Happy Birthday Hero!

Dearest Hero,

We love you so much! We tell you all the time, but it is true. A friend of mine recently said, "I've never heard of anyone having difficulties because they were told 'I love you' too much." So we will be telling you all the time. We love you.

You are such a delight. This last year you've matured greatly: as an artist, sister, friend, daughter, Jesus follower, storyteller, cook, housekeeper, dancer, listener, student, and as one participating in life. Hey, we love you!!!

One of our favorite things about this last year with you, has been your ability to relate. You are becoming more aware of those around you. You're beginning to elevate those you come into contact with. The fruit of this is seen in Asher. The more you put her and others first, the more she does the same with us.

It's so beautiful to see you blossom in your role as sister/leader. (We love you.) You are taking on more responsibility with Amara and Asher on your own. We don't ask to do as much because you see opportunities to be helpful and you help. We can also see you being a great friend to Asher. Through your leadership and example we can see how she is going to be a joy to others.

You are getting super good at making and being a friend. There are definite hurdles, but we can see how you push yourself to grow and to be a better companion. It is especially neat to see your growth in making friends. You've even made friends at Trader Joe's, that our entire family is blessed by. You are showing, through your example, the joy and excitement that comes when we make new friends. We love you!

We are truly looking forward to seeing what being a five-year-old is like for you. You are beginning your first year of home-school as a kindergartener and so far you've been doing so well. We love you! We also can't wait to get you into dance. You have such a gift to dance and we are anxious to see you get your chance to shine in that arena.

Our Adventurous Beauty, we could not have asked GOD for a better first daughter! We love you! You are just right for this family and we definitely need you!

Love Always,

Dad, Mom, Asher, and Amara

Yosemite

We had such an amazing time in Yosemite! We only were there for 4 nights and 5 days, but it was incredible nonetheless.

Preparing to go, was so crazy. I had no idea that it would entail so much. We started to get ready for our trip about a week and a half in advance just to make sure we had everything. (Which I think we did?)

We left for our trip at 4:30 am. We made such good time by leaving so early, I highly recommend it. We only stopped two times and all three girls handled the trip up with no difficulties. We are so blessed to have such easy girls. I was expecting some fussing, but the fussing didn't start until we started to set up camp, so the first night they went to sleep reasonably early. Actually, we all did.

So, the reason we went to Yosemite was for Wesley's family reunion. They have some fun traditions: floating down the river, a talent show, and enjoying a family potluck. Wesley's favorite was the river, we floated down it a couple of times. I had the honor of hosting the talent show and with the help of some creative judges and nice stage, it turned out really well! One tradition they have is just crazy, though. We went to this beach and had a nice lunch, then we swam in insanely cold water to sit on a rock. It was freezing. I couldn't believe they got into the water on purpose. I swam to the rock, just so I could say that I did it. That's it... I'm never doing it again.

Here was my favorite part, though: cooking! It sounds crazy, since I was on vacation, but I absolutely loved it!! The best meal, hands down, was hobo stew. It consisted of kielbasa, potatoes, onions, corn, garlic-pepper, butter, and salt. I double wrapped all the ingredients in foil and placed it over hot coals for an hour. Everyone came over to have a taste... it makes my mouth water, just remembering it. The other meal, Wes really enjoyed, was bacon wrapped hot dogs topped with grilled onions! Mhmm! I'm looking forward to going camping again to try more recipes like that.

The trip ended on two highlights: The first great event took place during a morning walk. Diana took a walk with one of the girls, she then came back, extremely excited, telling us that she had just seen a mother deer with her two fawns! We walked back to where she had seen them and there they were, coming toward us. The three deer trotted right passed us and proceeded to enter the housekeeping sites. They led us all the way to our own site. They stopped right in the middle of our family's area to nurse. We couldn't believe it! It was so amazing.

