waterfall, snorkeled, went to a beautiful botanical garden, visited the macadamia nut factory. Our favorite part of the week was snorkeling.

Roland has been candidating for the preaching pastor position at a church in Albany, Oregon. He applied to the church last December and was told that we was one of the top candidates earlier this summer. Since then, he has had many interviews, phone calls, written many position/doctrinal papers, etc. He has visited the church four times, and preached there twice. (I have gone down twice and we as a family have gone down once.) This past Sunday, Roland preached his final candidating message and had a church-wide Q and A. The elders and search committee are unanimous in calling him. But,the church votes in a couple weeks.

Activation day

2010-09-19T15:33:00.001-07:00

Monday we spent much of the day at the audiologist's office getting Emily and Ashley's cochlear implants activated. When Emily's implants were turned on, her little lips started quivering, her eyes welled up with tears and she buried her head in Roland's chest. Ashley didn't give us any noticeable response until Thursday. I had just put her implant on when Emily flushed the toilet. Ashley burst into tears. We are to increase their volume every few days; then in 2 weeks we go back to the audiologist to get them programmed again-for more sound. (This goes on for several months.)

They are adjusting well. Keeping them on. We're learning all about environmental sounds now, like the vacuum, toilet, blender, mixer, etc.

Though that little implant looks harmless, each one came with this huge box of...well, we don't really know what yet...accessories, batteries, etc.... And this is only for one ear each! In a few weeks we go back to get the other ear activated!

First day of preschool

2010-09-09T10:51:00.001-07:00

Emily and Ashley started preschool this week. It's a preschool for kids with hearing loss. They were excited, but of course didn't know what to expect. I could tell that Emily was nervous because she held her bear all morning, not even putting it down to put her shoes on. (She tucked it under her chin while she strapped on her sandals.) She carried her bear all the way to the classroom, but quickly dropped it when she walked into the room and saw all the toys...

The Gospel in Five Minutes

2010-08-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Gospel Song - An Animation from Grace in Cranberry on Vimeo.

2010-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

Question: "Whatcha been doing all summer?"
Answer:

(Don't let those cute smiles fool you. It hasn't been quick, easy, or fun!)

"I've got a great idea..."

2010-08-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

It seems like all the action happens during "room time". You know, the time in the afternoon when little ones, who are too old to nap, have some quiet "down" time to make it through the evening. Perhaps, if truth be told, their mom needs it just as much as they do. But regardless of who needs it most, it is the time when all the fun seems to happen. How two kids who have very limited language skills agree to all the mischief is something we still haven't figured out. (We've actually set up our video camera to try and record the progression of events...)

Here are Mom's top 5 suggested room time activities...
#5 Read
#4 Play with blocks
#3 Play with dolls
#2 Write on the magna doodle
#1 Take a short nap

Emily and Ashley's top 5 room time activities...
#5 Get a brand new package of wipes and pull out all 100-one at a time.
#4 Sneak into the bathroom, get a new tube of medicine and smear
it all over our bodies.
#3 Take out every article of clothing from our drawers.
#2 Get naked and put on snow boots.
#1 Poop together in our diapers.

The big day

2010-08-13T21:03:00.001-07:00

Today the girls went in for bilateral cochlear implant surgery. (It was definitely not the route we had planned when we got the girls, but feel that over the past year God has clearly led us to this decision. Long story. I'd be happy to share with you sometime if you're interested.) 13 hours later we're home and the girls are doing well.

Sharing a recovery room. Recovery took a little longer than expected for Ashley. Lots of nausea and vomiting.

Obviously, the nausea is gone, because Ashley was enjoying this cheeseburger that was brought to our room by mistake....She was supposed to be eating chicken soup.

They implanted the internal parts today. Now, we wait a month, and then they get the external parts and have it activated. It is not a quick fix by any means. There will be months of speech therapy to learn how to listen/speak at some level.

The morning after....

2010-08-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

...getting stung by a yellow jacket. Poor little Ashley got stung on her nose this week. She woke up the next morning with her eye nearly swollen shut and the side of her face red and swollen. She didn't look like herself for a couple days.

Long overdue update

2010-07-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

Wow. 3 months since I posted last...that's a long time. Where do I start?

