Mathis Family

Creation and Redemption

2008-06-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Great was the work of creation, but greater was the work of redemption. So the glory of the redemption was greater than the glory of the creation. Great wisdom was seen in making us, but more miraculous wisdom in saving us. Great power was seen in bringing us out of nothing, but greater power in helping us when we were worse than nothing. It cost more to redeem than to create us. In creation it was but speaking a word; in redeeming there was shedding of blood. Creation was the work of Gods finger, redemption was the work of his arm. In creation, God gave us ourselves; in the redemption, he gave us himself. By creation, we have life in Adam; by redemption, we have life in Christ. By creation, we had a right to an earthly paradise; by redemption, we have a title to a heavenly kingdom.
Thomas Watson

One Year Pictures

2008-06-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Graduation Time

2008-06-18T09:49:00.000-07:00

We were able to attend Hesperia’s graduation this year. It was a great time as about a dozen students that we knew graduated. We went to see a few of our leaders graduate but were shocked as several of the graduating students were in Junior High at one time.

Vacation, Planting and HEAT

2008-06-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Addy Dances to LeeLand

2008-06-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Adalyn's 1st Birthday

2008-05-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

Jacquie slaved over a hot oven all day making 75 cup cakes, but the hard work paid off as you can see.

Addy hanging out with His grandpa and aunt as we get ready for some food.

Adalyn taking a rest in grandma's lap

Addy downed one of her cup cakes with some help from me, her dad.

The weather was nasty but we had a rain free moment to send the kids out for an Easter egg hunt. We were sure to send all of Addy's friends home with a sugar high hidden in eggs.

Adalyn's 1st Birthday

2008-05-25T17:30:00.000-07:00

Addy spent sometime entertaining her GREAT grandparents.

Adalyn blowing out her very first candle.

Solo in Missouri

2008-03-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to return to Missouri to share with a group of teenagers and visit some friends that recently left California. I was able to spend a few days with Cliff who pastors a church in the Ozarks and then spend a few days with Tom who pastors a church in Springfield. I had a great time and enjoyed teaching Toms morning services that Sunday. It was my first solo trip which took some getting used to. I missed Jacquie and the “GREAT WHITE CHUNK” but the time was fruitful.

Bowling

2008-02-24T18:20:00.001-08:00

We had a blast this weekend as we took over the bowling alley. There were about 45 of us bowling it up at Victor Bowl. The youth had a great time showing off their bowling skills. Adalyn even got in the bowling action rolling a few balls down the gutter.

Youth Workers Conference

2008-02-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

We were able to take a big group of leaders to this years conference. It was a blast staying up late, eating together and hanging out at the local mall. The teachings and workshops were very informative and encouraging this year. The guys would spend every evening in the hot tub, but those pictures would be very disturbing so here are some other pictures from the conference.

Jacquie and Sonya stopped their shopping to pose for a picture.

Jason is showing off his "CASH MONEY SHOES" in front of Casey's stock Toyota rims. We turned our back on him in the mall and he came out with those shoes on.

Vacation, Painting, Lighting

2008-01-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

I took a week off work to do some needed home improvements. Jacquie and I hung out while we painted the inside of the house our brand new “grown up colors.” I also added some new lighting in the fish tank room with the help of my good friend Jason. Adalyn loved watching the work get done and trying to get into things. We finished up our week with a trip to Disneyland and a birthday party for Sarah Myers.

Christmas with Addy

2007-12-31T18:07:00.001-08:00

Christmas Family

2007-12-31T18:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas Family

2007-12-31T17:54:00.001-08:00

Christmas Time With Friends

2007-12-31T17:46:00.000-08:00

Wedding Time

2007-12-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Wedding bells were ringing at the beach this weekend as Ben and Jody exchanged wedding vows. It was a time of celebration as you can see Jacquie rocking out on Alex’s guitar.

Leaders Christmas Dinner

2007-12-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

Every year all the youth leaders get together for a Christmas party and gift exchange. The Griggs have opened their home to us the last couple of years which provides a great atmosphere for us to fellowship and hang out. There were several leaders that were missed this year but the overall night was great.

Jacquie showed off her pearly whites before we started the gift exchange and several rounds of gift stealing. Jacquie and I teamed up and went home with some great $10 gifts.

Sarah Myers was our master drink mixer this year. She was making Italian cream sodas for everyone as they came in the door. She provided a dozen different flavors and knew just the right mixture for a perfect cream soda.

Ben’s Bachelor Party

2007-12-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

Ice Blocking

2007-12-11T10:43:00.000-08:00

Ice blocking is also known as desert sledding. We purchased blocks of ice from the store then sit on the ice while sliding down a grassy hill. It’s cheap fun entertainment that can easily keep teenagers occupied for hours and forgetful that it’s freezing and windy outside. After ice blocking we went to Jesse and Missy’s house for hot chocolate and fellowship.

Jesse and Gabe racing head first down the grassy slope competing for the fastest leader title that Jesse held since last year. Gabe was able to usurp Jesse this year and take over the title of fastest leader.

