Mmmmm... Tasty!

So we decided to try giving Isaac some rice cereal for the first time tonight. His appetite seems to vary from day to day - like any normal human being, I guess you could conclude. But over all, his appetite is increasing, and he is growing like a weed! And seeing as how he'll be six months old next week (yeah, you heard that right!), we figure it's a good time to start trying solid foods.

Here was his take on the whole rice cereal idea...

Yeah, he was less than impressed. Isaac wrinkled up his nose in disgust and spit most of it back out... when he wasn't gagging on it, that is.

He was a bit worried as Dad dipped the spoon in for another bite.

Pleeeeaaaaase, are we done yet?? I don't particularly like this stuff...

Deflected! Isaac takes a stand and issues his final word on this new food substance. Yep, the spoon went flying, and he seemed rather satisfied with his nonverbal communication!

He'll suck on his sweaty feet all day long, but this sweet rice cereal is for the birds!! I don't get it... but what a crackup.

We love that boy of ours! :)

Blog Buddies

Hi, want to be our blog buddy? There's a cool widget down there to the right that you can add yourself to as a "follower" of our blog. I just thought it would be neat to see how many blog buddies we have out there! Sad, we only have four listed.... but I know there are more of you out there!!!

Come on, show the love, and make yourself known!

What a FUN Day!

Our friends Tom & Krista and Mark & Autumn went camping on Friday night up at Bartlett Lake, an incredibly beautiful setting that we didn't even know existed so close to home. Knowing that we wouldn't be camping along with them with a five month old, they invited us to come up Saturday morning for breakfast. Little did we realize how gorgeous it would be and that we would end up spending the entire day with them! This was definitely a day to remember and a place that we will certainly be revisiting and camping at when Isaac is old enough.

Gorgeous!

Tom & Krista

Hangin' out by the fire waiting for my first roasted 'mallow

This guy was really good! I caught him in mid-air.

Borrowing Daddy's spare hat

Testing the fish to see if any would bite

Mmmmm.... pancakes

Mark and Kevin working on the hash browns, bacon, and sausage. Eggs were next. What a feast!

Ahhhh, this is why I live in Arizona. It's January, people!

Nature and a man's truck. Wonderful combination.

Mark found a crawdad and tested its pinching abilities. Brave soul.

Tom with Dog, Krista, Mark, Autumn, and us.

Krista left with high hopes after witnessing Autumn's great catch the night before, but she returned dejected by no bites and decided that fishing is not for her. She wants RESULTS!

Precious moments

Post card anyone? Our God is an Artist!

Autumn paused from roasting our next treat. We were working on getting "mallowed." You know, like being "wasted" but with marshmallows. Krista succeeded! Ah, the trouble we girls get into together....

The girls... er, and gentleman.

The guys

The perfect end to a perfect day. God, you are so majestic in your creation!

Proud Parent of the #1 Cutest Kid

I know that every parent is going to think that their child is the cutest child there ever was, but I really do believe that mine is THE most darling! Every time I think Isaac can't get any cuter, he tops his own record and surprises us with another utterly adorable display of personality!

Watoto

On Wednesday our small group Bible studies joined together to attend a concert by an African children’s choir from Uganda at The First Institutional Baptist Church in downtown Phoenix. These children are all orphans either by the violence of the civil war that has plagued Uganda for the last 20 years, or by their parents succumbing to the AIDS epidemic that has spread across Africa. I cannot tell you adequately in words how their hope in Jesus and the praise on their lips despite their life stories so deeply touched my heart. I was in tears for most of the evening as I watched them sing and dance their hearts out to praise God.

This children’s choir is comprised of children rescued by a ministry in Uganda called Watoto. This mission rescues orphans just like these from the streets of poverty and/or the rebel militia who take them captive and force them to become child soldiers or sexual slaves. Once rescued by Watoto, they are given a home with a new family in a Watoto community/village, an education for a bright future, rehabilitation for former child soldiers, and - most importantly - the message of Jesus Christ.

