Coffee and a baby

Being unemployed, especially in the current market, is very difficult. Constantly looking for jobs, constantly filling out applications and writing new resumes, constantly interviewing and constantly getting turned down is very exhausting and overwhelming. With this current recession, I don't think a lot of people understand how hard it is for others. If you already have a job, the current recession is probably anything but difficult for you, unless you are trying to retire. You have very low gas prices, low costs and sales on almost every item, and eager sellers in every market.

From the outside looking in, this recession is much worse. All I see is more people getting laid off. Fewer and fewer jobs with more and more applicants for each one. It could be very depressing. Thankfully, I don't have to be depressed over it. I am so thankful that God has an active role in my life. I have victory in Jesus, and these tough times are just a mute point throughout eternity. I know that God is using this time to speak to me and to build me up and to be an encouragement to others.

Kari and I are very blessed. We are blessed that Kari still has a job. We are blessed that I get to stay at home with Isla and be an influence in her life. I am so thankful that I have that father daughter time with her. I doubt I will get time like this with any of our kids in the future. Every day I thank God for having such an awesome wife that gives her life for our family every day.

Being a stay at home dad is very tiring. I live my life three hours at a time. She eats, stays up for 1.5 hours, then sleeps for 1.5 hours, then repeat. I'm glad I have that schedule, but it is hard to get much done right now. I couldn't do it if I didn't have coffee and a baby. Coffee keeps me alert in the morning, and Isla keeps me happy and constantly reminds me what I am living for. I love her so much!

My sister in law "beered me" this mug for Christmas. I absolutely love it. She said I am a less extreme version of Andy. I'm not sure if that's true. Let me know what you think.

Isla is so sweet. She crept out of her swaddling blanket last night and woke up turned sideways with her legs sticking out of the crib. She had already made my day by 8 am!

Here are a couple more pictures of Isla just for fun.