Soccer started today!

Warm-up: Jonny is on the left.

Jonny asked a question and is getting the answer.

Jason is in the middle (green shorts, gray shirt.) This is part of about two minutes that Jason actually played.

The rest of the time this is what he was doing. Hanging out with daddy seemed better than getting "knocked down by the kids." Even though he was never knocked down, this was my 4-year-olds reason for not playing.

All-in-all I feel pretty good about how today went. Jonny was confident and never shy (he has been really shy in the past but is starting to grow out of it.) Jason was better than I thought he'd be. No crying, and at least he participated some. I was glad Isaac could come. When Jonny played baseball he was supportive, but never REALLY into it. Soccer is his thing, he used to play a lot when he was a kid, so he was totally into it today. That helps the kids get into it. The wonderful thing for me was that I got to socialize with other moms. :) As a side note, there are beautiful views from the fields.

Job Postponed

Isaac spoke to his future boss Saturday and he said he doesn't have any work until a week from tomorrow. (Hopefully a week from tomorrow he really will have work.) Considering he was supposed to start a week ago and he was hired a week before that it's becoming a little frustrating. We are wondering what God is doing in our life. I do know one thing...we can't hang on much longer. Isaac has been out of work for almost 3 months now.

Jonny's Birthday Party

On a brighter note...we had Jonny's birthday party today. He had so much fun and it was a wonderful day for our whole family. Here are some pictures from the party.

Can you tell it was a spiderman theme?

The pinata (part of which Jonny is wearing on his head) was fun.

I think Jonny really enjoyed being the center of attention. Like mother, like son. Besides he got some really cool gifts.

My thoughts looking at this picture: it was a really fun day which is hard to let go of. Oh, and maybe a little sugar rush.

And lastly, we can't forget Joel. He was there too. Trying to steal everything off the table. He actually spilled about 7 drinks today while trying to grab cups.

Happy Birthday, Jonny!

Jonny is seven years old today! His birthday party will be on Sunday, but we'll have a special family dinner tonight. Jonny has grown so much this last year. He has a sweet heart and is always helping somebody. He is one of the best big brothers I have ever seen (he's wonderful at sharing with, protecting, and helping his little brothers.) He's a lot more outgoing than a year ago and now has some special friends. Jonny's in second grade and is doing well in school. He says his favorite subject is reading. Some new developments in the last couple months are wearing glasses (which I have a hard time keeping on him) and piano lessons with Aunt Dori (it's very helpful to have a piano teacher in the family.) He's also going to start playing soccer in a couple of weeks.

Like I said, never boring

Both of these pictures were taken within a 24 hour time period. Proof that life around our house is never boring. In the first picture Jonny and Jason were "helping" Daddy wrap Joel's birthday gifts. (Hint: look closely at their faces.) In the second picture I have no idea, except that when I got out of my morning shower they were wearing Daddy's wet suits and Isaac was taking pictures of them. I have to say I have pretty creative little boys. They are constantly putting a smile on my face :-)

Praise the Lord!

I have great news. After two whole months laid off of work Isaac got a job today. If I believed in luck, I would say that Joel was our good luck. But I believe in God, and God's timing is perfect. I believe that God was encouraging us by sending a random job on Joel's birthday. You see, Isaac got a call this morning from a man he didn't know with a company he didn't recognize. The man said he had received Isaac's resume 5 months ago (which was the last time he was laid off and looking for work) and that he had saved it. He said he wanted to hire Isaac as an operator/laborer and if Isaac does well on the equipment he will make him a full time operator. That alone is an answer to prayer because an operator makes much higher pay therefore there is more competition for the job. Isaac has been trying to get an operator job for 2 years but is always told he is too young or there is someone with more experience. Isaac met with his new boss this afternoon to fill out paperwork and was hired without an interview. He should be starting next Monday. Back to it being such an encouragement for all this to happen on Joel's birthday. I feel like God was saying "Thank you for embracing, loving, and caring for this special baby I have sent you. I love all of you and I will supply ALL your needs." I feel like God was showing us that he is happy with us for how we have cared for Joel. Thank you, Lord, for sending a job on Joel's birthday.

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs..."
~ Isaiah 58:11a

Happy Birthday, Joel!

Joel is two years old today! We love you, Joel. Visit Joel's Blog to see many more photos and read updates.