..........meet manoah. he's two!

NEW BLOG!!! NEW BLOG!!! NEW BLOG!!!

2009-05-29T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, our family blog is moving to www.peekingonthepaschalls.com, visit us there for all our new updates, especially for pictures of our new addition baby Sam.

Easter Egg Hunt...

2009-04-21T21:15:00.001-07:00

Our good friends the Knudsen's had an awesome Easter Egg Hunt! The kids, ages 5wks- almost three, went nuts! It was so fun to follow Manoah around as he hunted down eggs and tossed them in his basket. We did our best to keep him from stealing eggs out of the other kids baskets, but for sure he stole a few. Anyway- we had such a great time! Our friends have the cutest kids!

Happy Birthday Manoah!

2009-03-13T22:26:00.000-07:00

Enjoy some of the highlights that we have!

6 weeks...

2009-02-23T10:10:00.000-08:00

since Sam, Manoah, and i have been home together on an entire weekend! So we lived it up! We went to the beach and to the park with auntie Nida and Uncle Joe, we played at home and outside, We watched movies and played hide and seek (Manoah's new favorite game). It was a wonderful weekend for this Paschall family and now i am depressed that Monday is here :(

back to blogging!

2009-02-17T16:06:00.000-08:00

I apologize to those faithful followers of Manoah's blog for slacking big time on his blog. Let me just say that life has been a roller coaster recently. We had major problems with our internet and computer, but now I am back in business. Here are some recent pictures of Manoah. He loves, loves, LOVES, to brush his teeth (lets just hope this last into his teenage years!). The first pictures are when he is going at it with his tooth brush, then the tears come when mommy takes the tooth brush away. So sad. And... "hi auntie Carol, I loved spending time with you at the wedding! I promised more pictures and now i have delivered! Love you!"

2009-02-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

I just got back tonight from a trip to Mammoth Lakes. I went snowboarding all day and had an absolutely incredible time - nothing like freshly groomed snow on a massive mountain with sunny 50 degree weather to enjoy. I hadn't been snowboarding in almost 5 years and it was long overdue, there is an exhiliration in this kind of sport that I had nearly forgotten. The endorphins rushing through my body were like the welcoming of an old friend. The picture below is me having a blast on the mountain.

I also got to take Manoah sledding for the first time. His first time down the hill I think I caught him off guard, but after that he really warmed up to it shouting "again, again" to myself, uncle Joe, and auntie Nas (Wanida). I also built a snowman for Manoah which he managed to kick to pieces in a matter of seconds - it made me wonder what he really meant this Christmas when he would say, "I lub boo Snowmane (e.g., I love you snowman)."

All that being said, some vacations are much needed, and this one was a delightful break where I was able to remember two important things - I am still only 27, and I am a 27 year old father.

oh Christmas tree...

2008-12-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

It's hard to say if Manoah enjoyed his bag of pretzels or picking out a tree more? regardless, Sam and i loved it. Something about singing Christmas songs and friendly smiles with the Home Depot folk just make the heart happy. At least this year Manoah could say, "Chrissa Tree," which was pretty darn cool.

Happy Turkey Day!

2008-12-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

We spent this happy day with both sides of our family. The Paschall men BBQ'ed (?) two huge turkeys while the woman made side dishes and watched football. The food was delicious! I was so full, but i kept eating- i didn't care- i just wanted to EAT more! Manoah liked his turkey too, but mostly NaNa's special cranberry juice. The last picture is Manoah wearing his new favorite boots! They are still a little big, but he wears them well- doesn't he :) anyway- Happy Turkey Day!

Let is snow! let it snow! let it snow!

2008-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

Well it didn't really snow, but we found some on the side of the road. This was Manoah's first time playing in it and we had a blast watching him explore this new sort of texture. He was very fond of eating it, but realized quickly that his hands got really cold- really fast.

I really like this picture. I found Manoah off in a corner just chowing down on snow. Something about him in this shot makes him look lonely- but in a cute way

Nothing like flying.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

We went up to the farm again. We had so much fun. Manoah ran from one pumpkin to the next with excitement and adventure! Happiness at the pumpkin patch for the Paschall's- nice alliteration!

what can i say...