The first two weeks of June we went on a 2 week family vacation. We stayed at Yellowstone for a few days, drove through the Grand Tetons, headed down to Colorado where we visited Roland's brother's family, then over to Utah. In Utah, we went to Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, then headed home. We had a great time. Saw some amazing scenery.

Economics 101

2010-04-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

A recent trip to the bank sparked a great conversation between Claire and I. She had many questions about writing checks, depositing and withdrawing money, earning interest. We talked about living on a budget, paying bills, etc. I explained that taking care of the family finances was something that I was responsible for.
As the conversation ended, Claire looked at me with a puzzled look and said, "But, mom, where do you get your money? I mean, you don't work..."

Surprise Visit from Paul Healy

2010-03-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

Paul Healy (Director of Children's Shelter of Cebu) came to visit us this week. (CSC is the orphanage where Ashley and Emily lived for two years). Paul is in the states for a few weeks taking care of ministry related business. He wanted to see firsthand how the girls were doing since leaving CSC 9 months ago.
It was refreshing to hear his perspective on how far the twins have come since then. We took some video footage of the girls, and I do have to say both LaNae and are encouraged after taking a step back to see what God has done over a nine month period.

It's hard to imagine where our girls would be without the ministry of CSC...

Thanks, Paul for stopping by...

Emily and Ashley: Letters, Colors, and a Story from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

Winter blues

2010-03-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

When you have seven people in your family, are you ever all healthy at the same time? Does the sickness ever go away? That's what we've been wondering this winter...

The past couple weeks haven't been very fun. Last week I had four kids in to see the doctor. Cade had pneumonia, Claire and the twins just had colds. Kailyn threw up in the middle of the night (and didn't make it to the bathroom). Normally, we don't alter life too much when one of us has a cold, but with the twins, having a cold is a whole different story. Whenever they get in a coughing spell, it triggers their gag reflex, and they throw up. Rarely are we in the bathroom when this happens. To amuse himself, Cade started making tally marks on the white board whenever one of them threw up. Yesterday it was only a total of 6 times. The other day Emily threw up 8 times-and that was just before lunch. Needless to say, I haven't got much done besides laundry and cleaning. This too shall pass, right? : )

Sick

2010-03-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

I took Cade to the doctor this morning because he's been feeling sick these past few days. Found out he has pneumonia. Bummer. No school or wrestling for a couple days.
But, despite the diagnosis he was ready to be up and about today. "I'm all rested out, mom," he told me this evening. Tomorrow is not going to be fun-the big girls will be at school and he'll be home, bored, still sick, and with cabin-fever.

Another Weekend of Wrestling

2010-03-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Cade did a great job this weekend wrestling. He was quite nervous going into it, but once the referee said "wrestle" all the nerves disappeared. He's wearing the burgundy singlet.

3-12-10 Cade's Wrestling Match #1 from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

3-12-10 Cade's Wrestling Match #2 from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

3-12-10 Cade's Wrestling Match #3 from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

Check out Kailyn's Blog!

2010-03-03T09:06:00.001-08:00

Kailyn has just started a blog titled, "Kailyn's Kolunm."

Car accident, part 2

2010-03-01T09:39:00.000-08:00

At the recent elder's conference at church, Barbara Hughes spoke about trusting the Lord through trials because God is always working in them for our good and His glory. Many of these things we won't get to see, here on earth, but sometimes God does give us a little glimpse of what He is doing; and when He does it is thrilling...
The day we got in the accident, the son of the lady who hit us, texted his friend to tell him about his mom's accident. Later in the day, he texted his friend again to let him know that his mom was in the ER and the family who was in the other car was in his mom's room praying with her (?!). The friend, Ben, who goes to our church, went to the service the next day and learned that we had been in an accident. He puts two and two together and calls his friend and tells him that he knows the family that was in the accident with his mom. This young man says that he wants to meet us, so Ben invites him to church the following week. Well, he did come to church and met us and offered again an apology on behalf of his mom. We told him that we had forgiven her already. He says he can't understand how we could do that, so Roland is able to sit down with him and share the gospel with him! Roland asked him to invite his parents to church next week and said that he would.

