A Reminder this Christmas

Whoa...........did this email I received from a friend tell me exactly what I needed to hear! Thought it might be a helpful reminder to us all.



His bright blue eyes were very round and sparkling. Christmas was coming! But with it's coming, everything seemed to change. The orderly, peaceful daily living in the home ceased; afternoon naps became irregular as the household buzzed with cookie making, housecleaning, shopping trips, and parcel wrapping. Mother had little time for her blue eyed boy and was often impatient with him. There was practicing on this song and drilling on that "piece". There were parties, entertainments, a Santa Claus who dispensed gifts to "good little children", and late hours to bed. When Christmas night arrived, there was an overstimulated, weary, confused little boy, whose blue eyed sparkle had disappeared. Is this Christmas? Is this what we covet for our children at Christmas Time?
Too often the picture described above is true to our observances in our homes, schools, and churches. The little child's Christmas experience should be of entirely different character. It should be simple and unhurried. He should have an opportunity to share something that is really his own to give and to think of the happiness of others, as well as his own desires. Times of quiet when his father or mother read to him the Christmas stories, chances to listen to beautiful Christmas music and to sing about Christmas and the Christ Child, will all nurture the child's spirit and make Christmas a holy time for him.

God makes my way perfect

Hi all.............had a bit of a challenging day today and I had to share a verse that I coincidentally ran across. Isn't it amazing how the Lord knows exactly what you need in so many ways? Even when it comes to reading his Word. Thought some of you might need a reminder that he will always be the one to get you through this journey.

"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalms 18:28-32

A Time for Thanksgiving

I just wanted to share with you all how thankful I am feeling right now to be blessed with my beautiful family and friends. I've been reviewing a friends blog, who recently lost their baby girl, and I feel such a sorrow for them. It sometimes just doesn't seem right that it takes us getting on our knees, usually through trials, to see the Lord the most. Though it is so true and that being the case.....I am so thankful for my healthy little boy and girl and for the joy I get from them everyday. I am thankful that Tyler stops whatever he is doing at least 10 times a day to say, "I love you Mama" and I am thankful that Shelby only wants ME! :)

Jason came home from work last night and shared with me his experience at the fire the night before. I always just thought the Lord would protect him and bring him home to us every morning. I found peace by consistently reminded myself of my favorite verse, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" Phil 4:6. However, this time he shared that there were times when it was like a blanket of flames was over him and how when the engine went to leave, the gate had shut on them. The smoke was just like fog and the embers felt like hail (all words from his mouth). As they waited for the rookie to jump out of the engine to open the gate, the guys in the fire engine behind them were blaring their horns not knowing what was happening. I have to say that I am often guilty of saying he has such a great job.....good meals, paddle tennis, exercise time, etc., but this does help me appreciate why he does what he does. So, I am thankful for my husband and most importantly, that I have a Savior that has blessed me with all of them.

In addition, during this time of Thanksgiving, I am thanking Jesus for each and every one of you that is just the perfect addition to our lives. May you also feel blessed by this journey that he has planned for you.

Our Fall Adventures

Hi All! Yes..........we are back from our 2 week trip, but more about that later! I feel like I need to fill you in on our Fall Happenings. We had so much fun going to the pumpkin patch with the Brown Family. We all rode the Fillmore train to the patch where we got to jump in the bounce houses, ride the carousel, and of course, pick out a pumpkin. Don't you all just love the Fall Season? There's just something about the smells and chill in the air. We finally have received some chillier weather so we can get in the fall groove.

Now on to our trip.....we left on 10/21 for New York City. I love that place! There is just something about the pace, stylishness, and attitude that is so much fun! We spent 2 days walking the streets and we were faster walkers than most of those business people and we had two strollers! We were awesome. Ty loved riding the subways everywhere. He was in awe of it all. We decided to do all the fun kid stuff we could. So, we started by visiting the M&M & Hershey factory. I'd say that was fun stuff! We then headed to FAO Schwartz for some play time in the biggest Toy Store in the country. Wow! So fun! We had prebooked a reservation to have the famous "Frozen Hot Chocolate" at Serendipity that night. Definitely a place with a New York attitude, but that was half the fun! It was so yummy! We were then off that day to ride the carousel in Central Park.

The next day began visiting the biggest Toys R Us in the World. We actually rode a full size Ferris Wheel inside the store! Ty wanted to sit in the yellow construction truck, but instead they gave us Buzz Lightyear. I'd say he had fun anyway. We were then off to the Zoo inside Central Park. By the way, I'm not saying much about Shelby because she pretty much just took it all in and enjoyed watching us have fun. What a giver she is. :)

That evening we were off to begin our 9 day cruise from New York to Barbados. Of course the first thing Ty wanted to do was go swimming, so we did. He pretty much did just that all week long! He did visit the Kids Center a couple of times and learned how to play the Wii Entertainment System. New to all of us! It was hilarious watching him play! We had visited some great islands and pretty much just did beach stuff. A lot of sand and swimming. The kids could not have been better and everyone on the ship oogled over them. Especially the workers. They were very spoiled. Shelby has decided she loves sleeping on lounge chairs and eating sand!