As I sat there being confronted by the reality of such unimaginable circumstances that orphaned children in Uganda face every day, I felt barraged by feelings of helplessness and defeat. There is so much suffering in the world! And now more than ever, my heart cries out for the vulnerable children of our world. Having Isaac has opened a compartment in my heart that I knew was there, but in some ways lay dormant. How my heart aches for these children that are left defenseless and helpless in a war-torn country! Many times, babies are left to die in trash heaps. Children are kidnapped and forced to do horrific things. Does God not see them? Does He not hear their cries? Will He not put an end to this?

It’s easy to get stuck in the helplessness because these children are half-way around the world in a country I am likely never to see with my own eyes. But the answer to my questions is an emphatic YES! God does see them! God does hear their cries! God has not forgotten them, and He knows each of them by name! The striking and resounding message I was reminded of that evening, as I looked on their amazing joy and hearts of praise, is that WE are the hands and feet of Christ. WE are His instrument of rescue. WE, THE CHURCH. And the responsibility is tremendous.

Please take a moment to check out Watoto’s website for more information about who they are and what they are doing in Uganda for these orphans. (You’ll find a link in my list to the right). I hope you feel compelled to participate in their ministry. And like us, even though we cannot be there physically, maybe you can make a difference and partner with Watoto to change the lives of these abandoned children and babies.

Little Jokester

You've seen it time and again - Isaac typically smiles with bright eyes and mouth wide open.

But this week he started making a funny face when he's playing around. He's really developing a sense of humor; it's so funny! He wrinkles up his nose and gives a toothless "cheeeeeeeese" smile. He is so stinkin' cute. Sometimes I think my heart really is going to burst, it swells so much for him.

X's & O's

New this week: Isaac started to figure out hugs and kisses! It's the sweetest thing ever! He will hold onto our shoulders and pull us close for a hug or go straight for our face with mouth wide open if he wants to give us kisses. I've started to say HUGS! when he pulls close for a hug and KISSES! when he comes in for a kiss, and he gets a real kick out of it. He melts my heart every time. Even though Isaac got a little distracted when the camera came out, here's a quick clip of KISSES!

On the Hunt

We finally heard from Kierland yesterday, and regrettably Kevin did not get the position he interviewed for. Susie, the head pro, was apologetic about the news. She said that her meeting with Kevin was fantastic and he has a definite bright future ahead of him. Yet they decided to move forward with two other final candidates. Kevin was disappointed with the news, but at the same time relieved that he finally had an answer.

There is still a very possible opportunity for Kevin to return to the Legacy Golf Resort, but the time frame is indefinite. Would you please continue to pray for us and for this process? While we fully trust the Lord in His provision, it is still a grueling process to be looking for a job in the current economy. We could use all the prayers we could get! God knows our needs better than we fully understand our own, and we know we are in His hands. Please pray that we continue to place our unwavering trust in Him and also that we continue to support each other during this time.

God is good - all the time! Amen?

Rubber Duckie You're the One!

My little boy is growing up! He's graduated to a "big baby" bathtub, so we got him something fun. Rubber Duckie even quacks when you squeeze his beak!

Isaac loves his new bathtub buddie! He had a blast splashing around and playing with a bath toy turtle.

A Walk in the Park

We have been having such beautiful weather that we decided to go to the park for a walk when I got home from work. It was so nice to get out for some fresh air and enjoy the breezy sunshine and ducks. Isaac loved riding in the stroller sitting upright for the first time. There was so much to look at! We should do this every day!

P.S. We are still waiting on the call back from Kierland. I'll be sure to let you know what we find out! Waiting is always the hardest part of job searching. Yuck. Who likes it? But God will provide! Whether it's at Kierland or somewhere else. We are clinging to His faithfulness. He knows our needs. And thank you for your prayers - would you continue to pray for us? Thank you so much for your support!

Thanks!

Thank you for all of your prayers and well-wishes. Kevin's interview at Kierland was fantastic! He had a great discussion with the head golf pro, and left feeling like she would have offered him the job on the spot if she didn't already have another interview set up for Tuesday next week. She seemed so excited to have met Kevin and told him that he was a "breath of fresh air" compared to the countless other people she has interviewed for this position. She also said their meeting was the perfect start to the end of her day. She really valued his philosophies and personal insights to the golf industry. She is looking for someone that has passion and drive, which are two things she sees in Kevin.