Car Collision

2010-02-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

We were driving home from our friends' house Sat. afternoon when a lady ran a red light. We didn't see her until a split second before we plowed into her. That brief moment of anticipation of the impact was awful, then the airbags, silence, then the screams. Roland wasn't moving, just moaning. I couldn't get my door open more than a few inches. I stumble out of the car and yell for help. Police, firemen, emergency room...
We are thankful to the Lord for his hand of protection on us. The kids were very shaken up, but not hurt. I have bruises on my hips, chest and nose where the seatbelt was and where the airbag hit. Roland has a broken rib, a hurt hand (he shattered the windshield with his hand...all the years of karate, he says), and is in lots of pain. We are both very sore, but on the road to recovery.
It sure has caused us to stop and ponder how fragile life is and how quickly everything can change.
James 4:14 You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is life? For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes...

Happy Birthday, Kailyn!

2010-01-12T16:03:00.001-08:00

Kailyn turns 12 today!

Adoption Day!!!

2009-12-29T12:25:00.001-08:00

Today was a day of celebration because we finalized the adoption of Emily and Ashley. Thanks to many of you who took the time out of your day to help us celebrate.

Six months ago we weren't sure if we would be ready for this day, but in God's kindness he has knitted our hearts together as a family, and so this morning as the judge signed the paper work, there was great joy in all our hearts as we legally enfolded Emily and Ashley into our family. You can watch the actual signing of the decree below, but I love these series of quotes from the judge as she was explaining this process to the big kids in language they could understand:

"It's like magic...Once I sign this, the department of health will issue a new birth certificate for Emily and Ashley that says they were born to your mom. Isn't that like a miracle that we can do this with papers...So if someone in the future looks them up, they will see (recorded in their birth certificate) they were born to your mom. Isn't that cool! This decree once I sign it says, 'the twins are yours forever and ever, and that can never change.'"

I couldn't help but reflect on the gospel. Once we are enfolded into God's family and adopted as sons and daughters in Christ, we are His forever and ever and that can never change.

Signing the Adoption Decree from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

Emily signing

2009-12-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

Emily Signing the Alphabet from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

Our little girl who had no language just six months ago...

Emily Signing O Holy Night from Roland Sanchez on Vimeo.

The highlight of Christmas is the annual Christmas play that the five cousins put on for the adults. Roland used to write it and lead the rehearsals, but now the kids do everything on their own. They work hard on it for months. It just keeps getting better each year.
This year there was a new dimension as the kids tried to incorporate Emily and Ashley into a couple scenes. The most touching part of the play this year was when the big kids signed O Holy Night. Emily lights up as she sees them signing and spontaneously joined in. She repeatedly nudges Ashley to try and get her to join in as well. We all got a little teary eyed watching Emily enjoy this sweet moment.

Christmas jammies

2009-12-18T21:16:00.000-08:00

What's goin' on here?

2009-12-13T16:35:00.001-08:00

Last Friday Roland stayed home in the morning to study. I set the girls up in the family room to play and read and ran downstairs to get the big kids started on their school work. A little while later I came up to check on the girls and found this scene.
"What's goin' on here?" I asked Roland through the door.
"Oh, well, the girls slide their hands under the door and wait for me to give them a piece of candy!"
I had to smile as I thought, Is this the same daddy who insisted, just a few months ago, that there would be no interruptions while he studies?!

We are so thankful for how the Lord has answered prayer in regards to Emily and Ashley's relationship with Roland. They run to greet him when he comes home from work. They go to him and sit on his lap. They love for him to throw them up in the air. We are feeling more and more like a family....
Thank you, God.

The boys go to Seattle!

2009-12-13T16:27:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Roland and Cade went to Seattle for the 49er/Seahawks game. It was a very special father/son time. They hada great weekend together-even though the 49ers lost.

My dad is home!

2009-12-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

My dad was able to come home from the hospital on Tuesday. We are so thankful for this answer to prayer! He didn't have to go to St. Luke's like was originally planned, so that's great too! He came home with oxygen and is quite weak, but he felt like he could get more rest at home than at the hospital. And the bonus is now the kids can visit him. 16 days of not being able to see grandpa in the hospital was hard on them.
Thanks for praying!

Update on my dad

2009-11-25T09:04:00.000-08:00

My dad was moved out of the ICU on Monday. He is now on the cardiac floor. He has the ventilator out and one of the chest tubes. He is recovering slowly-eating soft foods and sitting up. Hopefully in the next day or two he will get the remaining two chest tubes out and be able to start walking. Thanks for your prayers.

