The UFC

One of Tommy's jobs as a church planting resident is to start a ministry from nothing in an area he is passionate about. After brainstorming, praying and discussing with other staff members, they decided the UFC would be a perfect fit for Tommy. Serving the UFC is something that it seems Tommy has been prepared for with his background of the military and training and teaching combatives for so many years. Once that was decided Tommy again was praying about ways to go about this. Well, it just so happened there was a UFC fan expo here in Vegas that coming weekend. He decided to go, not really sure what to expect. The whole family went the first day. It was a cool experience. Lots of people, lots of fighters, lots of everything. We got some cool pics and got to meet Tommy's favorite fighter, Randy Couture. Upon entering the expo, there was a sign, to "twitter" Dana White (the head of the UFC), that you want to win tickets in his VIP section and backstage passes for the fight that weekend. I stopped and told Tommy to do it, as he grumbled that he never wins anything, lol. What was cool about the expo was you got to meet the fighters...they're not these crazy violent animals...they're awesome guys who are thankful for their fans and worked hard to get where they are. Most of them are very gracious and don't mind stopping to take time with you. Tommy went back to the expo the next day. There were even more people and it was even more crazy. He got to meet up with a distant cousin of mine, UFC fighter Matt Brown. Shortly after, as he was ready to head home, he got a text from the UFC asking that he contact them. After being sent around the expo, he finally met up with the right people and was told that he had won the VIP tickets to sit with Dana White and backstage passes at the UCF114 fight that night. Seriously...there were over 125,000 people at the expo and thousandssss who entered to win these tickets. To say we were shocked is an understatement. We knew it was God. Seriously. Tommy was interviewed by Mike Munoz about winning the contest. We quickly set up sitters for the kids and headed to the event that night. It was insane. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience for us. We were very thankful for the opportunity to meet the fighters and people and had the opportunity to share a little bit about Verve and why we moved to Vegas. Wow, thanks God. Tommy and I were sitting with celebrities like Paris Hilton, Mike Tyson, Sam Worthington, Forrest Whitaker, Snoop Dogg, David Spade, and of course Dana White and the fighters, with Kenny Florian next to me. We were escorted back stage and shown all the behind the scenes details and got to meet with Rampage before his big fight. So...I am now a UFC fan...and look forward to opportunities to serve them in the future. :-)

A disclaimer on the pictures...we were not allowed to take our 'professional' camera in so the only pics we have are from our iphone.

This was the view of the cage from our seats! 3rd row :)

Our family with Randy Couture...Tommy's favorite fighter.

Brodie was upset we had to turn in our ticket to see him...he wanted his ticket back. :(

Tommy and I with Dana White at UFC114

Me in a quick pic with fighter Tito Ortiz

Tommy and I backstage with Rampage right before the big fight!

Tommy with fighter Kenny Florian

Tommy and I with "Tapout" owners, "Skyscrape and Punkass"

Me with Sam Worthington (from Avatar and Clash of the Titans)

3 weeks in Vegas...

So, it's been 3 weeks since our big move to Vegas. I would love to say that we're completely settled and unpacked and the house is perfect....but it's not. We're functional, but definitely not perfect. We're getting there, but the process is much slower with 2 little ones running around this place. Life here has been very busy so far and pretty crazy. I'm going to try to update here somewhat frequently because it's goes by so fast, I don't want to forget it!

Our first week here our friends Paul and Suzie Wirth came in town for their 20th anniversary. It was awesome getting to see them and hang out with them. They got to come check out Verve and loved it. We went to Hoover Dam with them and also got a deal on tickets to see the show "O" with backstage passes..thanks to our friend Jess, from Verve who is in the show.