2008-10-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

...he is amazing :) sam had to put some stuff in the attic and Manoah wanted to follow daddy so badly. I captured his attention by making him pose for me :)

playin.

2008-09-22T21:47:00.000-07:00

Everyday Manoah can just barely wait for dad to get home to wrestle.

I couldn't resist a picture with us both in orange.

This is my favorite thing to watch: Manoah and dad playing.

bates+nut+farm= fun!

2008-09-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Penny

Gali

Manoah

Mindy, Avery, and Mino were there too, but i didn't get any pics of them-sad- We had fun feeding the animals and the kids loved to run around. I say this was a successful mom's Monday. We missed Kelly (Noah), who just had a baby three days ago and Krissa (Charlotte) who had to work. Look at maria helping the kids feed the animals- i was too scared :)

a day at the beach

2008-09-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Manaoh and Sam can easily spend a whole day at the beach roling in the sand, digging holes, throwing rocks at the waves. It was a wonderful day to spend under the sun.

a few fun ones of Noodle

2008-09-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

Disneyland!

2008-09-04T14:43:00.000-07:00

I don't think he could have been happier :)

Life doesn't get much better than cruising on daddy's shoulders all day in the land of happiness!
We had so much fun seeing Manoah explore this new place. He loved eating, riding dumbo, and watching the fireworks!

Things to not give your 17 month old...

2008-08-23T21:49:00.000-07:00

1) French Fries dipped in ranch Dressing

Notice the girl in the pink shirt thinking, "gross- what are those idiotic parents letting their kid do"

2) a big sugary Lollipop

3) lots of Lemon juice

but hey, you only have one vacation a year- why not enjoy it?!?
please don't call CPS

Disneyland pics to come...

somebody loves peanutbutter

2008-08-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

"this stuff is good!"

"I am just enjoying myself- i got my skippy"

"Hey mom- I can't quite reach..."

"I WANT MY SKIPPY SUPER- CHUNK! "

Eating an Apple

2008-08-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

This picture tickles my heart :)

Manoah eagerly picked apples from the tree in our front yard. By the end of his eating frenzy, the apples were covered in dirt and juice was all over him. He had so much fun and i loved capturing his first adventure picking apples.

make a wish...

2008-08-07T13:26:00.000-07:00

fun-ness at the Wild Animal Park

2008-08-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

getting dirty...

2008-07-29T13:03:00.000-07:00

Please Pray.

2008-07-17T23:06:00.000-07:00

My nephew Jackson is having open heart surgery in one week. This day is quickly approaching and i ask that you would earnestly pray for his little heart. Love.

the next Roger Federer?

2008-07-08T16:34:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest, when i saw Manoah playing with my tennis racket i was over joyed! Some of my earliest memories with sam were in middle school P.E. when we played tennis together. Sam would get so mad that his face would turn bright red and he would throw his racket accross the court :) I can see Manoah in the picture above just pondering the day when he brings home the Wimbeldon cup.

a fun filled 4th

2008-07-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

piano lesson with uncle nate

lots of watermelon

and a lot more water

we had fun with family and old friends ( andrew and janneke), fire works down the street and finished the day drinking coke from a bottle with sam on our patio!

berry picking

2008-07-03T23:51:00.001-07:00

somebody LOVES the ocean!

2008-06-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

A shot taken after Manoah was literally ROLLING in the sand!

Resting after a long day of playing in the sun

My two favorite boys :)

Aloha :)

2008-06-18T22:26:00.000-07:00

I think he pulls off the hawaiin shirt look ?!?

So so So so So so CUTE!

Love Him!

backseat romance

2008-06-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

Manoah- "hey Charlotte what do you say we make it offical"
Charlotte- "ahhh- Okay"

Manoah- "whats wrong- are you okay with this?"
Charlotte- "i just can't say yes without a ring"

Manoah- "thats cool- lets just hold hands then"
Charlotte- "cool"

the happiest place on earth!!!