On Halloween, the kids center painted Tyler's face to look like Spider man and they walked around the ship gathering candy from the stores. It took us 5 days to get all that red paint off! So cute, though.

After disembarking in Barbados we stayed at a hotel for 3 nights. Shelby ended up getting sick, but we visited the Dr and he gave her some antibiotics and she was on the road to recovery the next day. Tyler met a cute little boy named Damion to play with. They had so much fun swimming and playing on the beach.

Make sure and check out the slide show of our adventures on the blog. :)

We missed you all and are glad to be back in the swing of our life. Vacation is great, but not communicating with all of you is lonely. Can't wait to see a lot of you during this season! Love to all! The Bunn's

Update on the Bunn's

Hi All, it's been a while since our last update.......the fun (chaos) has begun. :) We asked Tyler what he enjoyed the most, cubbies, preschool, or MOPS. He immediately said Preschool. We are so thankful that he loves his teacher, Miss Toni, and being with his buddy Nate. He learns a new letter every week. He brought home an Elephant craft for the letter "E" this week. So cute!

Shelby is full of it. Almost ready to crawl and loves to eat! We went to IHOP the other night and she, seriously, ate half of my dinner! Has anyone had to buy a full meal for a 9 month old??!! She cracks us up.

I'm off to the MOPS conference this week and will be leaving Jason and his parents in charge of the two kiddos. I'm sure I will have some interesting posting to do after that!! :)

Jason and I have started the Dave Ramsey FPU program. It is extremely challenging on your personal growth! It will be a blessing, but it definitely makes you reevaluate your priorities.

Hope you are all well. Oh.......these adorable pics are of Grammie and the kids bath in the sink. Only a Grandma would attempt to do a double bath in the kitchen sink. That's why they love her so. :) Love to all!

Family Fun

Getting Ready for the Fall

Hi All! Here's a quick update on our little Fam. Ty is still loving Preschool and that helps Mama not feel guilty about enjoying some Shelby & Mama time. Jason and I celebrated our 11th Wedding Anniversary! Yeah! We went out for dinner and to a concert, Gary Allan & Diamond Rio. It was just like old times. :)

This will be our last week of peacefulness before MOPS, Awanas, and a few other ministries that we are going to be involved in start up. So excited, though! We've kind of been on a hiatus since Shelby girl has been born So, we are ready to get back involved.

We are looking forward to a visit from Airplane Papa & Grandma in September and we are ready for Chitty Chitty Papa and Grammie to move down the street for the season.

So many fun times ahead for the Bunn's. Maybe we will see some of you too!!! Love to all. Melanie

1st Day of Preschool

Thought we would share our pics of Tyler's first day of Preschool. He barely even said goodbye to me! He was so excited. When I picked him up he was actually upset. :( I'm not sure if that is good or bad. Today he learned the letter "A" and that God makes "Animals". So cute!

Is Summer Really Over???!!

I don't know if you all feel this way, but WOW summer flew by! I feel like Ty just started Summer Camp and now is already starting Preschool.

We had a wonderful summer. We spent a great week with my best friends, Carli, Jenni, Shaila, and our 11 kids. Yes, 11!! It was so awesome! We went to Channel Islands for a great beach day and to the indoor playground, Scooter's Jungle, for an exhausting action packed time. Zach, do we need to buy you a new hat???! Thanks for the memories guys.

We then proceeded to go to Hume Lake with the Lucas Clan for another fabulous trip. As soon as you start driving up this hill the Hume, it's like you are in Heaven. You seriously just feel the Lords presence. It's unexplainable. If you've never been, you must. Next year we are going for way longer!

Jason got a last minute opportunity to go to Cozumel with his friend, Peter, this past week. He had a great time. I have to admit I was a little jealous, but he needs some adult time too. :) Fortunately, my sister, Carrie, was able to hang with us and give me two extra hands to handle these munchkins.

So, here we are.......ready to begin our fall happenings. I will, once again, be a MOPS table leader this year. I can't wait to find out who my girls are and begin that fabulous ministry. Tyler begins preschool on Monday, he will be going twice a week. He continues to crack us up with his cute sayings. Shelby has 3 teeth, working on 4 and will probable be crawling by the end of the week.

She's a bundle of feistiness & love.

Love to you all and hope you had a great summer too! Melanie

Bye....Bye Paci

The day finally came to say goodbye to Tyler's beloved Paci. As most of you know his "B" and "Paci" are his two favorite things to cuddle with. I began asking him if he was ready to give it to the trash truck so they can give his paci's to other little boys. Well, on Thursday, he said he was ready. Thank goodness, that was trash day!! Yeah. So we made a great celebration out of it!

One of the Paci's & Waiting for the truck

Such a Big Boy! Bye! Bye!

Hurray! & Fire Trucks & Trash Trucks, I'm so lucky!

Reality did sit in a little bit last night, but tonight was better. I'm actually torn about giving it up because it is just one more reminder that he is getting bigger. :( But, I'm such a proud Mama!

