Our Cross Country Trip

Our cross country trip was fast and sanctifying. We went through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, then to D.C in four days! We really didn't see much, we just zoomed by everything because PJ needed to be there by Jan. 3rd.

The first night we stayed in New Mexico, PJ didn't sleep much because he was worried about the car with all the stuff. I also had a hard time of sleeping, but slept more than PJ.

The second night we stayed in Arkansas, we were tired, and I had to pee so we just stopped at the first motel. This place was a little scary after we thought about it. Our car was the only one in the parking lot and the city was deserted (I take it because it was New Years). Thank God he got us through the nigh safely.

The third night we stayed in Tennessee at a much better hotel and actually got rest! The other two nights weren't as restful.

We wanted an actual dinner, considering we literally ate and ran, so we went to good''ole Macaroni Grill.

Knoxville Tennessee. Going through Tennessee made me want to be a country singer!

It's insane how marriage really is sanctifying. I saw so much of my sin come out during the tough times. A lot of my irritability came out during this trip. I've asked the Lord for forgiveness and my husband. I thank God that he reminds me of my sinfulness and reminds me of the cross and how I desperately need Jesus everyday.

SURPRISE!

On Thursday I was surprised with a little cute baby shower. I really had no idea. I have to admit I was a bit sad about not being able to throw or have a baby shower for Pan Dulce (name is still being debated) but this definitely made a difference. Thanks ladies.

Taylor and Elijah wanting to be near the dog. Awh, Elijah will miss his friend.
All the yummy food, bad though, but I'm prego.

Sabrina saying "I'll get you Tibayan!!!"
All the ladies and kids that made me feel special before my adventure to D.C. Yay! THANK YOU.

Christmas time

This year Christmas was at my sister Brenda's home. It was a great time of eating (we had posole and tamales...yummy!) and talking about each families year of review.

During the families review, PJ and I talked about our plans for D.C. and church planting. My pops gave their year review and mama answered some questions regarding her trial with cancer, she started crying when she spoke of it. I think all the sisters got teary. I'm so proud of her testimony with cancer, she encourages me to trust God more.

Valerie put together a hard game of Christmas jeopardy. I think our team won (Bob and I), thanks to Bob :)

Mama opening her gift from all of us--her long awaited camera. She was so excited and began taking pictures immediately.

Our gift to Kenedy. Brenda wanted us to get Kenedy a children's Bible so she can read to her, apparently Kenedy likes to be read to. I love this children's Bible, it has made me cry several times.
Auntie Amy loving on Kenedy. She is a good auntie :)
Our very own Alex Trebek.
Matt and Sam...cute kiddies.


My belly looks big!
My little monita (little doll).Grandpa and Lijah having fun.

Christmas Eve

Tibayan parties are always loud and fun. The annual Eve party was met with old traditions and new. We usually eat, sing praise and worship, short devotion, play games, eat again, gift exchange, pass out gifts. But this year we included Dad telling the history of the Tibayan's, and a year review of each family.

The "Family Jeopardy" board. A very competitive bunch we are...hahaha, we won though!

This bunch was called "The Four Heads" ...go figure.

Elijah holding up the girls. He needs a permit for that gun.
All of Elijah's presents, what a blessing from the Lord.

All day fun for Elijah.
The twins were very tired from the day of fun and enjoying family.

The short devotion reminded me of God being 1. with us (through Christ) 2. for us 3. and in us (in the person of the Holy Spirit). What a gracious God to send His son to destroy the work of the devil (1John3). Sin is crouching at our door. I feel it in many ways by the trials God allows in my life to show me my sin. Thank you Lord for being loving and a great teacher.

The Move

Well we are almost completely out of the West Covina home. We still have to clean up and make a couple of runs to the storage.

We were blessed with these guys and girl (Jenny and Louie) who helped us get it done. Thank you guys!
Our empty home :( It was a blessing to even have a chance to rent this nice home out...thanks Navale's and Mosqueda's

We will be leaving to D.C. most likely December 30th. Excited and nervous for our 1st road trip across the country. For those that remember, please pray for us. Thanks!

BIRFDAY

I usually don't think much of my birthday, and ever year PJ gets sad that I don't. I just really don't feel like it is my birthday with the busyness of the holidays.

This year I had a doctor's appointment for Pan Dulce, went to visit my grandma at the rehabilitation center, and came back home. Before I left some people called or text me happy birthday, it was nice. Popps called and encouraged me with saying "expect some blessings from the Lord, materially and spiritually." I thought about that and tried to think of that biblically. So throughout the day while running errands I wanted to be intentional about thinking of it. At the doctors I told my doctor I'd be leaving to D.C. and will be delivering there. She was sad, but wished us a good delivery. She said she was suppose to make me sign and fill out some paperwork but she said she didn't want me to do that, so she would just circumvent that. She sent me home with all of the paperwork needed for my doctor in D.C., first material blessing. As I was driving home I was so hungry because I skipped breakfast due to tardiness. I started to feel nauseas and wanted to throw up so I had to get food pronto! I wanted McDonald's but missed breakfast by 10 minutes. I thought "why not try" so I did and to my surprise the girl asked if I wanted breakfast and I excitingly said "yes," second material blessing. Upon visiting my grandma, I was told news about her health and she was not happy with the family knowing. I tried explaining why we (the family) should know. It became heated and I was sad and cried driving home. As I drove I asked God what he wanted me to learn. He reminded me- patience and love, third spiritual blessing. As I got home PJ asked me what happened and I shared and he lovingly encouraged me and then gave me my surprises! He bought me a book by Carol Mahaney, sunglasses, Ugg's spray and black Ugg's. Yay! I have been wanting Ugg's since they came out, but for some reason never got them, my fourth material blessing.

Nice.
Elijah saying cheese

Ojitos

By Frances

20 days til we head to D.C. I know it’s all I talk about…well, people usually bring it up too. I’m excited and nervous. I’m happy that I get to spend some away time with the family and learn at such a God-glorifying church. I get to go to Sunday School at Capital Hill Baptist Church because they provide baby care during class. Yay! I’m nervous to meet new friends, and having TWO little bundles of joy next year. I’m also scared of missing my family and crying I will miss my mommy, popps, sisters, mom and dad, T.I., grandma, brothers, nieces, nephews, Kennedy & Xander (oh little Xander, and Kennedy!), close family friends, and of course the church family! I know it is only for 6 months but still, I’m pregnant and very emotional!

Elijah is so big. Last night he was so friendly with Sabrina, touching her eyes and nose, and wanting to get in the action of Geneyem breastfeeding Sabrina (”Elijah stop!” I cautioned) it just made me happy at how much he will be able to interact with Pan Dulce and how I want him to be around him and touch him and love him How exciting.

Our favorite Elijah mannerism of the day:

When he does “Ojitos” (in English, “little eyes”)