In the Silence...

What do I do? Kristen was here for the weekend with her boyfriend, Ryan & his friend, Dave. It was a fun, chaotic weekend with a houseful of fun! We learned a very fun new game, got addicted & played way too much...even when we should have been tending to other responsibilities. Oops! The children were cared for, loved upon & included in the game time...everyone was happy so everyone wins! (messy house but who cares? that will still be here tomorrow!) Kristen & Ryan took Xander back to Redding for a few days. Xander is having a sleepover with his Aunt Kk. He keeps telling me all about the little trip he is going to take with his Aunt Kk & Ryan. He is so excited...especially since he got to sit in the front seat of Ryan's truck! What a treat.
Brandon is at youth group tonight. We are doing a youth event with the high school students delivering Turkey Dinners to families in need. I really wish I could be there but right now I am focusing on keeping my family happy & healthy. This morning I noticed that Uzziah was sounding a little stuffy. He was breathing heavy & he was getting a little snotty (literally...not in attitude. that will come in a few years) So I decided to keep Uzziah home for the evening so that he would not get sick before the holidays. And I think he appreciates the little breathe of rest & quiet as well. He is all worn out from screaming last night...probably screamed about 45 min long at least 4 different times last night (oops! no more spicy mango habanero hot wings for me while I am nursing...sorry, Uzziah!)
So I sit in a living room cluttered with toys, and couches overflowing with laundry (did I mention Xander explored Kristen's make-up bag this weekend?) and I think about all the wonderful projects that could be accomplished while Uzziah naps. Yep! that sounds good to me- a nap! Good Night!

Aunt Kk

Aunt Kk came to visit us this weekend & as always, we are having a blast. She is such a great Aunt & thoroughly enjoys spoiling my babies! (I still can't get myself to call Xander my "kid" or my "child"...he is still my baby...I just have 2 now!) She always bursts into the house with such enormous energy, showering us with thoughtful gifts, love, excitement & time. She takes time to sit with Xander & play, or watch his movie with him, read stories or just play pretend! She takes Uzziah for me so that I can have my arms free for a moment...changes his diaper, feeds him, or just love on him! It is such a blessing to me to have such a lovely break. I love her dearly & am really looking forward to having my other 2 sisters join us here for the Holidays very soon!

Now-if i could just get her to take the 3 am shift with Uzziah...

Weekend Getaway

Brandon and I are having a great "alone" time on our Weekend Getaway. We are so blessed to have some wonderful friends who offered to take Xander for a few days so that we could get some much-needed uninterrupted time with each other. THANK YOU!!!
As we talked about our plan for the weekend, we decided to abandon our typical adventurous agenda and plant ourselves in our room & do absolutely nothing. We wanted to take advantage of the wonderful time we had on our hands so we brought along our videos & photos that we had yet to upload from the past several years. We have enjoyed reminiscing through the past and relishing all the stolen moments of Xander's first few years of life as we anticipate the arrival of his new baby brother! Yes- we have exciting news: Brandon and I will be having a baby boy in August!!! We are going to be very busy preparing for another little boy, while trying to cherish every moment we have with our family during this exciting time in our lives.

South Carolina

We had an incredible time visiting Aaron & Carrie in South Carolina. Brandon spoke at a their camp for several days & then we got to hang out with them. They are such great friends of ours & we really miss them dearly. It has been so fun getting together with them & watching our kids grow up so quickly before our eyes. Their little baby Camille is just darling & I hate that I don't get to see her more often.
We also got to see my family while we were on the East Coast. We met in Jacksonville at my aunt's house and made the most out of a 24 hr whirlwind visit. It was lots of fun being with my family- such a treat that we don't get to have nearly often enough. We will be spoiled this month because they are coming out here next week for Xander's birthday!!! Yay!- twice in one month...that never happens!!!
Dear Sunday, Monday & Tuesday...please hurry up & leave.