The second story I have to share is more my brother-in-law's, but it was still awesome. So Chip and some cousins decided to sleep on cots and mattresses outside. They didn't fall asleep until around 1am and just before sleeping they were laughing hysterically about seeing bears and betting one another about who would see the most. About an hour later, Chip, a very light sleeper, awoke to see a bear! He proceeded to see bears (I think 5 and they may have been the same ones) until 5am. The last bear was large and he had had it. So, Wesley wakes up to Chip banging and yelling at the top of his lungs. Wes says the bear was so large, that though he didn't see it, he heard it gallop away. Chip is our hero!!! Oh, I should also let you know, it may have been my fault Chip had no sleep. I left a candle out and one of the bears was going through our things. Oops! Sorry Chip. Lesson learned.

Jesus Culture

Jesus Culture, was, well... all I can really say is WOW!!

We arrived in Redding, CA on Wednesday, July 28, just in time for Wes and Hero to go to the convention center and enjoy some worship. Guess what? They both hated it! They said it was too loud, there wasn't a place to dance, they couldn't find our church group, etc. I couldn't believe it! They both love to worship together and they hated it? What were we doing there?

So, the next morning we all went as a family to the morning worship session and teaching, and we were incredibly blessed. It seemed like the LORD desired for us to be there together because the rest of our time after that was amazing.

Here's my favorite story: Thursday night Hero was crying hysterically in Wesley's arms because she was afraid to dance. Just so you know, I usually experience fear while dancing at our church, but that night I had zero fear. I looked at Hero and asked her to dance with me and it was as if I set her free with that invitation. She went from hysterics to joy in an instant and was ready to worship GOD. I believe that she was under my bondage and we both were released by GOD's power!

Everything there was just so great... I am really looking forward to going back again.

Known by God

Yay Asher! Our sweet little June Bug just celebrated her second year of life on Wednesday June 23, 2010. Whew! It's so amazing and satisfying knowing we helped keep her alive and well the last two years. It wasn't easy or difficult all the time, it seemed to be just right for us.

I love how GOD knows us. I was reading Genesis 16 with Hero today, and at the end of the chapter Hagar names the place where an Angel spoke to her "Well of the ONE who Lives and sees me." I was so blown away by that! It's so funny how we can read stories our whole life and miss out on little details. GOD is showing me that HE is in the details.

I've been reading the Bible with Hero as often as I can. We are trying to prepare for our first year of homeschooling by reading from the Bible and drawing a picture of what we hear. So far it has been going really well. It's amazing how much she understands. When we read the story of Hagar and Sarai she took away that we need to be kind and serve those who are mean. I am learning so much from Hero as we study GOD's word together.

Today, before we started she asked if she could "read" a story. Here is the story she shared with me:

Samuel was in bed and he heard, "Samuel."

So he said, "Pastor I'm here."

The pastor said, "I didn't call you."

Then Samuel was in bed and he heard, "Samuel."

So he said, "Pastor I'm here."

The pastor said, "I didn't call you. Go back to bed!"

Then Samuel was in bed and heard, "Samuel."

So he said, "Pastor I'm here."

The pastor said, "I'm not calling you, it's Jesus. Go tell HIM you're listening."

Samuel was in bed and he heard, "Samuel."

So he said, "Here I am GOD."

Mom, the story's all done, what are you going to draw?

I love watching her grow and develop. Seeing her maturity and growth is comforting as a parent. I know that we are hearing GOD in how to raise her. There are days,though, where I have to get on my knees and remind myself that these amazing little girls are not mine at all. They are the LORD's kids, I'm fostering them, HE has a plan for them, not me.

We are trying really hard to not have plans for these kids. College, marriage, children of their own, where they live... we don't know what their future holds. We just desire to have them prepared for any path GOD has for them.

Joyful in Hope

Life is good. We are cared for and loved by Jesus!

Wes didn't get the job and we are still working through our disappointment, but we can truthfully proclaim that God is Good! He has plans for this crazy Warner Bunch and we can't wait to see what the future holds. Wes continues to put himself out there, to wait and to be "joyful in hope" Romans 12:12.

Despite that sad news, we are doing so well!

Asher is learning to communicate more. She also has a great desire to help out. I taught her how to put silverware away and to feed Amara. Those are two of her new favorite tasks. When she is not trying to be a little Mama, I catch her reading. She will pick up any book around her and quietly read aloud... it's so fun to hear her go on. I have no idea what she is saying, but the sound of her jibberish is so sweet to my ears.

