JUNIOR and THE CHANCE!

Along with millions of others, we mourn the loss of our friend and brother, Junior Seau. We grieve, we cry, we question, we wonder. We are saddened, shocked and distraught. Yes, death comes to us all, but the realization of such truth doesn’t necessarily alleviate the pain. Especially when it comes to take a hero, a role model, a pioneer, a trailblazer, a game changer, a brother and a friend like Junior.

He was born and raised in the same town we grew up in. Smaller cities are usually recognized by the successes of their own sons. For Oceanside, California, this distinction undeniably belongs to Junior. He put Oceanside on the map. He never forgot where he came from. After playing for USC in LA, living in beautiful La Jolla, Miami and New England, he chose to come back home. He not only represented Oceanside, he defined it. “Oceanside”: Family, friends, music and surfing. In the middle of it all was a life dedicated to giving to the less fortunate.

One of our most recent memories of Junior was working out with him and hundreds of locals on the beach at 6 o’clock on a Saturday morning. He was leading the charge like only he could, training people of all ethnicities from 3 different generations. You would of thought he was still training for the NFL by his passion and attention to detail during that entire workout. At the end of it, he gathered everyone in a huge huddle and gave one of his fiery motivational talks. “Good job everyone, good job! We’re doing it again next week. If you show up and work hard, I can’t guarantee you’ll win, but at least you’ll give yourself a chance”! “A chance”, it’s what he got as a young boy growing up on the east side of the city, and it’s what he made the most of for the rest of his life.

Although we may not understand why he passed so suddenly, we are thankful for a “chance”. We are grateful for the chance to have witnessed such generosity, passion, dedication, and love from such a fun and loving person. Described by many of the NFL greats to be the best teammate and opponent they ever had, let us not take for granted “a chance”. A chance that was given to all of us that knew him well and casually alike. He had a knack of making everyone feel like a part of his family, a part of the team. Cherish the chance when he called us “buddy” and literally lifted our spirit. I hear is voice loud and clear, “Show up, work hard, give yourself a chance”!

We love you Junior.

Your brothers,

The Katinas

Twin: a person or thing that is exactly like another.

February 1st, many years ago, Siainiu Liu Katina gave birth to John and James affectionately known in the home as, “The Twins”. Mom used to dress them exactly alike. They continued this practice on their own all the way up until middle school. They were connected at the hip to say the least. They are both passionate about their families. Both of them love the Steelers, the Lakers and the USC Trojans. They love fried chicken and rice. Most importantly, they love Jesus with all of their heart. No question, they share a special bond that continues to grow even at the mature age of…….We’ll let them share that on their own blog.

Although they are twins, contrary to what Mr. Webster says, those that know them well would agree that they are NOT exactly like the other. Yes, they share many common interests. However, both of them are remarkable in their own distinct ways. Perhaps at another time, we’ll share with you some of those unique differences.

James and John, we honor you today. You have been an inspiration to so many. You each represent what it means to be loyal, faithful, consistent, hard working, obedient, true and loving. It has been a blessing to watch you become husbands, Dads and the men of God that you are. Thank you for using your own life experiences to bring hope to those of us that live with you, those that work with you and to the Kuzins from all over the world who’ve grown to love you.

We love you both. You each hold a special place in all of our hearts. We thank you for teaching us what it means to “prefer one another”, while remaining strong as a unit. You’ve taught us all, “That even though we’re different, we’re the same”!

Happy Birthday Twins!

We love you,

Chrissy, Jackson, Dylan, Haylee, Rylee, Sharee, Zion, Jett, River, Steele, Blaze and the rest of us

The Katinas & Kuzins Cruise 2012 will definitely go down as our best cruise event, yet. 300 Kuzins came from all around the world for 4 days of fellowship, food, fun, concerts, devotions & so much more. The best part was the many friendships that were made between the Kuzins. Next year’s cruise to The Bahamas promises to be just as spectacular and we hope that many of you will be able to join us. For more information or to register, log onto http://thekatinas.com/cruise

If you are on facebook please “like” The Katinas & Kuzins Cruise page @ https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Katinas-Kuzins-Cruise/312013792167463?v=info#info_edit_sections

Blessings, The Katinas

Standing in the post office line yesterday I overheard this conversation:
 
Mom:  We’ve gotta get home and clean the house before Santa comes.
Boy:  Why do we need to clean the house for Santa?
Mom: Because we don’t want him to trip over stuff and sprain his ankle.  We need to make sure he doesn’t get hurt.
Boy: That would be terrible!  Let’s go home right now and clean up!  We need to make sure that other kids get there presents from Santa too!
 
As you celebrate Christmas, make certain that there’s room for Jesus in your home.  May His PEACE be the presence that fills the atmosphere of every square foot.  May His birth in your heart be the greatest gift of JOY you’ve ever received.  May His cross be the tree that reminds you of His FORGIVENESS. May His resurrection be a constant encouragement to you that you’re an OVERCOMER!  
 
ISAIAH 9:6
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  
 
Happy Birthday Jesus!  Come and live in our homes.
 
The Katinas

What are you thankful for this year?