We almost have a 2 yr old

His first swing set

When Mimi and GP were here, they surprised us by getting Xander his first swing set! It is really incredible. It has a slide, a glider, a teeter-totter, two swings and handle bars to swing from. He absolutely loves it (of course) and asks to go outside and swing every day!!! Of course, now he wants me to come out with him and push him really high! ;) It has been so fun watching him enjoy such a fun gift...Thanks, mom and dad!

Drive-In Movie

We had a successful event with our high school students in Waterford last night. We hosted a Drive-In Movie @ Elly's house. Elly's family owns a lot of property & have a perfect location for hosting large events. They have been very gracious to let us have 2 events there so far.
It was a long day for Brandon as he left the house at 7:30 am and did not get home until almost 11 at night! He stayed in Waterford after church with a few guys from the high school group who helped him set up all the media equipment...of course there were a couple kinks & problems with the sound system so it was a good thing they decided to set up early. I got out there around 6 pm, after running to the store and getting all our last minute items & leaving Xander with our friend Charisse, who is so awesome to watch Xander when we need some help! We watched the Nightmare before Christmas & the students loved it. I was surprised that many of them had never seen it before, or did not remember it because it had been so long ago. They all seemed to have a great time & we were happy to have about 75 students come out for the event! It was a lot of fun & we are encouraged to see the students warming up to us & feeling like they are getting to know us.
After the movie, one of the guy's trucks wouldn't start so we had to search for jumper cables & took about 45 minutes to get his truck to turn on. Most of the crowd was gone by then. We were all packed up & ready to be home so we loaded up & drove away. As Brandon was driving up the hill to leave the property, one of the girls' trucks stopped working. She claimed her battery died and she coudln't get it to start again. They let her work on it for about 10 minutes until they finally decided to all back up & they would roll her truck backwards to jump start it. ONce they had all moved their cars, one of the guys got in her car to jump start it & as he turned the ignition it started right up. Turns out she hadn't had the clutch all the way in...
Always some sort of excitement at a high school event!

Potty Training

So we have been dedicating the last few weeks to potty training. Xander is doing great...loves the treats the follow the time in the bathroom. It has been quite the adventure...

A student's prayer

So things are going really well at the church in Waterford. Brandon officially started working there on September 20, and has really enjoyed getting to know the students and the staff. We had our first event with the students last weekend...we had a BBQ BOnfire at one of their homes. It was really fun & we had a great time talking with all the students. We have been meeting with the high schoolers on Sunday mornings for our large group gathering. This morning, Brandon decided to give the students an opportunity to pray for each other before he began his lesson. A few people shared about about some really deep issues or concerns and then one of the guys broke the ice. He reminded us that this month was Breast Cancer Awareness & asked that we pray for all the breasts...

Sunday Afternoon Update

Today went well in Waterford. Brandon spoke & did a phenomenal job. Thanks for al the prayers. We were both able to connect with many of the students and enjoyed our lunch afterwards. We had a great time speaking with the parents & staff. There was a lot of interest in us and our plan for the ministry. Many of the students were very excited and kept asking us great questions. We are looking forward to what God has in store for us. Brandon will be meeting with the pastor this week. More news to come...

Waterford

Please be praying for us as Brandon has his final meeting/interview with a church in Waterford, Ca. He is speaking to the high school students tomorrow (Sunday) and then we are attending a luncheon with some o f the staff, parents & volunteers in the high school ministry. This is the final step in the process and we are really hopeful that this may work out. The church is about 20 minutes from our home, which would be awesome that we wouldn't have to move. We are excited to see what God has for our family next & anxious to begin ministering to high school students again. We know that this is what God has called us to and it has really been hard to be out of the ministry this summer. Please pray that Brandon would speak well, that the church family would be welcoming & excited to meet us, that their questions would be positive, that Brandon would have the best answers & that God would give us His clarity, wisdom, direction & peace throughout the rest of this process.
We are so grateful to all of our friends & family who have been such a huge support & encouragement to us during this difficult time in our lives. We love you very much & appreciate all of your prayers, friendship & love that you have given us. THANK YOU!