2008-06-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

"I'm so happy!"

(notice the ball Manoah is holding-this ball made his day!)

"daddy, I'm tired"

Sam and i often share our favorite things about Manoah.
this picture shows off my favorites- dark brown eyes and his crisp blonde hair.

An Experiment in Baking

2008-05-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

"Flour, Sugar, Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!"

"What, that's not how you make cookies?"

"You mean I have to clean all this up?"

"I want my sugar back!"

laughter

2008-05-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

so cute in shades

2008-05-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

Hello there.

2008-05-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Notice his nice mohawk (a result of playing with daddy's hair gel)

Cute ladybug on his hand. So cute that Manoah decided to eat it. poor, cute, dead ladybug.

Another outing to the beach. Our little surfer- at least dad hopes :)

Manoah's First Drum Lesson

2008-04-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Here's our burgeouning percussionist!

Romeo and Juliet

2008-04-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

Much to the chagrin of Penelope's dad, Manoah has already begun the romance (with more than a little encouragement from the moms)

yup. sportin the crocks :)

2008-04-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

Manoah's Mighty Climb

2008-03-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

So last night Anjuli and I were making dinner while Manoah was playing on the floor in the dining room, and with a shocked voice Anjuli said, "oh my gosh Sam, you have to see this!" I peeked into the other room and there was Manoah sitting in his high chair, grinning as if he had just accomplished a mischievous feat - which he had. Mystified, Anjuli and I grabbed the camera and pulled Manoah out of the chair to figure out how he had gotten in his high chair - the following video proved our suspicions - Manoah is part orangutan.

Easter!

2008-03-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

New Discoveries.

2008-03-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

Reflections On The First Year

2008-03-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

We're still here. So is Manoah. That is one way of measuring success.

We don't enter parenthood as experts - there is a disturbingly providential irony in the fact that you don't have children near the end of your life. It's like God's way of teaching all of us that we're existentialists at heart. In Kierkegaard's way of thinking there is a "certain understanding [that] must precede every action" but life is inevitably a leap of faith into the unknown and mysterious order of life. A leap that would be tragically despairing were there not a trustworthy God whose arms embrace the faithful who jump into the dark.

We had a certain understanding, but it was by no means comprehensive. Confessionally, our parenting style has been somewhat of a patchwork quilt, using whatever resources we have to make it work. I often tell Anjuli about how I feel a particular sadness for the first child who must suffer somewhat from being expiremented on. I pray God would show grace to our son and restrain the consequences of some of our failures and shortcomings. We try to use all we have available but are continually challenged to listen to our hearts and to God as we progress.

One day I'll have to apologize to Manoah.

I don't have time in my life for books whose authors seem to have solutions to every problem, and who apparently have brilliant little philosopher/kings for children. I've read pieces and parts from some of these but the truth is none of it worked the way it was "supposed to." Some stuff helped, others was down-right deceptive, and some stuff was patently rediculous.

Manoah will, to a great degree, reflect the patch-work that his parents raised him in. It's inevitable. But here's the thing about patch-work quilts. The patches work. It keeps him warm, we just keep adding more patches as others wear out. And somehow, over the course of time it becomes a work of art displayed for all to see. Who's to say that their quilt is better than ours, they are all patch-works anyway, I guess so long as they function well in keeping our son warmly wrapped in our affections and love.

One day Manoah will have to take his quilt to the Master and trade it in. It worked, but its time will pass. One day I'll have to take Manoah by his hand, walk him up the mountain, and give him back to God. One day I will tell Manoah that I was just a faint and cracked mirror reflecting the glory of my Father, and that hopefully through tarnishes and cracks he can discern the extended arms of our "Papa" in heaven.

manoah's first big dump!

2008-03-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

Dad on the BBQ

Kevin, Emerson, & Manoah

Here is Macy and Jackson (6wks old)

Manoah had so many of his friends at his party!
In all- 9 kids under the age of three and one on the way!
We had so much fun! Yeah- Manoah you made it to 1!
We love you Noodle!

Today I am 1!

2008-03-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

oh the matching outfits!

