Issue 8

JESS & AARON Issue 8 / July 2021

Purpose Hello! The purpose of this magazine is to let you know what we have been up to and to share about how God has been working in our lives.

Enjoy the photos and stories, and we hope to see you soon!

Contents 1

Lee Update

3

Things We Learned

5

We Bought a House

9

Aaron’s Happenings

11

Jess’ Happenings

13

Linus’ Happenings

15

Ark’s Happenings

17

Family and Friends

19

Goals for Next Year

Aaron

Jess

Linus

Ark

35

31

26 months

15 months

Blue button up, Mickey Mouse tee, black pants, brown shoes, mauve hat

Jumpsuit, mauve slides

Neutral tee, shorts

Neutral tee, shorts

Olivia Rodrigo

Hailee Steinfeld

The Wiggles The Wiggles Toot Toot, Chugga Do the Propeller Chugga, Big Red Car

Community

Marvel movies

Blippi

Cocomelon

House

House

House

House

Favorite restaurant tried

Orobae

Vitacane

-

-

Favorite Disneyland ride

It’s a Small World

It’s a Small World

Autopia

Casey Jr. Circus Train

Addicted to

Speculoos cookie butter

Reconciling our Garage doors financial accounts

Steering wheels

Brown sugar black milk tea

Osmanthus oolong tea

Water

Age Daily outfit

Music on repeat

Show of the year Favorite purchase

Favorite drink

1

Acai juice

2

2

THINGS WE LEARNED Aaron learned that Jess 1. Loves back massages 2. Never gets tired of Marvel films 3. Thrives when working without a corporate job

Jess learned that Aaron 1. Is good at waking up at 5:15 am for work 2. Is best when he has a routine or a schedule 3. Does not waste time

3

4

We Bought a House!

After 8 years of living in Alhambra and a year of house hunting, we decided to move back to Jess’ hometown of Walnut.

There are three reasons why we wanted to move. First, we wanted a bigger home for our growing family. Next, we wanted to be closer to our church. Finally, we wanted a space to truly call our own. We are thankful for the opportunity to design and build. Our prayer is that our home will be an outpost for ministry, a rest from the world, and a nest for our family.

We look forward to having you visit us soon!

5

6

Renovation Plans modern, neutral, open

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR

1. Skylights and full windows

1. Fill pool

2. Add bedroom

2. Update landscape

3. Add playroom

3. Deck

4. Add office

4. Solar panels

5. Add pantry 6. Add mudroom 7. Add laundry room

7

8

Aaron’s Happenings I cherished my time during the COVID-19 pandemic because I got to spend so much time with Jess and the kids. Whether we’re going to Disneyland, going to the local park, or just staying home — every day feels fresh, with new adventures and ways to grow.

God has blessed us with our family.

My reading hobby led to a position as the Social Media Manager at Cruciform Press. My work as the Social Media Manager at SOLA Network gave me new speaking opportunities. At church, I serve in social media, lead music, and teach in Sunday school.

I appreciate my career as a Clinical Nurse Analyst at Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley.

10

Jess’ Happenings While living in Alhambra in 2020, I loved my time with Aaron and the boys by walking on Main St. and just being at home. I enjoyed the times when it was just us and when we could see our family and friends.

Our kids were the first ones to know I was pregnant.

I’ve been feeling more tired and discomfort during this pregnancy but am so excited to meet our baby girl due July 12, I’m still at FCBC Walnut part-time and I have my Etsy store where I make baby items and keychains.

This coming year my focus is on designing our house and I look forward to learning how to do it while being very involved in the construction.

It’s been a dream of mine to design our home!

I also look forward to our family of 5 and what that looks like. It’ll be fun to have all our kids be close in age and be outnumbered!

11

Linus’ Happenings Linus is two years old! He has grown to be a sweet and caring young man.

With some prompting, Linus can say Mama and Baba.

His favorite word is “car.” When he is angry, he knows how to let it show! Sometimes he needs to apologize to Mama and Baba by giving them a kiss.

Dancing and jumping are his favorite activities. At the park, he likes to go down the slides. He is fascinated by garage doors. Linus loves to eat bread. His favorite is a slice of wheat bread with almond butter spread.

Linus helps his brother go to sleep by giving him a kiss on the forehead every night. It took him a while, but he is now comfortable holding his brother’s hand.

Linus is a deep sleeper, taking a long nap during the day and sleeping through the night. He is excited for his little sister, pointing to Mommy’s belly and calling her “Mui Mui.”

14

Ark’s Happenings Ark is one year old! He is a happy and curious little boy.

Ark has not yet said his first words, but he knows how to ask for more using sign language. Crying loudly in the car is one way he lets us know when he is uncomfortable. He often needs his pacifier and some music to keep calm.

Walking and dancing are his favorite activities. He likes to play with the steering wheels at the park and toy cars.

Ark enjoys eating avocado, banana, fries, and yogurt.

Ark loves to follow his brother around the house. He is constantly laughing when they chase each other.

He still wakes up during the night, usually around midnight, and will join his parents in bed. He wakes up early and enjoys playing by himself during the quiet time in the mornings.

15

17

18

19

Lee trip to Encinitas

Ark’s first birthday

Visiting the doctor

First time back at Disneyland

Linus

and Ark Family Dedica

tion

Last Year’s Goals

Goals for Next Year

Jess

Jess

• Read • Create • Take the kids out

• Take things easy • Invest in my Etsy store • Design our house

Aaron

Aaron

• Improve as an interviewer • Make more videos • Watch more Disney+

• Manage phone data and storage • Take more photos and videos • Ride new Disneyland rides

(July 2020 - July 2021)

20

CREDITS Lifestyle photos by Alison and Edwin jessandaaron.tumblr.com since July 5, 2013