Hendriks 3 B&B

This is what our house should be renamed: The Hendriks 3 B&B
We have had a fun time with our friends and family visiting over the past few weeks
We have had Shana & Kristena (friends from college)
Gerry & Anna (Redding family)
Tiffany & Drew (Oregon family)
Tiff & Drew again
Aaron & Carrie (Super friends from South Carolina)
And then we have coming up:
Kim (from Redding)
Aaron & Carrie again
My Mom & Dad
Hopefully some of the Faires family
And then hopefully Brandon's Mom & Dad

note: if you do not see your name listed about there is a problem. Please consult Melissa immediately so that we can get this sorted out & put a date on the calendar asap for you to come & visit!!!

Still...

Still Praying and waiting to see what God has next for our family. This is perhaps the hardest part of life...and transitions. The not knowing. And the waiting...and waiting...and waiting...
It is particularly hard on someone of my personality type who likes to have not only the next few days planned out minute-by-minute, but the next 5-10 years as well. I don't know why we are being allowed to go through such a long time of not knowing. I don't know why we haven't been led to the next place of ministry yet. And I don't feel entitled to complain, even though it really sucks most days. Because in my heart I KNOW that He is in control. And I know that so many people walk much harder paths than I could ever imagine. And i know I don't deserve anything. But I am ready now. Ready to know where He is leading us. Ready to move on to the next place. Ready to transition and get my family happily planted in our next place of ministry. But He keeps answering all our prayers "Wait." So that's what we are doing. And it is not fun.

Australian Grammer

Muckin Around: Hanging out
Bloak: dude
Holiday: Vacation/ trip
Barbie: Bbq
Boot: Trunk of a car
Rubbish: Trash/ Garbage cans
Bonzer: Great/awesome
Way out: Exit
Give Way: Yield
Ta' : Thank you
Mate: friend
Good on ya: Good luck
G'day: Hello/ A greeting
'Avago: Try it/ Try it out
No worries: No problem/ Don't worry about it (used A LOT)
Maccas: Mc Donalds
Big W: Walmart
Nappie: Diaper
Serviette's: Napkins
Dammit: like our curseword, but socially acceptable here, so I am told
Trolly: Shopping cart
Bonnet: hood of car
Pram: Stroller
Bush Walk: Hike
Chips: French Fries
Crisps: Potatoe chips
Kangas: Kangaroos

Most questions shall be phrased as statements prepared for clarification, such as:
Going to Manly Beach, are you?
You are all students, are you?
Enjoying your Holiday, are you?

Many words will be shortened with an additional "ie" added at the end:
Housies: Housemates
Bickies: Biscuits
Expie: Expiration
Woolies: Woolworth's (a store)
Breckie: Breakfast

Austal-yer highlights

We have been having an awesome time here thus far. Some of the highlights of our trip are:
-Xander fell asleep on the plane before we took off & slept until 9 am- for a whopping total of 10 hours! He slpet on our laps & then when he tried to roll over got a little crabby since it was not super comfy so we made a little bed on the floor under our chairs...he loved that!
-Everyone is so cute when they speak...I just love it & have to keep myself from giggling ;) They all drop their "r's" to make that cute little drawl, but then oddly enough they add an "ar" at the end of many of their words...like they say they live in asutraliar (pronounced austral-yer) or they will add it to peolple's names like Amanda is amand-er...
-I got to attend 2 incredible worship services at Hillsong the very first day we were here. Brandon and I attended their chapel service which was awesome and then Tiff and I got to attend a woman's conference at Hillsong that night which was also incredible!
-Mmm...we just enjoyed some yummy Krispy Kreme doughnuts! My favorite!!! Could this country get any better?!?
-We enjoyed some fantastic "kanga steaks" last night...they were very good, but definitely wierd to think about eating kangaroo!
-Being the brunt of all the jokes...everything is the American's fault!
-Traditional meat pies downtown...I have been told it's comparable to the popularity of hot dogs in New York City...kinda tastes like beef stroganoff in a yummy pastry crust
-Mmm...milk tea- so yummy but so hard to describe (nothing like you think it is...i promise)
-Heading into Sydney today...pics to come!