My dad

2009-11-20T12:04:00.000-08:00

We would appreciate your prayers for my dad right now. He went in for a relatively "simple" hernia repair on Monday. There were complications with the surgery-uncontrolled bleeding, low blood pressure, a collapsed lung. He never made it out of the recovery room, but instead the surgeon did a second surgery to try and find out the cause of the bleeding. He has been sedated and on a ventilator and in the ICU since. They are supposed to extubate him next Tues. (They've postponed it several times.) Today they discovered that he's running a fever and has an infection-somewhere.
Please pray for his recovery, for my mom, and for our family as we try to care for both my mom and dad.

Hope, Idaho

2009-11-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a week in Hope, Idaho. We stayed in a condo on Lake Pend Orielle. We played lots of games, watched movies, played by the lake. Though it obviously isn't "beach weather", the kids still had a blast building "dams" and playing in the sand.

Just put down the brushes & no one will get hurt...

2009-11-05T21:58:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's just no fun being a big sister. Though Kailyn and Claire want to run and hide each time they see Emily and Ashley with brushes in their hands, they patiently endure this very regular ritual. : )

Conversation of the Week

2009-10-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

We had an interesting conversation with Cade this week...

Cade: "Mom, I just wanna kiss someone..."

Mom: "I'll kiss you. Come on over, bud"

Cade: "No, I mean I wanna kiss someone long..."

Dad (overhearing the conversation): "Excuse me?! What did you just say?"

Cade: "I said I wanna kiss someone long, like on the movies..."

Dad: "Hmmm...that's sort of odd comin' from a 10 year old boy. Why do you wanna kiss someone?"

Cade(a little sheepishly): "Uh, I dunno, it's just looks....satisfying"

Dad (taking a deep breath): "Buddy, how many years you got til you get married?"

Cade: "Um, at least 10."

Dad" "Yeah, that's right. You got a long way to go, bud. Why don't you go put your jammies on."

Cade: "Ok." Heading up the stairs he looks back, "Mom, can you not tell all your church lady friends that I just said that?"

Mom: "Sure, hon."

Great reminder

2009-10-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a long day at work starting at 5:30 am and ending at 6:30 pm so I was gone most of the day. Needless to say I was pretty exhausted as I came through the door. I received the usual greetings from the family (where everyone lines up and gives daddy a big hug and kiss - which is always refreshing after a long day at work). I noticed two little girls missing in this line up, which was not a surprise because it was late and they were probably already in bed. LaNae told me, however, during dinner Emily noticed that I was missing from my usual spot and and signed "where's daddy". My gut reaction was to just say - Oh she was probably just scratching her head, but by God's grace, I refrained from letting my mind go there. She was looking for her daddy...

I came across this video from "Lifesong" and it reminded me of why we did what we did in bringing Emily and Ashley into our home. Watch it and at least consider asking yourself the question, "why wouldn't I?"

Emily and Ashley turn 3!

2009-10-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

I imagine most kids who are turning three understand about birthday parties, cake, candles and presents...but to Emily and Ashley it was all new. I imagine next year they will understand it and enjoy it much more.
But, we had a little party for them with my family and Roland's mom who has been here for the week.

Bike ride

2009-09-19T21:01:00.001-07:00

Last month we borrowed a bike trailer from the Klocks (thank you, Erica!) and we have had so much fun biking as a family. Emily and Ashley get sooo excited when we tell them that we're going on a bike ride. We've been riding over to my parents' house and around the neighborhood. Last Saturday we packed up the bikes in the car and drove out to Fish Lake. We biked 7 miles on a trail that runs past the lake and then alongside a stream. It was the perfect way to spend the day.

Fall is here!

2009-09-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

There's just something wonderful about toddlers in new, snuggly footie pajamas! : )

Let the children come to me...

2009-09-15T17:50:00.000-07:00

Freed to Visit Orphans from Together for Adoption on Vimeo.

Mark 10:13-16 ~ "And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, 'let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God'...And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them."

The joys of twins

2009-09-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I put Emily and Ashley in the bath and hurried to get myself ready for the day. No sooner had I left the bathroom did I hear Cade cry out, "Mom, Emily pooped in the bath!!" Not so happily, I returned to the bathroom, took both of the girls out of the bath dripping wet, fished the poop out of the water, drained the water, disinfected and cleaned the bathtub, disinfected the toys and filled up the tub again. I put both girls back in the tub and launched into a long lecture (which they probably didn't understand a word of) about how we go poop in the toilet...blah, blah, blah.
I then return to my bedroom to try and get ready for the day.

