The Witte Family Journal

Precious Pictures of the Kids

2007-09-08T00:36:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist capturing these moments and now sharing them with you all. Enjoy!

Snacking on popcorn in the playpen together - the only way to keep these two in one place for five minutes.
Joshua lounging "between" the couch and the coffee table. He looks pretty relaxed.

Ready to go on an adventure. Love those specks, Libby. Great with those headphones too!
The adventure lands us in Playtown at the mall.
Joshua modeling his toys on his head. Adorable.

Time for nigh-nigh.
Uh-oh, caught red handed in Grandma Remy's plastic fruit!

Crashed out with his favorite blanky, puppy, and phone receiver?

Goofy grinning on the changing table (which he scaled himself - he's so proud).
Elizabeth can't miss out on all the mischief. Don't they know it's dangerous to climb the changing table? Absolutely, no fear.

Father's Day

2007-09-08T00:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Joe! You da man! We are blessed to have you leading our family in the Lord.

The way to my husband's heart? A Baskin Robin's ice cream cake. Mint chip, yum!

Did I mention it's the same way to Elizabeth's heart. Like Father, like daughter.

Joshua congratulating Daddy on his special day; and Elizabeth on way too much sugar.

Dad doesn't get a break from "juggling" kids even on Father's Day.

And he doesn't seem to mind. That's what makes him a great Dad! We love you, honey.

Grandpa and Grandma's 34th Wedding Anniversary

2007-09-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

June 9th marked my parent's 34th wedding anniversary. Congratulations, Mom & Dad! God is good. Here are a few pictures of the memorable day.

Elizabeth preparing Grandma & Grandpa's present. How did that bow get there??

It must have come from Bubba. The kids are including themselves as part of the gift.

Grandma & Grandpa enjoying a celebratory dessert after dinner.

Grandpa enjoying time with the Grandkids.

Grandma & Grandpa holding the fruit of 34 years of marriage. It's all worth it.

Cousin Kayla's 1st B-day Party & Grandpa Bert's Visit

2007-09-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Cousin Kayla's 1st birthday party in June at Miramar AFB, San Diego. The same weekend Grandpa Bert came to visit from Paradise, CA and spent a week and a half with us in the desert.

A Hawaiian dance troupe performs in Cousin Kayla's honor.

Elizabeth unfolds her Nemo chair and umbrella to enjoy the amazing show.

Elizabeth posing on the wing of an historic airplane displayed on the Miramar air field.
Father and daughter sharing some special time together. Remember, children spell love "TIME".
Grandpa Bert and Elizabeth redefine "winging it."

Our Missionary Friend Comes to Visit

2007-09-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is our dear friend, Carrie Wheeler. Originally from Riverside she moved to Santa Cruz in 2002 simply in obedience to a call from Jesus. Our paths met and now 5 years later we testify to the Lord's great grace to produce in Carrie a heart to love the lost for Christ in Africa and in us a "sending" love to support her mission.

These pictures are taken after Carrie's return home from the mission field in Ethiopia. She is visiting us on her "friends and family tour." Welcome back, Carrie!

No trip to the desert is complete without a date shake! This one is made from Hadley's dried fruit and date orchard.

Elizabeth allowing Carrie to steal a smooch.
Joshua wondering why he's sitting idly in a parked mini van when he could be having a date shake.
Frolicking in the van.
Elizabeth enthusiastically enjoying a spaghetti dinner at home with "Miss Carrie."

The Bjorkman Family Visit

2007-09-01T13:37:00.001-07:00

Our dear friends, the Bjorkman Family (Bill, Michelle, Abigail, and Noah) came to visit us on their family vacation and blessed Elizabeth with an early birthday party celebration. Here are a few pictures from their visit.

Best friend dressed alike in their signature color.

Elizabeth opens her special storybook written by Auntie Michelle about God's hand upon our families and Elizabeth's little life with Abigail.

Auntie Michelle and Noah picture perfect.

The girls with their sugary ice cream cake from Baskin Robins. They love it as you can tell.

Abigail going down the waterslide in the backyard blow up pool. Classic!

A trip to Sea World tops off their visit. What a great time together as families!

The kids checking out the flamingos.

Abby and Uncle Bill pose with the flamingos too.

Precious moments at the Shamu show.

Elizabeth and Abigail picking flowers in the Sea World parking lot. Who needs to go into the park.

Mother's Day

2007-09-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful Mother's Day thanking the Lord for the blessing of children and the joy of becoming a Mom. Here are some special Mother's Day moments.

Joshua falling asleep on my shoulder exhausted from a rambunctious day at the church nursery.

Joshua enjoying Mother's Day dinner - spaghetti, of course.

Joshua experimenting with boundaries and pepper.

Elizabeth and Joshua taking turns pushing each other in the Bitty Baby stroller.

Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday Party Cont.

2007-09-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth's loving family...

Grandpa and Bubba hanging out.

Grandpa putting Elizabeth in a choke hold...just kidding. He's trying to get her to turn her head and smile.

Opening birthday cards with Grandma Julie and Auntie Zayda.

Elizabeth graciously makes her rounds to Auntie Marlene and Grandma Connie like a good little party hostess.
(L-R) Grandma Carmen, Grandpa Meling, and Auntie Marlene checking out Elizabeth opening presents.

I think Elizabeth is favoring Auntie Zayda today, or vice versa.

(L-R) Auntie Marlene, Grandma Remy, Grandma Lolit, Grandma Julie, and Auntie Zayda chowing down.
Grandpa Meling, the life of every family party.
Cousin Niko and Grandpa Eli making their guest appearance. Hey, Hollywood!