2008-03-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

Now that is one Proud Grandpa!

We had to give Manoah red hots to keep him sitting still

Jackson is such a cutie!

To Surf or not to Surf

2008-03-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Anjuli, Manoah, and myself ventured out to the beach on Friday - we are introducing him to the wonderful oceanic world and he loves it. A giant sandbox, moving water, open space... what more could a boy ask for. I am secretly hoping that he challenges Kelly Slater for the number of ASP world championships won, but no pressure!

playing around.

2008-03-04T11:39:00.000-08:00

He just climbed up on the chair and started playing the piano. My little musician :)

fun with our new camera!

2008-03-01T21:35:00.000-08:00

bubble bath

2008-02-24T21:43:00.000-08:00

It was a riot giving Manoah a bubble bath at grandma & grandpa Paschall's house this weekend. Manoah was covered head to toe in bubbles...simply adorable! Here are two videos of Manoah - just being Manoah. Right now is a really fun stage in babyhood. He is really starting to understand us and communicate using jestures and baby babble. We were amazed last week when we randomly asked him to bring us "Green Eggs and Ham" from the many books on the book shelf. He hopped down off of the couch, went to the book shelf, pulled out the book, and brought it to me! I was shocked. I am having lots of fun ordering him around now :) Hope you enjoy. love.

the latest in our lives

2008-02-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

A day at the park.

Bath time with dad.

i just thought this was a cute one.

Going on a walk in the Red Wagon Flyer with Charlotte and Krissa -this was the best shot we could get :)

A group shot with the babies- what an experience!
left to right:
Avery -mindy's babe
Ivy -Jenny's babe
Kaden- Kara's little guy
Manoah- mine :)
Charlotte- Krissa's girl
Penelope- Becca's girl

Into the wild...

2008-02-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

Upon Sam's return home from Jr. High winter camp the 3 of us went on a little trip to the Wild Animal Park. Now that Manoah is high tailing it all over the place we thought the park would be a fun place for him to run around like crazy- and we thought right. Although he doesn't quite get the concept of animals, he did enjoy his ping-pong ball, tooth brush, and dirt from outside of the gorilla exhibit. Manoah's expression in our family photo totally says it all ... you gotta love the one-handed photo pics! poor kid :)

oh yeah- Manoah said his first word...
"AMEN"- hows that for our little future preacher- j/k

and he followed it up with..

"DUCK"- i think that is why he is so into the ducks here in the picture. Actually, you can't tell, but he is just eating the wood hand railing- yummy!

Jackson Jedidiah Paschall

2008-02-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Thats right! 28 hours of labor and 3 hours of pushing brought forth this beautiful baby boy! Good work Jed and January- this boy is a cutie! Manoah is happy to meet his first cousin!

dirt is good.

2008-02-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

In between rain showers last week we had a family outing to the park. We finally found Manoah a pair of shoes that actually fit his monstrous feet. Of all things Manoah loves dirt most of all! It was truly fun watching him explore the earth with his bare hands :) He is walking and loving life- enjoy the video!

a bath on Christmas!

2007-12-26T14:23:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Paschall have these copper tubs, which are the perfect size for Manoah to bathe in. He loved his Christmas bath :)

Manoah Riding the Bike

2007-12-19T22:37:00.000-08:00

In addition to motoring around grandpa and grandma's house, Manoah has taken to making first steps! Awesome, now mom and dad have to worry about him moving even quicker!

Christmas thoughts.