Finally Down Under!

Yay! We're finally here...1 very long plan ride, an overstuffed car & 2 days later! Australia is many hours ahead of our California time zone, so when we left on Sunday night we traveled all through the night & finally arrived on Tuesday morning, hence skipping our "Monday" all together. The flight was dark until we were about an hour or so from landing since we were flying forward in time, which made a very wonderful atmosphere for sleeping! We were informed by many people on the flight that we have the best child ever, and that they have never seen a baby behave so well, especially on a plane. Even the flight attendants & frequent travelers were impressed. They also said they have never seen a baby sleep at all the "correct times." Needless to say, this was a huge answer to prayer- Thanks to all of you who have covered us in your prayers these past few days & weeks! BY the time Xander woke up we only had about 4 1/2 hours left on our flight, which seemed like nothing compared to the Looooooong international flight we had anticipated. Xander even fell asleep again for is morning nap, right on cue as we departed the plane & stood on several long lines to get through customs & baggage claim.

midnight yard sale?

We are having a yard sale tomorrow morning and have been organizing, pricing & setting up all day. While we were doing our last minute preparations this evening, a family stopped by on their walk around the neighborhood. They stayed for about 45 minutes, sifting through everything we had laid out in our garage, continuously veering over to the things we had already told them were not for sale. They finally left after bartering with Brandon for about 10 minutes, requesting a ridiculously low deal on a bike. They returned 5 minutes later with some money & the amount we were asking! Hooray!!! Our first sale...praise God and thanks for all those prayers & donations! Keep praying that our yard sale is successful!

spoiled by aunt kk

kristen has once again come to bless us with her presence in beautiful CALI. We love having her here because of her abundantly joyous personality, her sensational sense of humor, her huge bear hugs, her capability to keep Brandon in line, & her extravagent skills at being a doting aunt! She loves to play with Xander, wake up early & feed him breakfast, take him on walks & get him all hyper & riled up right before nap time-
she's AWESOME!
We are so excited to have her here with us on her layover to Australia & looking forward to some more time with her on her way back home. Today we have a very typical Melissa-Kristen agenda: organize a closet, make lunch, go to church, eat lunch, bike ride with Xander, organize the garage with Brandon, go shopping, make dinner, play with Xander, make souffles, KK & Brandon will fight, then Bran will play video games while KK & I cuddle in bed watching a movie!
Who could want anything more?!?

Here we go again

So Xander got bit by a dog...again! We were at a friends house and there were a few children playing and a few dogs running around so we were all just hanging out when all of a sudden I heard the dog bark and saw a friend holding Xander. Immediately i asked, "did that dog bite Xander?" and of course, he did. The dog caught his cheek and his lip, which bled and bled. Xander cried until I offered him some food and then he was happy again ;)

The very next day, Xander was climbing on the gym slide in our living room and was trying to flip over when i heard a thump and a huge cry. Xander had busted his face on the slide while hanging upside down. He split his lip and it bled and bled for almost an hour! And this is my life: raising a boy with blood, tears and absolutely NO FEAR!

Later on, I found Xander on the couch, just chillin'. He is so big it is crazy!

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day in Florida with my mom, which was a real treat! ON our way home from church my mom saw an awesome field of flowers, and since I carry my camera with me everywhere, she just pulled over to the side of the road & we took some fun pics of Xander!



We have also been enjoying some time at the beach with my family. It has been so nice to get to spend some quality time with them this last week. I miss them all already!