About 5 minutes later, Kailyn calls out, "Mom, you'll never believe it....but Ashley just pooped in the tub!" Not so happily, I returned to the bathroom, took both of the girls out of the bath dripping wet, fished the poop out of the water, drained the water, disinfected and cleaned the bathtub, disinfected the toys and filled up the tub again.

"Can we just be done, mom?!" Kailyn says as the puddles on the bathroom floor grow. "No, they're still not clean." I respond. Just then Ashley decided she had had enough of this waiting around, she starts to walk out of the bathroom and slips and falls in one of the puddles. Not so lovingly, I put both girls back in the tub and launched into a long lecture (which they probably didn't understand a word of) about how we go poop in the toilet...blah, blah, blah.
I then return to my bedroom to confess my sin of anger.... : )

Orphan Sunday: November 8th

2009-09-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Orphan Sunday from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

School's in session

2009-08-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

We started school today. I forget every year how difficult those first few days of school are. Lots of drama, lots of tears. This morning 4 out of the 5 kids cried. One couldn't remember how to solve for the unknown. One couldn't remember how to subtract. One couldn't concentrate with 2 toddlers running around. One wanted to be coloring instead of playing with blocks.
I felt a little more like a LaMaze coach than a teacher. "Ok, let's breathe through this problem...It's gonna be alright. It'll come back to you. Breathe. No, it's not too much work. No, you can't quit piano. Breathe. No, we can't lock them in a room all morning. They're fine. Breathe..."

Book

2009-08-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

I've been reading a great book by Elyse Fitzpatrick. It's entitled
A Steadfast Heart, Experiencing God's comfort in life's storms. She walks through Psalm 57. I've started to memorize the Psalm for my own heart. Here's the first couple verses that I've been meditating on...

Psalm 57:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills his purpose for me.

What a comfort to know that in the midst of my trial that God is merciful to me, that I can take refuge in Him and that He is fulfilling His purposes for me!

Song

2009-08-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

This song by Laura Story echoes my heart these past 6 weeks....
It's called Make Something Beautiful

When I'm at the point of breaking
At the place where I resign
When I'm at the stage of shaking my head
as I look back on my life
When I'm halfway through the grieving
but not quite through the ache
When I cannot see the ending
Or which road I'm supposed to take

And all I know to do
is lift my hands to you-
Take all of my life,
all of my life,
and make something beautiful...
I open my hand and trust in your plan
to make something beautiful
so all will see Your work in me
as you make something beautiful...

When I'm tired of pretending
and can't recall my line
Do I say I'm barely breathing
or say I'm doing fine?
I admit there is a yearning
for the hurting to subside
but not at the risk of missing
what You're doing in my life...

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this (the salvation and the inheritance that awaits us) you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Cousins from Colorado

2009-07-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

All 8 Sanchez kids

Roland and his brother, Ron (see any family resemblance?!)

Roland's brother and his family are spending the week with us this week. They drove out from Colorado for Ron to attend an engineering conference here in Spokane. It's the first time they have all been here. The cousins are having a great time together-swimming, sleep overs, capture the flag, Riverfront Park, etc. It's been a blessing.

Junior Camp

2009-07-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

We spent this past weekend at Riverview Bible Camp with the 3rd through 6th graders from church. Roland taught 4 times on the topic "The Transformed Life". It was a great weekend. We were all able to be there as a family-the 3 older kids in cabins with other campers and Roland and I and the twins in our own cabin.

Here's a few clips.

This one is of Claire being launched about 20 feet into the air.

And here's one of Roland being creative in order help the kids understand God's word more clearly.

The question

2009-07-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

"So how's it going with the girls?"
It's a question we get asked often...but I always hesitate before I answer...What do I say?
"It's wonderful...they're eating well, sleeping well, responding to authority and discipline. They're sweet and funny and affectionate--during the day. They make us laugh. They've bonded well with me and the other kids."
OR do I say,
"It's terrible...the girls completely shut down when Roland is around. They won't go to him or smile when he's home. At times they run in the other room when he comes home from work, cry or scream when he asks them to come to him. The girls' response to daddy brings us to tears--often."

