Let's catch up...

So first I must apologize since it has been well over a week since I blogged. It is my intention to post at least once a week but it just didn't happen last week. So there is a lot to catch up on!

Many of you faithfully pray for us and specifically for Ben to get a job. We are beyond grateful for your support in this way. We can't express how much it means to us to have so many people in our lives who love and encourage us. Ben was 6 weeks into an interview process with a tech company in our neighborhood. He interviewed with 7 different people and we were hopeful this might be the job for him. We found out last Wednesday he didn't get the job. We were disappointed and heartbroken to say the least. We are continuing to choose to believe and trust in God's faithfulness and timing. Ben found out today that he has a job interview on Thursday and Friday with two new companies. Both of them align with his past experience. We will keep you posted for sure!

Some recent highlights from life:

*If you read about Ben's birthday you know he got tickets to see WICKED. Well we went on Thursday night and LOVED every minute of it!! I had seen it before but it was Ben's first time and I was thrilled he enjoyed it as much as I hoped he would! I am terrible at remembering to take pictures. These are the only two I have from the night :( A wicked beach towel and Ben took one of me waiting for the train.

*A couple of weeks ago we got to attend a special event at a restaurant that was about to open. You could order any one thing off the menu for free. Ben and I got a large pepperoni/sausage pizza to split and they were also handing out free bottled coke - it was SO good! This pizza is unique because it is cooked in a special oven that heats to 1000 degrees and it only takes 3 minutes to cook. The owner came out and shared his favorites from the menu and thanked us for being there. Such a fun experience - thanks to the Pilgreens for the golden ticket that allowed us to get in!!

*I finally got my first haircut in the city! I was so excited!! I went to the Aveda Institute where students who are still learning are the ones doing the cutting. Reasons why I LOVE this:

• It's way cheaper - To get your hair washed, cut, dried and styled it is only $19. They also massage your shoulders, neck and head. I went to a really nice salon with great products for half the price of most places here.
• It's such a fun experience - I love that students are learning and practicing on my hair. David, my stylist, was excited and ready to practice new techniques he was learning.

*We also just hosted the Epic Kids Baby Shower last Friday night (I really need to blog more)! It was so much fun. We are overwhelmed by the gifts of so many people. We are so thankful for the investment of so many in Epic Kids. I am going to dedicate a whole post (I promise) to this event with more pictures and video too! Here is a sneak peak :)

Thanks always for encouraging us, praying for us and loving us through this journey of life!

One Week Left...

One week from today we are having our Baby Shower for Epic Kids! Boxes are literally taking over our apartment and I am LOVING every minute of it!! Look at this progression....

People from all over the world are partnering in this effort and I can't wait to celebrate next Friday! Don't worry, it's not too late for YOU to join in the fun. If you would like to make a purchase to help start Epic Kids I am posting the registry links below. Click one of the links and it will take you straight to the registry and listing of items we still need!

Target Registry

Amazon Registry

We are grateful for the partnership of sooooooo many people! You are making an investment in Epic Kids not only now but for years to come. Thank you in advance for all that this means to us and to Epic Church!

A BIG day for Ben Lee

Happy Birthday to Ben!

Ben turned 29 today and it was a full day of celebrating. I made coffee for him before I left for work and then brought Chinese take out (a favorite) home for lunch! After lunch Ben had an interview with a company he has been talking to for a couple of weeks now - what a big day?!

We are learning what it means to wait and to be in process when it comes to the job hunt. He has been talking to this company for weeks and if he stays in the process it may be a couple of more weeks before he knows anything for sure. We are so encouraged by today. He had a great meeting. I am constantly asking, so what happens next? He has a phone call tomorrow and another in person interview Thursday or Friday. So many people from all over have been faithfully praying with us about this. Thank you. We are strengthen by your prayers and encouraged by your love and support!

Once Ben got home, it was back to Birthday celebrations! Check out this cake - starts off looking really nice :)

Before I knew it, the top of my three layer cake started to lean...crack and there was no stopping it! I set the top part on a plate to contemplate what to do next...haha!

Friends arrived and all of sudden it is time to sing. I put the cake back together, lit the candles and told the kids to sing fast! Not too shabby for a rebuild :)

Time for presents and time to share the cupcake! Ben decided that we would get each of the kids a present to open after cake and ice cream. He also had two to open - the new Madden video game (thanks to my mom and sister) and a surprise from me! We are going to see WICKED next week before it leaves the city - can't wait!!

What a fun day?!?! I love celebrating birthdays and this was our first one in the city which was certainly special. I slacked on the blog this week but promised to keep you posted especially when we hear about the job. That may warrant another video blog...what to you think?

with so much love -

Looking for something familiar...

Last weekend Ben and I were planning on going on a date. Saturday came and we were trying to decide where to eat. We both had a busy week and our minds were tired. The Giants played an afternoon game and it was over right at 5pm. People were pouring out of the stadium and into the streets and restaurants. We were looking to relax and just not in the mood to fight crowds and busy streets. So we decided to drive to San Bruno, about 20 minutes south of the city. The Target we go to is there so we knew there were also places to eat. Much to our surprise and maybe to yours we suddenly found ourselves at Chili's! Yes, you read that right. We live in a city that prides itself on local establishments and unique dining experiences and Chili's was our desire!

The server brought us a menu but we didn't look twice at it! We already knew what we wanted.

First - Strawberry Lemonade

Next up - Spinach and Artichoke Dip...my fav

For the main course Ben and I split the chicken crispers. I was so excited that I forgot to snap a picture :) We couldn't leave without the molten lava cake - another favorite!

We had such a good time and enjoyed every bite of our food. Looking back, I think we were just craving something familiar. We didn't have to think about the menu or whether we would like our food. Nothing about our experience was new and we were in for no surprises! It's not the norm here so it was quite refreshing.

Now I must say, as much as we loved this moment of familiarity, we were anxious to be back in the city that we love and back discovering the new adventures of everyday life here! So as we decided on a restaurant for our lunch date today the mission district was the first place we looked. We stumbled upon Little Star, known for it's Chicago deep dish style pizza. We had fun finding street parking and feeding the meter quarters.

And the pizza was AMAZING! We first had this style pizza last December when we were celebrating our best friend's birthday in Chicago. We are hooked and you should try it when you can!

sending LOVE from the foggy city,

We're having a BABY SHOWER!

You read that right...we are having a baby shower! Now, I must tell you that I am not the one having a baby :) We are celebrating the birth of our children's ministry, Epic Kids, and would LOVE for you to be involved. We have created a registry and are gathering all the items we need to have a fun, excellent and caring environment for kids who come to Epic Church. On August 27 we will actually have a baby shower to open all the gifts, eat cake and drink punch. We will be making a video so all of you who participate can celebrate with us!

Here is everything you need to know:

Epic Church Baby Shower Details

When is the big day?

• August 27, 2010 – We will celebrate with cake, punch and opening gifts.

How do I get registry information?

• Click or copy and paste the following link to view the registry: http://www.target.com/registry/baby/K0QVYJPOSRU0
• Print out the registry at your local Target store. Search Lindsey Lee as the mother and California for the state.

Where can I send gifts?

• If you shop online, items will be shipped directly to us. If you purchase something from your local Target, you can personally send items to the following address:

Lindsey Lee

180 Brannan Street #414

San Francisco, CA 94107

I encourage you to get a group involved! Youth ministry. Children's ministry. MOPS ministry. Your small group. A group of friends. Advertise on your church website or put an insert in your worship bulletin. Log on with the kids and let them make a difference for the kids in SF.

Thank you so much for your support and for helping start Epic Kids!