2007-12-19T13:38:00.000-08:00

Our first Christmas with our son. With Christmas day rapidly approaching, running from store to store, juggling bags and finishing Christmas cards (hopefully before Christmas has passed), i forget that this whole season is supposed to be a relaxing and joyous time and not one to be ruled by 'to do' list. Manoah reminds me to slow down. When i want to accomplish my errands and rush from one place to the next i just look at him and stop. He helps me in this way- his delight in the littlest of things- like cheerios, sparkling lights, a plastic spoon, and the obnoxious dancing fake trees at stores that he finds absolutely captivating. While in the elite store Z-Gallery yesterday I bumped his stroller into a table that knocked off the giant window display mirror. I can certainly take the blame bc i was chatting away on my cell phone (bad me), but as the mirror was shattering to bits Manoah sat there reaching desperately for the broken mirror slivers on the ground. I bashfully and apologetically tried to become invisible while the store workers politely excused me. I guess it makes me laugh now. Here I am trying anxiously to get a million things done, i break an expensive mirror, and Manoah doesn't have a clue. I suppose everyone could learn a little something from Manoah this season- enjoy life a little more, even the small stuff, even the stuff that breaks and doesn't go your way :) So when you find yourself frustrated by annoying drivers in overcrowded parking lots, just remember to find a piece of happiness in the sound of your horn :) Merry Christmas!

much to be thankful for

2007-11-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

Our first Thanksgiving with Manoah. Wow, it is so hard to believe that Manoah is already 8 months. We celebrated Thanksgiving with both the Paschall family and Maneevone family together. It was such a joyous time. Manoah sat at the feast table with all of us and made the dinner just perfect. We are so thankful for our family and especially our little boy. Okay seriously, look closer at this picture- how can he not make you smile :)

8 Months!

2007-11-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

With the San Diego Fall in all of its glory, I am about to turn the fan on because it is so hot today :) Yes, manoah is 8 months old. We can hardly believe it, the time has gone by so fast. Not much has changed in the little life of Manoah. He is still crawling like crazy and as strong as ever. He doesn't like to sleep and that is why i can hardly get these pictures posted- sorry for the wait. As for Sam, he is still working with the middle school students at Mission Hills and as of this morning I am without a job. (YES!). I worked for a couple months and it just because too much with Manoah... and Manoah. I just missed being at home with my little buddy. So as of Jan 08, I am again, a stay at home mom! I have to say that the picture with Manoah and the bat is awesome- Sam is convinced that Manoah loves baseball... i promise that this picture wasn't posed :) Okay- well i hope the fall is bringing you lots of joy.

Fall is here!

2007-11-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

Oh Yes. Notice, if you can, the stylish hair that Manoah has going for him. I loved that this day Sam and Manoah were dressed alike, clothes, hair and all. The picture with Me and Manoah was during the fires. Thankfully, our families and friends were all safe, but we did spend a whole week inside. I can't help but notice just how cute this kid is :)

i'm crawling!

2007-10-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

So the bummer is that if you want to watch out video you have to either turn your computer over or twist your head, but it will be totally worth it :) Manoah is now 6 1/2 months! He actually started crawling a month ago and since then i haven't had much time to blog (sorry). He is seriously all over the place- climbing, clawing, eating anything and everything. No matter what time he goes to sleep at night, he is up at 6:30- oh my goodness!!!!! Let's just say we regularly drink coffee in our household :) well, thanks for checking in on the Paschall family :)

i eat i do.

2007-08-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

sup.

putting things in my mouth makes me happy

should i put the food in my mouth or on my face... oh the dilemma!

who would have thought rice cereal and breast milk would be so good?

a day in the life of manoah.

2007-08-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

"So what! my dad, his dad, and his dads dad were all plumbers- what do you expect!"
Contemplating a life behind bars.

"look at me- i am so silly looking!"

just me with the rents.

5 months- thats right!

2007-08-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Today i am five months old! I have never been so happy! Every time i meet someone new, they always say the same thing, "You have such BIG feet!" Yeah, my feet are enormous, just look at them! I am getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. I'm not crawling yet, but any day now. i just love being alive, five months seems like forever!

ohh the babies!

2007-08-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

what a day! bless the mothers of twins out there. with the help of my cousin Jess, we watched Penelope and Manoah all day and i feel wiped out. maria, gali and dan stopped by to add to the fun. these babies are precious. it only took like 100 pics to get 2 where one of them wasn't eating the others ears, falling over, or poking out their own eyes :)

Manoah and Penelope.

2007-08-08T16:12:00.000-07:00

Just another day at starbucks with penelope and becca. I think that our babies are finally realizing that the other exists. They just rolled over each other and laughed. Heres to a life time of friendship or love ???

i'm a cutie!