My brother Vincent getting his ice out of the bag with his rubber gloves on. Mom, buy him a pair of snow gloves for Christmas or a toilet brush.

Bubble Gum

2007-12-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

Chrismas time at Disneyland

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

We needed to get Ben and Jody back down to Disneyland so they can get their monies worth out of their passes. We meet up with Casey and Lisa and brought Sara along with us for a day of fun and rides. Everyone enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations and fireworks that night.

Chrismas time at Disneyland

2007-12-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

Jody, Jacquie and Sarah make a funny face for the camera with their special 3D glasses on.

Lisa is showing off their youngest son Jimmy Carters diaper blow out while she smiles for the camera. I was smiling because I didn't have to change it.

A picture to gross all of you non smokers out you can see the pillar of smoke that hovers over the smoking section in the park. It was disgusting to walk around the corner and see that the smokers shaded from the sun by their own cigarettes. I think I had nicotine withdraw later that night because of it.

Ben and Jody

2007-11-30T15:33:00.000-08:00

Ben is back in town from Africa and he didn’t come alone. Ben and I have been friends since our preteen years and have grown up together. He left for Africa to do missionary work two years ago. While out in Africa he found his wife to be Jody. The both of them came back to the states to get married and then return to Africa for another two years. Jody had never been to Disneyland so we piled into the Avalon and headed down to the Magical Kingdom.

Ben and Jody

2007-11-30T15:30:00.001-08:00

We were able to get on a lot of rides and I was sure to have my camera ready to take pictures of the pictures when we got off. The cheapest way to get a picture of you on the ride is to bring your own camera and take a picture of the picture Disneyland take of you.

Desert Detour

2007-10-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go and share at a camp in Newberry Springs this last weekend. Brenton and I hopped on the freeway and listened to the “faithful” GPS navigate us to our destination. Our GPS navigator, Rhonda was not so faithful on this trip. We followed her every move until we found ourselves stuck in the middle of the desert 20 minutes off course and no one with in a three mile radius. The camp was on a dirt road, but not the one we were on because the address hadn’t been updated with GPS or MapQuest. You might ask, were you afraid? No, it was the third time that Brenton and I were stuck in the desert together. We had a great time laughing and catching up on lost time for almost two hours before we were recovered.

Stuck in the desert

2007-10-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

Brenton feeding Addalyn

2007-10-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over the other night to hang out. Jacquie got a break from feeding Adalyn dinner because our friend Brenton stepped up to help out.

California on fire!!

2007-10-28T18:43:00.000-07:00

Picture of the smoke from the fire coming off the mountian.

Adalyn at Disneyland

2007-10-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

This is the picture of a determined, protective, wonderful, amazing mom guiding her child into "the happiest place on earth"

We meet up with the Kendal family in the park and spent the day with them as they celebrated their son Caden’s birthday.

Adalyn at Disneyland

2007-10-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

Adalyn’s on her first Disneyland ride, Finding Nemo. I remember going on this ride my first time at Disneyland. I was a little older then Adalyn I think I was eight. She loved the ride. I was suprised the she would be so interested the entire time.

It isn't a trip to Disneyland without a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean. You can see from the next picture that Adalyn wasn't sure what to think on the first drop.

Jacquie and Emma smiling for the camera while we were waiting in line.

Adalyn at Disneyland

2007-10-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

Adalyn fought off sleep all day, but sleep finally won the battle. I was able to do my fatherly duties and push my daughter out of the park while she sleeps in her girly pink stroller.

Dennis is 56

2007-10-19T11:11:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of Dennis' birthday party that the staff put on for him. Dennis turned 56 years old this year and also became a grandpa for the first time.

Jessie Lepe hanging out with his son.

Christopher and his wife Christina waiting with the rest of us for some FOOD.

Quince Anos Celebration

2007-10-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Reyna a high schooler from the church invited us to her birthday party this weekend. It was our first quinceanera in the history or our white existence. There was live music, food, dancing and lower riders.

Reyna dancing with her dad.

Church Picnic

2007-10-07T21:59:00.001-07:00

Junior High Outreach

2007-10-06T12:57:00.001-07:00

Justin and Gregory enjoying the food at the outreach.

Junior High Outreach

2007-10-05T23:09:00.001-07:00

We had a junior high outreach at the church tonight. The youth were encouraged to invite friends from school and their neighborhood. We had 90 kids show up and many made professions of faith.

Addy sleeps while we party

2007-10-01T07:53:00.001-07:00

Jacquie got her grove on at Emily Dauk's birthday party while I sat around taking pictures. Adalyn stayed with grandma were she crashed out on the floor.

Adalyn and Silas

2007-09-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Adalyn has a friend named Silas that she plays with from time to time.

Friday Morning Starbucks

2007-09-22T19:20:00.001-07:00

Every Friday morning a group of us guys meet at the local Starbucks for coffee and conversation.