Chit chatting with Auntie Eileen and cousin Kayla.

Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday Party

2007-09-01T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from Elizabeth's 3rd birthday party. Thank you Grandpa & Grandma for hosting it. Thank you to all our family who were able to come and celebrate with us. It was a fun time and a blessing to Elizabeth.

Grandma, Grandpa, Elizabeth, Joshua, Joe, and Pro-golfer Jym Furik ;) opening an early birthday present.

Grandma helping Elizabeth cut her birthday cake, a Filipino traditional mocha sponge cake.

Joshua digging into the cake with a plastic spoon from Elizabeth's new tea party set.

Elizabeth enjoying her new baby. (A Dollar Store purchase...ssshhhh.)

My husband, the party animal!

Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday

2007-09-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday.

Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday Eve - her last night at age 2. We're reading one of her favorite books, Jim & Elizabeth George's, God's Wisdom for Little Boys. She's preparing to teach her brother about God's ways like the big sister she is.

Good night my little two-year old. How hard it is to let you grow another year older. I love you!

Elizabeth's homemade butterfly birthday cake.
Joe blows up a hundred balloons to blanket her bedroom floor and surprise Elizabeth on her birthday morning.
Our special birthday card for Elizabeth.

Happy birthday, darling Elizabeth Grace!

Our Move to Southern California

2007-05-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Valley Children's Medical Center, March 2007 -- Joshua 15 mo, Elizabeth 2 1/2 yrs

Dear Friends & Family,

To those of you whom we were not able to say "farewell", we hope this note will serve as a welcome "hello again". In November 2006, our family left Scotts Valley, CA, to move to Indio, CA, a town near Palm Springs. The Lord moved on our hearts and directed us through our circumstances to live closer to family.

Joe is currently working as a Warehouse Supervisor at Time Warner Cable, I am enjoying my days as a Stay-at-Home Mommy to Elizabeth and Joshua, and we are churched at Calvary Chapel Palm Desert. The Lord blessed us to own a new home which we love. It is the Rehoboth (Gen26:22) - a place to grow and flourish - we've prayed for many a years.

We hope to keep this website updated with all the details of our new life here and encourage you to join us in keeping our hearts and lives knit together.

God bless you always.

Love,
The Witte's
Joe, Melissa, Elizabeth, & Joshua

If you would like to contact us directly, our new phone number is (760) 530-4988, and our email address is the.wittes@yahoo.com.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, January 2007 -- Joshua 12 mo, Elizabeth 2 1/2 yrs

Joshua Highlights

2007-05-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

For those of you who haven't seen Joshua lately, this photo journal will bring you up to date.

Joshua playing in the curtains. (16 mos.)

God made this boy incredibly sweet and adorable (15 mos.)

Joshua taking a bubble bath. (14 mos.)

Joshua playing worship on the piano. (14 mos.)

Joshua acting "precious". (13 mos.)

Joshua's favorite pastime. (13 mos.)

Joshua's 1st birthday. (12 mos.)

Playing with pots and pans. (11 mos.)

First Harvest Festival. (10 mos.)

Happy Hollow Park, San Jose, CA. (8 mos.)

Hanging in the exersaucer. (7 mos.)

Father and son. (6 mos.)

Dangling in the "Johnny Jump Up". (3 mos.)

Giggling son. (2 mos.)

Boppy boy. (1 mo.)

Joshua Benjamin Witte, born Sunday, December 18th, 2005, Santa Cruz, CA. The Lord delivered him into the world 9 days early to bless Daddy on his birthday.

Elizabeth Through the Years

2007-05-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

To commemorate Elizabeth's birth, here is a photographic tribute to her precious little life through the years.

Elizabeth Grace Witte born Wednesday, May 12th, 2004 in Santa Cruz, CA.

Welcome home, sweet daughter.

Always a delight!

Her signature grin.

A family day in Monterey, CA.

The apple of Mommy's eye.

First visit to the Crest Ranch Christmas Tree Farm, Santa Cruz, CA.

First birthday blues, Palm Springs, CA.

Toddler days.

Sugared up at her first Harvest Festival, Calvary Chapel San Jose, 2005.

Family Night at Gilda's on the Santa Cruz Wharf. Her usual fare - Grandma Jacky's white clam chowder with oyster crackers.

For dessert, bites off Daddy's chocolate ice cream sundae.

Our happy little chow hound.

Her second year at the Christmas tree farm.

A Winter princess.

A charming childhood.

A big sister is born.

Her new love.

Best buddies.

Horsing around.

First salon haircut at Supercuts, Scotts Valley, CA.

Growing in God's Word - and looking cool doing it.

First visit to the dentist.

Clowning around with best friend, Abigail.

Second Harvest Festival as Esther the Queen.

Growing into a little girl.

A baby no more and a little girl for sure.

A blueberry smile.

Miss Congeniality.

Going on a safari.

Bedtime with babies.

May 12th Celebrates Elizabeth's 3rd Birthday

2007-05-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd birthday, precious girl!

Birthday celebrations started early as the Bjorkman Family visited us during their family vacation. Best friend, Abigail made Elizabeth's birthday extra special.

Welcome Family & Friends

2007-05-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Family & Friends,

Welcome to our online family scrapbook. We invite you to journey through life with us as we celebrate each blessed day the Lord gives us. Browse the articles, smile at the snapshots, or post a note. We encourage you to keep in touch.

God bless you,

Joe, Melissa, Elizabeth, and Joshua