2007-08-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am back. I just got home from a vacation with my Paschall family. i went to Oregon and swam in a big lake! Earlier this month i was in Mammoth with lots of my aunts (Leonie, Malina, Wanida) and uncle Joe. I am rolling over and over and over. I can even sit up all by myself now. Pretty soon i'll be crawling- watch out world- here i come! So being 4 and a half months is pretty tough. i wake my mom and dad up early in the morning, play a lot, sleep a couple hours, and eat whenever i want to. life is rough. peace out.

2007-06-04T19:48:00.000-07:00

chunky little guy!

2007-06-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

MORE PICTURES... SORRY FOR THE WAIT!

2007-05-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

3 weeks

2007-04-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow makes three weeks of Manoah's life here on earth :) Life is just not the same. Sam and I tag team the nights and by 6 am we are tired, but still able to function. Thanks to family and friends we feel such a sense of love and support (thanks to all those who have made us dinners!). Sam is back at work and the church is going well. This is a whole new adventure and everyday is a learning experience. We took Manoah on his first trip to the beach for Sam's 26th birthday. I think he might be a surfer just like his dad. We also enjoyed a huge birthday bash for Sam and uncle Jed. Manoah is beautiful and we absolutely love him. Thanks for checking out our blog ... hope you enjoy the new pictures.

2007-03-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Manoah oh so cute.
Have remarkably similar

Interests

So Here's How It Goes...

2007-03-21T18:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were wondering, the story of Manoah's birth goes a little something like this. Anjuli started contractions around 6pm on Monday March 12th, they were minor, but regular. We didn't sleep much that night, and we were scheduled to be induced at 5am the following morning. The contractions continued as they had been for most of the night, and so we didn't go into the hospital until we were scheduled. Malina came with us, being or resident medical expert, we were very excited that she was able to join us. Once we got there they put Anjuli on Petosin (sp?) and here contractions began getting stronger and closer together. We waited as she effaced and dialated, and at around 10am our doctor came in and broke her bag of waters. The nurse suggested at that point that if Anjuli was going to get an epidural to do it now because it was only going to get worse, and so we gave the go ahead for the epidural... and that turned out to be a good decision, because according to Anjuli once her water broke it was, without question, the worst pain in her life. So we just waited some more. At around 2pm our nurse came in and said that every time her uterus was contracting Manoah's heart rate would go down (which meant his umbilical cord was being pinched somehow) and they were going to watch that closely. As the next hour passed his condition didn't improve so our doctor told us it would be best to do a cesarean section, we agreed and then all of the sudden things started to move really fast. The doctor and nurses wheeled Anjuli into the O.R. and I got suited up in my scrubs, and then twenty minutes later they brought me in with Anjuli all prepped. Then they went to work, and let me tell you, WOW, nothing like seeing your beloved wife fileted open on a table! Six minutes later out came little Manoah... Honestly he looked a little weird. His head was all coned, his eyes were puffy, his skin was blue, and his hands and feet looked like he had been in a spa for 9 months. He weighed 7lbs 4oz, and was 21in long. Tall and skinny, just like his dad! They started doing all these different things to him to make sure he was healthy. Then Manoah and I left to the nursery so they could run a few tests while they stitched up Anjuli. About 20 mins later they brought him in to Anjuli and he latched right on and began to eat for about an hour. Both sides of our family were there and it was so incredibly encouraging, Anjuli and I are very blessed to have the family we do. Three days later they sent us home, and get this, they don't give you a nurse to go home with you, not even an owners manual, nope they just send you right home, as if you knew what you were doing. Freak me out, geez! Anyway we've been home for about 5 days and we love our son. He is sleeping on Anjuli right now, and he is very handsome if I do say so myself. He is very strong it seems, and also quite mellow, he'll cry a little here and there but mostly he sleeps, eats, poops, pees, and every once in a while you'll get him to peek out from behind his eyelids and when he does that it is a little gift.