Cherry Picking

2009-07-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

The kids and I picked 20 pounds of cherries at a little farm just south of Spokane. Had a great time! Some members of the family did a little more eating than picking...

A gift we almost refused...

2009-07-15T08:49:00.000-07:00

We love seeing the girls' personalities coming out more each day! They are like a gift given to us by the Lord and we get to unwrap a little more each day and see the unique way God has knit them together. Thank you God for your amazing gift!

Ashley and Claire

2009-07-12T20:47:00.000-07:00

Who needs lots of toys when you've got a laundry basket and an older sister to push you around?

Elbows...?

2009-07-09T14:26:00.000-07:00

We were told on the way to the orphanage to pick up the girls that they didn't do much hugging, kissing, or high fives with the girls, but instead did "elbows". Don't know how it got started, but we saw them do it with many of the kids and adults there. Now we get it all the time.

"Elbows" is a very versatile thing...from our observation it can mean...
"I'm sorry", "Hello", "Goodnight", "I'm happy to see you", "I like you", "Don't give me a spanking please" or "Nice to meet you".

More smiles...

2009-07-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Water fun!

2009-07-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

I went outside to water my flowers this afternoon. Emily and Ashley soon followed and this is what happened next!
I love these pictures because it is the first time I've captured them smiling on camera.

Sisters!

2009-07-04T21:22:00.001-07:00

What more could 2 big sisters ask for...than 2 little sisters to rock before naps?
And what more could 2 little sisters ask for...than 2 big sisters to rock them before naps?

More to be thankful for...

2009-07-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

We have so much to be thankful for. It's hard to know what to update-need to do it everyday...

The girls love reading their books and being read to
They aren't crying much when we put them to bed
They let us rock them before nap and nighttime
They are sleeping through the night and not wandering the halls at midnight :)
They are signing "More please" at the table when they want something
This morning they signed "more cereal please"
They sign "dirty", "duck", "ball", "bath", "cry", "toothbrush", "fish", "coins",
"clean", "bike", "milk", and others
There's less pointing and more smiling throughout the day

Would we trade our dream for His...

2009-07-01T23:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a slide show that captures the reason why we went to the Philippines. We chose the song "Somewhere in the Middle" by Casting Crowns because it depicts the wrestling of our hearts for many months...Could we let go of our own plans for our life and embrace God's plans for us? Would we trade our dreams for His?
So glad we did...

You can also click on: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/GD7rj6WX

Little by Little

2009-07-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Though Emily is supposed to stay in her own crib she's been sneaking into Ashley's crib during the night

We have been told by other adoptive parents to look for the little things (the very little things) each day with the girls that might encourage our hearts, so here they are...

Both girls signed "please" today at breakfast
They are sleeping through the night (once they finally get to sleep)
They overcame their fear of going in the backyard.
Ashley finally submitted to me after a 70 minute temper tantrum (discipline, love, repeat...)
There have been a few spontaneous smiles throughout the day
They are eating well
Ashley signed "eat" when I told her it was time to eat last night

A long first night

2009-06-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

It was a long first night for us and for the girls...
I first put them down in their beds about 7:00. I think with jet lag they weren't tired, but eventually they fell asleep together in the same bed. Roland and I went to bed at 8:00. Emily woke up at 9:00 crying. I rocked her back to sleep. 9:20 Ashley cries..she fell out of bed. Comforted her. Made a bed for both of them on the floor. Got a night light for their room. Went back to bed. 10:30 found them wandering around the hall.

Ok, plan B...Laid them down again, closed the door. Went back to bed. 11:00 heard a scratching at my door. Got up. Realized they can open doors. ahhh! What do I do? Changed their poopy diapers (Are twins on the same digestive schedule?!) Got the one pack'n play that we had. Put them both in it. Went back to bed to try and get some sleep...going on 40 hours with no sleep. My dear husband sleeping like a log next to me. : )

We'll have to regroup and come up with a better sleeping plan in the morning...

The Final Stretch

2009-06-28T09:09:00.001-07:00

This clip was taken at the Inter-Country Adoption Board in the Philippines. We had some final paperwork that needed to be signed. After this final meeting we received Emily and Ashley's visas that would allow them to enter the United States.

There were many that greeted us at the airport upon our return. It was encouragement to all of us.

Life begins now as a family of seven. It's still hard to believe that this is what much of our energy was devoted to this past year.

