Dad & Isaac go to Florida

I feel honored to be the first guest blogger on 'DeMaster Stories.' Hopefully I won't disappoint.

I had a meeting in Florida this past week not too far from my parents' new home in Ft. Myers, FL. Isaac seemed like the perfect age to come along and we extended the trip to six days. We had a GREAT time traveling and spending time with Grandpa and Grandma.

Isaac was enthralled with watching the airplanes at the airport, playing with all the gadgets in the airplane (lights, tray table, window, seat belt, etc.), and especially the moving sidewalks in the Detroit airport. I was the most impressed with his great attitude and childhood enthusiasm for everything. He never complained even when we were sitting on the tarmac in Ft. Myers for an hour and half waiting to take off. Or when we got to Detroit and had no flights to Grand Rapids the rest of the day. (We rented a car and drove to GR.)

Isaac had a lot of fun with G-pa and G-ma going the beach, bird-watching, and swimming at the pool. Unfortunately I didn't get any good shots of Isaac with G-pa and G-ma since they were the ones taking all the pictures. He loved the fact that he could wear shorts outside in the winter.

We collected lots of seashells


Unfortunately I didn't get any good shots of Isaac with G-pa and G-ma since they were the ones taking all the pictures.

Since it's my post, I can't resist mentioning the Bears/Packers game on Sunday. Unfortunately, I was at work and had to miss it. But my family came through for me and the Packers were well represented at my In-laws' house during the game. They are all Bears fans, so it was a tough game to watch. I recorded the game and managed to make it all day without hearing the score. At least until I was saying goodnight to Caleb and he couldn't conceal his laughter. Secrets are so hard to keep at that age.

Where to next?

Dress up time with our friend, Zoe
Julia is supposed to be Buzz Lightyear, in case you couldn't figure it out :)
Playing with hotpads, so fun!

We are now back in the normal routine of school, work, etc. I feel like we are in a really good place right now. A big part of that is because we have been healthy for the past month. :) Also, Julia and Isaac are starting to play together. Granted there is still alot of arguing, but it is getting better. Julia is also playing better by herself, an answered prayer! So, of course this leads me to start wondering if God wants us to take another leap of faith. Bethany has been calling us again about foster kids needing a home. We have said no to both cases (which is physically painful for me at the time), but it leads us to start asking the tough questions about what does God want for our family? Do we try an older foster child or another young child? Do we wait awhile before taking in another child? I am often praying, "Lord, please give us abundantly clear direction!" It is always hard to be realistic about what one can handle, but also realizing that God doesn't call us to lead a "complacent" life.

So, now you all have a small glimpse into our thoughts these days. :) We would appreciate your prayers too as we discern God's will for our family, thanks!

Christmas Recap- Lots of pictures!

The best Christmas present- An Aaron Rogers action figure!
Isn't she adorable??
Buzz Lightyear opening his favorite present- his own scooter!
Uncle Mike reading to Britta (6) and Isaac
Grandma and Grandpa
Colleen and Jack (2)
Tessa and Gwen (1)
Grandma and Isa (1)
Blaise (4)
Annika (10!)
Simeon (almost 9)
Caleb and Julia playing with Abby (6 months)- Abby let Caleb rub her hair :)
Look, stockings!
Tim and Jenny
Aunt Steph and the boys
Grandpa and Grandma J
Showing off his Packers shirt in front of the Bears fans
The boys really liked Julia's Christmas present
Great-Grandpa J opening a present
Great-Grandma J getting some cuddle time with Isaac

We had a great Christmas vacation. We spent 3 nights in Pittsburgh, PA with Nate's whole family! We stayed in a hotel which worked out great. Everyone was able to swim at the hotel one morning. The kids had fun playing non-stop with their cousins for 2 days, we enjoyed catching up with the adults.

We then drove to my parents' house for two nights and celebrated Christmas. My sister was able to come home again, yay! We had a really nice time with my family as well.

We were home for a couple days and then we spent New Year's Eve weekend in Wheaton with my extended family. We had a laid-back visit and lots of fun catching up with family.

Now we are back into our normal routine and life is good. I feel like there is more to post, but I'm really tired. :)