And Now Introducing For The Very First Time... Manoah Nathaniel Paschall

2007-03-16T21:39:00.000-07:00

Today we came home with our son. He is beautiful. Hope you like the pics, we'll give more info when we are a little more situated. Thank you for all your prayers!

Manoah is coming tomorrow!

2007-03-12T20:49:00.000-07:00

Anjuli is having contractions... and we are also scheduled to be induced at 5:00 am. So either she'll go in naturally tonight or we'll be induced tomorrow morning. Pray for us! We'll update with pictures as soon as we are able too.

Reflections on My Plot of Ground

2007-03-10T15:48:00.000-08:00

"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better or for worse as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourshing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given him to till." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I am ever so slowly coming to the point in my life when I must accept that my plot of ground, "the given" of my life, is my own and not someone elses, or something else. My life is what "is." There has been much frantic searching to make my life more than it is, to "expand my plot." This causes a deep and misierable sort of spiritual anemia. This anemia gives way to a malcontentedness and uneasiness with my life. It makes me feel like Bilbo Baggins who, by carrying the ring of power for a little too long, felt like "butter spread over too much bread." We are each given a finite spirit that is capable of only a limited number of things. We mistake our longing for the transcendant and infinite beauty of God for our longing to "make something of our lives." I make that mistake.
Now with the dawning of a new day in Anjuli's and my own life, I am pressed to consider these things all the more. Can I accept "the given" of my own life? Can I accept "the given" as the will of God? Can I accept the will of God as "good, pleasing, and perfect?" I daresay that were I to accept this I would discover the very inner life of Christ who, "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant... he humbled Himself." These "boundaries" or "limitations" on my life are profoundly humbling. I can make no more of my life than God wills it to be, but it is precisely those limitations, "my little plot of land" that ought to be my teacher and guide which leads my longings to the transcendant God "in whom I live and move and have my being."
This leads me now to consider my family; my beloved wife, and my son, and how this is "that plot of ground which is given me to till." As I quiet my heart, I find that if this is the plot God has assigned me, if all I do with my life is love my family, fulfill my commitments to my work, then I will find that secret joy with which Jesus lived and loved. I will close this entry with a quote from G.K. Chesterton's work Orthodoxy wherein he describes this secret of joy. "Joy, which was the small publicity of the pagan, is the gigantic secret of the Christian. And as I close this chaotic volume I open again the strange small book from which all Christianity came; and I am again haunted by a kind of confirmation. The tremendous figure which fills the Gospels towers in this respect, as in every other, above all the thinkers who ever thought themselves tall. His pathos was natural, almost casual. The Stoics, ancient and modern, were proud of concealing their tears. He never concealed His tears; He showed them plainly on His open face at any daily sight, such as the far sight of His native city. Yet He concealed something. Solemn supermen and imperial diplomatists are proud of restraining their anger. He never restrained His anger. He flung furniture down the front steps of the Temple, and asked men how they expected to escape the damnation of Hell. Yet He restrained something. I say it with reverence; there was in that shattering personality a thread that must be called shyness. There was something that He hid from all men when He went up a mountain to pray. There was something that He covered constantly by abrupt silence or impetuous isolation. There was some one thing that was too great for God to show us when He walked upon our earth; and I have sometimes fancied that it was His mirth."

On Becoming "Dad"

2007-03-06T22:25:00.000-08:00

Yes it is a strange thing indeed, more strange than being called "mister" for the first time, more strange than hearing someone say the two words "Anjuli" and "Paschall" together. It is a strange thing to look at the word "dad" as a referent to myself. Father doesn't quite sound right, it sounds like something on a government document or something people say at country clubs who have just finished Perrier and have a Ralph Lauren sweater wrapped around their necks (it makes me wonder why we call God "Father" but not "dad"). But "dad," it feels warm and strong, it is word so full of life and love. Now it refers to me... almost. Manoah is due in less than two days, and within the next week I will hold my precious little boy in my arms and experience a part of my heart that has been dormant since I was concieved. I will live and love in completely new ways... And it all feels curiously strange (kind of like altoids are 'curiously strong'). I am sitting next to my bride who is carrying my son and it feels beautiful. It's funny how the most natural thing in the world (child birth) feels so transcendant, unfamiliar, and almost unnatural. I could perhaps write a novel on my thoughts on the word "dad" but suffice it to say that it is a word, from the earliest stages of a childs life, that expresses his or her most fundamental connections, it is a word that changes very little from when you are two until you are seventy-two, it is a word whose meaning is utterly basic, which our very hearts cry out, by the Spirit "abba...dada...dad." Yes it is a strange and beautiful word.