We are so thankful that God has placed in our hearts a desire to adopt children into our family. It gives us a small glimpse into the sacrifice made on our behalf in order to adopt us into God's family.

This part of the journey is over, but the journey of God unfolding what he will do in and through this process is yet for us to see. Regardless of what circumstances we might face on this journey, I was thankful for God's word this morning in Psalm 59:16-17 -

"But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love."

Thanks to many of you also who have supported us through your prayer, finances, and encouragement. We are grateful in your participation in the gospel minstry of adoption.

Mommy and the Twins are Bonding

2009-06-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

Emily and Ashley are both warming up to LaNae. She is definately mommy to them now. They follow her around everywhere. When she makes a move, they make sure she's in thier view. We prayed that the girls would bond with us quickly and it looks like they are. We weren't sure how they were going to respond to us, God has shown his faithfulness once again. We are also thankful again for the CSC staff for teaching Emily and Ashley how to bond with people who love and care for them. Praise the Lord.

Good-bye to Children's Shelter of Cebu.

2009-06-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

Said good-bye yesterday to the Children's Shelter of Cebu children and their staff who took great care of Emily and Ashley for two years. The two of them were well cared for and loved by them so it was a difficult good-bye. Many tears both of sorrow and joy. We made some great friends these past few days in a short period of time. Friends we will never forget. We hope to return with Emily and Ashley one day so that they can express a heart of thanks to this team for taking them into the shelter. What an amazing ministry God is using right here in Cebu all because of one couples commitment not to live for themselves, but for him who died and rose again for their sake (2 Cor 5:15).

They're ours!

2009-06-24T04:06:00.000-07:00

Today was our last day at the orphanage. We met with the girls' nurses and therapists. Were given very detailed reports, for which we are thankful.

Then they had a ice cream good-bye party for them. The kids and staff all sang us the song, "God will take care of you" and then the girls' house dad prayed for them and us. Had a very sad goodbye. Ashley cried and fought as we pulled her away from her house mom. Heart-breaking. She cried in the van as we drove away.
I asked Paul, the director, "Are we doing the right thing? Cuz it sure doesn't feel like it..."
"You are," he said. "We can't come close to providing what you can provide."

Trusting the Lord that He will knit our hearts together as a family.

A tear-filled day

2009-06-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

It was a tear filled day yesterday...

Took a tour of the hospital where the girls were born and spent the first few months of life...cried that God in his loving sovereignty chose to keep them alive despite all the odds that were against them.

Imagined the mom that gave birth to them there in that dirty, crowded hospital and sat by their side, feeding and caring for them, as they clung to life for three months...cried for all the sacrifices this widow made to give them a chance at life.

Learned that their cause of deafness was antibiotics that they were given in the hospital...cried for all they will not hear.

Sat across the room from the girls' mom, a selfless woman who did all she could to keep her family together...cried because I understand a mother's love for her children.

Watched this woman hold her children for the last time and kiss them good-bye...cried as I tried to imagine doing the same.

Looked down into the eyes of a small boy on the streets as he clung to my arm and begged me for five pesos so he could eat... wept because we are so rich in America.

Streets of Cebu City

2009-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some random clips taken from the streets of Cebu City.

Cebu Medical Center

2009-06-23T14:27:00.000-07:00

This is the hospital that Emily and Ashley were born in. They stayed here for three months because they were born premature. It is the local city hospital. As you can see in this clip the care that they received would have received was very poor. God in his grace allowed them to live so that we would have the privilege of adopting them.

Meeting the Girls for the First Time

2009-06-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here a few clips that capture what that first day was like with Emily and Ashley.

Road to the Orphanage

2009-06-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

From the Airport to the Orphanage

2009-06-22T16:34:00.000-07:00

We landed at the Cebu airport at 1:30 pm on Monday and had a 40 minute drive to the orphange.

I captured this picture of these children sniffing glue at one of the street corner. Very common here in Cebu.

Cebu!

2009-06-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

We met our new little girls today! It was better than we could have hoped for. They are beautiful. The kids blew bubbles with them right away. It was a great ice-breaker. Emily and Ashley would dip the wands into the bubbles hold the wand out for the big kids to blow on. This went on for at least 20 minutes. Before long Kailyn, Cade and Claire were holding their hands, walking around with them, even carrying them and feeding them. Ashley was trying to do Claire's hair-trying to put it in a pony tail.
We were told that the package that we sent them had not arrived, but it had! Praise God for small surprises. They had the teddy bears we sent them and the little family photo albums. We were told that they carry our picture around everywhere. They even had received the sign language DVDs that we sent. The other kids and the house parents were all signing "mom" and pointing to me and "dad" and pointing to Roland.
Praise God for so many answered prayers!
I will post pictures soon...