Tommy's been working full time with Verve so we've been learning the balance of ministry and family life. I love seeing that he is doing what he was called to do and is so passionate about it. I know we're where God wants us...so I'm content. He's been so good and so evident in our lives even in the short time we've been here. Tommy's been stepping into some lead roles in different areas at Verve. One is a an organization created to serve the community, meeting the most unmet needs of the city. Having been overseas and seen some of the devastation of other countries, Tommy has a heart for those less fortunate than us, so that will be a part of this ministry. Another area of "ministry" Tommy is leading in is seeking to find ways to serve the UFC, here in Vegas. It all happened so fast, but I'll give you the short story in my next post :).

So, Sunday 13 people got baptized at Verve!! Awesome, huh? It's humbling that God has called us to be apart of this and it's awesome to see the lives that are being changed here, for Him! Tommy and I met a couple through friends, that came to Verve for the 1st time and loved it. They said it felt like "home" and it was totally God because it came at a time when they both needed it in their lives. Brodie and I also made some new friends. I took him to play at a local place here and it was just one other mom and her son there. We got to chatting and spent the day together. We exchanged information so we hope to get together with them again soon! We spent Memorial Day at some friends house for a cookout and pool time. :)

The weather here has been great. We actually just turned our AC on today...due to the expected temps of over 100 degrees this weekend. Oh, and I just got an outlet installed for my dryer (it was set up for gas and our dryer is electric)...so I'm catching up on 3 weeks worth of laundry. AND...We love skype!! It helps soo much with being so far away from family. Brodie now says..."I miss so-and-so, can we skype?". So...send us your skype name :).

Two handsome guys...I'm also loving the palm trees in the background. :)

The kids playing in the pool after the baptisms.

A view of the "O" Show

Boys doing boy things!

Tristan and I at the pool/cookout with friends!

Our growing boys :-)

Wow, I am amazed daily at how fast time flies as we watch our children grow. Tristan is 7 1/2 months already. He's our blonde hair, blue eyed wonder and is constantly melting my heart with his smile, sweet tender hearted character and contagious laugh. We're looking for teeth any day but none yet! He's been rolling over for quite a while and can scoot and pull himself anywhere. He's right on the verge of full out crawling, but for now he'll get up on hands and knees but not fully crawling that way. For now he's pulling and scooting...but don't let that fool you, he can get anywhere...and quick! He's been learning to wave and will either wave his arm wildly or open and close his hand, then look at it curiously as if wondering how it's doing that. He's been eating baby food for a couple months now, but just this week he has started to choose "our food" over the baby food. He will refuse his baby food and only want bits and pieces of real food. So..this morning he had pancakes and strawberries. I am amazed as I watch him and Brodie together. First thing in the morning, they're looking for each other, wanting to know if the other one is awake yet. Tristan reacts to Brodie like no one else...he loves him! And I can't put into words how proud I am of Brodie for being such an awesome big brother. Brodie has taken this role like a champ from the very beginning. He's always willing to help whether it's diapers or feeding or entertaining. And it makes my heart smile how he's willing to share his toys, he'll bring toys out...1 for him and 1 for Tristan. Tristan is definitely looking up to Brodie...he can't wait to jump into the action of wrestling and sword fighting as he watches for now. So Brodie...my little warrior. He loves swords and weapons. He's definitely all boy...taking after his daddy. His favorite thing is to sword fight...I'm not sure how I feel about this. He loves his "ninja turtle sword" and you won't catch him without it. It will most likely be tucked away in the back of his shirt...and most likely a dagger stored in the side of his pants. You think I'm joking...but I'm not. lol. I love the conversations we have with Brodie and his tender heart...he's constantly melting mine. I cherish the time I have with my boys and am thankful I can stay home with them. Although, financially I'm not sure how long we can swing it...we're still in need of financial support for Tommy to be full time at Verve, doing ministry here in Vegas. Please be in prayer with us about that and if you feel led please contact us for more information on how you can help. My next post will be an update on life here in Vegas.

Above: Notice the 2 swords....haha :)

Below, #1:Yes this was moving in time...yet Tristan's still so happy :)

Below, #2:Our little warrior...heading to check mail :) haha

Best Buddies! :)