Just Around the Corner...

2007-03-05T21:24:00.000-08:00

Shower Day!

2007-02-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

Surrounded by the dearest people in my life, I was given the greatest gifts of all...love. The women of the Maneevone family (Sara too!) gave me a fabulous baby shower. Let me just tell you that Manoah is already spoiled. Just as the shower began each women shared words of encouragement with me and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. I felt so encouraged and blessed! The greatest gift was the hand made soap that Mary Maertz (Wanida's mother-in-law) made for the shower. Sadly, after a long battle with cancer, Mary passed away on Wednesday. In the last week of her life she spent her time and creativity making the soap just for my shower. The kindness of her gift to me will forever bless me and those at the shower.

I went to the doctor last week and everything is going perfectly. Manoah is already getting in position. I am feeling great if being great means tired, swallon, and big all over is normal for being one month away from delivering a baby. Sam is away at Junior high winter camp this weekend so I am spending lots of time with friends and family (Jenni and Kenz- it was great seeing you!) I hope you enjoy the pictures. Thanks for reading and we'll keep updating :)

Love Anjuli and Sam.

2007-01-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

Could it really only be 42 days!

Last night surrounded by the Maneevone family we took bets on when Manoah will arrive. The deal was that whoever guessed the right date would be the first called when I actually go into labor. Dad Maneevone took Febuary 28 :) Well the past few weeks have been full of fun. Sam and I officially started our birthing classes and yes, I am am excellent at breathing! Those birthing vidoes are pretty intense, but Sam is amazing and calms my fears. Manoah is moving a lot and seems to really like Thai food. My wonderful friends also threw me a beautiful baby shower where I felt incredibly loved. And a tribute to mom- thanks for all your help with the nursery. She has been awesome- running around to different stores helping me pick out the perfect decorations for Manoah's room. Almost every night Sam and I just sit in silence in his little nursery... not because we are doing anything... but there is something amazing about just sitting in his room and feeling the great anticipation and joy that is in our hearts. Alls to say- we are excited! Sam is enjoying his work at Mission Hills as the Middle School Pastor (www.missionhillschurch.org) and I will be leaving my job at Paschall mechanical in a few weeks. We are blessed to be able to spend quality time together. I hope you enjoy the new pictures... my belly is sure getting big :)

Love, Anjuli and Sam.

So Why Manoah?

2007-01-16T15:33:00.000-08:00

Actually, once Sam and I decided that we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together we did what most young and in love couples do... started picking out baby names :) Sam suggested the name Manoah and I really liked it. Over the past few months Manoah seemed to keep coming up over and over again, so we made the forever long commitment: naming our little son Manoah.

Manoah means: Place of Rest. Honestly, who wouldn't want that for the meaning of their name. Manoah is also a character in the Bible. You can find him in the book of Judges chapter 13. He is the faithful and loving and prayerful father of Samson.

As for his middle name... it is to come.

The miracle!

2007-01-04T11:33:00.001-08:00

Hello!
The journey of pregnancy has been just that, a journey! I (Anjuli) have been pregnant since June 2006, meaning I am going into my eighth month of carrying our son. After being married for only eight months, I was given the exciting and surprising news that I was pregnent. I suppose the surprising aspect of it all was that Doctors have told me that conceiving a child would be difficult for me because of a medical condition that I have. Even after visiting my specialist early in pregnancy he said just that, " I don't know how you got pregnant! Someone must really want this child born because it is nearly impossible that you were able to conceive!" So with great anticipation Sam and I await Manoahs coming on March 9th, 2007 ... give or take a few weeks :)