Family Traditions

One of the things I enjoyed the most about dating Trevan was being invited over to grandma Osborn's house for meals. I relished those invitations to Friday dinners or Sabbath lunches because Grandma was awesome at making good, old-fashioned casseroles. Growing up in Costa Rica, we NEVER did casseroles, and it was quite an experience for me the first couple times I ate at grandma's.

When Trevan and I got married, grandma Osborn gave me a recipe book with some of the family favorites, including a noodle dish that I absolutely love! I cherish that gift because every time I pull out that recipe book it makes me think of those first couple years of my relationship with Trevan, and of warm, cozy nights spent at grandma and grandpa Osborn's home.

Grandma and grandpa have been gone for a couple years now, and every so often I feel a deep sense of longing for the old days. When the Osborn's get together we always talk about grandma's food, and there is usually one of the old favorite recipes on the menu.

I am not sure if grandma really understood that every time she put food on her table, and welcomed us all into fellowship, she was creating a lasting impression on our hearts that would inspire us to do the same for our families. I cannot count how many times I have made that noodle dish and tried to replicate that wonderful feeling I had when I went to grandma's house.

One of my most sincere prayers is that God allows me to give that feeling of love and warmth to all those that share a meal with us.

California Holidays - Part Two

More pictures of Ainsley!



Ainsley and uncle Trevan watch as the Redskins beat the Cowboys to get into the playoffs this past Sunday.


She likes sticking her tongue out when she is chilling.

Tragedy

Some sad news.

On Tuesday morning Trevan's grandmother Osborn suffered a massive stroke and passed away that afternoon.

Trevan is in Maryland now with his family. Please keep us in your prayers as this has been a very rough couple months since the passing of his grandfather in August.

Belize

There are two things that made this year's trip to Belize better than last year's.

1. Trevan was there and got to meet my granny for the first time.

2. The family reunion was much bigger this year. It had been over 10 years since my dad had gone back. My granny was really happy to see him again.

It was a very festive trip because my granny was celebrating her 95th birthday. We had these bright yellow T-shirts made for all the family members to wear to the party.

I enjoyed seeing all the little people again! They grow up so fast and are so cute...
(Yasir wearing my glasses, Trevan and Leah (lives in LA), and Leah, Samane and I - the girls had just finished eating chocolate)

The most thrilling adventure was snorkeling parts of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Trevan even got to touch a sting ray as our guide held it for him.

As I reflect back on the trip I realize that having Trevan meet my granny and my family in Belize was more important to me than I realized. Many of my childhood summers were spent there, and a big part of who I am was formed during those years. It was wonderful sharing some of that with him.

My Niece!

Last Monday I became an aunt! It is one of the happiest things that has ever happened in my life. Little Ainsley Rebecca Ng is the cutest baby ever...I know, everyone says that, but this baby is really the cutest ever!!! I have pictures to prove it.

I told you she was cute!