We are back!

I was going to try to catch up from where we left off on the blog but I have determined a fresh start is in order. But to highlight some of the major events that have occurred since our last post 1/29/11 here is a list with pics.

• Lucas turned four and we had a great time at Disneyland
  

We have been able to get in a few SF Giants games. Let's go Giants, let's go Giants let's go!!!

Ella turned one and is now walking 3-4 steps at a time

• Jen turned 40 and we had a great 80's themed party in Aromas

• In August, we had a memorial for Pistachio at Long Lake

Fire Captain Bill Hopman Funeral

The northern Sierra town of Quincy, Ca lost one of their fireman on 1/11/11. Captain Bill Hopman died of a cardiac arrest following a structure fire in Quincy the following morning. Myself and three other North Tahoe fireman drove an engine over to the funeral. Chief Cassou, Chief Coleman and others did a great job with the services. Chief Coleman gave a "challenge coin" to Captain Hopman's son. It was a very powerful moment of the service as his son just joined the Quincy Fire Department as volunteer. It was an emotional day that I was able to share with my brothers.

In memory of our friend, Pistachio

Many of you have heard or received our card about our beloved Pistachio passing away on January 15, 2011. She was with us since she was a puppy for almost 15 years. Jen and I have her for almost as long as we have been married. I know a lot of you also had a special place for “Stachi” in your heart. Thanks for loving her as much as we did. She had a lot of friends (human and animal) that will miss her.

She was a loyal dog and never ran away. There was one time we were on a camping trip in Tahoe she ran off with her “husband” Sunny. She came back the next morning with Sunny in tow. I am convinced she left with him just to watch out for him and get him home.

Sunny and Stachi shared a great bond since they were very young. Sunny was a super swimmer and Stachi just liked to wade. Sunny loved to chase sticks, Stachi just liked to chew on them. They were a great match.

We shared so many good memories with her including swimming with her in Long Lake and great runs over San Gorgonio, Sierra, and Lakes Basin trails. Whenever we were camping, she would always sit behind us at the campfire and watch the darkness for any danger.

We are planning on a trip to the Lakes Basin this summer to spread her ashes over “her” lakes. This is the same place we spread Sunny’s ashes in 2009.

Whenever she was frisky, she would shake her head fast or roll around on the grass. She loved our lawn in Graeagle and she loved our kids. She was so good with Lucas.

She will be missed. Her death was a tough thing to explain to Lucas but I think we did the best we could. The pain of losing her is making Jen and I second-guess another pet for a while. Can we bear another dog for Luc and Ella’s childhood? I do not know how long we can hold out.......

Christmas in San Ramon

Working as a fireman is the best job in the world to me. It does have its downsides like missing holidays due to our shift schedule. We had our Christmas on 12/26 this year. I know it is only a date but 12/25 is Christmas in my mind. We still had a great time and it was Ella's first Christmas!

I hope that Christmas can always be about Jesus Christ in our house, as He is the reason for the season! I struggle with the material aspect of the Christmas holiday. On the other hand, I totally appreciate the generosity of our friends and family. It is such a blessing that so many think of us at Christmas.

Open the presents!!!!Get the paper!!!!!Agro.....

Jen and her culinary talents shined as usual on Christmas with breakfast and dinner.

Christmas in Aromas

Jen, Luc, and Ella enjoyed Christmas with the McGowan's and Young's. A good time was had by all. I really missed everyone on Christmas as I had to do my turn being on shift. Time with family can't be beat....

Another cute picture of my daughter, Ella

Where are the cookies?

Thank you Auntie Carol and Uncle Kevin for hosting a great Christmas.

Luc sure does love his cousins!

Sometimes a box or a kitty.....can be the best gift

Nice table! and family!

Lucas Christmas Musical

Luc had his Christmas music recital at preschool last week. He did a great job.

We also want to wish each and every one of you a merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Law and Order

Had my first ever court appearance recently at the Portola courthouse. I was forced to file a small claims process against an old tenant of ours. Pretty eye-opening experience. The forms and filing dates went pretty well. But when the court date finally arrived I had no idea what to really expect. Well as it turns out the defendant was a no-show. So there I was thinking this is a slam dunk. Bad idea. The judge opened the court room in typical formal court room fashion. I then had to plead my case for about thirty minutes. In the end my evidence was challenged but accepted by the judge. I was awarded summary judgement on the case for everything I requested. In a strange way I actually enjoyed the challenge of the process. Now comes the interesting part of receiving any payment from the defendant.

Ella Grace Dedication to the Lord!

New Life Church is an important part of our life and our Pastor, Kevin Noonan and the Congregation helped us to dedicate Ella to the Lord this month. Unlike Baptism, a child dedication puts ownership on Jen and I to lift Ella up to God and to be role models in our commitment to Him. We feel like this is the right step for her future.

After the Dedication and Sunday services we had a great day with family and Jen made a great tapas style lunch. It was great to see all of the family and share Ella's special day with them.

Santa!

Jen, Luc, and Ella went to the Livery in Danville for a Santa picture and visit. The Santa at the Livery is pretty good, not creepy. It is funny how some Santas are downright creepy from the smell to their raspy voice. I know. I get it. Alright I will schedule another therapy visit this month.....

Oh sorry, wrong picture here is the right one. Much less creepy!

Here is our local Christmas tree.

Cute kids...

Thanksgiving/Christmas tree cutting

We are extremely thankful this year for all that we have been through with Ella's delivery. The Lord has provided and continues to provide so much to us everyday.

Here is a great picture of the four generations of Matlock/Harper women.

Uncle Kevin stepped up as usual in the kitchen. Thanks Kev and Carol for opening your home up to us!

We have a tradition of getting our tree the day after Thanksgiving. For the last two years we have headed up to Santa Cruz mountains to Crest Ranch. It is a great spot, is sustainable, and usually a little stormy. We get our tree and have some hot cocoa to add to the fun. Nana, Kevin, Katie, and Heather all joined us this year.