Our Shelby Girl

First Day of Summer Camp & other fun times......

Hi All, Tyler started Summer Camp last week! What a big boy he is becoming. He said, "Mama, I'm not going to cry because I'm a big boy now. I'm growing up." Oh, he knows just what to say to bring me to tears! He had a great time and brings home fun crafts for Mama and Daddy every day!


We also have added a few recent pics of the kiddos. Ty even took some all by himself. :)

Is it really the middle of June??!!!

Wow, I've slacked a little on posting. I guess life happens. :) The Bunn house is a little messy right now. Literally! We've begun the process of putting wood floors in on the whole downstairs. We are doing it all ourselves, so it's tedious! However, we just finished the kitchen & family room, so the end is in sight!

Jason is now healed, for the most part, and back at work. We were able to have some really great family time despite him being injured. We made a little trip to enjoy some fresh air in Fish Camp with my parents in April and visited Grandma Rachel & Jim and went to the air & train show in May. Then at the end of May we went on a little vacation with Grandma & Papa Williamson in Newport Beach. Such a great relaxing time!

The kids are good. Ty starts his first Summer Camp this coming Monday. I think he's excited, but I'm still trying to convince him that it is okay that Mama & Daddy won't be staying. :) We had a picnic at the park he will be at to familiarize him with it. It made him even more excited!

Shelby is changing every day! I can tell she has Ty's feisty attitude. She screams at us in between spoonfuls of food. We can't get it in fast enough. She's not a good sleeper, though! I guess she just has too much to see and do.

We are anxious for a fun summer in the pools and being with friends. Hope you are too! Melanie

Happy May!

Happy May!! Can you all believe summer is here?? It's amazing to me that our little Shelby is now 4 months old. The 3 of us all gathered around her this morning as she took her first bites of cereal. We were way more excited than she was! Really no big deal to her. :)

Jason is finally healing! He will be returning to work on "light duty" starting Monday. I'm going to need some major adjusting now that he won't be home everyday. Wow, that was sure nice. :)

Tyler is as funny as ever. He loves bugs! Any rolly polly or lady bug he finds just brightens his day. His Aunt Jeanette gave him a glass lady bug. We have made him a cute little bed with a blanket and all.

We have a big weekend planned....trip to Grandma Rachel's, an airshow, and a train show. So, check the blog next week to for more updates. :) Melanie

Our Spring has begun....

We were able to head south to Newport Beach this past weekend. We had a great time staying at the Marriott Newport Coast Villas. Highly recommend it! Grammie & Papa had a convention to go to, so we crashed their condo. We had fun eating ice cream, going in the jacuzzi, playing at the sandbox (at the hotel), and just hangin' out as a family. Shelby felt sand for the first time and Ty found a Hermit crab!

The Last Day of March

Hi all, I just had to share our little Shelby and her addiction to TV! Especially CMT (Country Music Videos). Very funny. We were actually at my sisters yesterday and when someone moved her to where she couldn't see the TV, she started fussing. So funny!

Also, Tyler became a little artist, with Daddy's help. I went to the gym and found a cute Play-Doh surprise when I returned. It's a picture of me holding iced tea in one hand and a plate of cookies in the other. He must have seen my dreams. :)

Well, I've succomed to the peer pressure of building a Blog for our little family. I am so glad I did! This is so fun. Especially since so many of our loved ones are not with us on a daily basis. Maybe this will inspire all of you to create a special place to share your memories, dreams, triumphs, and struggles, with those you love.

Since I'm a little late in starting this in 2008. I'll do a quick update on the 4 Bunns. Well, on January 1st, there were 3 of us, on January 2nd, it became 4. Our little "Shelbster", as Daddy calls her, arrived to bless our life. She is nothing but smiles and cuddles. The best baby! God knew exactly what we needed. Tyler often says, "Mama, I love Shelby so much!". We all do.

Tyler turned 3 on January 29th. He's a ball of fire and a loving boy all wrapped into one. I'm sure any of you that has had a 3 year old understand. :) He makes us laugh and cry at times and we wouldn't change him for anything. He's started his first semester of soccer. Sometimes he loves it and sometimes he says he's "just too tired". He spends a lot of his time playing with his friends and choo-choo trains. We try and burn as much energy as we can on a daily basis.

Jason has, unfortunately, separated his shoulder and isn't his active self right now. He's trying to remember that this too shall pass. In January he changed fire stations. He is now at station 91, in Sylmar. Only 15 minutes from home and definitely slower at night. We are all happy about that. He will probable be off work another 3 weeks, but is anxious to get back.

I'm busy being a nurse at the moment. To Tyler, who has a cold, to Jason and, of course, being pretty much everything to Shelby. I love being there for them. Other than that, I'm loving being a Table Leader at our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at Grace. It's a great outlet for me and has allowed me to meet some great new friends.

We feel very thankful by all the blessings the Lord has given us and we are excited to see what else 2008 holds. I'm excited to share it with y'all too. Love, The 2nd Bunn