Kitchen Transformation

We are so thankful that, because of Chris' job in new construction real estate, he is able to get good deals on things for our home. That, coupled with a good tax refund, allowed us to redo the kitchen in our 11+ year old home. The hickory cabinets were in great shape, so we just did counters and appliances.

One of the things we were the most excited about was God's timing in the whole thing. We had been praying about the kitchen remodel for a while and the Lord's timing couldn't have been more perfect! Just as we were getting ready to pull apart our kitchen, our church is putting together the kitchen in the college ministry house. They were able to use our sink, dishwasher and microwave. We were able to donate the oven and range to Habitat for Humanity. We were so happy...about the whole thing.

FISHing and Skating

The blessing of being able to stay home provides opportunities to do a preschool co-op for Abigail and spend special time with her when we are not "busy" and Isaac is still in school.

For "R" week at preschool we took a field trip to the radio station, 104.1 the FISH. It was really fun for the kids to see how things work, meet the DJ and listen to him on the way home. Truly, computers are less interesting to see than a room full of tapes, records or CDs like we would have seen in years past, but it was fun to see how the computer recorded, manipulated and played back their voices from an interview the DJ had with each of them. (Isaac was able to go because we went on a school holiday). :)

Isaac said his favorite song is "Anything they play on the FISH." Ready for politics???

 Aunt Christina treated Abigail to a skating pass. She was surprised that she couldn't simply step on the ice to do spins and jumps, but she did learn quickly. After several times around the edge, holding hands, she braved going to the middle and even let go a few times. I was so proud of her. I know these years will fly by, so I try to be purposeful to live in these special moments.

She wants to skate like Tinkerbell and Periwinkle did in Secret of the Wings

Happy Valentine's Day!

We printed up 300+ cards, attached a Tootsie Pop and passed them out at the Portland Rescue Mission on Valentine's day after serving dinner there. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband and dear friends who are willing to set aside self and spend the day serving others. It was much more of a joy for me than flowers, candy or a fancy evening out. It was one of my very favorite Valentine's Day (special thanks to Gamma who served also by babysitting our kids for the evening).

Part of Isaac's Valentines that he passed out to the staff at school...looking for ways to be salt and light

My "Brave" Abigail turns 5!

All the girls followed the "wisps" to the party

 Abigail changes with the times and wanted a Brave party because "Merida is the newest princess." It was too bad for me because I planned her Rapunzel party a long time ago...I hadn't purchased anything for it yet, so I did put together a party for her that included all the key elements from the Movie (except for a really scary bear that would have given all the girls nightmares). :)

Each girl sported Merida hair

See the "tapestries" they made?

Party favors

"I'll be shootin' for me own hand..."

First ever store cake...and mommy-made "bear paw" cupcakes

All the girls got curly red "Merdia hair"

Gamma getting in on the archery

Such a fun time!

Happy 2013

So I finally ran out of space on our old blog, so here goes the Koren Fam Blog 2

Dancing and singing

"Snow White" come to celebrate Emily's 5th birthday

In attempt to catch up, Here are random pics from the month of January.

Moving party for the Benintendi Family

The Hawaiians has no idea what they are in for...

Some princess time together before the big move