Drive at your own risk

2009-06-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Driving in the Philippines

2009-06-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

Kailyn, Cade, and Claire had the privilege to ride on what they call a tricycle. This is a common mode of transportation for the Filipino people. They are able to get in and out of the smaller neighborhoods by this mode of transportation. The other one we we all experienced was the "jeepneys". The "jeepneys" can take you more around the mainstreets. I do have to say that driving around the city was quite an experience. We were thankful for my cousin Gen who was able to get us through the various turns uninjured. Listen to the sights and sounds

Philippine Travel

2009-06-20T06:14:00.000-07:00

After our 28 hour flight we finally were able to get some good sleep last night. The kids did well...I think they did better than us. But God has been gracious to allow us to make it here safely and sustain us all. Today we spent the day with Roland's relatives. Here's some pictures of our travel so far.

In Manila!

2009-06-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

A quick hello from Manila. We arrived safe and sound at midnight on Friday. Left Thursday morning. We were up at 3:00 AM Thursday morning-couldn't sleep. Almost missed our flight in Spokane b/c of a problem with our tickets. Flew to Salt Lake, 4 hour layover, then to Tokyo (11 hour flight), flight got delayed going to Manila, 5 hour layover, then 4 hour flight to Manila. Arrived at midnight...customs, etc. To the hotel at 2:00 AM. Up this morning at 7:00AM. Kids are doing fabulous. We're all doing well. We're here! All 7 pieces of luggage made it too. Praise God!

The Journey is ending…or is it just beginning?

2009-06-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

Kailyn wanted to express her thoughts regarding this whole adoption process. This is her very first blog entry.

It seems as if our adoption hardships are behind us… endless stacks of paperwork, sleepless nights, frustrating conversations, tear filled weeks… For more than a year we have gone through the joys and trials of the adoption process. We have seen God’s hand provide in a hundred ways. He has tested our faith past what we thought was our limits. It is an amazing thing to go through something like this and watch God work in numerous ways, all the while testing our faith and refining us to be more like Him.
Paperwork, hardships, frustration-those seem to be fading. Comfort seems to be just on the horizon. A year long journey seems to be coming to an end. But is it really ending?
Bringing Emily and Ashley home is a dream that won’t seem real until June 18th. But there’s also reality…rambunctious toddlers, dirty diapers, constant signing… Part of our adoption journey is ending-the journey that began on June 1, 2008. But it won’t end when Emily and Ashley are home. There’s another kind of journey that’s just beginning.
In fact, all of our Christian life is a journey. One filled with pain and heartache but also tremendous joy and hope. This journey won’t end until we see Christ’s face. He is calling all of us on this journey- to live for Him and His Kingdom. That was one of the reasons we started this adoption-to advance God’s Kingdom and give two girls an opportunity to learn about the salvation that Christ offers.
Adoption takes energy, time, and money. To do it is a sacrifice but God only gave us these things so we can show that He, and not these things, are our treasure. We have only one life to live, why don’t we spend it doing something worth living for?

2009-06-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

When Waiting is Painful

2009-06-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

Came across this encouraging post from the Together for Adoption blog, and it expresses much of the roller coaster ride we've been on this past year as we have waited on God's perfect timing to bring our children home.

Plane tickets

2009-06-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

After spending much of the day on the phone, I was able to get tickets for all of us to leave next Thursday...It was a crazy day. First, the travel agent said there was not space available for all of us and that we would have to fly home on different fights with an 8 hour layover in one city. He said that the twins' one way flight would be more than double our round-trip fare.
But, we saw God work in it...By the time I was ready to purchase our tickets this afternoon, we were all flying on the same flight with a max. 3 hour layover and the twins' tickets were one-third of what he had quoted me a few hours earlier.
Praise God for more answered prayer!

WE GOT THE VISAS!

2009-06-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

We heard this morning that the embassy has released the visas! Today I will be making plane reservations! aaaah! We're going to the Philippines on the next space available....Praise God!