Much needed family time

Last night Aunt Karen, Kim's family, Michelle's family and mom all got together at my house.  During Covid.....it's a huge blessing to be able to do this.  Nick had just gotten out of quarantine and we were all healthy.  I hadn't seen Karen or Michelle since July (Jay's grad party).  And I hadn't met that sweet baby boy, Jensen, yet!  We all had such a nice time together.  Lots of talking and lots of laughs!!  

These three girls!  Harpy started at private school this week and she loves it.  God is so good! 

Awesome picture of my mom holding Jensen.  She got her cast off this week (yay!).  Kim was clearly making mom and Jensen laugh in this picture. 

Here's the thing with this baby. He looks so much like my dad.  I can see it through his eyes and his smile.  My aunt agrees and says the lord works in mysterious ways.  He knew this baby (who would look like a little Brad) was just what we needed! He is certainly a bright light in what has been a very dark time.  

 

Happy 19th Birthday, Jay

 Jay is 19 today.  I mean seriously how did that happen?  It's true what they say that your kids grow up in a blink of an eye. These days Jay isn't so little anymore.  Even though things are so unsettling with our country and we live under the tyranny of Illinois politics, along with a pandemic that marches on our kids are resilient.  Jay has spent his first year out of high school working full time in his landscape job.  The work dried up at the end of December but he still manages to keep busy.  His friends are his anchor and he spends the weekends with them, hanging out. He plans on taking an exam next week for an electrical apprenticeship position.  If he passes he'll move on to the interview phase.  I am praying for Gods will for his career and his future. Since life as we knew it is completely different than it was a year ago Jay has spent a lot of time at home. During the last few weeks when his work wasn't busy and the weather was cold, he'll come down to my office to chat during the day and will sit at the breakfast bar at night while I make dinner.  We've had some good discussions and I can see so clearly the man he's turning into.  Happy 19th Birthday, Jay!  I am so proud of you and I know God has big things in store for you.