Bath Time With Baby

2007-09-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Adalyn loves bath time! She will splash in there for hours
if we let her!! Its a bonus for Jacquie because she loves a
sqeaky clean baby. This day was Adalyn's 6 month 1/2 birthday!
We took her to get her pictures taken.

Disney Dog Fight

2007-09-19T13:17:00.001-07:00

Jacquie and I may want to rethink taking Adalyn to Disneyland next month.

Good News Club

2007-09-18T17:04:00.001-07:00

Every Tuesday,Jesse Hudson, Jessie Lepe and I meet Gail Olsen at Ranchero Junior High for a after school Bible study. Here are some pictures of Gail teaching the memory verse and Jesse leading worship. If you look at the white board you can see that it is full of a bunch of Islamic history. I thought it looked very politically correct.

Back to Disneyland

2007-09-12T21:50:00.001-07:00

Jacquie and I went to Disneyland for the first time in year. We enjoyed hanging out together in and empty park.

This is the new Finding Nemo ride. We actually waited to go on this ride. It definately brought back memories of my childhood.

Coming down the drop on splash mountian. Didn't you always wonder what it looked like??

Brandyn and Hannah's Wedding

2007-09-12T12:17:00.000-07:00

Jacquie and I spent a few days without Adalyn in Laguna Beach for a wedding.

Jacquie and her dad Dennis smiling for the camera

Lisa and Casey enjoying an evening without four of their five children.

Brandyn and Hannah's Wedding

2007-09-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Gilbert and Casey talking at the wedding most likely about the Angels

Jacquie and her good friend sara showing off their smiles

Adalyn

2007-09-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

It's a cute look now! Not going to be cute at 13

Harvest Crusade 07

2007-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

This years Harvest Crusade was great. Over 102,000 people attended and 9,500+ people made professions of faith. This was Adalyn's first Harvest Crusade. She enjoyed sleeping through P.O.D and listening to Greg’s messages.

Way past her bedtime while witnessing at the block

Waiting for the crusade to start and get her ear plugs in.

Missouri

2007-08-12T11:40:00.000-07:00

Time to get in the batting cages in Missori. Jacquie took a few swings in the slow pitch side of the cages.

I hit a few fast pitch balls. I think they were pitching them aroud 124 MPH.

The Humpherys always come out to California, so we wanted to visit them in their home town. We eat dinner together and then went to their church and house.

2007-08-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity this summer to go to Missouri to visit friends and teach a youth camp. It was a time of firsts for Adalyn during this trip. She took her first plane ride and her first firework show put on by dad and Cliff.

Adalyn waiting in the terminal and on the plane.

Here we are lighting fireworks off the back patio of Cliff's house. We played with fire for a good hour that night. Jacquie and Adalyn watched as we put on a show.

Beach Trip

2007-05-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

Every year we go with the youth leaders to the beach to relax and hang out. We had a group of about 30 people go with us to crash the beach. It was Adalyns first trip to the beach with all her friends.

Adalyn is ready for the beach with her shades on.

Alfred and Casey went on a little jog but worked up a big sweat

Birth of Adalyn

2007-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

We walked in the hospital at 6:00am March 13th, 2007 and had Adalyn at 5:13pm that same day. It was amazing to know after nine months of waiting it was time. We were going to be blessed with a little girl to train up in the truth of Gods Word and equip her to someday face this world by herself.

Birth of Adalyn

2007-03-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Lets walk that baby out.

Wow, after all the months wondering what she looks like I finally got to see her.

Birth of Adalyn

2007-03-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Little Adalyn in the arms of her wonderful mommy.

Two brand new happy and young grandmas checking out their freshly delivered granddaughter.

Grandpa holding his granddaugther for the first time.

Kay our friend and nurse that helped us significantly with the pregnancy

Birth of Adalyn

2007-03-13T05:31:00.000-07:00

2007-01-04T13:18:00.000-08:00

I remember the stress of trying to find a home. Jacquie and I had been married for almost a year when we started house hunting. We watched the housing market take off and prices climb thousands of dollars a week. It was getting harder and harder to find houses in our price range but the Lord was faithful. In March of 2003, we moved into our first home and ever since then it has been one project after another. (This is a picture of what the house looked like the day we got the keys.)

Inspection Day

2007-01-03T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of the house from the day of our inspection. From the pictures you can tell that the house needed some work It had old carpet, old light fixtures, old hardware, old windows, old paint, old popcorn ceilings....I think you get the idea.

Before and After

2007-01-03T01:10:00.000-08:00

The Kitchen

2007-01-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

This was the kitchen prior to us moving in. It was a little cluttered and we were going more for the "clean" look.

All the countertops are gone and the cabinets are now a fresh clean white. The new sink is that “big thing” next to the red cup

The concrete was poured in place and finished in place. This is a picture of the countertop six hours after it was poured.

This is a shot of the countertop after hours of polishing and cleaning. The backsplash is beveled clear pine that my dad donated to the project.