Amara is attempting to crawl. I can't believe she is already at this stage! Asher and Hero didn't start to crawl until eight and a half months. She's only 7 months! Lord have mercy on me! Three mobile babies! Our sweet pea is also transitioning into eating. That has been a huge help because now I am not the only source of food.

Hero! Oh she is such a joy! I wish you could be around her... something has clicked in her recently, a new maturity perhaps? It's amazing how growth spurts are inside and out. She is become so compassionate as of late. She is aware of a need in others and desires to help. Wes and I have been so touched at her sensitivity. Here's a good example:

Hero and Wesley are making the bed one morning and she suddenly asks him, What is sloppy? Wes explains that it is not being careful and detailed in her work. He asked her why she wanted to know. She replied that Jesus and her were talking and He told her not to be sloppy. She then tells her dad that she's glad Jesus wanted to help her be a better helper.

I just love that heart! May God continue to bless her with good soil!

Hoping for a Job

I'm so happy to share what God is doing with us!

So, Wesley's Mom, Diana, contacted a friend of hers, to ask if she had any available positions at her school on behalf of Wes. Guess what? She did! Wesley speaks with the friend, Linda, on the phone and she tells him about this position: It's a charter school that needs a science teacher who will also need to lead the robotics club. Here's what we really love- he'd teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Fridays are meeting days, and Wednesdays and Mondays would be free days to plan lessons and grade homework. The days the students are not in school they are being homeschooled by their parents.

Now I'm sure some of you are thinking, well doesn't Wes have a teaching credential for English? Yes he does, but it is very easy to take another test to qualify as a science teacher as well. Wes was already planning and studying for the science exam to make himself more available as he looks for a teaching position. It's so great seeing how God had already planted that seed in his heart!

So, they will not be interviewing until June, but we feel excited about this. We would love to have your prayers and support in this.

We are also glad to tell you that Wes has a substitute position that will last until the end of the school year. The staff at the school really like Wesley... there's even a slight possibility that they ask to keep him on permanently.

Other going ons in the Warner household:

Amara has cut her first teeth! I can't wait to see what she looks like with a toothy grin.

Asher is starting to speak a little more clearly. She is also in love with hugging us! We are just eating up her affection... she's such a sweet heart.

Hero recently told us that she wants to start a dance class with her friends. She said she would like to teach girls her age to give their hearts to Jesus. Hero has such a beautiful heart and is always surprising us.

Who We Are

We are the Warner's and it's our desire to highlight what is going on in our lives for our friends and family that are unable to see us all the time. We want you all to feel like you're apart of our life. So this is currently who we are:

The head of our family is Wesley. He is currently on the hunt to be a teacher and in the mean time is substituting. Wes plays the guitar, works in the garden, is a walking jungle gym, a great friend, a leader in the College and Jr. High group at our church, an amazing father, and fantastic husband.

I am Wesley's helper and compadre. I am currently in the middle of a rigorous program to get my doctorate in being a wife. I plan on receiving my certificate at the gates of heaven. ^_^ I am an avid reader, good friend, housekeeper, Sunday school teacher, and fun mama.

Hero Mercy (who is also known as Sugar Monkey and Princess) is our oldest daughter. At just 4 and a half she is full of so much love. She has a gift of caring for her two younger sisters, who she is madly in love in with. She loves to dance (mostly spinning), is learning to be a friend, has fun doing homework, enjoys housework, likes going to people's houses and church; and loves coloring and drawing.

Asher Grace (she also goes by Bear and Bug) will be 2 in June and is our second daughter. She brings a lot of laughter to our family... we have a feeling she will be our clown. Asher is still figuring out what she likes about life, but here's what we know about her so far: She loves dumping out the bucket of crayons and putting them all back, following Hero around, trying to take care of Amara, playing with baby dolls, and making us laugh. Oh and food... she loves food.

Amara Raya is 6 months old and is our youngest daughter. She is our Sweet Pea and Sissy. She is super chunky and cute! She loves to look at her family, we all make her smile and happy. She has recently started to eat solids, she can sit up, and roll over.