Soooo all in all, we are very thrilled about this opportunity and know that if this is where God wants Kevin, then He will make it happen. Now we just have to wait until her call on Tuesday afternoon to see if Kevin is the one! It sounds like his second interview would be on Wednesday, and it includes a round of golf! So Kevin is keen on making it to the driving range for some practice this weekend.

If you think of it, please continue to pray for God's will for Kevin's next job.
We'll certainly keep you updated!

PLEASE PRAY

As some of you know, Kevin has been on the job search since October. With the crashing economy and then the holidays, job opportunities were looking bleak. With the turn of the new year, Kevin hit the ground running and hotly pursued any job leads and employment opportunities he found – even calling local restaurants in order to try serving again to sustain us while he continued his search for a golf industry position.

This is huge! Kevin has an interview for the Kierland Westin Golf Club in Scottsdale tomorrow! The career potential at this golf club is tremendous. As a part of Troon Golf, they typically only hire from within, so it’s amazing that Kevin even got an interview with them in the first place!!! This is the sort of thing that Kevin has daydreamed about and wished could happen – working for Troon Golf. Please be praying for Kevin and this interview. If this is where God wants him, pray that He will make it possible.

We are fully confident in God’s provision and know without a doubt that He will take care of our needs. We trust Him, for He has always been faithful. We pray that from this job opportunity, we will be faithful to praise Him in return and honor Him with what He gives us.

Thank you for your prayers!!!!

5 Months!

Our little guy is five months old today! Seems like we just brought him home, yet he's always been a part of us. Blueeyes, we love you.

Over the past month, Isaac has made some accomplishments of note:

He recognizes his name.
He can sit on his own.
He seems to be starting to teeth but no pearly whites yet.
He says "MA" and "Mum" - although not in any direct relation to Mama.
He's sleeping in his own room now!

Christmas Magic

Karen caught a sweet moment of Isaac gazing at all the lights adorning the Christmas tree. His first experience of the magic of Christmas!

Family Pictures

Ah, the joy of posing for the traditional family picture... even more fun with squirmy kids!

Let's shake things up a bit and get crazy!

And recognize the newest addition to the family

Kids Will Be Kids

Let the pictures tell the story.... Isaac is really into hair right now.

Christmas 2008

We made it! Despite threats of blizzards and snow-ins, we traveled safely and thoroughly enjoyed our trip up to Washington for Isaac's first Christmas. This visit was just a little different from previous trips in that we spent a lot more down time than usual. Isaac needed his naps and downtime too, so we were careful to balance our time out and about with time spent relaxing. And you know, I really liked it that way! I am WAY less tired after this trip than I have been in the past.

The highlight of our trip was introducing Isaac to Kevin's side of the family, of course. Not surprisingly, everyone adores him and just wanted to hold him and love on him all the time! Little 7-year-old Kiera was my #1 helper as she followed me around as I tended to Isaac. She actually made sure I didn't forget things for him - like food and toys. :)

All in all, it was a great time visiting with family and close friends... even though we never made it downtown or on a ferry ride like we usually do. :)
Here's a collection of pictures to share...

Fresh off the plane and a little tired but finally at the Matson home

Meeting Grandpa and Grama Self for the first time

Getting acquainted with Grandpa

Enthralled with cousins Rebecca and KieraPlaying with Grama Lynn, loving her clicking rings

Meeting Aunt Karen

Getting to know little Sarah - we met her for the first time too
Linda and Naomi
Bradey with Georgia and Amelia. They have grown so fast!!

Kevin with Shane and Bradey Day

Fun times with the Reimanns - They spent the night with us to ring in the new year with sparkling cider and a game of Marbles... boo, the guys won AGAIN!

Breakfast with David - we loved hearing about everything you've been up to in Slovenia, and it was fun to show Isaac off. :) We missed you Katka!

The Safeway where Kevin got "arrested" for shoplifting at the ripe ol' age of 10

Three generations of Selfs

Isaac and Grandpa Bob